A group of 15 walkers met at Artarmon station at 9am for a 10km regular walk between Artarmon and North Sydney via Middle Harbour at Cammeray. We walked a short distance before Mary gave her walk briefing. As we ventured along the track running beside the railway, we met a number of workers removing weeds from amongst the native vegetation, which included Blue Gum High Forest. At Artarmon Reserve, we admired the wooden sculptures and then stopped for an early morning tea at Hallstrom Park. We admired more sculptures after morning tea, before making our may to the historic Willoughby Incinerator. Walter Burley Griffin and Eric Milton Nicholls designed a total of 12 incinerators from 1930-38 and the one at Willoughby operated between 1934-67. In 1968 there was a public campaign to stop the demolition of the building. The Incinerator is now home to a cafe, a gallery and artists studios.
Happy HVB walkers at the Artarmon briefing
Artarmon Reserve Track
Gumnut sculpture made from falling tree at reserve
Elephant sculpture near Hallstrom Park
Rear of Willoughby Incinerator
We then visited the Henry Lawson cave, a lovely outdoor area with an overhanging rock. This is where Henry came to rest after having a few drinks and he got inspiration for some of his poetry here. The local council frequently organises poetry readings here. Mary and some others did a remarkable job of remembering a verse of Henry's poetry that they learnt at school.
Moving along the Flat Rock Gully walking track (4km of rugged bush track), it was hard to believe we were still in Sydney and I certainly enjoyed the water views. This track had some steep sections with creek crossings. In the past, the local council used Flat Rock Gully for garbage disposal.
Walkers were inspired by the Long Gully Bridge towering above our track. This bridge connecting the suburbs of Northbridge and Cammeray was privately built in 1892 to promote residential development in Northbridge. In 1935, the bridge was transferred to the Department of Main Roads and then rebuilt in 1939 as a reinforced concrete two rib bridge, retaining the sandstone towers. Further along we passed many dog walkers in Tunks Park and then admired stunning views of Middle Harbour from Cammeray.
Henry Lawson Cave
Flat Rock Creek crossing
Stepping stones across Flat Rock Creek
Approaching Long Gully Bridge
Long Gully Bridge
Views from Cowdroy Avenue Cammeray
Lunch was enjoyed at Green Park just North of Cammeray Rd, before we had to endure the least scenic and busy part of the walk due to the Warringah Freeway upgrade. After passing through St Leonards Park, most of us relaxed at a quaint cafe 'The Library' in North Sydney. The staff promptly set-up the outdoor sitting area for us and our refreshments were quickly served. Some of our group then headed to Victoria Cross Metro Station and others travelled a little further to North Sydney Railway station.
The combination of historical elements and bush / water views made this both an educational and picturesque walk.
Lunch at Green Park 
Warringah Freeway Upgrade
Coffee at The Library
Leaders: Mary and Colleen
Walkers: Audrey, Barbara R, Bert, Christine G, Christine M, Don B, Helen A, Karen L (our newest member - sitting to the right in lunch photo, wearing a dark blue t-shirt), Lyn, Margaret P, Martin, Susan C, Wendy P
First Aid: Barbara R
Tail Ender: Don B
Photos: Audrey (3, 5, 9, 10, 11), Barbara R (1, 2, 4, 6, 7), Colleen (12), Margaret P (8, 13, 14)
Words by: Colleen