01/07/2026. Wander Windy Waverley. Grade 2. Combined. Leaders: Bruce & Jenni Wright, Pam Cocks, Graeme Souter
Forty hardy souls met at Bayfield Park adorned with appropriate winter gear to counteract the crisp beautiful winter’s day.
It was around 3 degrees, as we cautiously crossed the road and walked along the causeway admiring the formations of the sheer cliffs on Portobello Road – not something you normally see whilst driving.
From there, we ascended the rather steep zigzag path weaving its way up the cliff face.
We arrived in Torr Street walking towards the point (Glendevon Place) and came across the first of many beautifully manicured macrocarpas. These would have many treasured memories of kids playing within them and imagine the number of tennis balls etc lost amongst them.
This was the site of Vauxhall Gardens, an amusement park of 23 acres. The gardens were built in 1862, around the gold rush era. Can you imagine a gymnasium, an archery ground, a shooting gallery, bowling green, cages of koala bears, kangaroos, monkeys and Tasmanian devils? A funicular railway up from the jetty on the harbour provided access to the site. This was all the creation of Henry Farley. The success of this venture was short lived and closed just eight years later when the gold rush era had subsided. The site has been redeveloped into housing.
Braeburn Park was an excellent venue for morning tea, and the sun shone brilliantly, but still no wind whistling through the trees.
On our way onwards and upwards to what was known as St Joseph’s Boys’ Home, which opened in 1920. In 1955 the girls moved in who were previously housed at St Vincent de Paul Orphanage in South Dunedin. The orphanage closed in 1982 and has been privately owned since. Sadly, it is now in a state of neglect and looks derelict amongst the affluent houses surrounding it. This building was very distinctive from many viewpoints over the harbour before the new houses were built. We made our way up to Rotary Park for lunch where we had magnificent views down the harbour and still the wind failed to arrive.
It was really heartening to see the recent work of native plantings around the perimeter of the park.
Our leaders, mostly all locals, took us up paths and walkways that many of us were unaware of. The chatter continued as they pointed out local identities, service providers and childhood memories to those who were interested.
At the intersection of Doon Street and Glengyle Street, some of the party decided to continue down Doon Street, exiting at the White House and along Portobello Road. Whilst the remainder, meandered along Glengyle Street, a slightly longer walk, and down a track off Danube Street meeting us simultaneously on the cycleway.
We got back to the cars at Bayfield and 26 of us enjoyed coffee at Nichol’s, where the chatter and banter continued.
Thanks to all for making it a thoroughly enjoyable day out, around 10 kms
Jenni, for Bruce, Graeme and Pam.
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.