
Uncovering pathways
Every week, something new is bought to our attention at our Southern Highlands Waterbrook site. Whether it be the roof going on our display residence which is currently under construction, or the uncovering of something from a bygone era, there is never a dull moment!
Recently, our groundsman uncovered a leafy pathway meandering along the front of the buildings, originally used to get from the school down to the bottom flats and creek. Along the length of it runs a beautifully preserved drystone retaining wall built from rock which was extracted from the Mount Gibraltar quarries known as Bowral Trachyte. This is special because “The Gib”, as Mount Gibraltar is commonly called, is clearly visible from our Retirement Lifestyle Resort site.
Even though the quarries were located locally, the rock was mainly shipped to Sydney for use in buildings that are now listed on the State Heritage Register such as the QVB, the ANZAC Memorial, Martin Place and Challis House. The quarries are no longer operational (production ceased in 1986 after 100 years of constant extraction) and are listed as historically significant sites due to the contribution of Bowral Trachyte to the built history of New South Wales.
We feel very lucky to be able to give this amazing rock a new lease of life within our landscaping plan. Here’s to more discoveries!