Point 2 Point

Rocky Point

Rocky Point Visited in on 28 February 2009 Comment View on map -33.830707131268476;151.09707355499268

Land gate of Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital, facing Hospital Road.
Central block of the Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital.
Caryatids supporting the roof of the three-storied tower over the main entrance.
Rather tall Cooks Pine with 4 year old.
The water gate, with Kissing Point and its wharf in the background.
North of the water gate, near start of the mangroves that envelop Rocky Point.

No actual point picture – couldn’t get through the mangroves. But easily diverted by the surrounding estate, once the Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital, now called Rivendell Adolescent Unit. Built between 1891 and 1893, it’s arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in Sydney.

We especially adored the exquisite water gate. Unfortunately it’s falling into ruin. Anyone with dosh, please save it. Here’s what it looked like when it operated as the main entrance to the hospital.

The grounds are open on weekends, but the buildings can only be visited on the occasional open day held by Concord Heritage Society.

Some original plantings now tower over the garden – check out the pair of gargantuan Cook Pines. One looks like it has been split by lightning. Compare with an earlier photo.

Absolute top 5 point here.

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