“North harbour” is not just a name. It is a story etched into the very landscape of Balgowlah. Balgowlah. A suburb that carries its Aboriginal heritage with pride. Named in 1832, Balgowlah stands as a testament to the enduring connection between the land and its original custodians.
Balgowlah is located about 12km north of Sydney’s CBD. It is part of the Northern Beaches. Today, Balgowlah shares the postcode 2093. It shares it with its neighbouring suburbs. These are Manly Vale, Balgowlah Heights, and North Balgowlah.
But there is more to Balgowlah than just a name and location. Picture the Stockland Shopping Centre Balgowlah. It stands as a hub of convenience. Open seven days a week, it caters to the needs of residents and visitors alike. Balgowlah also participates in Manly Council’s free Hop-Skip-Jump bus services.
Now, imagine a hidden oasis. It is not far from Balgowlah Heights. It’s a secret paradise known as Crater Cove. These huts date back to the depression era. Fishermen built the original structures in the 1920s. They served as temporary weekend shelters. They sought to catch food off the flat rock ledges underneath. Later, in the 1960s, free-spirited hippies made this place their home. They lived a relaxed lifestyle. They were secluded from the rest of the world.
But their idyllic existence came to an end in the 1980s. The government deemed it illegal to live on national parkland. The hippies were forced to leave their homes. For almost 30 years, the huts have remained abandoned. They are undisturbed.
The path to Crater Cove is not easy to find. It is an unmarked turnoff. It is known mainly to bushwalkers and local northern beaches residents. It leads to an unspoiled paradise. Most Sydneysiders are completely unaware of it.
The whole area is protected. The National Parks & Wildlife Services and volunteer caretakers ensure the huts and native ecosystem are conserved. The huts are handmade. They used natural and recycled materials found in the local northern beaches region. The combination of stone and wood feels quaint.
The Crater Cove inhabitants practiced sustainable farming. They avoided leaving their tiny community. They ingeniously used rocks to create a canal system. This allowed rain to flow down the steep hillside. They maximized fresh water supply. Old bottles laid with cement create windows. Recycled doors give an enchanting feel to the huts’ entrances.
They even took their case to stay at Crater Cove to the High Court. All appeals were rejected. One man, Simon Flynn, was said to never be the same. He moved to Tasmania. He reportedly died in recent years. He never returned to visit the huts.
The story of Crater Cove teaches us about horticulture. It shows us self-sufficient ways. It shows us the sense of peace that can be found in a slower pace. It teaches us that there is happiness in the simple life. Thankfully historic sites like Crater Cove have been well preserved.
Balgowlah also offers recreational opportunities. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy one of Sydney’s best golf clubs. It is only a 25-minute drive from the CBD.
Balgowlah is more than just a suburb. It is a tapestry of history, nature, and community. From its Aboriginal roots to its hidden oases. From its convenient shopping center to its recreational offerings, Balgowlah invites us to explore. It also invites us to discover the stories woven into its very fabric.