Perhaps you have felt the soft grass beneath your feet. This is Lyne Park. It’s a harbourside treasure with a fascinating story.
Lyne Park wasn’t always here. This 14-acre space was reclaimed from tidal sand flats in 1902. It became a park. The park was named to honour Sir William Lyne. He was the Premier of New South Wales from 1899 to 1901.
In 1905, part of Lyne Park changed. About eight acres were used for naval recreation. This eastern section became an oval for the Navy.
Fast forward to 1938 and aviation history took flight. Lyne Park became a flying boat base. Imagine the excitement as the first flight to England departed on July 5, 1938. The Short Empire class Cooee VH-ABF soared into the sky.
Lyne Park’s flying boat base saw many flights. The last commercial flight took place on September 10, 1974. It flew to Lord Howe Island. The flying boat base was later demolished. The land was returned to parkland. Lyne Park transformed once more.
Lyne Park also had a service wharf. This wharf was near the current ferry wharf. Coastal ships unloaded blue metal. The metal went into an above-ground hopper.
Today, Lyne Park is a vibrant recreation space. It offers something for everyone. There is a basketball court and tennis courts. Large grassy areas invite picnics under shady trees. A cafe offers refreshments.
Lyne Park provides access to Rose Bay boat ramp. Both commercial seaplanes and public ferries use it. You can launch non-motorised watercraft beside Woollahra Sailing Club.
Families love the large playground at Lyne Park. It has shade from both natural features and sails. The playground includes soft areas of both organic material and rubber. Kids can play on an activity net. A steel cable flying fox offers thrills. Traditional swings and animal rockers add to the fun. There are also imaginative play units such as a fantasy house and a sea coaster vessel.
Lyne Park boasts a new activity trail. It is an inter-generational recreational experience. You can find various exercise options here.
Dogs are welcome at Lyne Park. They must be leashed at all times. But they can be unleashed between 3.30 pm and 10.30 am.
Lyne Park has accessible parking. It also has an accessible toilet. The toilet requires an MLAK key.
So next time you visit Lyne Park, remember its layered past. From tidal flats to flying boat base to the park, it has changed a lot.