Right here we are at Mount Steele. It is not as imposing as its name suggests. Mount Steele is more of a gentle rise in the landscape now. It has a rich history within Moore Park.
Mount Steele was once one of four prominent sand hills. These hills defined the area. The others were Mount Rennie Constitution Hill and Mount Lang. Over time these hills were greatly modified. Mount Steele remains the least altered.
Think back to the mid-19th century. Moore Park was degraded and barren. Timber removal led to significant erosion. Charles Moore the alderman and Charles Moore the Botanic Gardens Director collaborated. Their goal was to stabilize the soil. They planted indigenous shrubs and couch grass. The shrubs failed. However the couch grass thrived. This sparked debate about the loss of native vegetation.
In 1867 Sydney City Council dedicated 378 acres for public recreation. This area became Moore Park. It was named after Charles Moore. He was the Mayor of Sydney at the time. Moore Park soon became a hub. It hosted major sporting events and entertainment. Sydney’s first Zoological Gardens opened here in 1879. The Royal Agricultural Society Showground was constructed. The Australian Golf Club’s first course opened in 1882.
Look around and imagine the original landscape. Moore Park featured rolling hills water bodies and varied scrub. These sand hills were well known. They shaped the topography. Mount Steele offered views across the common.
Consider the changes that have occurred. Mount Rennie became a platform for the Golf House in 1926. Mount Lang disappeared after the 1940s. It was terraced for unknown reasons. The fate of Constitution Hill remains unclear. The Moore Park Golf Course now uses the rolling topography. Fairways wind around what remains of these hills.
Today Mount Steele is a reminder of what once was. It offers a glimpse into Moore Park’s past. It connects us to the natural landscape. It is a landmark in the park’s ongoing story. It is a subtle reminder of the ever-changing environment.