Tambourine Bay is a bay located in between the suburbs of Riverview and Longueville in the Lower North Shore of Sydney, NSW, Australia. The bay and its adjoining creek is a northern tributary of the Lane Cove River, a ria that joins Sydney harbour to Greenwich and Woolwich. The bay's foreshore and surrounding park areas are managed by the municipality of Lane Cove.
Tambourine Bay is named after a local woman known as Tambourine Sal. It is suggested that her real name is Sarah Leadbeater, [1] the wife of the explorer and surveyor William Lawson. Sarah Leadbeater would frequently play her tambourine in the streets of Sydney, hence the name Tambourine Sal. Judy Washington, an author for the North Shore Times, first suggested that Sarah Leadbeater would evade the law by hiding in the remote bushlands of Tambourine Bay in a hut on the western foreshore. [2] On 23 March 1812 Sarah Leadbeater was married to William Lawson and settled on a farm in Prospect, New South Wales, where she later died on 11 July 1850 aged 48.
Tambourine Bay is an area of the North Sydney foreshore once populated by the Cammeraygal people of the Eora Nation. The Cammeraygal peoples’ semi-nomadic hunter gatherer lifestyle [3] depended on Sydney's North Shore tidal mangrove forests and abundance of wildlife to live. In these coastal environments, fishing was a common practice along the harbour foreshore. [4] The Lane Cove River named 'Turranburra' [5] by the local Indigenous population accommodated a variety of fish, crustacean and shellfish species. Instruments such as multi-progoned fishing spears named 'fizz-gigs' by British colonists and hook lines were used proficiently by men and women on canoes or from rock platforms. Although only smaller marine animals were caught through these methods, larger marine mammals such as dolphins and whales would occasionally beach themselves in the harbour during their northerly migrations in winter. Bones of a Dugong (Dugong dudgeon) in Sydney's Sheas Creek, near Alexandra Canal in 1896 showed evidence of butchering from Aboriginal axes. [6] Separate evacuations around Sydney have discovered other animals including the Green Turtle (Chelonia mynas) and Australian Fur Seal (Artocephalus pusillus).
The Cammerygal peoples' locality to Sydney Harbour provided dense coastal bushland to live and shelter. Sandstone stratums along the foreshore and rivers were used as rock dwellings. Reminiscent of concentrated human activity in these areas can be determined by the high volume of rock prints, axe grindings and stone carvings surrounding the shelters. Similar to many other Aboriginal tribes, rock art for the Cammeraygal people was an expression of their spiritual connection to the land. [7] Notably, rock carvings depicting fish and people in many sites in the Lane Cove area indicates indigenous peoples' spiritual relationship to environment they lived in. In total the Aboriginal Heritage Office estimates there are approximately 4,500 Aboriginal Archaeological sites in the Sydney basin. [8]
Many rock shelters were later destroyed by European settlers who extracted phosphates from the rock to be used in manure as agriculture rapidly spread west of Port Jackson. Diseases foreign to the Aboringal population such as smallpox also devastated the inhabitants along Sydney Harbour. [9] In the 2016 Census, 0.3% of residents in Lane Cove identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. [10] However these residents have not been confirmed to be of Cammeraygal descent.
Lane Cove Council's targeted bush regeneration programs in Tambourine Bay's bushland, notably Warraroon reserve has seen the eventual re-population of native species in the area. [11] Mangroves ( Aegiceras corniculatum and Excoecaria agallocha var. agallocha) [12] as part of the bay's native species grows in the coastal saline water, dominate much of the northern and western foreshores. [13] Eucalyptus varieties cover much of Tambourine Bay's bush land, resting several meters above sea water. Species include the Forest red gum ( Eucalyptus tereticornis ) and Rusty gum ( Angophora costata ). Smaller native plants in the bush land include the Australian Wattle (Acacia terminalis subsp. Glabrous) whose sweet flowers attractive a variety of native fauna such as possums and lorikeet species. [14]
Invasive plant species are also common to the bay's foreshore. Bush regeneration is the primary method used to mitigate the potential harms invasive species have on the natural environment. Through the Lane Cove Council's bush regeneration project, large zones of vegetation were eliminated from Tambourine Bay by weeding or spraying herbicides. Some species to be introduced to Tambourine Bay have become naturalised. [15] Dominating much of the forest floor is Fishbone fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) . The fern is endemic to Australia's east coast extending from Queensland to Northern regions of New South Wales, and more recently as a weed into the Sydney region, thriving in the damp coastal soils in Tambourine Bay.
A variety of native bird species nest and forage in the wet sclerophyll forest that borders the bay. Common species such as Sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla), and Rainbow Lorikeets (Trichoglossus moluccanus) depend on the forest's abundance of seeds, leaf buds and blossoms primarily from eucalyptus and wattle varieties for food. Raptors or birds of prey are also contingent on a wealth of food in the bay. Species such as the Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) feed largely on insects and worms found in the forest's detritus or crustaceans located in the inter-tidal mangrove forest. [16] The Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca), another species native to the Sydney basin has also been increasingly successful in Tambourine Bay. According to Dr John Martin, wildlife ecologist at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney says ‘They're considered abundant, however they are declining in some habitats, and they are increasing in other habitats.’ [17] Observations of the ibis’ population in Sydney following a study conducted by the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage Office's annual report on the species, shows the actual population of the species in 2015 to be more than double the ‘natural range.’ [18] Due to the parkland's increasing use as a place of recreation and ecological appreciation, the birds have benefited from an abundance of food and protection of roosting locations that have largely contributed to their growth in numbers.
Due to the bay's highly urbanised surroundings, only a select few terrestrial animals inhabit the area. Typically, they are docile and nocturnal to contend with the dense human population regularly encroaching on the ecosystem. The Common Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) , a nocturnal Australian marsupial feeds on a variety of leaves and sap available in Tambourine Bay's eucalyptus trees. Similarly, the Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) thrives in the river systems around Sydney harbour, capitalising on the nutrient dense coastal fruits and seeds when feeding at night.
Similar to the broader Sydney region, invasive species continue to threaten the already fragile natural ecosystems among the urbanised city. The European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that populates much of the Riverview peninsula included Tambourine Bay is classified as one of the ‘top five widespread terrestrial pest animals that threaten native fauna and flora’ (Coutts-Smith et al. 2007). [19] As a grazing herbivore, the European Rabbit consumes native flora in any stage of growth, disrupting the cycle of germination for many species. The rabbits’ burrowing behaviours further disturbs native flora species, as deep roots can be destroyed and soil moisture around ideal growing positions can be altered. [20] Another invasive species of fauna prevalent in many environmental areas in Tambourine Bay is the Common or Indian Myna (Acridotheres tristis). This small sparling species closely resembles the Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala), a native Australian bird that is regularly pressured to compete with the more aggressive introduced Common Myna. [21] According to the Lane Cove Council, Common Myna birds ‘take over tree hollows and plug up nest sites they are not using, forcing possums and birds out and ejecting nestlings and eggs from their nests.’ [22] In efforts to prevent further damages caused by the bird, an eradication program has been established around Lane Cove Plaza as a measure of reducing numbers in the broader area.
According to the State of Beaches 2017-2018 Sydney Region, [23] water quality in Tambourine Bay is rated good. Assessment of the bay's water has been conducted from December 2015 to April 2018. Over this monitoring period, the beach grade status has improved as levels of enterococci decrease steadily. Levels of the enterococcus bacteria are low enough in the bay so that swimming is suitable most of the time. However, after rain "potential faecal contamination from stormwater and discharge from the Lane Cove River" exceeds the safe swimming limit.
Tambourine Bay baths was a concrete lined pool originally build around 1930. [24] The pool was primarily used by students of St Ignatius’ College Riverview for both competitive swimming training and recreation. After increasing sanitation issues in the tidal pool's water, maintenance and subsequent use of the pool ceased. The pool was eventually demolished in 2015. However, the bay's water quality continues to improve since the pools closure according to The State of Beaches Report 2017-2018 [23] by the NSW government, indicating it is safe to swim in the bay's water once again.
Following the demolition of the Harbour Pool in 2015, construction of the Tambourine Bay foreshore park was built immediately in its place. Such action was discussed and eventuated from the 2011-2013 Lane Cove Council ‘Consultation Comments for Draft Community Strategic Plan.’ The primary objectives of the new foreshore development were ‘to maximise the opportunity for all the community to participate in active recreational activities and events’ and ‘to prioritise programs for the maintenance upgrade of recreational facilities.’
Due to the site's access constraints and high sensitivity as an environmental space, a barge was used to reach the site by water. This method of construction was in the compliance with the Lane Cove Council's Development Control Plan (DCP 1), first outlined in their annual report 1994/95-1999/2000 to ‘control development adjacent to bush land.’
The park includes four benches and two tables, encouraging visitors to use the area for prolonged periods of time. Plants including Lomandra confertifolia and Baumea Rubiginosa among other native Australian species were planted to blend into the surroundings both aesthetically and ecologically.
Tambourine Bay Well was built in 1883 by Thomas Duckworth. The well was used to collect fresh water from the natural spring below. In the late 19th century people from surrounding areas such as Longueville and Hunters Hill would visit the site when necessary. The original structure was dug out of 1 metre of sandstone and later filled in after its redundancy. The site was later rediscovered in 1991, however iron feeding algae has affected water purity.
Approximately 740 metres of bush track extends from the St Ignatius’ College rowing shed on the western side of the bay to southern end of Tambourine Creek and into the Warraroon Reserve Walk along the bay's foreshore. [25]
Lane Cove's Food and Wine by the River is an annual festival held in Tambourine Bay Park in November. Since its inception in 2015, the event promotes the cold-climate food and wine of the Orange region. [26] An animal farm display is also brought to the park as a way of showcases nuances of the region to visitors.
Tambourine Bay Park is a registered off leash dog park. This area is one of 17 off-leash spaces in the municipality of Lane Cove that was established with the aim of allowing ‘pets enjoy the great outdoors with their owners’ whilst ‘native birds, lizards and mammals are not harmed’ (Lane Cove Council). [27]
The Jervis Bay Territory is an internal territory of Australia. It was established in 1915 from part of New South Wales (NSW), in order to give the landlocked Australian Capital Territory (ACT) access to the sea.
The Lane Cove National Park is a protected national park that is located within metropolitan Sydney, in New South Wales, Australia. The 372-hectare (920-acre) national park is situated about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) north-west of the Sydney central business district and features various vegetation types, such as, wet and dry sclerophyll forest, heathland, mangroves and tidal flats. The park consists of land near the banks of the Lane Cove River, which flows generally south-east into Sydney Harbour. It also extends to the outskirts of Pennant Hills and Wahroonga at its northern boundaries.
The Sydney Harbour National Park is an Australian national park comprising parts of Port Jackson, Sydney and its foreshores and various islands. The 392-hectare (970-acre) national park lies in New South Wales and was created progressively, from 1975.
Port Jackson, consisting of the waters of Sydney Harbour, Middle Harbour, North Harbour and the Lane Cove and Parramatta Rivers, is the ria or natural harbour of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The harbour is an inlet of the Tasman Sea. It is the location of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The location of the first European settlement and colony on the Australian mainland, Port Jackson has continued to play a key role in the history and development of Sydney.
The Parramatta River is an intermediate tide-dominated, drowned valley estuary located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. With an average depth of 5.1 metres (17 ft), the Parramatta River is the main tributary of Sydney Harbour, a branch of Port Jackson. Secondary tributaries include the smaller Lane Cove and Duck rivers.
The North Shore is a region within Northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia, generally referring to suburbs located on the northern side of Sydney Harbour up to Wahroonga, and suburbs between Middle Harbour and the Lane Cove River.
Greenwich is a suburb on the Lower North Shore of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Greenwich is located 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) north-west of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the Municipality of Lane Cove.
Lane Cove is a suburb on the Lower North Shore of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Lane Cove is nine kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district and is the administrative centre for the local government area of the Lane Cove Council. Lane Cove West and Lane Cove North are separate suburbs.
Brisbane Water is a wave-dominated barrier estuary located in the Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia. Brisbane Water has its origin at the confluence of the Narara and Coorumbine Creeks, to the south–east of Gosford and travels for approximately 18 kilometres (11 mi) in a southerly direction to its mouth at Broken Bay, about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from the Tasman Sea, at Barrenjoey Head. A number of towns and suburbs surround the shores of Brisbane Water, including Blackwall, Booker Bay, Davistown, Empire Bay, Erina, Ettalong Beach, Gosford, Green Point, Hardys Bay, Kilcare, Kincumber, Koolewong, Phegans Bay, Point Frederick, Point Clare, Saratoga, Tascott, Wagstaffe, and Woy Woy. Contained within Brisbane Water is St Huberts Island, Rileys Island, Dunmar Island and Pelican Island; and adjoining the estuary is Brisbane Water National Park to the west and Bouddi National Park to the east. Forming part of the same tidal estuary system is a separate but connected basin, the Kincumber Broadwater, lying to the east of Davistown.
Lavender Bay is a harbourside suburb on the lower North Shore of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Lavender Bay is located 3 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of North Sydney Council.
The Sydney central business district (CBD) is the historical and main commercial centre of Sydney. The CBD is Sydney's city centre, or Sydney City, and the two terms are used interchangeably. Colloquially, the CBD or city centre is often referred to simply as "Town" or "the City". The Sydney city centre extends southwards for about 3 km (2 mi) from Sydney Cove, the point of first European settlement in which the Sydney region was initially established.
Pittwater is a semi-mature tide dominated drowned valley estuary, located about 40 kilometres (25 mi) north of the Sydney central business district, New South Wales, Australia; being one of the bodies of water that separate greater Metropolitan Sydney from the Central Coast.
The geography of Sydney is characterised by its coastal location on a basin bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Blue Mountains to the west, the Hawkesbury River to the north and the Woronora Plateau to the south. Sydney lies on a submergent coastline on the east coast of New South Wales, where the ocean level has risen to flood deep river valleys (rias) carved in the Sydney sandstone. Port Jackson, better known as Sydney Harbour, is one such ria.
Kurraba Point is a harbourside suburb on the lower North Shore of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Kurraba Point is located 4 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of North Sydney Council.
Northern Sydney is a large metropolitan area in Greater Sydney, New South Wales, Australia on the north shore of Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River. The region embraces suburbs in Sydney's north-east, north and inner north west. Northern Sydney is divided into distinctive regions such as the North Shore, Northern Beaches and Forest District.
Riverview is a suburb on the Lower North Shore of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Riverview is located 9 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the Municipality of Lane Cove. It is situated on the northern side of the Lane Cove River, at the head of Tambourine Bay; the foreshore is occupied by Tambourine Bay Park. Riverview is primarily a residential area.
Balls Head Bay, formerly known as Oyster Cove, Wollstonecraft Bay,Sugarworks Bay, Powder Works Bay and Kerosene Bay, is a bay located to the west of the Waverton Peninsula, west of Balls Head and to the east of Berry Island, on the north of Sydney Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
The Balls Head Reserve is a forested headland nature reserve situated on Balls Head in Sydney. The headland is in Port Jackson, 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, between Berrys Bay to the east and Balls Head Bay to the west. It is named after Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, a Royal Naval officer who commanded HMS Supply on the First Fleet. The park is accessed via Balls Head Drive, Waverton, New South Wales, Australia.
The ecology of Sydney, located in the state of New South Wales, Australia, is diverse for its size, where it would mainly feature biomes such as grassy woodlands or savannas and some sclerophyll forests, with some pockets of mallee shrublands, riparian forests, heathlands, and wetlands, in addition to small temperate rainforest fragments.