Ballast Point Park

Ballast Point Park is a 2.6 hectare site dedicated to passive recreation. It contains areas for picnicking and walking along the foreshore as well as spaces to enjoy the spectacular views, connection to landscape, and historic remains from oil distribution sites.

In mid-2008, it was developed into a public park and since then it has become a much loved local and regional recreation asset. There are many long term and newer local residents who visit the park daily, some of which have become significantly invested in its ongoing maintenance and functions. 

From a design and construction perspective, very little has changed within the park largely due to a highly robust design and planning process leading to its implementation.

View the Ballast Point Park map (PDF, 154 KB).

A state heritage listed site on Wangal Country

Ballast Point Park is located on Wangal Country and has a rich Aboriginal history with deep connections to Sydney Harbour that define the significance of this place.  

From the 1920s, the site became heavily industrialised following its acquisition by Caltex, when it was developed as a major fuel storage and distribution facility, fundamentally altering its landscape and limiting public access. 

In mid-2008, it was developed into a public park and since then it has become a much loved local and regional recreation asset.

Ballast Point Park was listed on the NSW State Heritage Register in 2024 and recognised as being of state significance for its value in demonstrating all phases of the site’s development since the early 1800s and representative of the shared history of many places around Sydney Harbour, encompassing residential, industrial, and public uses.

During the State Heritage Register listing process, Placemaking NSW supported the nomination but noted that the statement of significance focused primarily on Ballast Point Park as a post industrial, planned landscape, with limited recognition of its Aboriginal history, cultural values, and ongoing connection to Country.

The Ballast Point Park Management Plan (PDF, 13.2 MB), developed by Placemaking NSW, directs the operations, conservation, and enhancement of the 2.6 hectare Birchgrove site. 

Informed by extensive 2023–2024 community consultation, the plan focuses on preserving the park’s industrial heritage and natural environment, maintaining sustainable design, and managing public recreational use. 

Key management plan features and objectives

The Ballast Point Park Management Plan key features and objectives include:

• Heritage and ecology: Protects the site’s unique industrial history (former oil distribution site) and "Walama" design while fostering urban ecology.
• Sustainability: Continues to utilise recycled materials for site furnishings, stormwater harvesting, and on-site remediation of contaminated soil.
• Recreational use: Maintains the site as a passive, sunrise to sunset recreation space with picnic areas and walking trails.
• Public safety: Implements strict protocols for maintaining surface covers to manage contaminated fill materials.
• Collaboration: Works with Inner West Council to manage adjacent areas like Mort Bay Park, focusing on green links.

Uncover the wildlife

Placemaking NSW has partnered with experts from Botanic Gardens of Sydney to deepen understanding of the plants and habitats that make Ballast Point Park such a unique harbourside landscape. 

By gathering on‑the‑ground observations, this work is building a clearer picture of the park’s ecology to help guide its care now and into the future.

Join the community of citizen scientists by sharing your wildlife sightings on Inaturalist – Uncovering wildlife at Ballast Point Park and contribute to caring for Ballast Point Park. Your observations support the tracking of seasonal change, identification of native and introduced species, monitoring of habitat health, and a better understanding of how plants and animals interact throughout the year.

Every photo, note or video adds to a growing dataset that supports ongoing conservation and celebrates the rich stories embedded in this place from the enduring histories of Aboriginal people to its industrial past and transformation into the public park enjoyed today.

Designated areas available for dog exercise

An off-leash dog exercise area has been introduced in the lower section of the park, aligning with the broader Mort Bay Park and creating a welcoming space for responsible dog owners.

Off-leash etiquette, as outlined by Inner West Council, applies within designated areas and supports responsible dog ownership and a positive, shared park experience.

Signage has been installed to clearly indicate where dogs may be exercised on-leash and off-leash.
Dog walkers must ensure their dogs are under effective control at all times and do not cause a nuisance or impede on the enjoyment of other park users.

Dogs are not allowed in wildlife protection areas and are not permitted to pursue or disturb wildlife anywhere within the park.