Did you know that in the 1930s, the Warringah Council proposed to use an existing pedestrian tunnel in Queenscliff, which has been called the Wormhole, to ease traffic flow in the Northern Beaches? It seems timely to bring this history to light as plans to build a new road tunnel has been a subject of much debate today.
The said proposal would have made travelling easier from Queenscliff Bridge to Freshwater Beach, and then along Curl Curl via Carrington Parade and Griffin Road, and then towards North Curl Curl and Dee Why. The tunnel would have also crossed Griffith Park towards Pittwater Road in Collaroy.
The completed tunnel would have turned up on Queenscliff Head near the Freshwater Reserve.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
This plan, however, was scrapped for various reasons including the cost to build the said tunnel. The Council thought that the money would be better used to improve existing roads instead of digging a tunnel that would impact the landscape.
The only thing that pushed through with the plans was the construction of the bridge over Curl Curl Lagoon that connected North Curl Curl to Curl Curl.
In 1908, Robert David Lewers and his son Jack built a 25-millimetre pedestrian tunnel that was accessed from the Queenscliff headland going to Freshwater. And while this was not turned into a road tunnel that the Council originally wanted, the access has become a tourist and exploration destination for the adventurous.
Boat owners who leave their boat trailer parked by the Aitken Reserve will have to find another location, as the Northern Beaches Council announced that this area in Queenscliff will be permanently off limits to unattended boat trailers.
Queenscliff was one of five main problem areas with numerous boat trailer parking complaints in 2018, prompting the council to launch a six-month trial phase prohibiting boat parking in busy roads.
As the trial phase has successfully passed, the Council confirmed a permanent boat trailer parking ban around the Northern Beaches. It will now cover 11 sites from the original five:
Aitken Reserve, Queenscliff
Allambie Road, Allambie Heights
Balgowlah Road, Fairlight
Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Bassett Street, Mona Vale
Harbord Park, Freshwater
Jacka Park, Freshwater
John Fisher Park, North Curl Curl
Kenneth Road, Manly Vale
Lake Park Road, North Narrabeen
Richmond Avenue, Dee Why
“Some trailers were from as far away as Queensland, but the majority are owned by locals and regardless of their personal situation, boat owners need to be responsible and not impact on local amenity,” Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said in a press statement.
“While these now relocated boats and trailers have moved to new locations in surrounding residential streets, some residents are understandably concerned as these trailers are often left unattended for an extended period. We are currently assessing how to manage this.”
The Council said that the decision to make these 11 sites off-limits to boat trailers significantly reduced complaints from residents. The new parking rule will take effect in March 2019.
The solution, however, is far from done as the Council is still exploring expanding the ban. It is also looking at setting up a new parking plan to include a trailer-parking permit system and a partnership with off-site parking operators.
Know more about the Wormhole in Queenscliff, one of Sydney’s secret spots.
Thinking of going somewhere new for you next adventure? Well, there is no need for you to look any further. Head over now to one of Sydney’s secret spots, the Wormhole in Queenscliff!
The Wormhole, also known as the Queenscliff Tunnel, was said to be constructed by local fishermen back in 1908. These local fishermen carved up this tunnel as a shortcut for them to reach Freshwater Beach up north from Manly. At present, the path towards Freshwater from the tunnel is blocked by rock falls, but it is still possible to climb across these rocks and make it to the beach.
Photo credit: mirrorsydney.wordpress.com
The length of this secret tunnel is approximately 50 metres from the cliff to the other side. Visitors are allowed here but must remain cautious at all times. Also, please be guided that the shore found at the end is rocky and rough. This is why diving and jumping from the rock ledges is prohibited.
When you are done visiting the Wormhole, you can retrace your steps back to the wharf and the Manly Beach area for other activities and sites to view.
How to Get There
Upon arriving at Manly Beach, walk over to the far left of the shore and from a distance, you will see what appears to be like a dark spot. That is the Wormhole. Walk past the rock pool and climb the cliff. From there, walk towards the tunnel with a big pink heart graffiti painted on top. Enter the tunnel and walk straight ahead to see the breathtaking view at the end!
Photo credit: mirrorsydney.wordpress.com
Photo credit: www.weekendnotes.com
So, what are you waiting for? Visit Queenscliff Wormhole today. And who knows, you might find something new to do and even discover at the end of the secret tunnel!
