What does one do when their partner is called away to help renovate his house? Certainly not spend it at home! When this happened to us last weekend the kids called up one of their cousins and we headed to Homebush to explore the Brickpit Ring Walk an area which has been on my bucket list since I first learned about it earlier this year.
The history of the Brickpit goes back 200 million years ago when sandstone and shale are formed in this spot. Parramatta River was much bigger back then too and deposited clay and sand in this area which compressed over the years and changed into rock. For over 100 years, millions of bricks were crafted in this very spot and were used to build many of the buildings around Sydney.
When the Sydney became the host of the 2000 Olympic Games, the site was slated to become the spot for tennis courts. Miraculously, as planning began, the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog was found to be living in the area and the tennis courts were built in another part of Homebush. The area became a designated spot for the frogs to live and reproduce. Freshwater ponds and rockeries were built and greenery was planted. This saw the Green and Golden Bell Frog population grow with over 700 now found in the area.
Of course, Sydneysiders wanted to see the frogs when they heard about them. To protect these endangered animals, a 550 metre ring walkway, reaching 18.5 metre in height, was constructed providing visitors a bird’s-eye view across the brick pit. Impressive, right? You can see why we wanted to visit.
Arriving on a Saturday morning we were surprised that we were the only people visiting. We heard the frogs straight away and spotted many different birds. I must admit that my fear of heights quickly took hold as we walked out onto the ring. 18.5 metres is actually quite high. I pushed myself through it and was able to start enjoying the walk a few minutes after we started walking.
The Brickpit Ring Walk details the history of the site in one section and then information about the Green and Golden Bell Frog. The kids all found this quite fascinating and were keen to try to spot the frog (which we found a little difficult quite high up). It also inspired them to think about the impact of their choices on the environment. Without prompting, they began picking up litter shortly after reading about the frog. Wow, a little education and they transformed.
The Brickpit Ring Walk can be located on Australia Ave in Sydney Olympic Park. It is locked at night, but can be accessed from early morning until dusk. Entry is free. There is plenty of parking available at both entrances.
