Fosters Flat Sawmill, RNP

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Fosters Flat Sawmill, RNP

On No Comments by Greg Jackson
5 Apr, Fri 10:00PM Fosters Flat Sawmill, RNP
Grade:2/6 Length 2km  ↑10m Southern Sydney Branch
Greg
Talk | A talk or slide show presentation.Walk | A bushwalk of any kind short or longEducational | A trip where the leader will focus on teaching or training.Family | A trip that is planned to cater for children and their parents.First time friendly | A trip that is perfect for most new members (assuming you have a reasonable level of fitness)Photography | A trip that has a strong focus on encouraging people to capture photographs.Slow pace | A trip where the leader will set an easy pace.Social | A trip where people will be encouraged to interact and chat with each other.This sawmill was operated by James Foster of Waterfall around 1903. The sawmill was powered by a Robey 18hp semi portable engine. The boiler remains, and there are the remains of a timber-lined pit for the circular saw blade and, no doubt, other structures in the nearby bush. James Foster owned both a bullock team and eight heavy draught horses and these would have been used to install the sawmill and move both timber and lumber to and from the mill. This area still abounds in durable hardwoods, turpentines (Syncarpia glomulifera), and blackbutts (Eucalyptus pilularis), and these quality hardwoods would have been logged extensively with the surrounding woodland still containing evidence of this extensive logging. This sawmill was still operating in 1922, providing sawn lumber for the Metropolitan Coal Company before being closed by public pressure. We will also look at the remains of the Scientists Hut (also known as the Zoologist Hut), which was built on the sawmill site in 1925 and used by the Royal Zoologists Society to study the habits of birds, notably the satin bower bird. A good lunch can be had at the Audley Cafe. This walk will be done in conjunction with members of the Sutherland Shire Historical Society. Hazards: Leeches abound, so wear long trousers and bring insect repellant. Good shade, but hat and sun lotion are a good idea.
Location: Royal National Park Limit:20.
T:
From: 5 Apr 2024, 10:00PM 2024-04-05 22:00:00 2024-04-05 01:00:00 Australia/Sydney NPA Talk and Walk, Fosters Flat Sawmill, RNP Please check and update times and meeting location. Get latest information at https://bushwalk.npansw.org.au/?activities=fosters-flat-sawmill-rnp This sawmill was operated by James Foster of Waterfall around 1903. The sawmill was powered by a Robey 18hp semi portable engine. The boiler remains, and there are the remains of a timber-lined pit for the circular saw blade and, no doubt, other structures in the nearby bush. James Foster owned both a bullock team and eight heavy draught horses and these would have been used to install the sawmill and move both timber and lumber to and from the mill. This area still abounds in durable hardwoods, turpentines (Syncarpia glomulifera), and blackbutts (Eucalyptus pilularis), and these quality hardwoods would have been logged extensively with the surrounding woodland still containing evidence of this extensive logging. This sawmill was still operating in 1922, providing sawn lumber for the Metropolitan Coal Company before being closed by public pressure. We will also look at the remains of the Scientists Hut (also known as the Zoologist Hut), which was built on the sawmill site in 1925 and used by the Royal Zoologists Society to study the habits of birds, notably the satin bower bird. A good lunch can be had at the Audley Cafe. This walk will be done in conjunction with members of the Sutherland Shire Historical Society. We will meet at 10 am at the Dance Hall Audley Café before driving to McKell Avenue. Fosters Flat is just off McKell Avenue The walk is about 700m in, mostly on a good track through rainforest, so not too hot. Fosters Flat Sawmill, RNP NPA | Greg Jackson