Community invited to celebrate 100 years of Balls Head and Berry Island Reserves

• Balls Head and Berry Island were reserved for public recreation on 25 June 1926 and officially opened on 23 October 1926. 

• Their protection followed a long-running community campaign to preserve the foreshore for public use. 

• Council began working with conservation groups to replant Balls Head in 1931. Community-led bush regeneration continues today. 

• The Balls Head Coal Loader has received an Engineering Heritage Marker recognising its national engineering heritage significance. 

• The free celebration will be held across Balls Head Reserve and The Coal Loader on Saturday 24 October 2026. 

North Sydney Council is inviting the community to celebrate 100 years since Balls Head and Berry Island were reserved for public recreation with a free day of picnics, bush walks, live music, storytelling and family activities. 

A Picnic at Balls Head: Celebrating 100 Years will be held on Saturday 24 October 2026 across Balls Head Reserve and The Coal Loader in Waverton. Morning tours and pre-booked activities will begin from 7.30am, with the main celebration running from 11am to 4pm. 

The event will recognise the generations of community members who helped protect these important harbour foreshore lands and those who continue to care for them today. 

Balls Head and Berry Island were reserved for public recreation on 25 June 1926 following years of community advocacy to preserve the foreshore for public use. The reserves were officially opened on 23 October 1926.  

North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker said the centenary was an opportunity to celebrate the community action that helped preserve these important public spaces. 

“Balls Head and Berry Island Reserves are valued public open spaces where people come together, connect with nature and feel part of their community. 

“This celebration honours the people who protected these places for everyone and those who continue to care for them today. We invite the community to bring a picnic rug and celebrate 100 years of connection, care and belonging.” 

Families can enjoy a free day out filled with children’s entertainment, outdoor activities and opportunities to connect with the area’s history and natural environment. The program includes live and roving music, storytelling, Indigenous face painting, an art exhibition, displays and hands-on activities throughout the day. Guided walks, heritage experiences and biodiversity activities will provide plenty of ways to learn while having fun. The first 100 guests will receive a free picnic lunchbox from 11am. 

The celebration will include the unveiling of an Engineering Heritage Marker recognising the Balls Head Coal Loader’s national engineering heritage significance. The marker has been awarded through Engineers Australia’s Engineering Heritage Recognition Program.  

Visitors can come for an hour or stay for the day, wander through Balls Head Reserve or settle in at The Coal Loader, where level access, seating and shade are available. Some activities require bookings and places are limited. 

A free shuttle bus will operate from Waverton between 7.15am and 4pm. Visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle, use public transport or take the shuttle as parking in the area is limited. 

For the full program, bookings and visitor information, visit www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/picnic-at-balls-head

Images

A picnic at Balls Head.jpg

Community invited to a picnic at Balls Head and The Coal Loader on Saturday 24 October.

Download