TIMELESS WOLLONGONG

On the invitation of Alfred Wilson and William Rann senior, the Member for Illawarra Archibald Campbell, accompanied by seven others including photographer Sigfrid Flodin, began a trip to Cordeaux River on Monday, October 16, 1898.

The day started off very hot and the journey up the mountain was almost too much to bear.

The men first visited Andrew's Lookout on Wanyambilly Hill. On reaching the summit a welcoming southerly breeze greeted them. They were astounded at the magnificent views of the southern districts, which consisted mainly of dairy farms. They could make out the homesteads and the herds of cattle grazing on the parched meadows. Situated amongst this ideal scene in the east was Dapto Smelting Works with its tall stacks emitting great clouds of smoke over the pastures.

On leaving the lookout, the group passed the farm of Lawrence Carr, where ploughing operations were taking place. They then arrived at the farm of William Rann Sr, where they partook of refreshments. After the welcome break they proceeded to the old Rann homestead occupied by William Rann Jr and his sisters.

On leaving the old homestead, the party was joined by Alfred Wilson, Miss Wilson, Mr and Mrs Isaac Brown, Miss Moran, Miss Fishlock, Mrs Sutherland, Robert Walker, J. Sutherland, Thomas Hayes and E. Hamilton, increasing the total to 19 persons.

The party headed out for about another three miles for more sightseeing in a northwesterly direction to the waterfall. To reach their destination, they had to ascend a steep hill.

Reaching a height of about 1500 feet above sea level, they witnessed a most beautiful view of the valley below, dotted with dairy farms and apple orchards. The group was taken aback by the vast amount of waratahs in the area. After their descent to the riverbed was safely negotiated the Cordeauxians announced that the journey was almost over. Just a few hundred feet further, the group was astounded at the beauty of the waterfall cascading down about 80 feet over a rocky outcrop into a crystal clear pool. The journey continued through a grotto leading to a "whispering gallery", a semi-circular cave 35 to 40 feet in height, which was hidden by a curtain of foliage. The name came from the echo carried along the surface of the cave's wall. After admiring the beauty of the area the group travelled back to Mr Rann's and were supplied with afternoon tea. The plight of the schoolhouse was raised with Mr Campbell, such as the matter of necessary repairs to the building, who promised to do what he could in providing better accommodation for the pupils. The party of eight left Cordeaux valley at 5pm and reached Wollongong at 8pm.

It came to light some days later in an article in the Illawarra Mercury that Sigfrid Flodin had developed some wonderful images he took in this little-known wonderland. One photograph was of the cave, another of the group crossing the elevated ridge and another of them climbing down to the waterfall. It is unfortunate that the images taken that day by Sigfrid Flodin cannot be located.

It would be only a matter of another four years before the first of the Cordeaux Dams would be constructed, providing Wollongong with a permanent water supply.

Information courtesy of Carol Herben OAM.  Call 0409 832 854 or email sycado6@bigpond.net.au