On 4 March 1804 convicts rose from this Castle Hill penal settlement for the Battle of Vinegar Hill. Today we can retrace their steps, exploring the now-lovely parkland to discover the traces of a convict settlement, a lunatic asylum, and an orchard. Today it contains community amenities like the playground and barbeques, as well as the heritage sculptures, and the battle now is to save the endangered Blue Gum High Forest. This is predominantly a medium difficulty bushwalk with two steep hills, visiting the sites of significant buildings and events. You could have a picnic lunch here afterwards. Meet at the carpark of the Castle Hill Heritage Park 10 minutes before the tour starts so it can commence on time.
This walk will go ahead whatever the weather, except where the guide deems there to be a threat to health and safety. In this situation you will be contacted with an alternative date. Please ensure your mobile phone number is up-to-date with WEA before enrolling and ensure that you have it with you on the day in case the tutor needs to contact you.
- Picnic area and heritage sculptures: site of the convict barracks and asylum
- Blue Gum High Forest
- Sites of the Banks family cottage and Munro farmhouse, and dams.
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Outline the history of the site, including the context and operations of the asylum, orchards, and school.
- Describe the causes, events, and consequences of the 1804 Battle of Vinegar Hill.
