Two of North Sydney’s most treasured harbour foreshore reserves are celebrating a very special milestone this month, with the community invited to join a free centenary celebration at Balls Head Reserve and The Coal Loader in Waverton.
A Picnic at Balls Head: Celebrating 100 Years will take place on Saturday 24 October 2026, with a day of live music, storytelling, bush walks, children’s entertainment and family activities.
The event marks 100 years since Balls Head and Berry Island were officially opened as public reserves, following a determined community campaign to protect these beautiful stretches of Sydney Harbour foreshore for future generations.
Balls Head and Berry Island were reserved for public recreation on 25 June 1926 and officially opened on 23 October that year.
Their protection was the result of years of community advocacy to ensure the foreshore remained accessible to everyone.
That community spirit has continued through the decades. In 1931, North Sydney Council began working with conservation groups to replant Balls Head, beginning a long history of bush regeneration that continues today.
North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker said the centenary was an opportunity to recognise the generations of locals who have helped protect and care for these special places.
“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.”
The free celebration will be held across Balls Head Reserve and The Coal Loader, with activities for all ages.
Visitors can look forward to live and roving music, storytelling, Indigenous face painting, an art exhibition, children’s entertainment and hands-on activities.
Guided bush walks, heritage experiences and biodiversity activities will also offer opportunities to discover more about the area’s fascinating history and natural environment.
And there’s an extra incentive to arrive early! The first 100 guests will receive a free picnic lunchbox from 11am.
The day will also include the unveiling of an Engineering Heritage Marker recognising the national engineering heritage significance of the Balls Head Coal Loader. The marker has been awarded through Engineers Australia’s Engineering Heritage Recognition Program.
Whether you pop in for an hour or settle in for the afternoon with a picnic rug, it’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy one of the Lower North Shore’s most beautiful outdoor spaces.
A Picnic at Balls Head: Celebrating 100 Years
A free shuttle bus will operate from Waverton between 7.15am and 4pm. Visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle, catch public transport or use the shuttle, as parking is limited.
The Coal Loader offers level access, seating and shaded areas.
Some guided activities have limited places, so it’s worth booking ahead if there’s something you’d particularly like to experience.
For the full program, activity bookings and visitor information, visit North Sydney Council’s Picnic at Balls Head event page.
