New Cammeray Parklands plans have revealed what is proposed for the site after years of Western Harbour Tunnel construction. Transport for NSW has released a draft Place, Design and Landscape Plan covering 2.5 hectares of land between the Warringah Freeway and Cammeray Golf Course. It shows lawns, native gardens, walking and cycling paths, sports facilities and shaded recreation areas taking shape once construction is complete.
The plans offer a glimpse of what locals may eventually gain from a site that has undergone substantial change during construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade.
Transport for NSW describes the proposal as an opportunity to “return” land used during construction to the community. But the completed parklands will look very different from the area as it was before work began, with permanent tunnel infrastructure and the expanded freeway remaining part of the landscape.
Lawns, sports courts and new connections
The draft design includes a combination of active and passive recreation spaces, with level lawns, landscaped gardens and new trees intended to provide shade over paths, seating areas and sporting facilities.
Closer to the permanent Cammeray ventilation building, the plans show a multi-use half court suitable for basketball or pickleball, a five-a-side synthetic soccer pitch and a shaded outdoor fitness station.
Larger lawn areas and gardens would extend north towards Bells Avenue, connected by a network of accessible walking, jogging and cycling paths.
Other proposed features include:
- shaded seating and rest areas
- native planting designed to increase tree canopy and create habitat
- opportunities for public artworks by First Nations artists
- eight public parking spaces, including one accessible space
- links to the upgraded Ernest Street Bridge and the Miller Street to Falcon Street cycle route.
North Sydney Council has worked with Transport for NSW on the design, which is intended to connect with the wider sporting and recreation facilities at Cammeray Park.
The artist impressions present a green and leafy future for the site, although newly planted trees and gardens will naturally take time to mature.
The parklands will also sit alongside the widened Warringah Freeway and permanent Western Harbour Tunnel infrastructure, including the Cammeray ventilation building, ventilation outlet, access roads and operational areas.
Transport for NSW says native landscaping, tree planting, sandstone terracing and other design treatments will help separate people using the parklands from the nearby motorway infrastructure.
For locals who have watched the site change through years of tree removal, construction activity and disruption, the plans provide an opportunity to consider whether the proposed mix of greenery, recreation and public facilities makes the best possible use of the land available.
Feedback is open until 25 September
The current consultation relates to selected elements of the parkland design. It does not revisit the Western Harbour Tunnel project or the permanent infrastructure that will remain at Cammeray.
Transport for NSW is seeking feedback on the proposed sports facilities, outdoor fitness station, parking, seating, pathway connections, materials and finishes, and the type and location of native planting.
Feedback is open until midnight on Friday 25 September 2026.
Residents can view the full plan and interactive map, complete an online survey or register for an information session through the Western Harbour Tunnel project website.
Submissions can also be emailed to whtbl@transport.nsw.gov.au or made in person at the Community Information Centre between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Once consultation closes, the submissions will be considered as the final design is prepared. The completed plan will then be submitted to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for approval.
