Sunrise @ Statham's Quarry

Sunrise @ Statham's Quarry

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Posted 2014-05-12 by MonkeyBoyfollow

[LINK=http://www.perthtourism.com.au/trail/64/264/statham-s-quarry-walk-trail.html?page=2]
Statham Quarry[/LINK] is an old stone quarry located in Gooseberry Hill, on the Darling Scarp.


Watching the sunrise from the summit of the quarry is a sight to behold, even when it's cloudy.


This morning I was lucky enough to catch a brief glimpse of family of kangaroos bounding across the bush land before my very eyes, while the sound of bird song echoed through the hills.


The quarry is accessible via the Zig Zag Scenic Drive from the top and by Ridge Hill Road from the bottom, with free parking at both access points. I prefer getting there via the Zig Zag Scenic Driveway, for the sheer joy of the drive, but it is the grandeur of the quarry itself that really gets the heart pumping.


Popular with rock climbers and abseilers, the quarry wall faces are ideal for the sport.


In the horseshoe shaped quarry basin itself, you really get a sense of the size and beauty of the place. Being surrounded by these huge monolithic rock faces can be very humbling.


As the morning progresses it is lovely to see the different colours, contours, shapes and sizes appear and morph into different patterns, bursting into life as the sun appears.


The diversity of the floor colours also adds something special to the feel of the place, with different colours of gravel, a large grassy knoll, a pond and more.


The deciduous trees and their autumn leaves transformed the place this morning, reminding me of harvest time and my own roots in the UK and Ireland.


For those into old abandoned derelict buildings, or if you just want a bit more grime or graffiti, there are a few old structures hidden in the undergrowth, presumably from when the site was in use.


These provide an enlightening look at the history of the place, and if you use your imagination, you might just be able to imagine the quarry still operating.


One of the most extensive dolerite dykes, it was established in 1894 by Thomas Statham and William Burton, and helped build Perth. It was put out of operation by a bushfire in 1957. However, you will not yet find that information anywhere in the quarry due to a distinct lack of signage, bar the regularly placed obligatory 'warning: rocks' signs.


Dangerous areas are sign posted and mostly fenced off, but the face of the quarry wall is easily accessible. So, if you are with small children, I suggest to keep them close at hand while traversing the upper echelons of the quarry site.

The quarry has some facilities including an indoor toilet and a covered gazebo area with a picnic bench. The site is quite well maintained.


A gem to visit any time of year, Statham Quarry is a serene and inspiring place to go to.


Just another great outdoors type place to go to in Perth, for free, anytime.


Step up and enjoy this free outdoor place, in the East Suburbs, near the Perth Hills



#attractions
#escape_the_city
#free
#gooseberry_hill
#history
#natural_attractions
#nature
#outback
#outdoor
#parks
#perth_hills
#things_to_see
%wnperth
117760 - 2023-06-12 20:14:26

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