New South Wales
Established in 1879, The Royal National Park is the second oldest national park globally and is a place of natural splendour with rich cultural and environmental significance. The Dharawal people, the original custodians of this land, have left an indelible cultural legacy with numerous sacred sites throughout the landscape.
The Audley picnic area, situated at the confluence of the Hacking River and Kangaroo Creek within the Royal National Park, underwent enhancements by Breakspear architects in collaboration with NPWS. Aiming to improve amenities, pathways, and landscaping on two riverbank sites, the project showcased a unique blend of new architecture, heritage restoration, landscaping, and civil works, all within a modest $1.25M budget. Despite its relatively small size, the project was complex. A strategic approach focused on an efficient structure, simple materiality, and a single impactful gesture, ensuring effective cost management and a transformative impact across the significant site.
The design of the two amenities has provided functional, modern facilities which are sympathetic to the heritage landscape in which they sit. The upgrades provide visitors with accessible and functional facilities that better meet client expectations in this high use area. Long lasting, low maintenance, robust materials were selected to minimise maintenance costs and inputs. The colour pallet and addition of the timber skylight in the Ironbark facilities sit comfortably in the heritage precinct.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
