Description
The figs measure more than 20 metres in height. They appear to be in good condition with minimal dead wood in the crowns and little pruning evident.
Although none of the Hill’s Weeping Figs are significant as individual specimens, together they form a significant grouping.
Significance
The avenue of ten Hill’s Weeping Figs (Ficus microcarpa var. hillii) is an outstanding single species avenue and has local significance in terms of visual and historic values. A further five individuals of this species are scattered throughout the upper portion of the park together with a single Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) on the lower slopes of the park. The Moreton Bay Fig pre-dates the Hill’s Weeping Figs.
Dawes Point (Tar-ra) Park, including the contiguous open space of Dawes Point Reserve, is scheduled in the City of Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 and classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW). This planting of fifteen Hill’s Weeping Figs (Ficus microcarpa var. hillii) is likely to date from the time of completion of the bridge (1932) while the Moreton Bay Fig appears to date from the very late 1890’s or 1900’s.
Historical notes
Dawes Point (Tar-ra) Park contains the remains of the Dawes Point Battery together with other significant historic remnants that bear witness to the first 100 years of European settlement at Sydney Cove. The construction of the Harbour Bridge approaches required significant demolition and modification of the Rocks and Dawes Point areas. In 1908 Dawes Point Reserve trustees were appointed to oversee improvements and the flat portion east of Hickson Road was planted with Canary Island Date Palms. Following the completion of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Dawes Point Park was replanted during the 1930’s and 1940’s. The new palms and trees supplemented the Fig that survived the bridge construction and re-enforced the sub-tropical character – Senegal Date Palm, Giant Bird of Paradise and an avenue of Hill’s Weeping Fig were chosen. The Figs were also mixed with Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis).
The single Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) on the lower slopes of the park appears to be an earlier planting, possibly dating from the early 1900’s. The informal specimens and groupings of Canary Island Date Palms (Phoenix canariensis) and Senegal Date Palms (Phoenix reclinata) on the lower slopes are also associated with this landscaping phase to the Bridge approaches.
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