Hidden gems + local history · Vaucluse · 19 March 2026

Parsley Bay's surprising Antarctic history

Most people know Parsley Bay for its calm swimming beach and the little suspension bridge. Fewer know that in 1911, a Japanese Antarctic expedition led by Lieutenant Nobu Shirase set up camp right there after sailing into Sydney Harbour. Next time you're walking the reserve, you're treading on genuinely historic ground.