Calabash Point is well worth an explore for those seeking a little bit of Local Australian History. A hotelier by the name of John Fretus heard that a new road was planned to cross Berowra Creek after a government survey was undertaken from Berowra Train Station. The road would pass right through Calabash Point making it the perfect location for a hotel.
In the early 1900’s John transported the stone up river by steamer from a previous hotel he owned and hauled it up the hill. The effort required to haul the stone in those days up the steep hill side, must have been testament that John had good word that the road would come.
Unfortunately the road never eventuated. The hotel served a very short life. With no access road it quickly fell into disrepair and by 1920 it was abandoned. Berowra Water’s road become the new link with a ferry across Berowra Waters.
The hotel today is just walls of sandstone. You can only image how it would have looked with its grand veranda and court yard. Fire places adorn several of the rooms with large windows that would have overlooked the river.
I don’t know what became of John Fretus after his commercial interests failed, but I’m sure the stone walls would have many a story to tell.
Access to the hotel ruins is best via foot along a fire trail. Though its close to the water it is a fair way above it and you may not be able to reach the hotel without going via Private Property.
The fire trail commences at the end of McCallums Ave, Berilee where a large locked gate allows pedestrian access only. The walk is approximately 7 – 8 Kilometres round trip and does descend a few moderately steep inclines, so allow a little longer time for the return trip.
McCallums Ave is off Chillcott Road, with Bay Road being the main road through Berrilee. You can park at the end of McCallums Ave, but parking is limited but accessible to 2WD vehicles.
Once you hit the fire trail you simply follow it until you reach the hotel ruins and the beautiful view over Berowra Creek.
Take a while to soak in the view and think how the hotel would have looked when first constructed.
