One of the reasons Balmain was settled in the early days of the colony was the abundant supply of fresh water from small creeks, springs, and waterholes. Several of these creeks had names like Killiaspy’s Creeks, Hutton’s Creek, First Creek and Curtis’ Water Holes. They supplied Balmain residents with free fresh water and even formed the boundaries of property lots. The early subdivision plan allowed ready access to these waterways and to the surrounding harbour. Balmain even had bridges over some of the creeks. 

This free download provides the history of these waterways, which are sometimes contested but always neglected. Through successive Council and Government interventions, all are now buried under roads, kerbs, and gutters, as well as playing fields and parks, and constrained within concrete pipes and canals.

Download Balmain’s Lost Creeks, Springs & Waterholes.

© Oikos Architects – Dr Ray Stevens, 2025.

The author can be contacted at: ray@oikos.com.au

Balmain's Lost Creeks, Springs & Water Holes

Watercourses are shown on the 1852 subdivision of Balmain by C. E. Langley, but with no names. The names of the creeks are included here from the earlier survey by John Armstrong, ca. 1847.