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Mapping the Constellation: The Bay Marker at Wentworth Point

Part 1 of the Southern Cross Series

Location: The Bay Marker at Wentworth Point, Olympic Park

Monte resting on the green grass in front of the Bay Marker earth mound at Wentworth Point.

It makes for a very different and interesting walk.

Driving out on a long weekend, we half-expected the usual holiday crowds, so the unexpected quiet was a welcome surprise. While families gathered around the picnic areas down below, Monte and I had the peak all to ourselves, sharing the top only with a passing jogger.

What makes these spots so fascinating is that they aren’t just isolated hills. The Bay Marker is one of five conical earth mounds built across Sydney Olympic Park for the 2000 Olympic Games. Each one was constructed from materials left over from development.

When you look at them from above, all five markers collectively form the shape of the Southern Cross constellation.

Map showing the five Olympic earth markers forming the Southern Cross constellation across Sydney Olympic Park

Discovering that hidden geometry sparked a mission: Monte and I are planning to check out each of the remaining four markers whenever we get a chance, exploring their unique shapes, viewpoints, and surroundings one by one.

Walking the Bay Marker Spiral

Unlike a traditional staircase, the climb up is a continuous, gently graded paved path. Winding your way up the roughly 200-metre spiral ramp, you are met with a fantastic breeze and sweeping views. It was a brilliant, sunny day with the temperature sitting right in the sweet spot.

A MonteCaro TIP

QUICK WORD OF CAUTION

Save this one for cooler days or early mornings.

With zero shade and dark, spiraling pavement that rapidly absorbs the sun, it quickly becomes far too hot for paws on the climb up.

On this day, though, Monte had an absolute blast sniffing all the grass and taking in the views from the summit. I definitely recommend packing a small snack to enjoy up top; it is such a beautiful spot to sit and soak in the scenery.

  • Scenic waterfront promenade at Wentworth Point with a paved walking path alongside the bay and distant high-rise buildings across the water.
  • Shaded view through leafy tree branches looking out over manicured green lawns, low hedges, and the sparkling blue bay at Wentworth Point.
  • Outdoor dining area of Iluka waterfront cafe at Wentworth Point with umbrellas and views of the bay.
  • A tall gourmet Reuben sandwich stacked on dark rye bread served with golden fries and a dipping sauce.
  • A colorful poke bowl topped with grilled prawns, sliced mango, avocado, pickled onions, cucumber, and creamy dressing served in a ceramic bowl.
  • A dirt walking track running alongside a timber fence and a calm waterway surrounded by trees and tall grass.
  • Tall native grasses and trees framing a scenic view of the wetlands near the Bay Marker walking tracks
  • Scenic view of wetlands, tall grasses, and native trees along the walking tracks near the Bay Marker.
  • Modern timber-clad park amenity block and public restrooms with water fountains, with Monte standing nearby on lead.
  • Monte walking on lead along a sun-dappled, tree-lined path through a native forest canopy near the Bay Marker.
  • Monte walking on leash along a tree-lined path near the Bay Marker at Wentworth Point.
  • Monte walking on leash along the paved trail and green parklands near the Bay Marker at Wentworth Point.
  • Tall green and golden grass in the foreground with the grassy slope of the Bay Marker rising against a clear blue sky.
  • Monte resting on the green grass in front of the Bay Marker earth mound at Wentworth Point.
  • Monte standing proudly on the stone steps leading up the Bay Marker mound.
  • Monte walking on lead along a paved pathway bordered by a rock gabion wall and tall grass near the Bay Marker.
  • Monte walking through a narrow path framed by tall, overgrown green and golden grass near the Bay Marker.
  • Panoramic view from the summit of the Bay Marker looking across the treetops, parklands, and distant Sydney skyline under a clear blue sky.
  • Monte looking out across the open green parklands from a paved path near the Bay Marker.
  • Monte putting his paws up on an informational park sign titled "Embedded in the Land" at Sydney Olympic Park.
  • Aerial drone view of the spiraling Bay Marker mound at Wentworth Point in Sydney Olympic Park.

With so many interconnected walking tracks branching out below, you could easily spend hours exploring. We initially tried heading toward the Shipwreck Lookout to check out the wreck up close. Unfortunately, that section is a protected wildlife area where dogs aren’t allowed.
Instead, we took a nice shortcut through the residential streets down to the water. You can still catch glimpses of the wrecks from there and stroll right along the shore.
We finished off the walk by heading over to Iluka Cafe right by the water. Sitting outside overlooking Homebush Bay, we grabbed a bite to eat, sharing a poke bowl and a Reuben sandwich with chips, before heading home.

Given how close it is, with easy accessibility and plenty of parking options, I will definitely be back to explore some of the other trails.

Quick Visit Snapshot

FeatureDetail
Location📍Bay Marker, Wentworth Point (Sydney Olympic Park)
Dog-FriendlyYes, on-leash on the main walking tracks and spiral mound
TerrainPaved spiraling pathway, grass, stone steps
ParkingAmple parking options nearby, e.g Marjorie Jackson Pkwy Public Car Parking
FacilitiesWalking tracks, nearby cafes, picnic areas, and playgrounds

Interesting Facts About the Bay Marker & Area

  • Part of the Five Olympic Markers: The Bay Marker is one of five conical earth mounds (standing 10 to 20 meters high)
  • Hidden Geometry: Constructed using materials unsuitable for standard reuse, all five markers collectively form the shape of the Southern Cross constellation when viewed from above.
  • 360-Degree Vistas: The spiraling path leads to a summit that offers uninterrupted, panoramic views stretching across Wentworth Common, Homebush Bay, and the surrounding parklands.

The Southern Cross Series: The Five Olympic Markers

As we hunt down each point of the constellation across Sydney Olympic Park, here is the full lineup of the mounds we will be exploring:

  1. The Bay Marker (Wentworth Common): Our starting point! Features sweeping 360-degree views stretching across Homebush Bay, the wetlands, and the city skyline.
  2. The River Marker (Blaxland Riverside Park): Positioned right alongside the Parramatta River and Newington Armory Wharf, offering views over open lawns and the river landscape.
  3. The Silverwater Marker (Woo-la-ra): A stunning vantage point near Newington Nature Reserve known for incredible golden-hour sunsets and native birdlife.
  4. Haslam’s Marker (Southern End of Hill Road): A peaceful, tree-lined climb peaking right over Haslams Creek with water reflections on sunny days.
  5. The Bicentennial Marker (Bicentennial Park): Anchored into the rolling meadows, lakeside pathways, and green vistas of Bicentennial Park.

What is your favorite hidden gem or park walk around Sydney?
Let me know in the comments below so Monte and I can check it out!

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