Proceeding by car along the Princes Highway from the city, at Tempe (Wolli Creek) go over the bridge across the Cook’s River. Then at the first set of traffic lights turn right into Brodie Spark Drive. You will soon come to a roundabout with a green abstract sculpture in the centre. Take the first sharp left turn. The grey building on your left is Woolworths, at the end of which is the entrance to Woolworths car park, where there is free unticketed parking for two hours. Suggest doing the right thing before leaving the car park by doing some shopping at Woolworths or Dan Murphy. Alternatively you may find street parking, which may or may not have a time limit. There may also be unlimited parking on the other side of the Princes Highway.

Once parked, head  back to the roundabout. On the other side through a gap in the buildings you will see St Magdalene’s Chapel, behind which is Tempe House. Take the path to the left of the Chapel. About 50 metres down this path you will see two old gate posts, where you turn right on to the lawn in front of Tempe House. This is a beautiful way to approach Tempe House.

If you are coming by train, Wolli Creek Station is very near Tempe House. Up the stairs from Platform 2 and to the right is the main exit from the station (near the public toilets). Turn left, go up the stairs in front of you, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing, go down the ramp to the left of Discovery Point Café. Turn left at the end of the ramp. When you reach the two old gateposts turn right on to the lawn in front of Tempe House.

Tempe House has recently been restored. It is architecture of understated elegance. Ross Berry, Tempe House Historian, should be on hand to answer questions about the House. As well as the house itself, the gardens at the rear are rather splendid, accessible via a few difficult-to-spot steps.

Events

• AGHS donates display information on Alexander Brodie Spark and the 1839 Grose Farm golfers.
• AGHS banners on the 1839 golfers displayed at the entrance to Tempe House.
• AGHS members on hand to answer questions on the 1839 golfers (hard copy information also available) and on golf history in general.
• Golf set typical of an 1839 gentleman golfer on display.
• Putting on the lawn with long-nosed, scare-necked putters and featherie balls (typical of 1839) on the lawn.
• Sightings of the 1812 Captain-General of the Royal Blackheath Golf Club, London, in his full golfing uniform.