Larry and Mary Daley took over as caretakers of Parsley Bay National Park and picnic grounds on Sydney Harbour not long after World War Two. They stayed until 1980. The Daley family resided in the caretaker’s residence within the reserve. Parsley Bay kiosk and picnic pavilions, also managed by the Daley’s, were in the same building. During their thirty-five years at Parsley Bay, Larry and Mary brought up their five sons: John, Paul, Peter, Michael and Patrick.

Woollahra Council and the residents of Vaucluse greatly appreciated and supported how the Daley family managed and looked after Parsley Bay. It was a wonderful, safe area for the local community. Larry created a real balance between the needs of the locals and those of picnickers who visited Parsley Bay from other parts of Sydney. Larry took great pride in Parsley Bay and always had the park pristine. This was greatly appreciated by everybody who frequented and visited this beautiful area.

The Daley boys had a magical upbringing at Parsley Bay. Larry said his boys grew up in one of Sydney’s most beautiful locations and environments. As stated, the Daley family’s time at Parsley Bay was during the post-war 1950s, 60s, and 70s. The Daley boys realised they grew up in a very special place during a golden period of Australia’s history.

On a sad note, during their time at Parsley Bay, Larry and Mary lost their eldest son John. In 1972, not long after winning the London to Sydney air race (single engine class), John, who was just 29, was tragically killed in a light plane crash on Groote Eylandt in Northern Australia. John’s funeral was at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Watsons Bay. The funeral was one of the largest ever seen in Vaucluse.

The Daley family’s involvement with Parsley Bay and this beautiful part of Sydney will long be remembered.

Pat Daley OAM
20th Jan 2021