Family Tour of The River: Burramatta to Cockatoo
Bring the kids on our Easter school holiday special family tour of new exhibition, The River, led by Old Government House’s Curator Anna. Explore the history of the Parramatta River over its centuries of use for transport, food, fun and indigenous culture. Kids of all ages welcome!
During the Easter school holidays take a special family tour with our expert guide Anna – Old Government House’s Curator – who will reveal some great stories of the Parramatta River.
Just near Old Government House the confluence of Darling Mills Creek and Toongabbie Creek form the headwaters of the Parramatta River. This area was used by the local Burramatta people as a gathering place before the arrival of the British, and it was chosen for the settlement of Parramatta as the land was fed by the freshwater of the river.
“The River” will tell the stories of centuries of use of the River, including by the Burramattagal, and explore the impacts of colonisation and industrialisation on the River, its use for recreation and the current campaign to clean up the River to allowing swimming.
Explore the story of Subiaco House, a once grand colonial mansion demolished for an industrial site, learn about the early ferries, delight in the swimming spot of “Little Coogee”, and become involved with the campaign to make the River swimmable again. View objects from the National Trust collection and on loan from the Maritime Museum, Naval Heritage Centre and Parramatta Council.