The River: Burramatta to Cockatoo
Explore the history of the Parramatta River over its centuries of use as a transport route and food source, and as a site for colonial houses, industrialisation and recreation, and become involved with the campaign to make the River swimmable again.
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 & industrialisation on the River, its use for recreation & the current campaign to clean up the River to allowing swimming.
The exhibition will feature objects from the National Trust collection and on loan from the Maritime Museum, Powerhouse Museum and Parramatta Council.
Visitors will be able to explore the story of Subiaco House, a once grand colonial mansion demolished for an industrial site, learn about the early ferries, and delight in the swimming spot of “Little Coogee”.