Hacking River

Gazing at the Hacking River, one might hear whispers of “Deeban,” its ancient Dharawal name. The Hacking River, a vital waterway south of Sydney, winds its way through a diverse landscape. It begins its journey near Helensburgh, cascading down waterfalls before meandering north-east towards Port Hacking. For thousands of years, the Tharawal people relied on this river, its waters intertwined with their lives and stories. They called it Deeban. But with British settlement came a new name, honoring Henry Hacking, a pilot at Port Jackson. This same Hacking, tragically, was also known for killing Pemulwuy, a prominent Aboriginal resistance leader. The river’s ecology is a tapestry of life. Rainforest species like white beech and citronella thrive along its banks, alongside eucalyptus giants. The river’s pools once teemed with platypus, until an oil spill in the 1970s drove them away. Only recently, in a collaborative effort, these unique creatures have been reintroduced to the Royal National Park, giving hope for their return to the Hacking River. The river’s path isn’t without its challenges. Urbanization, timber cutting, and even a coal mine have impacted its upper reaches. Erosion, exacerbated by bushwalking and runoff from nearby towns, poses a threat to the delicate ecosystem. The Hacking River flows through the heart of the Royal National Park, offering visitors a chance to canoe or kayak through its tranquil waters. At Audley, a causeway built in 1899 stands as a testament to the park’s history, where mangrove flats were once cleared for boatsheds and picnic grounds. The Hacking River tells a story of resilience. It’s a story of ancient connections and modern challenges, of loss and restoration, and a reminder of the delicate balance we must strive to maintain.