Where the waters meet. That’s the story of the Parramatta River head. Here at the confluence of Toongabbie Creek and Darling Mills Creek the river begins its journey. For thousands of years the Wangal and Burramattagal Aboriginal people thrived here. The Parramatta River head was a crucial part of their lives. They fished for eels and other creatures. They used the river for transport and trade. The name Parramatta itself comes from their language. It means ‘place where eels breed’. Isn’t that fascinating?
European settlement changed things. In 1788 Governor Arthur Phillip established a second settlement near the Parramatta River head. It became known as Parramatta. A ferry service started the following year. The Rose Hill Packet transported convicts passengers and goods. It took up to twelve hours to reach Parramatta. The wind and tides made travel difficult.
The Parramatta River head became a popular destination. People came to swim sail and fish. More than twenty swimming baths existed along the river at one point. Can you imagine? However industrialisation led to pollution. The river’s health declined until the 1970s. Then the Clean Waters Act helped to clean up the river. Today the Parramatta River head is being restored. It’s a place of recreation and history. The NSW Government aims to make the entire river swimmable by 2025.
Look around you. Imagine the Aboriginal people fishing in their bark canoes. Picture the early settlers struggling against the currents. Feel the fresh water flowing from the creeks. Hear the laughter of people enjoying the river today. The Parramatta River head has a rich and complex past. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine. It’s a story waiting to be explored. Let’s continue our journey.