Have you ever heard the whispers of Doorumbolooa? That’s the Aboriginal name for Sackville a charming suburb nestled along the Hawkesbury River. Sackville isn’t just a pretty riverside setting. It’s steeped in history. The name itself pays tribute to Viscount Sackville a British Secretary of State. He held the position between 1775 and 1782. Governor Arthur Phillip first encountered Indigenous people here in July 1789.
Imagine the bustling life of Sackville in the 1800s. Farmers settled the fertile land. They transported their goods via the Hawkesbury River. The river was a vital transportation link to Sydney. Seagoing vessels navigated the river until silting became a problem in the 1880s.
Sackville Ferry a crucial part of the area’s history began operating in the early 1870s. It carried school children and produce to Sydney Markets. The ferry continues to connect Sackville with North Sackville across the river. Remember the Lady Hawkesbury a passenger liner? She caused quite a commotion severing the cables and pulling up mooring posts of the Sackville Ferry.
Five National Heritage Listed sites stand in Sackville. This includes three residences. St Thomas’ Anglican Church is another one. The Sackville Cemetery dating back to 1828 is also one. The cemetery holds stories of early settlers. It’s a quiet place where history rests. Martha Everingham an Indigenous woman is buried there. She was a member of the original Hawkesbury Aborigines.
The original St Thomas’ Anglican Church was washed away by an 1867 flood. Imagine the devastating power of the river. The current church is a Victorian Gothic style structure. It has a steep pitched roof and pointed arches. The church was extensively repaired after a fire in 1959.
Lilburndale is yet another landmark. It’s a historic house. It stands on West Portland Road. Built around 1850 the house operated as a wedding venue in 2021. Oral histories tell of its use as a stop for prisoner transport.
Sackville’s history is rich and varied. Its location on the Hawkesbury River has shaped its identity. The area remains important for water sports. Many people enjoyed water skiing. Gelignite Jack Murray famously skied behind a seaplane. The first Australian woman in the World water skiing titles started at Sackville.
So next time you are near the Hawkesbury River. Remember Sackville. It’s not just a suburb. It’s a place brimming with stories of settlers. Indigenous peoples and their resilient spirit. It’s a place waiting to be explored.