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ail far enough along the Parramatta River held at Homebush Bay in 2000, there has wetlands, vast stretches of open space, sailing Sand you can’t fail to notice a broken white been a dramatic rise in activity on the river. and rowing clubs, unit blocks and posh parramatta column mounted on a rock near the water’s On any given day, it bustles with yachts and waterfront mansions. Yaralla House, in Concord edge at Henley. powerboats, tinnies, canoes, kayaks and (pictured here) is one of the oldest and largest This simple monument is dedicated to the RiverCat ferries (seven low-wash catamarans and has considerable historical significance. short but spectacular life of Henry Searle, one of named after famous Australian sportswomen). There are four islands along the river: Australia’s greatest scullers, who died in 1889 at The river, which is tidal to Charles Street Rodd Island in Iron Cove, and Cockatoo, just 23. The column also marks the finish line Weir at Parramatta, is jam-packed with things to Spectacle and Snapper islands huddled between where, a year earlier, Searle comprehensively see – if you know what to look for. Woolwich and Birchgrove. In the late 19th defeated the world rowing champion. century, Rodd Island was used as a biological Searle’s Monument is one of the landmarks Colonial history laboratory by a team from the Pasteur Institute along the Parramatta River, which officially As a key link between the settlements of Sydney in France, and also as a temporary quarantine merges with Sydney Harbour at Longnose Point, and Parramatta, the Parramatta River played an area for a pet dog that French actress Sarah Birchgrove and Manns Point, Greenwich. For important role in Australia’s colonial history. Bernhardt brought with her to Australia. most of its length, the river twists and curls into It’s no surprise to discover that early settlers From tiny Looking Glass Bay, sailors can Head west along Sydney’s historic waterway, which has a wealth of an astonishing number of exotic-sounding bays nostalgically named many river localities see Banjo Paterson Cottage Restaurant – a large and coves: Hen and Chicken Bay, Iron Cove, after places along the River Thames, such as stone cottage surrounded by green lawns that boating activities, picturesque wetlands and fishing grounds to explore. Looking Glass Gay, Bedlam Bay and so on. Greenwich, Woolwich and Henley. the young A.B. Paterson called home while at By Katrina Lobley There is even the odd sandy beach – at Cabarita Today, the Parramatta River is still vital for Sydney Grammar School. Point and Callan Park – to sprawl out on. industry, with many large factories operating Inside Hen and Chicken Bay, which Since the Sydney Olympic Games were along the riverbanks, but it’s also home to incorporates France, Canada and Exile Bays, Yaralla House, Concord 22 docklines River docklines 23 Heaters Galley Ranges BBQ’s Galley Ranges BBQ’s Heaters Galley Ranges BBQ’s Heaters Galley Ranges BBQ’s Heaters Galley Ranges anchorage Heaters Galley Ranges BBQ’s Heaters Galley Rang Galley Ranges BBQ’s Heaters Galley Ranges Olympic Park wash zones, NSW Maritime navigational maps are Fuel and supplies available from d’Albora Marinas, Cabarita Point. Fuel, food and ice are available at d’Albora BBQ’sWorld Heaters Renowned Galley RangesMarine BBQ’sAppliances Heaters Windsurfers flock to the vast expanses of Marinas, Cabarita Point. If you are interested Heaters Galley Ranges BBQ’s Galley Ranges water in Hen and Chicken Bay and Iron Cove, in parking the boat to dine at Sanders Seafood especially when a southerly hits. Both bays are Restaurant (open lunch and dinner Wednesday to BBQ’sGalley Heaters Ranges Galley Barbeques Ranges BBQ’s Heaters Heaters also no-wash zones. Good winds also draw out Sunday), just phone the marina (02 9743 6277) Galley Ranges BBQ’s Heaters Galley Ranges sailors, many of whom belong to sailing clubs and ask if one of the short-term berths is available. that run regular races and competitions. Bedlam The marina has a kiosk that serves fish and Bay is among the choice sailing spots. In summer, chips, salads and burgers at lunchtimes, and a this bay becomes even prettier when cricketers in Thai restaurant that’s open for lunch on Friday their whites hit the riverside playing fields. to Sunday and for dinner on Tuesday to Sunday. Other services include daily dockmaster there’s an important memorial standing in Bayview Recreational spots assistance, a sewage pump-out facility and Park. In both English and French, it pays tribute Sydney Olympic Park’s 640 hectares make a wireless internet. The marina’s friendly assistant to the 58 French-Canadians who, in 1840, were brilliant playground for cyclists and birdwatchers. manager, Nic Bailey, can help if you want to find exiled to Sydney for life for their role in political Get out the binoculars to see which migratory out more about Henry Searle – the famous sculler uprisings in Ontario and Quebec. They were shorebirds have landed at Badu Mangroves, just happens to be his great-great-great uncle. ☸ eventually granted pardons in 1843-44. Homebush Bay or Newington Nature Reserve. River sailors must also make way for the The curlew sandpiper, red-necked stint, Pacific Mortlake ferry, widely known as the Putney punt golden plover and bar-tailed godwit are among the Recommended reading – the last vehicular ferry operating in the Sydney seven migratory species regularly spotted in these The River: Sydney Cove to Parramatta, by area. It continuously crosses the river in the early parts. Penguins have also been seen in the waters Gregory Blaxell, Brush Farm Historical Society, mornings and late afternoons during the week, and around Hunters Hill and Looking Glass Point. $39.95; $49.95 hardcover. Available from selected on a restricted timetable at weekends. Sailors can get their land legs back by walking book stores or direct from the publisher (02 9874 or cycling around the network of paths lining the 2266). Historian Blaxell, also a keen yachtsman, Ramps and moorings river. Good places to explore are Sydney Olympic penned this fascinating history of the Parramatta Although NSW Maritime maps indicate two Park and Melrose Park at Meadowbank. River in 2004, after researching the river for the public moorings in Kendall Bay, they have, in fact, Sydney Olympic Co-ordination Authority. permanently moved south of d’Albora Marina, to Fishing and marine life The Clarence Comet: The Career of Henry FjVa^in France Bay inside Hen and Chicken Bay. Although there are plenty of fish such as bream, :cYdghZY Searle, 1866-89 by Scott Cecil Bennett, Sydney 8dbeVcn Two of the best boat ramps, which allow flathead, tailor and trevally in the river, the latest University Press, available from www.amazon.com >HD.%%&/'%%% A^XF:8&'.(% up to three boats to be unloaded simultaneously, recommendation from the NSW Food Authority from about $18. This 1973 biography details the H6>
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