Secrets, Caves and Waterways

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Around the corner – The Secrets of Dubbo Gully walk – in time for wattle, gymea lily and bush lemon season. On August 4 (*note change of date) we’ll be tracing the stories and abandoned sites of the lost river community. Ready for a meandering paddle? Spencer to Popran Creek 24 August – up the creek with an experienced guide in comfortable, easy to operate sea kayaks, birdlife, history afloat, morning tea and lunch at secrets spots along the creek.

Secrets of Dubbo Gully

Sunday 4th August (* new date)
Exploring the historical remains of Dubbo Gully when Mangrove Creek was a thriving community with wharves, inns and slab homes.
On this winter walking tour we drop down into Dubbo Gully and explore the hidden sites of a former community. First fleet lemons and blackberries, former orchards and abandoned homes. Our expert guide illuminates the histories of settlers from the 1830s and 1840s and living stories from growing up in the area – hear about what happened at ‘the Matchbox’ and ‘Mead Gully’. We trace the original road from Sydney to the coast across heritage wooden bridges within the extraordinary landscape of acacias, gymea lilies and trickling creeks past St Thomas’ Cemetery and pay a visit to the ruins of Fairview the last remaining homestead in the valley.
10km walk mainly on fire trail. Time: 9am – 4pm. Cost $85

History Afloat:

Saturday 24th August
Kayak the serene waterway of Popran Creek. An immersive tour of Hawkesbury River creeks. All kayaks, gear included + morning tea and lunch.
Join us for a paddle along one of the Hawkesbury River’s most beautiful creeks into the serene waters of Popran Creek. Catch a glimpse of the past through the lost names of Sawmill Flat, Kellys Creek and Kendall island. On the way historical stories unfold of the school river craft, home delivery, the floating stores and butcher boats, and tales of community life for the remote creek-dwellers.
Enjoy a rest stop and morning tea amongst the Casuarinas. BBQ lunch at a secret location further upstream. We return to Spencer in the afternoon with the outgoing tide. Double kayaks and all gear provided. Introduction to kayaking provided for those new to paddling.
Spencer to Popran Creek return. Time 8.30am – 3.30pm. Cost $195.

For more information and bookings:
https://www.heritageventures.com.au/tours