Spencer Heritage Adventure Day – Sat 19 March 2022

by ·

Click here for Advance Bookings Only!

Enter into the enthralling world of Spencer, Hawkesbury River history. Our wonderful story tellers and performers will take you on an odyssey through the village, forgotten sites, and waterways around Spencer.

Enjoy Murder and Mayhem Stories – reimagining the Spencer of the 1800s when ‘Fernleigh’ was the site of illegal distilleries. Relax on the veranda of the White House and gaze out across the river while our storyteller evokes the atmosphere of this busy trading hub with its mix of free settlers, ticket-of-leave men, timber workers, ash burners and fishermen fuelled by ‘Hawkesbury Juice’ and insubordination.

All aboard a river cruise on a trip into the past. Meander to ‘Gentlemans Halt’ (reputed location of Governor Philip’s overnight stay in 1789), hear about the attack by indigenous leader Branch Jack and his gang in 1804 and past the site of the Green Man Inn. Enjoy stories about Ma Hanna’s boatshed (the last boatshed accommodation on the river) and Curly Kneebones shipyard.

Join a mystery tour of Spencer village with yarns – improbable, fabulous and surprisingly true! From the forgotten histories of the floating store boats; to rum and resistance; illicit couplings and secret babies. Hear the latest at the local pub The Dunkirk Hotel and anecdotes from the Hub of the Universe.

Enjoy a theatrical extravaganza by supremo burlesque artist Sophie Cook aka Legs 11.11 for History with a twist. Witness the delightful debauchery and transformation of a historical character from Popran Creek. Be ready to be educated, enthralled, and entertained.

Bring your mystery object for valuation at Spencer’s ‘antique road show’ by Swan Deverell auctioneers. Explore history at the Hawkesbury Duck museum and chat with Peter Rush as he resculpts ‘Serenity’. Live music on the waterfront with sea shanties and wooden boat spectacular. Feasting platters on the wharves or lunch in the Thai garden.