Culture and history
Aboriginal Culture
Aboriginal people have had a close connection with the Georges River for many centuries.
The park area since colonisation
The Georges River was historically an important transport route from Botany Bay to Liverpool. However, access across the river was restricted to the 19th-century railway bridge at Como and a punt at the eastern end of the park at Lugarno.
Although the Sutherland and Bankstown areas (to the south and north respectively) were established in the mid- to late-19th century, the focus of activity remained on the river for more than 100 years.
It's only in the last 30 years that 'ridge-top' developments have flourished at Barden Ridge, Illawong and Alfords Point areas on the southern side of the river, and at Picnic Point and Revesby Heights on the northern side.
The bushland that was not built on, now protected in the national park, is in a narrow strip between the river and the first ridges, with 'extensions' into the urban areas where there are major streams such as Mill Creek or Yeramba Lagoon.
History of the park
Georges River National Park was created in 1992. Prior to that time, it was a state recreation area under the management of a trust. During this period, the trust licensed sand mining along the shores of the reserve and used the proceeds to develop the park. Grassed flats were created over former mangrove swamps, and facilities and seawalls were installed.
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