Indigenous Cultural Walk at Berry Island

Celebrate the Centenary of Balls Head Reserve by joining an officer from the Aboriginal Heritage Office for a guided walk exploring the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage of Berry Island Reserve and Sydney's Lower North Shore.

This guided walk offers an opportunity to learn about the Cammeraygal people, the Traditional Custodians of Sydney's Lower North Shore, and their enduring connection to Country.

Set amongst iconic Sydney Red Gums (Angophora costata), rugged Hawkesbury Sandstone outcrops and spectacular harbour views, participants will discover how Aboriginal people have lived, gathered and cared for these landscapes for thousands of years.

This walk follows the Gadyan Track at Berry Island Reserve, where participants will explore a landscape rich in Aboriginal heritage. Evidence of shell middens, axe-grinding grooves and interpretive cultural sites along the track provide insights into the daily lives of the Cammeraygal people and their long association with Sydney Harbour.

The Gadyan Track takes its name from the Aboriginal word for the Sydney cockle, a shellfish commonly found in middens on Berry Island. Along the way, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, environmental and historical significance of this important harbour foreshore landscape and the continuing connection of First Nations peoples to Country. The track also offers impressive views across Sydney Harbour to Balls Head Reserve, highlighting the interconnected cultural landscapes of the Cammeraygal people along the harbour foreshores.

Suitable for anyone interested in Aboriginal culture, local history and the landscapes of Sydney Harbour, this walk offers a unique opportunity to experience Country through the knowledge and perspectives of First Nations peoples

What to bring

• Sturdy enclosed footwear suitable for bush tracks

• Sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen

• Clothing appropriate for the weather conditions

• A bottle of drinking water

Suitable for

Adults and children. Children must be accompanied by a supervising adult.

Accessibility

These guided walks take place on bush tracks that include uneven surfaces, steps and moderate slopes. The routes are not wheelchair accessible. Participants should be comfortable walking for up to 90 minutes with regular stops.

Join us for this special Centenary event and deepen your understanding of the Aboriginal cultural heritage, stories and landscapes of Berry Island and Balls Head Reserve.