Lachlan Swamp

The land as a looking glass

The Centennial Parklands pond system is a modified remnant of the little that remains of the pre European natural landscape. It’s representative of the extensive freshwater wetlands that used to lie at the head of the Botany Bay catchment until urban development in the late 19th century reduced its spread dramatically.

Although early colonial writings remain inconclusive as to the exact usage of the landscape, these wetlands were reportedly a ceremonial location of the Indigenous communities living here pre-European settlement.

Lachlan Swamp paperbarks

Planted just over 30 years ago, the Lachlan Swamp paperbarks are one of Centennial Park’s most photographed sites. Understandable when you consider that they are some of the most beautiful paperbarks to be planted as an avenue and have already outgrown those around the Lily Pond that are over a century old. If you look closely, you might be able to spot a few of the local residents in the branches – Sydney’s largest colony of flying foxes.

Lily Pond bridge

Built in the 1890s, this timber pedestrian bridge over Lily Pond has become one of the park’s most iconic sites and is a popular backdrop for wedding photos.

Unlike other stormwater-fed ponds, Lily Pond is fed by a natural, underground spring in Lachlan Swamp – making its water some of clearest and most filtered you’ll see.

Australia's last duel?

Lachlan Swamp played host to the last known public duel in Australia in 1856.

The combatants were men of the colony, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Thomas L. Mitchell and the later-named Premier of NSW, Stuart Donaldson. The two traded shots when Mitchell censored Donaldson’s criticism of him in a letter – the issue being quashed only once bullets had whizzed through Mr Donaldson’s hat, and another within an inch of Sir Thomas’s throat.

Next: Make your way past the white Lily Pond bridge to the bird sculptures at Duck Pond.