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Long before factories, warehouses and excellent affordable eateries dominated Sydney's Inner West, Gumbramorra was a vast network of wetlands connected to the Cooks River catchment. Stretching across what are now Marrickville, Sydenham, Tempe and St Peters, it supported an abundance of native wildlife and sustained the Gadigal and Wangal peoples of the Eora Nation for tens of thousands of years before the area was drained and filled during the late 1800s. Now, more than 100 years after it was drained and filled, part of this culturally and ecologically significant pocket of the city is about to welcome visitors once again.
This Sunday, July 12, Inner West Council will officially unveil the Gumbramorra Wetlands Re-Creation Project in Marrickville – a landmark environmental restoration that's bringing an ancient wetland ecosystem back to life more than 100 years after it disappeared beneath industry and urban development.
Described as one of the most significant urban wetland restoration projects in Sydney's history, the $1.2 million transformation has breathed new life into a section of Mackey Park, creating a lush landscape of open-water ponds, marshes, reed beds, saltmarsh plantings, rain gardens and thousands of native plants.
As well as creating valuable habitat for birds, frogs and other wildlife, the restored wetlands have been designed to capture, slow and naturally filter stormwater before it reaches local waterways. The project is also expected to improve water quality and help reduce flooding in Mackey Park, proving that green spaces can deliver practical benefits alongside their natural beauty.
The project also shines a light on the site's deep cultural significance. Winding through the wetlands is a new Reconciliation Walk, featuring cultural artworks, interpretive signage and storytelling that celebrates the enduring connection Aboriginal people have with Gumbramorra and the surrounding landscape.
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne described the restoration as one of the area's most ambitious environmental projects in recent years, saying it recognises the history of the landscape while ensuring future generations can experience and learn from it.
Keen to see it in person? The community is invited to celebrate the wetlands' return at a free opening event this Sunday as part of Inner West Council's NAIDOC Week program, running from 10am to noon at Marrickville’s Mackey Park.
You can find out more over here.
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