If you’ve ever wandered into the swamp-like heart of Centennial Park and felt like you’d stumbled into a pocket of pure wilderness, you’re not entirely wrong. Hidden among the rolling lawns and horse tracks is one of Sydney’s most remarkable ecosystems – a freshwater wetland known as the Lachlan Swamp. It’s a place where water bubbles up from underground, paperbark trees twist skyward, and a colony of grey-headed flying foxes chatter from the canopy. And now, an environmentally sensitive new addition allows Sydneysiders to get even closer to nature without disturbing it.
What is the badu ngura boardwalk?
The badu ngura Boardwalk (badu ngura meaning area of freshwater in Dharawal language) is an elevated walkway that winds through the swamp, offering a fresh perspective on the park’s lush heart while protecting the delicate ecosystem beneath. Replacing a crumbling timber path, the new boardwalk has been carefully designed by Sydney-based architecture firm Sam Crawford Architects to allow visitors to tread lightly. No trees were removed during construction, and even the surfaces have been shaped to minimise the build-up of bat droppings.
What can you see at the badu ngura boardwalk?
Along the route, twelve interpretive signs created in collaboration with the La Perouse Aboriginal community share stories of the land, the animals that call it home, and their deep significance in First Nations culture. The project brings together the creative work of Bidjigal artist Jordan Ardler, who designed the artworks, and the Gujaga Foundation, who contributed the cultural knowledge and Dharawal language.
The result is a walkway that’s part nature trail, part outdoor classroom, and part cultural gallery – one that invites visitors to slow down, listen and learn. The viewing platform at the centre of the trail offers a peaceful vantage point for birdwatching and bat-spotting within the stillness of the swamp.
How to get to the badu ngura boardwalk?
The badu ngura boardwalk and trail are located within the wetlands of Centennial Parklands, accessible via Dickens Drive. Entry is free.
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