Spencer to host Voices from the Secret River

Enjoy lunch, or maybe a river cruise in Spencer on Sunday, April 27, before joining historians, maritime investigators and raconteurs at an afternoon symposium about trading vessels along the Hawkesbury River and tales of skulduggery along the remote tributaries.

The event, Voices from the Secret River, is one of the local events in the National Trust 2025 Australian Heritage Festival (NSW).

Maritime historian Peter Rea will talk about transporting produce and people, shedding light on the various types of vessels and ships that navigated the river, Broken Bay, and the coast, including the Mosquito Fleet and the Lady Nelson.

Renowned historian Emeritus Professor Grace Karskens will present her latest research in an illustrated talk delving into the world of “ships sailing on sandstone”, focusing on ships and boats depicted in Aboriginal rock art found along Dyarubbin (the Hawkesbury River).

Actor and storyteller Chris Haywood will be the final presenter, with tales of the river dwellers who lived far enough from Sydney to evade the watchful eyes of the law.

Hear about shipwrecks, piracy, smuggling and skulduggery along the hidden tributaries of the Hawkesbury, from Mangrove to Marramarra Creek.

Make a day of it by combining a river cruise – tickets for the symposium and river cruise can be purchased separately or at a 10% discount for a combined ticket.

The event will be held at 4685 Wisemans Ferry Rd, Spencer.

Prebooking is required: https://www.heritageventures.com.au/symposium2025 or phone 0447 545 271.

For more information visit www.heritageventures.com.au/voices2025

This year’s National Trust Heritage Festival, titled Unearthed, encompasses 150 events in NSW until May 18 including special exhibitions, walks, tours of historical sites, performances, food experiences, ceremonies, demonstrations, and other curated events and activities bringing heritage to life.

See the full calendar for the 2025 Australian Heritage Festival NSW at australianheritagefestival.org.au