The Mysteries of Mullet Island
tour leader
David Reynolds
location
Brooklyn, The Hawkesbury River, Dangar Island.
time & date
9.15am - 4.00pm
Friday 18th August 2023
fitness level
Modest level of fitness. Uneven and loose surfaces. Bush tracks in places. Approx. 6kms
ticket price
$125.00
highlights
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Tour of Mullet Island with local historian David Reynolds (Dangar Island Historical Society President)
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Visit to beach, bush and forest
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Precolonial habitation, first contact and the evolution of an island community
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Lunch at waterside cafe
the tour
A beautiful walking tour to unravel the mysteries of Dangar Island. Meeting at the Brooklyn marina we catch a heritage ferry across to the island to be welcomed by David Reynolds, President of the Dangar Island Historical Society. Enjoy an historical journey across the island from first contact between traditional custodians of the river and the newcomers; stories of pirates and smugglers; the naming of 'Mullet Island'; to the days of commodious streamers and the building of the Hawkesbury River Railway Bridge. We meander through parks, community sites, beaches and natural bushland treading in the footsteps. After a waterside lunch we walk to the top of the island to enjoy the natural beauty of a regionally significant Blackbutt – Roughbarked Apple Forest with expansive views over Dyarubbin - on the way spot the yellow variety of King Parrot and beautiful Sydney Red Gums. Our ferry returns from the wharf at 3.30pm
the guide
David Reynolds, known colloquially as 'Dangar Dave' is the President of the Dangar Island Historical Society and a long term resident on the island. David has spent decades researching and delving into the archives to find historical documents relating to this unique Lower Hawkesbury island. His tours draw on these archival records and in best storytelling tradition includes local anecdotes about Dangerites and community happenings such as the Dangardi Gras (Dangar Island Mardi Gras) and the Dangar Dory Derby Day (Dory rowboat race around the island).