Field of Mars, Ryde

1880s records refer to Koori people camping near the Lane Cove River, one of the many freshwater camping spots visited traditionally from time to time. The remains of a large shell midden still observable indicates a very long Aboriginal presence there.

The people were dispersed from the Field of Mars vicinity probably earlier than the more settled areas, for although the area was, and still is, rather isolated, the exact same area as the Koori campsite provided excellent wharfing facilities for timber and later factory material to be shipped.

Location