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Corner of Pitt St and Macquarie St,
Parramatta
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Parramatta River and Domain Creek
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UBD Map reference 211 A2
(larger scale map 24)
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Facilities include Visitor Centre (check with
Parramatta Park Trust as it is closed at present) picnic tables,
and public toilets.
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Park map attached to kit
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Historical site
Parramatta Regional Park was the first
successful food growing area in Australia. (George Dodd)
The park includes an historic agriculture plot including the
old orchard. Brochures about the site are available from Old
Government House. The Visitors Centre near the weir has historic
photos of convicts and good aerial photos of the catchment.
Historic hoop and bunya pines that were used for signal fires
by local aborigines can be found in the park. There are also
aboriginal “scar trees” in the adjacent golf course.
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Environmental Management
Domain Creek is infested with
weeds. A revegetation program is under way along the creek
banks. Weeds such as poplars, willows, and coral trees are
being removed form creek banks and creek line. Creek banks
are being stabilised and mulched, then replanted with local
indigenous plants. In-stream vegetation is being replanted
and is also naturally regenerating with more common species,
including Phragmites reeds and Commelina (native
tradescantia with a blue flower). The reeds trap sediment
and leaves coming from stormwater drains. Weed invasion of
in-stream revegetated zones by Tradescantia.
A Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) and
wetland have been constructed on an old farm dam on the golf
course. The first pond drops out sediment and the second pond
allows for some nutrient retention. The Domain Creek catchment
upstream from this point is piped.
Stormwater treatment
devices such as GPTs reduce the pollution load entering a
waterway by trapping gross pollutants such as litter, leaves
and sediment. They can also slow the flow of a waterway and
retain excess nutrients (eg. Constructed Wetlands).
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Figure 1: Constructed wetland (Managing Urban Stormwater
NSW EPA 1997)
Constructed wetlands are a shallow water body with a large
proportion of its water surface covered by macrophytes. The wetland
slows the flow of a waterway and traps sediment. Visually attractive,
they provide habitats and recreational areas. However, unmanaged
they can create a habitat for mosquitos, noxious weeds and nuisance
odours from stagnating materials.
A gross pollutant trap (GPT) will catch litter and coarse
sediments before they can enter a wetland, pond or other stormwater
treatment device. The GPT also concentrates litter at a single location
ready for easy removal.
Figure 2: Typical open Gross Pollutant Trap (Managing
Urban Stormwater, NSW EPA 1997)
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Weed infested section
of Domain Creek
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Domain Creek regeneration
site
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Parramatta River flows through
the park. There are excessive nutrient levels in the river,
resulting in hyacinth and alligator weed blooms. There is
a permanent sampling point upstream of the weir. Parramatta
River floods regularly and washes out the car park. 1/100yr
flooding of O’Connell St –refer flood maps.
Urban development has impacted
on the park through the controversial acquisition of land
for Parramatta Stadium.
Fauna - sulphur crested cockatoo,
swamp hen, rainbow lorikeet, wood duck
Weeds - Camphor Laurel, Privet,
Lantana, Ludwidgia, Nymphaea, Tradescantia
Alligator weed - creeps up in
mown areas and into estuary, where it is surviving in mangroves
(Identify by hollow stem, flower).
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Site Walk (see site map)
1.
Enter Park via Macquarie St. gatehouse and park bus at Old
Government House or adjacent car park. The National Trust of Australia
runs school programs (such as tours) through Old Government House.
2.
From Old Government House walk north toward Parramatta River
and the bridge to Dodds Farm. Note the sewerage overflow point.
In heavy rain this point would overflow raw sewage, where would
it go from here?
3.
Walk across the bridge to Dodds Farm. This area was used
to grow crops and herd cattle. Note the high proportion of weed
species on riverbank such as willows, camphor laurel, lantana, and
morning glory. How could this area be improved?
4.
Walk along the river toward Parramatta Stadium. List the
number of weed species present as you walk. The proportion of native
species increases after you pass Old Kings Oval however passing
Parramatta Stadium note the large piles of Grass clipping. Where
would these have come from? Note the numerous weed species surrounding
this area. Why would there be more weeds here? What could alternatively
be done with the grass clippings?
5.
Continue along the river to the weir, where there is usually
large piles of rubbish banked up against the weir intake. Where
could this have come from? The water could potentially be tested
easily at this point. Describe the river flow, watercolour, bank
condition, human impacts and vegetation cover.
6.
After crossing the weir walk south to the Burramatta Visitors
Center. At the time of print, this center was closed but if open
it is worth a visit for a historical perspective of the park. Toilets
are also available.
7.
Across the road from the visitors center is the sign for
the Dairy walk, which can be followed to give a good history of
this area of the park. What would this area have looked like before
Europeans settled in this area?
8.
From the Dairy precinct walk toward Domain Creek. This is
a tributary of the Parramatta River and this area near Coleman Oval
has not yet been regenerated. Note the Poplars and other invasive
weed species. What could be the origin of these plants? What could
be done to restore this area?
9.
Work has already begun on the southern parts of Domain creek.
Walk down the creek and you will see the difference. How could this
work have improved the health of the creek and Parramatta River?
Could similar work be done elsewhere?
10. Senior
classes only – Teacher contact Parramatta Golf Club phone 9635
6633 to seek permission first. There is a new gross pollution
trap and wetlands in the golf course. They have been installed to
improve the quality of stormwater flowing out of the Parramatta
CBD. Walk upstream from Domain Creek, through the tunnel and cross
Park Pd to gain access to the golf course. Caution – watch
for golfers.
Site Activities
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Catchment walk,
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Water quality testing,
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Habitat assessment,
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Water bugs in Domain Creek,
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Transects, quadrats,
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Mapping
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Site investigation
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Stream bank assessment
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Historical investigation
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Bush regeneration
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Weed identification
Resource Links
Parramatta Park Visitor Guide. Available
from Old Government House
Old Government House –Properties.
Available from Old Government House
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