North Forde

 

Aboriginal sites of cultural significance are a focus at these ponds. Sculptures based on water life and plants make this site in a new suburb of Canberra well worth visiting for a picnic or barbeque.

How to get there?

From Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve car park continue north along Amy Ackman Street. Turn left into Handbury Way. Take the first left into Foy Street.

Why is this interesting?

These ponds are reminders that a tributary of Ginninderra Creek once flowed here. Aboriginal people were attracted to the site and its resources because of its proximity to water and its north-westerly aspect. This is evident in the high concentration of artefacts.

When greenfield developments are planned, an archaeological assessment is completed before any new infrastructure is built. This assists in understanding the history of the area and its heritage values. It was through such an assessment that this site was seen as being important to the area's Aboriginal heritage.

Significant finds that point to a site’s cultural significance to the Aboriginal people may require an adjustment of the development plans to accommodate such sites. This happened in Crace with the scarred trees and at Girrawah Park in the suburb of Ngunnawal.