Lake Macquarie History

Arundinetum, Mirrabooka

The name of Joseph Marshall's property at Sugar Bay - present day Mirrabooka - and the site of his sugar processing plant in the late 1860s and 1870s. Arundinetum is Latin for a thick growth of reeds or rushes. The climate of the Lake was far from ideal for growing the cane, and after the mill was destroyed by bushfire in 1875, it was abandoned.

Acknowledgement of Country

We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country. It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters. Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past, present and future.

Council acknowledges traditional custodians throughout Australia. We commit to listening deeply to and collaborating with First Peoples in our work.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website and Council's cultural collections may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.

This website may contain place names, opinions and terms that reflect authors' views or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded. These may not be considered appropriate today.

If you experience any issues with the website or its content please contact us [email protected]