Stolen Generations Memorial Walk

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Located in the stunning 1,027 acres (416 hectares) Mount Annan Botanic Gardens, the is a scenic, yet emotional walk that offers reflection and healing.

This beautiful boardwalk passes thick native woodland, marshes, leading to a significant sandstone sculpture carved by Aboriginal artist Uncle Badger Bates. The sculpture commemorates "The Stolen Generations".



Unfortunately, at our visit, the sculpture was enclosed with fencing and covered due to impertinent vandalism. It was extremely upsetting to see this.

The recent vandalism caused significant damage in February 2020, Uncle Bates, Aboriginal community Elders and members, and the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan staff are working together to repair and protect the Stolen Generations Memorial.

The crime was reported to the NSW Police, and CCTV was enacted.



The walk begins with a small wooden bridge that overlooks a swamp and surrounding swampland. From here, the flat dirt path features several plaques on the ground with each plaque presenting a quote from the people of the Stolen Generation.



The walk continues passing native woodland leading to a boardwalk which takes you over marshes and eventually to the Sculpture. From here, you can return backtracking your steps or take the track which passes another wooden boardwalk and Cumberland Plain Woodland (endangered species of bushland) finishing at the Australian Plantbank. (Closed at the time of our visit)

Alternatively, the walk can begin from the Plantbank and ending at the small bridge.



The Stolen Generations Memorial was planned in 1999 between the New South Wales Stolen Generations Committee, Botanic Gardens Trust, and Link Up NSW. The idea of the Memorial is to acknowledge the Stolen Generations.



The Stolen Generations Memorial has always been a focal issue for Aboriginal reconciliation. Every year, the National Sorry Day is held at the memorial to commemorate the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.

In 2007, the Stolen Generations Memorial was opened and this unique memorial showcased a place of peace, harmony, and reflection dedicated to all "Children of the Stolen Generations".



This beautiful tranquil and reflective walk is undoubtedly one of the best walks in the botanic gardens. It takes you on a peace and connection journey and is a must-do activity when visiting the Mt Annan Botanic Gardens.



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