Looking back to my childhood, I remember with fondness, warm
sunny days, good friends, a fresh breeze blowing off the Maribyrnong River and
Smugglers Cave.
Nature's perfect playground, our own private paradise, we were so lucky to have such beauty practically at our doorstep.
It would have been the mid 1970's when I first went down to the junction of Steele's Creek and the Maribyrnong River. Having three older brothers I was introduced at an early age to the wonder of adventures 'down the river'.
Back then, there was no formal walking track. We went down either by a cable that was attached to the cliff face or down one of the many tracks that had been well worn by other kids, anglers, keen walkers and of course Nick (The Hermit).
Many hours were spent clambering up and down the cliffs, dodging boxthorns and scotch thistles, catching sight of a fox or rabbit and just generally burning off excess energy.
Down at the river the choices of activities were unlimited; a
walk to the ford, go across the ford for a hike across the paddocks to the ruins
of the Riverview Tea Gardens, a swim in the river, play at the creek, or
scramble in, over and around Smugglers Cave.
The cave itself is one big room with a kind of 'shelf' on the right that goes back about 5 feet into the cliff. Above this was an 'escape hatch' which was just wide enough to squeeze through.
Our imaginations were released in this environment and we had all sorts of ideas as to what happened here in 'the old days'.
Being kids, none of us ever bothered to find out facts or details, besides, our imagination more than compensated. We had theories such as pirates and gold, stolen treasure, slaves and 'bootleggers' with barrels of whiskey. Most of our ideas came from movies and TV shows, but anything seems feasible when you're 12.
As childhood turned to teenage years, Smugglers became the place to light a fire, smoke cigarettes and other adolescent experiments.
Looking back, it gives me a great feeling, knowing that we were
never destructive in any way. The fire was small, controlled and set in a
way as not to put anyone at risk (including ourselves), as ventilation in the
cave was excellent. We all had a healthy respect for the beautiful area we
lived in.
We all loved animals and appreciated the scrubland and trees. The cave was so important to us all, we would never contemplate damaging it in any way. From my brothers and friends I learnt respect for nature and how lucky we were to have this open space so close to suburbia.
This experience as a kid engrained in me a big part of my outlook on life: ENJOY DON'T DESTROY.
As with all life, change happens, and I entered the adult years and bought a car, moved away from home etc and didn't go to Smugglers for many years. When I did go back (late 1980's or early 90's) I was disappointed to see that a metal caged gate had been fitted to the entrance. I realize this is for 'safety' but as we all played there for over 30 years without incident, I think we should let nature be nature and let kids be kids.
If we all have respect for each other and ourselves, respect for nature and be careful and responsible, then the cave and surrounding areas can be 'nature's playground' for many more generations.
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Photos: Paul Williams 2002
Author: Liz Innis 2002