City of Canada Bay Museum & tour of ‘Rivendell’, Concord West

When: Sunday 26 July 2026

Where: Canada Bay Museum, 1 Bent Street, Concord (100m walk from Brewer Street carpark); Rivendell, Hospital Road, Concord West (parking on grounds).

Getting there: We are intending to get people there via carpooling. If you can provide your car as part of the pooling team, please let us know. Public transport is available; details can be provided when you book.

Meet: 11.15 – 11.30am at the council car park, Crystal Street, Petersham, opposite the Petersham Town Hall.

Cost: $20 for Rivendell School tour. We have bulk booked so payment in advance to Marrickville Heritage Society is required. Bank details available on booking.

Lunch: We suggest eating beforehand or bringing your own lunch. Tea/coffee and scones will be served at Rivendell.

Bookings essential: Richard 0413 335 897 or marrickvilleheitagesociety@outlook.com. If you need to cancel, please advise us immediately as numbers are limited.

The City of Canada Bay Museum is managed and staffed by volunteers with council support. Open since 2009 it offers an extensive collection of artefacts from the past. It includes items specific to the area including local industries such as Bushell’s and Arnott’s.

Rivendell School began life in 1893 as the Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital. With funds provided in his will, Walker, along with his children, had this large brick and sandstone complex of buildings constructed to provide free convalescent care.

Designed by John Sulman in the Federation Free Classical style, over 70,000 patients, including Henry Lawson, were treated here until its closure in 1979.

At that time it was transferred to the NSW Health Department. It now houses the Rivendell Adolescent Unit, which includes Rivendell School. And yes, it is named after the valley in the stories of J.R.R. Tolkien.