The aboriginal tribe that lived in the Sydney area was known as the Eora, and the aboriginal people in the southern part of Sydney were members of the Gwiyagal (or Gweagal) group within this tribe. The Gwiyagal lived between Cook's River and George's River from the shores of Botany Bay westwards towards Liverpool.

The Gwiyagal would have found that their territory had much to offer. The George's River provided fish (a very important part of the diet of Sydney aborigines), and oysters. Waterfowl could be caught in the swamplands, and the variety of soils would have supported a variety of edible and medicinal plants.

Numerous small creeks, many of which are now covered drains, would have provided fresh water. Birds and their eggs, possums, wallabies and goannas would also have been on the menu, and may have provided fur coats and ceremonial attire. Honey from native bees would provide a sweet change from roast meat and salad.

Middens were once found all along the tidal section of the George's River where shells, fish bones, and other rubbish was thrown into heaps. They marked areas where the aborigines camped for long periods, and are found where oysters, fresh water, and strategic views come together. Middens were found throughout Oatley, and Oatley Point has been called a feasting ground. In Lugarno a midden may still be found in Lime Kiln Bay, and middens have been reported in the past in the Moons, and near Evatt Park.

Caves or rock shelters were important to the aborigines as they had no substantial homes, and few clothes. In winter they would huddle together in the available shelter, warming themselves with fire. Caves and shelters may be found eroded into the sandstone cliffs along the George's River. In South Peakhurst there is a large cave, with its ceiling blackened with smoke. Some caves near Evatt Park, Lugarno have oyster shells ground into the cave floor, and carvings used to adorn the cave walls until an attempt at restoration by a Scout troop destroyed them. A cave has been reported near the Baptist Church in Lugarno, and another near Margaret Crescent, Lugarno (now destroyed by building in the area) was found to contain ochre and a spear head in the cave floor when it was excavated. Another cave is on Mickey's Point, Padstow, which was named after a local aborigine.