PENRITH'S new tourist attraction, the Nepean River Explorer, has been launched.

Guests on this 30-seat fast vessel will experience the exhilaration of skimming across the Nepean on a trip into the national park and Nepean Gorge.

There are special cruises during the second week of the school holidays. Tickets will cost $5.

The vessel is the third in a family venture established when John and Helen Wakeling launched the Nepean Belle in 1982.

Passengers on the Nepean River Explorer will receive a running commentary on the history of the river, its geography, flora and fauna.

To take advantage of introductory ticket prices, call Nepean Belle and Blue Mountains River Cruises on 47331274.

For the company's cruise schedule and information about all types of cruises, visit www.nepeanbelle.com.au.

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Aboriginal farm's history revealed

The Penrith Regional Gallery will create an educational kit to accompany an exhibition, uncovering the story of an Aboriginal mission farm in western Sydney.

The gallery will develop the kit to increase awareness of Aboriginal people living on a local mission, with the help of a $7000 BlueScope Steel Gallery Focused Grant for Gallery Education.

The Marella Aboriginal Mission Farm operated until the 1980s.

The gallery's exhibition, Marella: The Hidden Mission, hopes to uncover secrets of the significant site.

The Marella: The Hidden Mission education kit will accompany the exhibition and provide teachers with a resource to promote reconciliation.

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