Barden Ridge, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Barden Ridge Sydney, New South Wales
St Pauls Anglican Church
Barden Ridge Location in New South Wales
Population	4,329 (2016 census)
Established	1996
Postcode(s)	2234
Elevation	121 m (397 ft)
Location	29 km (18 mi) south of Sydney CBD
LGA(s)	Sutherland Shire
State electorate(s)	Holsworthy
Federal Division(s)	Hughes
Suburbs around Barden Ridge: Holsworthy Menai Bangor Lucas Heights Barden Ridge Woronora Heights Lucas Heights Engadine Engadine

The Ridge, Golf Driving Range

Barden Ridge is a suburb in southern Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It's about 29 kilometres south of the main city area. People who live here often call it 'The Ridge'. This area has grown from a quiet bushland spot into a lively community with everything you need.

Where is Barden Ridge?

Barden Ridge is located near the Woronora River. This river flows north into the Georges River. A special part of the Woronora River, called 'The Needles', is a narrow body of water between two steep hills. The water here is very cold, even in summer! It's a popular spot for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking.

A Look at History

Barden Ridge got its name from Alfred Barden. His family was one of the first to settle in the nearby Bangor area before the 1850s. The name 'Barden Ridge' was first used to describe the area's geography. This suburb was actually called Lucas Heights before it got its current name. The land was originally home to the Dharawal People, who are Australia's First Nations people. Over the years, the area has faced some big bushfires, with a major evacuation happening in the early 2000s.

Who Lives Here?

In 2016, about 4,329 people lived in Barden Ridge. Most residents, about 83%, were born in Australia. The next largest group came from England. About 85% of people living here speak only English at home. Many different religions are followed, with Catholic and Anglican being the most common.

Getting Around

The closest train station is Sutherland, which is on the Sydney Trains Illawarra railway line. Another nearby station is at Padstow. Local buses are run by a company called U-Go Mobility. In 2005, a new road called the Bangor Bypass was finished. This road makes it easier and quicker to get from Sutherland to Barden Ridge. It helps drivers avoid going through Menai and Bangor.

Sports and Fun

Barden Ridge is a great place for sports and recreation! The Ridge Sports Complex is a huge facility. It has many playing fields, netball courts, and even a special park for dogs. You can also find a BMX track, an athletics track, and a golf driving range here. There's also The Ridge Golf Course and a club for golfers.

Near Lucas Heights Community School, there's another oval for Baseball and AFL, plus a park. Shire Christian School also has a sports field and tennis courts. You'll find other parks and nature spots all around the suburb too.

Barden Ridge is home to several sports teams:

• Barden Ridgebacks Football Club (soccer)
• Barden Ridgebacks Netball Club
• Shire R/C Aircraft club (for remote control planes)
• Illawong Marlins Baseball Club
• The Barden Ridge Comets Cricket Team

Schools in Barden Ridge

There are two schools in Barden Ridge:

• Lucas Heights Community School, which teaches students from Kindergarten all the way to Year 12.
• Shire Christian School.

Churches

You can find two churches in Barden Ridge:

• St Paul's Anglican Church
• Sutherland Reformed Church

Emergency Services

Barden Ridge has its own Bushfire Brigade station. The area is also served by nearby emergency services like the Menai Police Station, NSW Ambulance Station, and Fire and Rescue NSW Brigade.

Aged Care

The suburb is home to the Barden Lodge Retirement Home, which provides care for older residents.

Famous Faces

• Rebecca Breeds, an actress known for TV shows like Home and Away and Blue Water High, went to Shire Christian School.