Coutts Crossing, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Coutts Crossing New South Wales
A church at Coutts Crossing.
Coutts Crossing Location in New South Wales
Population	1,353 (2006 census)
Postcode(s)	2460
Elevation	40 m (131 ft)
Location	18 km (11 mi) from Grafton
LGA(s)	Clarence Valley
State electorate(s)	Clarence
Federal Division(s)	Page

Coutts Crossing is a friendly village in the Clarence Valley Council area of New South Wales, Australia. It's home to about 1,353 people. The village is located about 18 kilometers southwest of Grafton. You can find it along the Armidale–Grafton Road, right by the Orara River.

History of Coutts Crossing

How the Village Got Its Name

Coutts Crossing is named after an early settler from Scotland, Thomas Coutts. He arrived in the area in 1840. Thomas Coutts set up a large farm nearby called Kangaroo Creek pastoral station. During these early times, there were often conflicts between settlers and the local Aboriginal people. Thomas Coutts was involved in a serious incident in 1847. He was later arrested and faced a trial in Sydney, but the case was dismissed. After this, he returned to the area and continued to acquire more land.

Early Settlers and Their Farms

Another important early settler in the Coutts Crossing area was William Forster. He arrived in 1840 and started a sheep station. He first named his farm "Purgatory." This name reflected the challenges he faced when settling the land. Later, he changed the name to Geergarow. Today, the main road heading west from Coutts Crossing is named Geergarow Road, remembering this early farm.

Life in Coutts Crossing

Village Facilities and Services

Coutts Crossing started as a place where local farmers could get supplies and services in the 1860s. Today, many people who live in the village travel to Grafton for work. Even so, Coutts Crossing still has important services for its residents.

You can find a tavern, a general store, and a community hall here. There is also a church in the village.

Sports and Community Activities

Over the past 25 years, Coutts Crossing has added many great places for sports and community events. These include:

• Courts for tennis and squash.
• Fields for football and croquet.
• A nine-hole golf course.
• A pre-school for younger children.
• A heritage center, where you can learn about the area's history.
• A combined New South Wales Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service center, built in 1997. This center helps keep the community safe.

Coutts Crossing Public School

The local school, Coutts Crossing Public School, first opened its doors in 1913. As of 2023, the school has 94 students enrolled. It plays an important part in the community.