Drake, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids DrakeNew South Wales |
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Bruxner Highway
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 Drake
Location in New South Wales
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| Population | 345 (2016 census) |
| Established | 1860s |
| Postcode(s) | 2469 |
| Elevation | 500 m (1,640 ft) |
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | Tenterfield Shire |
| County | Drake County |
| State electorate(s) | Lismore |
| Federal Division(s) | New England |
Drake is a small country town in New South Wales, Australia. It's located on the Bruxner Highway, about 44 kilometers (27 miles) east of Tenterfield, New South Wales. If you were to travel from Sydney, New South Wales, Drake is about 800 kilometers (500 miles) north. It's part of the Tenterfield Shire area, which is in the New England region. In 2016, about 345 people lived in Drake. The town is also part of Drake County.
Contents
History of Drake
Early Discoveries and Mining
In 1858, people found gold near a place called Newmans Pinch. This hill was close to what is now Drake. A few years later, copper was also discovered and mined in the area.
The first post office opened in 1858, but it was called Timbarra. It changed its name to Drake in 1867. Another Drake post office opened in 1879 and stayed open until 1985.
Growth of the Town
During the 1860s, the first land lots in Drake were sold. The Public School opened its doors in November 1887.
A company called the Australian Antimony Co. started mining here in 1872. Antimony is a type of metal. Drake became the main community center for their workers.
A Busy Mining Town
Between 1872 and 1890, Drake was a very busy place. It was a thriving town for mining and timber. There were 14 hotels, a town band, and many homes.
The town also had businesses like a blacksmith, a post office, and stores. In 1885, a weekly coach service started running from Tenterfield to Casino. Drake was an important stop for bullock teams, drovers, and settlers. These travelers moved between the inland and coastal parts of the region.
Modern Drake
Today, the original police station and house are privately owned. Drake now has a new Rural Transaction & Resource Centre. This center helps the community with various services.
The old St Peter the Apostle Anglican Church is a special building. It has been added to the Register of the National Estate. This means it's an important historical place.
The community in Drake now focuses on farming, timber, and tourism. People visit Drake for hiking, fishing, and looking for minerals (fossicking).
Population Information
In the 2016 Census, there were 345 people living in Drake. Most people, about 70.8%, were born in Australia. Also, 81.7% of the people living there spoke only English at home.
