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Duffys Forest, New South Wales facts for kids

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Duffys Forest
SydneyNew South Wales
Population 474 (2016 census)
Postcode(s) 2084
Elevation 184 m (604 ft)
Location 28 km (17 mi) north of Sydney CBD
LGA(s) Northern Beaches Council
State electorate(s) Pittwater
Federal Division(s) Mackellar
Suburbs around Duffys Forest:
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Duffys Forest Terrey Hills
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Duffys Forest is a quiet suburb located in the northern part of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It's about 28 kilometres north of the main city centre, known as the Sydney CBD. This area is part of the Northern Beaches region and is managed by the Northern Beaches Council. It's a place where nature is very close by!

The Story of Duffys Forest

How Duffys Forest Got Its Name

Duffys Forest is named after a man called Patrick Duffy. He was given some land here in 1857. Patrick Duffy worked as a timber cutter, meaning he cut down trees for wood.

He created a path through the thick bushland that led all the way to Cowan Creek. At the creek, he built a stone wharf. This wharf was used to transport the timber he cut. Today, this old wharf is still known as Duffys Wharf, and the path he cleared is called Duffys Track.

Places of Special History

Duffys Forest has a few spots that are important for their history. These are called heritage-listed sites.

Who Lives in Duffys Forest?

In 2016, a survey called the Census showed that 474 people lived in Duffys Forest. Most people, about 76.7%, were born in Australia. Also, a large number, 86.1%, spoke only English at home. When asked about religion, the most common answers were No Religion (32.0%), Catholic (25.9%), and Anglican (21.1%).

Cool Places and Nature

Waratah Park Earth Sanctuary

Waratah Park Earth Sanctuary (33°40′34″S 151°10′38″E / 33.6761°S 151.1772°E / -33.6761; 151.1772 (Waratah Park Earth Sanctuary)) used to be a very popular place for visitors in Duffys Forest. It was famous because it was the filming location for a well-known TV show called Skippy the Bush Kangaroo.

Many of the original film sets and props are still there. However, the sanctuary closed in August 2009. All the animals, including the kangaroos that were related to the ones in the show, have since moved away.

Duffys Forest's Special Plants

There's a very special group of plants and trees in the Sydney area called the 'Duffys Forest Ecological Community'. This community is considered an endangered ecological community. This means it's a unique natural area that needs protection because it's at risk of disappearing.

Schools in the Area

Duffys Forest is home to one school:

  • AGBU Alexander Primary School
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