Greta, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids GretaCessnock, New South Wales |
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![]() Greta's historic court house
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Population | 2,830 (2016 census) | ||||||||||||||
• Density | 486.9/km2 (1,261/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
Postcode(s) | 2334 | ||||||||||||||
Elevation | 70 m (230 ft) | ||||||||||||||
Area | 5.1 km2 (2.0 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
Time zone | AEST (UTC+10) | ||||||||||||||
• Summer (DST) | AEDT (UTC+11) | ||||||||||||||
Location | |||||||||||||||
LGA(s) |
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Region | Hunter | ||||||||||||||
County | Northumberland | ||||||||||||||
Parish | Branxton | ||||||||||||||
State electorate(s) | Cessnock | ||||||||||||||
Federal Division(s) | Hunter | ||||||||||||||
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Greta is a small town in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. It is known for its history, especially its role in coal mining and as a place for new migrants.
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History of Greta
The land around Greta has long been home to the Wonnarua people. They are the traditional owners and caretakers of this area. European settlers first arrived near Anvil Creek in the 1830s.
The town of Greta was officially planned in 1842. It might have been named after a river in England. Coal mining began here in 1862, helped by the new railway station. In 1864, a special type of rock called kerosene shale was found. By the 1870s, Greta was growing. It had hotels, churches, a school, and places for learning.
A scientist named Edgeworth David found the important Greta Coal Seam in 1886. By 1907, ten coal mines were working in the area. In 2016, Greta had about 2,830 people. This number grew to 3,349 by 2021.
In June 2023, there was a serious bus crash on Wine Country Drive. Ten people sadly died in this accident.
Greta Army Camp
The Greta Army Camp is just outside the town. It opened in 1939 to train soldiers for World War II. After the war, in 1949, it became a big center for new migrants coming to Australia.
This camp was one of Australia's largest migrant reception and training centers. It operated from June 1949 to January 1960. During these 11 years, over 100,000 new migrants passed through Greta Camp. They were all looking for a new life in Australia.
Getting Around Greta
Greta is located on the New England Highway. This highway is about 183 kilometers (114 miles) north of Sydney. You can also reach Sydney using the Hunter Expressway.
The NSW TrainLink's Hunter Line goes through Greta railway station. This station first opened in 1869.
Hunter Valley Buses also runs three bus routes through Greta:
- Route 179: Travels from Stockland Greenhills to North Rothbury. It passes through East Maitland, Maitland, Rutherford, Lochinvar, and Branxton.
- Route 180: Goes from Stockland Greenhills to Singleton Heights. It stops in East Maitland, Maitland, Rutherford, Lochinvar, Branxton, and Singleton.
- Route 180X: Connects Maitland station to Singleton station. It travels via Lochinvar and Branxton.
Special Places in Greta
Greta has a special heritage listing for its Greta railway station. This means it is an important historical site.