Kelso, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kelso New South Wales
Kelso, as seen from the Bathurst side of Evans Bridge, crossing the Macquarie River c. 2006
Kelso Location in New South Wales
Population	8,968 (2016 census)
Established	1918
Postcode(s)	2795
Elevation	660 m (2,165 ft)
Location	199 km (124 mi) WNW of Sydney 57 km (35 mi) W of Lithgow 4 km (2 mi) E of Bathurst
LGA(s)	Bathurst Regional Council
State electorate(s)	Bathurst
Federal Division(s)	Calare
Suburbs around Kelso: Bathurst Laffing Waters Forest Grove Bathurst Kelso Raglan Gormans Hill White Rock Raglan

Kelso is a suburb located near Bathurst in New South Wales, Australia. It is part of the Bathurst Regional Council area.

Kelso's Early History

Kelso holds a special place in Australian history. It was the very first European settlement in this region. In 1816, the first small town of Bathurst was set up on the eastern side of the Macquarie River. This area is now known as Kelso.

The first ten farmers who settled in Kelso each received about 50 acres (20 hectares) of land. Half of these farmers were people born in the new colony, and the other half were immigrants who had come from other countries.

Special Historic Places

Kelso is home to several important heritage-listed sites. These are places recognized for their historical value. One such site is:

• 71-85 Gilmour Street: Holy Trinity Anglican Church

Exploring Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church, a historic landmark.

The Holy Trinity Church is a very important building. It was the first church built inland in Australia. Construction finished in 1835. It was made to serve the Anglican community in Kelso.

This church was also the first in Australia to be officially dedicated by a bishop. It has strong connections to the early days of settlement west of the Great Dividing Range. Around the church, you'll find an old cemetery. Many of the first settlers and important people from the Kelso and Bathurst areas are buried there.

Education in Kelso

Students in Kelso attend the Kelso High Campus. This school opened in 1976. It is part of the Denison College of Secondary Education. The other campus is the Bathurst High Campus.

Kelso's Old Railway Station

Kelso once had its own railway station. It was located on the Main Western line. The station first opened on February 4, 1875. It closed exactly 100 years later, on April 6, 1975. Today, people in Kelso use bus services instead of trains.