Kissing Point, New South Wales facts for kids
Kissing Point is a special spot on the Parramatta River in New South Wales, Australia. It's located in the suburb of Putney, not far from Ryde. Long ago, the name "Kissing Point" actually covered a much bigger area than it does today.
Contents
History of Kissing Point
How Kissing Point Got Its Name
People have a few ideas about how Kissing Point got its interesting name:
- One idea is that big boats sailing up the Parramatta River could only go so far. Their bottoms would almost "kiss" the riverbed here because the water got too shallow.
- Another, more fun story says that this area was a popular place for picnics. Maybe Governor Hunter, an early leader, shared a friendly kiss with someone during one of these outings!
Early Settlement
Before Europeans arrived, the Wallumedegal people lived in this area.
When European settlers first came, they called the area "Eastern Farms." In 1792, land was given to 10 people who had been convicts but were now free. By 1794, the name "Kissing Point" was being used. In the early 1800s, this name included places like Ryde, Putney, and Gladesville.
One of the free convicts was James Squire. He was famous for making the first beer in the colony and became a successful businessman. He grew hops (a plant used in beer) and built a brewery and a pub near Kissing Point. You can still find a plaque there today that remembers James Squire.
Kissing Point was also very important for growing fruits and vegetables to feed the early colony.
An important Aboriginal man named Bennelong passed away in this area. He was buried on James Squire's land, close to Kissing Point.
Later, a company called Kidman and Mayoh's Shipyard was built here after World War I. They tried to build large cargo ships, but the ships they made weren't used as planned. They were later sold for parts. Another company, Halvorsen's, later built ships for World War II in the same spot where James Squire's old wharf was.
Kissing Point Today
Kissing Point is part of the Parish of Hunters Hill and is located in the suburb of Putney.
Today, Kissing Point has two wharves (docks). One is at Bennelong Park, and the other is the Sydney Ferries Kissing Point Wharf. You can catch a ferry from this wharf to Sydney CBD (the city center). There is also a bus service (route 507) that runs nearby.
If you have a boat, there's a ramp next to the Kissing Point Wharf where you can launch it. There's also parking for boat trailers. Kissing Point is a well-known spot along the Parramatta Valley Cycleway, a popular bike path.
