Koonawarra, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids KoonawarraWollongong, New South Wales |
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Population | 3,667 (2016 census) | ||||||||||||||
Postcode(s) | 2530 | ||||||||||||||
Elevation | 16 m (52 ft) | ||||||||||||||
Location |
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LGA(s) | City of Wollongong | ||||||||||||||
Region | Illawarra | ||||||||||||||
County | Camden | ||||||||||||||
Parish | Calderwood | ||||||||||||||
State electorate(s) | Shellharbour | ||||||||||||||
Federal Division(s) | Whitlam | ||||||||||||||
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Koonawarra is a suburb located in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. It sits on the western side of Lake Illawarra. This area is known for its beautiful natural surroundings.
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What is Koonawarra?
Koonawarra is a friendly community within the larger city of Wollongong. It is a place where people live, work, and go to school. The suburb is close to the water, offering nice views of Lake Illawarra.
Where is Koonawarra Located?
Koonawarra is found in the Illawarra region of New South Wales. It is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of the main city of Wollongong. The suburb is also about 97 kilometers (60 miles) southwest of Sydney, Australia's largest city.
A Look Back in Time: History of Koonawarra
Koonawarra has a long and interesting history. It was one of the very first areas in the Illawarra region to be officially granted as land.
The First Land Grants
In 1817, a large piece of land, about 1300 acres, was given to a person named Richard Brooks. This land was first called "Exmouth." It stretched from a place called Brook's Creek all the way to Mullet Creek. The land also faced Lake Illawarra.
How Koonawarra Got its Name
Later, the land known as "Exmouth" became part of a bigger estate owned by Henry Osborne. This estate covered a large area from Macquarie Rivulet to Mullet Creek. It also went from Lake Illawarra up to the mountains. The name "Koonawarra" comes from an Aboriginal word. This word means "swan," which is a type of beautiful water bird.