Kurrajong, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kurrajong Sydney, New South Wales
Historical photograph of local citrus orchards from Records Authority of New South Wales
Kurrajong Location in New South Wales
Population	3,113 (2021 census)
Postcode(s)	2758
Elevation	150 m (492 ft)
Location	75 km (47 mi) NW of Sydney 8 km (5 mi) NW of Richmond 69 km (43 mi) ESE of Lithgow
LGA(s)	City of Hawkesbury
State electorate(s)	Hawkesbury
Federal Division(s)	Macquarie
Localities around Kurrajong: Kurrajong Heights Bilpin Blaxlands Ridge Kurrajong Hills Kurrajong The Slopes Grose Vale Grose Vale Kurmond

Kurrajong is a small town in New South Wales, Australia. It is about 75 kilometres (47 mi) north-west of Sydney. Kurrajong is part of the City of Hawkesbury local government area.

The town is located west of the Hawkesbury River. It sits on the lower slopes of the Blue Mountains. Kurrajong is 8 kilometres (5 mi) north-west of Richmond along the Bells Line of Road. Further west on this road are Kurrajong Hills and Kurrajong Heights.

History of Kurrajong

Kurrajong is a popular place for visitors. People enjoy its quiet village feel and beautiful natural surroundings.

Early Days and Name Origin

The name Kurrajong comes from an Aboriginal word. It refers to several types of Australian trees in the Brachychiton group. These trees once grew in large numbers in the area. Aboriginal people used the bark fibres from these trees to make things like fishing nets, ropes, and baskets.

The first European settlers arrived around 1790. This was soon after Governor Phillip explored the Hawkesbury River. He was looking for good farmland for the new colony.

Exploring the Mountains

People tried to find a way through the Blue Mountains as early as 1795. But it wasn't until 1823 that a good route was found. Archibald Bell discovered this path. By 1841, a road built by convicts through Kurrajong was opened. It was named Bell's Line of Road. The current road, which is easier to travel, opened in 1901.

William Lawson received land near Wheeny Creek in 1810. He was one of the first explorers to successfully cross the Blue Mountains in 1813. This crossing helped open up the major road to the west, known as the Great Western Highway.

Early Settlers and Bushrangers

The oldest settlement in the area was along Comleroy Road. This road was the main route north from Sydney to the Hunter Valley from about 1819. Early settlers included former convicts like David Hawkins and Job Wilson. Many families who live in Kurrajong today are descendants of these early settlers.

In the 1820s and 1830s, a famous bushranger named Jack Donahoe and his gang caused trouble. They robbed settlers and travellers in Kurrajong and Richmond. They often stole horses, leaving people to find their own way home.

Several inns served locals and travellers along Bells Line of Road. One was the "Goldfinder's Rest," which opened in 1851. It was used by people travelling to the goldfields. Around 1870, it became a Post Office and a store. The original building is still there today as a private home.

Orchards and the Railway

As more settlers arrived, they found the area was perfect for growing fruit trees. Kurrajong became famous for its orchards. By the late 1800s, fruit growers wanted a railway line from Richmond to Kurrajong. This would make it easier to get their fruit to market.

Their efforts paid off, and the railway line opened in 1926. However, by then, many orchardists were using trucks instead. The railway line was never very busy or profitable. Landslides caused it to close in 1952. Many people still remember taking the train, known as "Pansy," to high school in Richmond.

Tourism and Modern Times

In the 1920s and 1930s, Kurrajong had many guest houses. The beautiful scenery, with rolling hills and mountain views, attracted many city people. The Kurrajong Heights Hotel, a grand building with amazing views, opened in 1928. Sadly, it was destroyed by fire in 1975.

In the 1950s and 60s, fewer people visited Kurrajong for holidays. People started travelling further away by car and plane. Kurrajong's orchards also began to shrink. Many properties were divided into smaller pieces of land. Horses and cows now graze where fruit trees once stood.

Today, Kurrajong is seeing a new wave of interest. Its beautiful scenery and quiet country feel make it a popular place. Many people buy small properties for hobby farms or weekend getaways. There are also more guest accommodations again. People want a quick weekend escape close to home.

Heritage Listings

Kurrajong has several places listed for their historical importance, including:

• 164 Old Bells Line of Road: Goldfinders Inn

Population Data

In the 2021 Census, 3,113 people lived in Kurrajong. Most people (83.4%) were born in Australia. The next largest group (4.2%) was born in England. Almost everyone (91.7%) spoke only English at home. For religion, the most common answers were No Religion (35.2%), Catholic (25.2%), and Anglican (21.6%).

Transport in Kurrajong

For 26 years, Kurrajong was connected to Richmond by a railway line. The train was known locally as "Pansy." The shops called "Pansy Junction" are near where the old railway station used to be. The line closed in 1952 because of landslide damage. You can still see parts of the old railway line, like cuttings, in different places. The old goods shed from Kurrajong station is now at the Australiana Pioneer Village in Wilberforce.

Today, there is a bus service from Richmond Station, but it doesn't run very often. The easiest way to get to Kurrajong is by car.

Commercial Area

Kurrajong Village has many local businesses. These include restaurants, cafes, real estate agents, butchers, grocers, and pharmacies. You can also find newsagents and post offices. Kurrajong Village is well-known for its fresh, local produce.

Education in Kurrajong

High Schools

• Colo High School
• Kuyper Christian School

Primary Schools

• Kurrajong Public School
• Grose View Public School
• Kuyper Christian School
• Kurrajong North Public School
• Hawkesbury Independent School
• Comleroy Road Public School

Churches in Kurrajong

• St Gregory's Catholic Church, established 1834, Old Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong
• St Stephen's Anglican Church, established 1869, 1005 Grose Vale Road, Kurrajong
• Church of Christ, 56 Old Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong
• Kurrajong Baptist Church, 66 Kurrajong Road, Kurrajong