Lawson, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lawson Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Blue Mountain Hotel
Lawson Location in New South Wales
Population	2,651 (2021 census)
Postcode(s)	2783
Elevation	732 m (2,402 ft)
Location	93 km (58 mi) W of Sydney CBD 13 km (8 mi) E of Katoomba
LGA(s)	City of Blue Mountains
State electorate(s)	Blue Mountains
Federal Division(s)	Macquarie
Suburbs around Lawson: Blue Mountains National Park Blue Mountains National Park Hazelbrook Bullaburra Lawson Hazelbrook Bullaburra Hazelbrook

Lawson is a friendly town in the beautiful Blue Mountains region of New South Wales, Australia. It sits along the Great Western Highway, between the towns of Hazelbrook and Bullaburra.

Lawson has its own train station on the Main Western line. The town also has a public swimming pool. Over the years, Lawson has become a busy center for the middle part of the Blue Mountains. This area stretches from Linden to Bullaburra. Lawson has a growing business area and a shopping center located near the highway.

Discovering Lawson's Past

Lawson is one of the oldest settlements on the eastern side of the Blue Mountains. On early maps, it was called "24 Mile Hollow." For a few years, it was even known as "Christmas Swamp."

In 1848, a place called the Blue Mountain Inn opened. After this, local people started calling the village "Blue Mountain." The first train station, built in 1867, also got the name Blue Mountain.

However, having a "Blue Mountain" village in the "Blue Mountains" became very confusing for visitors! So, the government decided to change the name. They renamed the village Lawson to honor William Lawson. He was one of the first Europeans, along with William Wentworth and Gregory Blaxland, to cross the Blue Mountains in 1813.

The Story of Bruce's Walk

In 1931, the Railway Department agreed to provide electricity to the Blue Mountains area. Power lines were built between Blackheath and Lawson. A special path was made alongside these lines for maintenance workers.

Later, authorities decided to turn this maintenance path into a walking trail. It became known as Bruce's Walk, named after the surveyor who planned it. Over time, the path was forgotten. But in the 1980s, bushwalkers rediscovered and improved it. Today, you can follow Bruce's Walk from Medlow Bath to the north side of Lawson.

Protecting Lawson's Community Hall

In recent years, there was a big discussion in Lawson about widening the Great Western Highway. The highway had only one lane in each direction through the town. The plan suggested by the Roads & Traffic Authority meant that existing shops would need to move. It also meant tearing down the Lawson Community Centre. This building was once known as the Mechanics' Institute Hall and was built in 1903.

Many groups did not want the hall to be demolished. They argued that the hall could be moved to a new spot. Others said moving it would be too expensive. They also claimed the building was in poor condition and had dangerous materials inside. There was also a group that wanted to keep the shops because of their historical importance. By the end of 2008, the community worked together and saved the Community Centre from being torn down. It was a big win for the town!

Lawson's Special Places

Lawson has several places that are important for their history or natural beauty. These are called heritage-listed sites:

• Blue Mountains National Park: Blue Mountains walking tracks
• Main Western railway: Lawson railway station
• Honour Avenue

Who Lives in Lawson?

Based on the 2021 census, there were 2,651 people living in Lawson.

• About 4.3% of the people were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Most people, 79.4%, were born in Australia. The next largest group, 5.7%, were born in England.
• A large majority, 91.0%, spoke only English at home.
• When asked about religion, 52.4% said they had no religion. About 15.7% were Catholic, and 9.9% were Anglican.

Fun Things to Do in Lawson

Lawson offers many outdoor adventures and community events!

Exploring Waterfalls and Walks

You can find many walking trails in South Lawson. These trails can be reached from different spots along Honour Avenue, which is an easy walk from the train station. This area includes the South Lawson Waterfall Circuit. This circuit features four beautiful waterfalls: Adelina Falls, Cataract Falls, Federal Falls and Junction Falls. While these waterfalls are not as tall as some others in the upper mountains, you can complete this lovely walk in about 2-3 hours.

On the north side of town, past the swimming center, you can find more walks. These trails lead to Fairy Falls, Dante's Glen, St Michael's Falls, and Echo Bluff.

Community Events and Markets

Lawson is a lively community with regular events. The Magpie Markets are held at Lawson Public School. They usually happen on the third Sunday of most months. In December, they are on the second Sunday, and there is no market in January.

In November, the town celebrates with the "Love Lawson Festival." This event later changed its name to the Mid Mountains Festival. It is held at the same time as the Magpie Markets. It's a great way to celebrate all the wonderful things about living in Lawson and the mid-mountains area!

The historic Lawson Community Hall, also known as the Mechanics Institute, was built in 1903. After a long effort to save it from demolition, it has now reopened. This hall is a busy place for many community activities.

Images for kids

• 

  Honour Avenue

• 

  Lawson Community Centre (formerly Mechanics Institute)

• 

  Tahlia, headquarters of Nepean Area Disabilities Organisation

• 

  Frederica Falls, Lawson area