Loftus, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids LoftusSydney, New South Wales |
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Sydney Tramway Museum
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| Population | 4,135 (2016 census) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 2232 | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation | 104 m (341 ft) | ||||||||||||||
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | Sutherland Shire | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Heathcote | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Hughes | ||||||||||||||
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Loftus is a suburb located in southern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It is about 29 kilometres south of the Sydney central business district. Loftus is part of the Sutherland Shire, which is a local government area.
Contents
History of Loftus
Loftus got its name from Lord Augustus William Frederick Spencer Loftus. He was the governor of New South Wales from 1878 to 1885.
The Illawarra railway line reached Sutherland in 1885. The first train station here was called Loftus Junction, opening in 1886. Ten years later, its name changed to Loftus. In 1979, the station moved to where it is today.
The Sydney Tramway Museum in Loftus started in 1950. It is run by volunteers and is a non-profit group. The museum is located in a large shed next to the railway tracks. During World War II, this area was an army camp. The nearby national park was used for training soldiers.
Loftus Public School opened its doors in January 1953. The official post office opened in July 1953 but closed in 1980.
Important Places in Loftus
Loftus has some places that are important for their history. These are called heritage-listed sites.
- The Loftus Junction railway signal box on the Illawarra railway line is one such site.
People of Loftus
In 2016, there were 4,135 people living in Loftus. Most people, about 86.1%, were born in Australia. The next largest group, 3.3%, were born in England.
Almost everyone, 92.3% of people, spoke only English at home. When it came to religion, the most common answers were Catholic (29.5%), No Religion (26.3%), and Anglican (23.0%).
Geography and Nature
Loftus is a residential suburb, meaning it's mainly where people live. It has a lovely bushland feel because it is right next to the Royal National Park. This park is on Sydney's south-eastern side.
Loftus and Fahy Creeks form the western edge of the suburb. Prince Edward Park and Woronora Cemetery are on the northern border.
Getting Around Loftus
The Princes Highway runs along the eastern side of Loftus. Loftus railway station is on the Illawarra railway line. It is part of the Sydney Trains network. You can also catch U-Go Mobility bus services from here.
Loftus is also home to the Sydney Tramway Museum. It is also known as the South Pacific Electric Railway. This museum runs a special tram line into the Royal National Park. This line was built in 1886. It stopped being used for regular trains in 1991. The museum's tram service is a very popular way to visit the Royal National Park. The line goes from the museum to Royal National Park railway station.
Schools and Learning
Loftus Public School is located on National Avenue. You can also find the Southern Sydney Institute of TAFE, Loftus Campus, and the University of Wollongong, Loftus Campus, next to the railway station. Camp Wonawong is a youth camp located beside Loftus Creek.
Community Services
The Loftus Rural Fire Service is across from Loftus train station. They help protect the bushland areas of Loftus, Yarrawarrah, Sutherland, Jannali, Como, and the Royal National Park from fires.
Sports and Fun
Loftus has many social and sporting clubs for people to join:
- Loftus Yarrawarrah Rovers Football Club
- Loftus Zircons Netball Club
- 1st Loftus Scouts
- West Shire Combined Venturer Unit
- Loftus Underground Organisation (LUGOS)
- Loftus Bandits
- Pit Masters
- Grommies
- Sutherland Loftus United (Rugby League)
Famous People from Loftus
- Adam Hills, a well-known comedian, used to live in Loftus.
See also
In Spanish: Loftus (Australia) para niños
