Maldon, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MaldonNew South Wales |
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Maldon Suspension Bridge
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| Population | 15 (2016 census) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 2571 | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation | 150 m (492 ft) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | |||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | Wollondilly Shire | ||||||||||||||
| Region | Macarthur | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Wollondilly | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Hume | ||||||||||||||
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Maldon is a small place in the Macarthur Region of New South Wales, Australia. It is part of the Wollondilly Shire. In 2016, only 15 people lived there.
Contents
A Look Back: Maldon's History
Railway Connections
A train station was built in Maldon in 1879. It was first called Wilton. The station closed in 1976. Today, Maldon is still important for trains. It has special tracks called turnouts that let freight trains switch lines. These trains carry limestone to a cement factory and grain to a flour mill.
In 1983, the NSW government started building a new electric train line. This line would connect Maldon to Dombarton, near Wollongong. The idea was to make it easier for coal trains to reach Port Kembla. However, the project was stopped in 1988. It was decided that the line would not be worth the cost. You can still see an unfinished train bridge over the Nepean Gorge near the Picton Road bridge.
The Famous Maldon Suspension Bridge
Maldon was once home to 'Harvey's Crossing'. This was a stone path that crossed the Upper Nepean River. It was part of the road between Picton and Menangle. You can still see the old stone walls that supported the steep roads leading to it.
In 1903, a wooden suspension bridge was built to replace the crossing. It was designed by Ernest Macartney de Burgh. A suspension bridge uses strong cables to hold up the road. By the 1970s, this bridge became too small for all the traffic, especially coal trucks.
A new concrete bridge was built further north and opened in 1980. The old Suspension Bridge is now a special heritage site. It is closed to everyone, even people walking.
The main part of the bridge is 226 feet long. It is held up by 14 strong cables on each side. These cables go up into the sandstone cliffs. The bridge also has steel frames to keep it stiff. The road on the bridge was made of timber and was 15 feet wide. The whole project, including the roads leading to the bridge, cost about £8000 back then.
Maldon Weir: Water for the Area
The Maldon Weir is a small dam across the river. It is about 250 metres upstream from the Suspension Bridge. It used to provide water to a nearby place called Stonequarry Lodge Hostel.
As of 2010, the Maldon Weir was the only weir on the Upper Nepean River that was not planned for changes. Other weirs in the area were being updated. These changes would help water flow better and add fishways. Fishways are like special ramps that help fish swim past the weir. This helps fish move freely in the river.
Maldon Today: What's Happening Now?
Local Industries
Maldon has been home to a cement factory for a long time. It is owned by a company called Boral Cement.
A flour mill also started working in Maldon in 2009. It is owned by Allied Mills. This mill was the first of its kind in New South Wales to be built using a special method called slipform construction. It replaced the company's old mill in Summer Hill.
Inghams Enterprises also has a poultry hatchery in Maldon. This is where young chickens are hatched.
Fun and Games: Sport and Recreation
The Maldon Gorge is a popular spot for outdoor activities. People enjoy picnicking, bushwalking, and swimming there.
In the 1990s, the Maldon Suspension Bridge was used for bungee jumping. Later, in 2000, a company tried to start a new sport called 'bridge jumping'. This was a different kind of bungee jumping.
Many local people did not like these activities. They worried about too many visitors harming the natural environment. They also worried about damage to the bridge itself. Because of these concerns, the sports were eventually stopped. The roads leading to the bridge were closed. Access to the bridge deck was also blocked to prevent more damage. You can still see parts of the old bungee-jumping platform on one side of the bridge.
The Picton Karting Track is also located in Maldon. Here, you can enjoy go-karting!
Maldon Locality Gallery
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Maldon Weir -
Boral Cement Works -
Allied Flour Mill and rail sidings -
Bridge opened 1980 on Picton Road -
Maldon Bridge circa 1993
Maldon Suspension Bridge Gallery
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Suspension Bridge Cable Tunnel -
Suspension Bridge deck in 2004 -
Stonework on southern road to former causeway. -
Stonework on northern approach road -
Remains of stairs to Bridge Jumping centre -
Steel trestle northern end
Panorama of Maldon Gorge from Maldon Weir
