Scarborough, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Scarborough Wollongong, New South Wales
Scarborough Hotel on Lawrence Hargrave Drive in 2018
Scarborough Location in New South Wales
Population	308 (2016 census)
Established	1903
Postcode(s)	2515
Elevation	78 m (256 ft)
Location	65 km (40 mi) S of Sydney 20 km (12 mi) N of Wollongong
LGA(s)	City of Wollongong
State electorate(s)	Heathcote
Federal Division(s)	Cunningham
Suburbs around Scarborough: Clifton Tasman Sea Madden Plains Scarborough Tasman Sea Wombarra Tasman Sea

Scarborough is a small seaside town located north of Wollongong in New South Wales, Australia. It's part of the northern Illawarra region. This town is special because it sits on a narrow strip of land between the tall Illawarra escarpment (a steep cliff) and the ocean cliffs.

What is the History of Scarborough?

Scarborough has an interesting past, starting with a famous building.

The Scarborough Hotel

The well-known Scarborough Hotel first opened its doors in 1887. It was so popular that the town itself eventually took on the name "Scarborough" because of it.

Mining in Scarborough

In 1891, the Illawarra Coal Company started the South Clifton (Scarborough) Mine. This mine operated for many years before closing in 1921. Later, a new mine entrance, called an "adit," was built about 2 kilometres south. This new mine became known as the South Clifton Tunnel Colliery.

In 1952, the South Clifton Tunnel Colliery was being updated. It was preparing to supply coal to the new Tallawarra Power Station, which was being built nearby. By 1954, new machines were used to extract coal from the mine.

Schools and Post Offices

From 1898 to 1908, there was a post office at the local railway station. In 1913, construction began on a public school for the area. It was finished in 1914 and officially opened by the Minister for Education. On January 1, 1915, the school's name changed from Clifton Public School to Scarborough Public School. In 1963, the school celebrated its 50th anniversary!

Why was Scarborough Renamed?

The town used to be called South Clifton. However, in 1903, the name was changed to Scarborough. This was done to avoid confusion with other railway stations in the area.

What are Scarborough's Heritage Sites?

Scarborough has some important historical places that are protected.

• The Scarborough railway station on First Street is one of these heritage-listed sites.

What Sports are Popular in Scarborough?

Scarborough is a great place for sports, especially surfing and rugby league.

Surfing in Scarborough

The town is known for its waves and often hosts surfing competitions.

Rugby League: The Norths Bulldogs

Scarborough is home to a rugby league team called the Northern Suburbs Rugby League Club, also known as the Bulldogs. Their home ground is the Jim Allen Oval, located on Monash Street, which is the same road as Scarborough Beach.

The Norths Bulldogs were runners-up in the 2013 Illawarra Coal Shield Competition. Many fans come to watch their home games, with spectator numbers often going over 5,000!

Images for kids

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  Scarborough Hotel on Lawrence Hargrave Drive in 2018