Sun Valley, New South Wales facts for kids

Sun Valley is a special place in New South Wales, Australia, located within the beautiful City of Blue Mountains. It sits between the towns of Warrimoo and Valley Heights in the lower part of the mountains. Sun Valley is full of interesting history and amazing natural features, like ancient rocks.

What Makes Sun Valley Special?

Sun Valley is known for its unique past and its stunning natural environment. It's a quiet, semi-rural community today, meaning it has a mix of country and town life. People here enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the strong community spirit.

A Look Back in Time

Sun Valley has a very long history, stretching back thousands of years.

• Ancient Times: This area was once an ancient volcano that is now extinct. Long, long ago, Aboriginal Australians lived here. The Dharug and Gundungurra people are thought to have been the first to explore and settle in this valley. They left behind clues like stone tools and amazing cave art, showing their deep connection to the land.
• Early European Days: In the 1800s, European explorers used Sun Valley as an important resting spot when they were crossing the Great Dividing Range. The valley was perfect for them because it had fresh water from creeks, rich soil for growing things, open forests, and grassy areas. People used the land for farming, raising animals, and cutting down trees for wood.
• Changing Names: Sun Valley got its current name in the 1960s when new homes were being built. Before that, it was known by several other names, including The Valley, Fitzgerald’s Valley, Valley Flats, and Deane’s Valley.
• Mid-1900s Activities: In the middle of the 20th century, Sun Valley was a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many bushwalking clubs and scout groups would visit to explore the natural beauty and enjoy the fresh air.

Nature's Beauty and Activities

Sun Valley is famous for its beautiful natural setting.

• Wild Horses and Trees: In the past, wild horses called brumbies roamed freely through the valley. Today, you can still see magnificent stands of mountain blue gum trees, which are very tall and impressive.
• Walking and Exploring: The area is perfect for walking and exploring. There are lovely walking tracks around Long Angle Gully and near the historical "Warrimoo Pool" site. These paths let you discover the valley's pretty scenery.
• Community Life: Even today, Sun Valley keeps its small, country feel. It has a pony club where people can ride horses, and a local produce store that sells fresh goods. The community also helps maintain important fire trails, which are paths used to protect the area from bushfires.