Helensburgh, New South Wales
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| Helensburgh New South Wales |
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| Population: | 5,503 (2006 Census) | ||||||||||||
| Established: | 1865 | ||||||||||||
| Postcode: | 2508 | ||||||||||||
| Elevation: | 200 m (656 ft) | ||||||||||||
| Location: | 45 km (28 mi) south of Sydney | ||||||||||||
| LGA: | City of Wollongong | ||||||||||||
| State District: | Heathcote | ||||||||||||
| Federal Division: | Cunningham | ||||||||||||
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Helensburgh is a small town in New South Wales, Australia. Helensburgh is located 45 kilometres south of the Sydney central business district and 34 kilometres (21 miles) north of Wollongong. Helensburgh is in the local government area of Wollongong City Council and marks the northern end of the Illawarra region. It is approximately half way between Sydney and Wollongong, at the southern end of the Royal National Park.
Helensburgh is colloquially known as "The Burgh" (pronounced "berg" as opposed to some Gaelicised locals who prefer the "buruh" pronunciation).
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[edit] Geography
The town is on the Woronora Plateau. It is separated from Otford to the south by a high hill and Otford Road. It is separated from Waterfall by tight twists of railway descending from the South Coast Line's highest point at Waterfall to Helensburgh Station. To the south of the line are the two segments of the Garrawarra State Recreation Area and to the north the Royal National Park. Waterfall is considered Sydney's most southern suburb and the city train service stops here. Some trains however although this is rare, terminate at Helensburgh instead of Waterfall, and return to the city. Correspondingly, Helensburgh is the northernmost suburb of the Wollongong LGA and considered the northern most point, politically, of the Illawarra region, though geographically this is generally considered to be Bald Hill. Helensburgh has an uncrowded, friendly, carefree, and close-knit community with close proximity to the beach and overall quiet, unpolluted bush surroundings.
[edit] History
Originally called Camp Creek, it was established as a workers' camp in the 1880s to accommodate coal miners, who worked in the coal mine in the area.
The old Helensburgh railway station was covered in earth until recent years but has been restored for historical purposes. The curved platform is a rare remainder of early railways and connected to a branch line. A tunnel entrance at Stanwell Park is still visible and is preserved by for use in mushroom growing operations. The old railway line was serviced by steam trains.
East of Helensburgh is the small area of Lilyvale, a one time mining community, now mostly part of the Royal National Park. Lilyvale once had a railway station but this was closed after mining ceased in the area. A mural depicting miners is at the starting point of the old line.
[edit] Transport
Helensburgh railway station, New South Wales is on the South Coast railway line, linking Sydney to Wollongong. Owing to the steep drop from Waterfall to Helensburgh, a series of almost hairpin turns are created along the railway line.
[edit] Parks and recreation
Helensburgh is surrounded by the bushland of the Royal National Park, the Garrawarra State Recreation Area and the water catchment of the Woronora Dam and adjacent Heathcote National Park, so is environmentally sensitive, though picturesque and naturally bound. This bushland location also makes Helensburgh susceptible to damage from frequent summer bushfires. The dry Sclerophyll bush is home to several walking tracks and Lyrebirds are not uncommon nearby.
In July 2007 the Helensburgh Skate Park opened for its large population of youths. This had been a local want for some time going back to requests and petitions in the early parts of the decade.
[edit] Culture and events
There are two important annual events for locals, Christmas Eve at Burgh' Pub and Anzac Day at both the pub and the Workmens Club. These two dates strike utmost priority in the calendar and are rightly treated as the annual gathering for everyone in the area. If you haven't been to or even heard about these such events you are either new to the area (and as such welcome to come and meet new people and make some friends), or not worthy of these Helensburgh traditions (you are not welcome, please continue living in your cave or better yet go hang out with your 'Engadine / Shire' friends...)
[edit] Politics
Helensburgh is traditionally a Labor-voting area, as from the late 1950s a large amount of public housing and large unit blocks were erected. Many of these have been removed or purchased privately. The town is now part of the federal electorate of Cunningham, held by Labor's Sharon Bird, and the state electorate of Heathcote, held by Labor's Paul McLeay.
[edit] External links
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Royal National Park
- Wollongong City Library, Helensburgh - History
- History put together by locals
- Helensburgh Community Web Portal
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