Population 7,330 (2011 census) Postcode(s) 2774 Elevation 234 m Postal code 2774 | Established 1830 State electorate(s) Blue MountainsPenrith Founded 1830 Local time Sunday 9:48 AM | |
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Weather 19°C, Wind SW at 11 km/h, 80% Humidity | ||
Blaxland is a town in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. Blaxland is located 70 kilometres west of Sydney in the local government area of the City of Blue Mountains. It is at an altitude of 234 metres and borders the townships/suburbs of Glenbrook, Mount Riverview and Warrimoo.
Contents
- Map of Blaxland NSW 2774 Australia
- History
- Transport
- Commercial area
- Services
- Schools
- Sport and recreation
- References
Map of Blaxland NSW 2774, Australia
History
Blaxland is named for Gregory Blaxland who along with William Lawson and William Wentworth, led the exploration that discovered a route over the Blue Mountains in 1813. Prior to 1879 the area was known as Wascoe.
The Pilgrim Inn was built c. 1825. It was a significant element in the area for some time, but eventually decayed. The remains, which are now adjacent to McDonald's, are heritage-listed.
The Rev. Joshua Hargrave became a major presence in the area in the early 20th. century, and a significant force in the growth of Blaxland as a village, especially south Blaxland. He built the first church in the area and, with his family and the Calver family, is associated with four homes that still survive: Tanfield in Hope Street, Menahne in Hope Street, Rosedale in View Street and Nardi in View Street. The homes are all heritage-listed.
Transport
Blaxland railway station is on the Blue Mountains Line of the NSW TrainLink intercity network. It is a disability-accessible station.
Commercial area
The village of Blaxland received a major overhaul in 2001 with the widening of the Great Western Highway. This work included the controversial planting of Canary Island Palm trees along the highway, but also created space for more shops and led to many refurbishments. These changes, combined with the upgrade of Blaxland Station, have improved business in Blaxland.
Local businesses include:
Blaxland also has a small industrial estate and the only remaining land fill waste facility in the Blue Mountains.
Services
Schools
Sport and recreation
Blaxland includes the Florabella Pass and Pippas Pass tracks. The Lennox bridge(Lapstone Hill) and Knapsack Viaduct could be approached via Mitchell's Pass, but,do further investigation if planning to hike some or all of the way there. It is home to the Blaxland Redbacks soccer and netball teams. The Wascoe Siding Miniature Railway, on Grahame St (see map detail above), open to visitors on the 1st Sunday each month (10am to 4pm).If walking back to Blaxland station after visiting the Miniature Railway, consider taking Layton Ave. which will take you past the facilities of the service station and McDonald's.
It is also home of 1st Blaxland Scout group