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Woollahra

New South Wales

WOOLLAHRA.NSW.GUIDE

Community, Business and Visitor Guide

Woollahra Local History

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Woollahra is a beautiful suburb located in the eastern part of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The name Woollahra means 'lookout' or 'meeting of the waters' in the local Aboriginal language. There are many local historical sites that reveal the past of this region, including the Cooper Park Reserve, Woollahra House, and the Trinity Grammar School.

Early History

The Woollahra area was originally inhabited by the Gadi people, who were part of the larger Eora Nation. The Gadi people lived in the region for thousands of years and were expertly equipped to survive off the land and water. They would fish in the bays, collect shellfish, and hunt kangaroos and other wildlife in the bushland. The British colonialists arrived in the region in the late 18th century, and the Gadi people were forced to leave their ancestral lands. Although the Gadi people were displaced, their language, customs, and culture have survived and continue to thrive in the present day.

The 19th Century

During the 19th century, Woollahra became a fashionable suburb for wealthy Sydneysiders to build their homes. The land was purchased by William Foster and James Wentworth, the brother of explorer William Charles Wentworth. They sold off large parcels of the land to wealthy individuals who built grand homes, many of which still stand today. The suburb was named Woollahra in 1856 and formally recognized as a municipal district in 1860.

Woollahra House

Woollahra House is a significant historical site in the region. It was built in the Gothic Revival style in 1856 and was the first grand house in the area. The property was owned by William Bede Dalley, a prominent barrister, and politician. After Dalley's death in 1888, the property was purchased by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, who turned it into a convent school. The building has since been restored and is now home to the Woollahra Municipal Council Chambers.

The Trinity Grammar School

The Trinity Grammar School was founded in 1913 and is located in the Woollahra region. The school is a private Anglican boys' school and has been educating young men for over a century. The campus is spread over four sites and includes a chapel, playing fields, and modern classrooms. The school has produced notable alumni, including former Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull.

Cooper Park Reserve

Another site of historical significance in Woollahra is the Cooper Park Reserve. The park was once part of the sprawling Cooper Estate and was donated to the council in 1945 by the Cooper family. The park features a natural waterfall, bushland, and a popular children's playground. It is a reminder of the natural beauty of the area and a place of relaxation for locals and tourists alike.

In Conclusion

Woollahra is a region steeped in history. From the traditional lands of the Gadi people to the grand homes of the colonial settlers, the area has seen many changes over the centuries. The historical sites of Woollahra showcase the cultural and architectural heritage of the region, immortalizing the past for future generations to enjoy.


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