Hazelbrook Australia: A Small Town With Big Charm

what is the physical size of hazelbrook australia

Hazelbrook is a town in New South Wales, Australia, located 86 kilometres west of Sydney. It is a medium-sized town with a population of fewer than 5,000 people. The town is situated 674-675 metres above sea level and is known for its natural attractions, including bushwalking trails, waterfalls, and the nearby Blue Mountains. Hazelbrook offers a range of accommodation options, sporting facilities, and dining choices, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking a blend of nature and modernity.

Characteristics Values
Location 86-91 km west of Sydney, Australia
Elevation 674-675 metres or 700 metres above sea level
Population 5,077 (as of 2021 census)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People 4.5%
Attractions Terrace Falls, Victor Falls, Bedford Pool, Lyre Bird Glen, Oaklands Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Burgess Falls, Mabel Falls, Edith Falls, Hazel Falls, Lyrebird Falls, Glow Worm Nook Falls, Pool of Siloam, Blue Mountains National Park, Hazelbrook House, Selwood House, Lyrebird Dell Walking Track
Sports Facilities Hazelbrook Hawks (football club), Gloria Park, Hazelbrook Bowling Club, tennis courts, cricket ground, athletics oval
Schools Hazelbrook Public School, Korowal School, Blue Mountains Steiner
Shopping Hazelbrook Shopping Centre, restaurants, cafes, supermarket, local stores

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Population and demographics

Hazelbrook, a town in New South Wales, Australia, is located 91 kilometres west of Sydney and 16 kilometres east of Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. The town has a population of under 5,000, with 4,974 people recorded in the 2016 census and 5,077 in the 2021 census. The median age of people in Hazelbrook is 40 years, with a median rent of $280 per week and a median mortgage repayment of $1,780 per month.

In terms of demographics, Hazelbrook has a diverse population, with 53.1% female and 46.9% male residents. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people make up 3.9% to 4.5% of the population. The most common ancestries reported in Hazelbrook are English (30.4%), Australian (27.2%), Irish (11.5%), Scottish (8.3%), and German (3.4%). The majority of people in Hazelbrook 81.2% to 81.6% were born in Australia, with the next most common countries of birth being England (4.9% to 5.8%), New Zealand (1.3% to 1.4%), Germany (0.9%), and Scotland (0.7% to 0.9%). The language most commonly spoken in Hazelbrook is English, with 91.7% of residents speaking only English. Other languages spoken include German (0.8%), Spanish (0.4%), Italian (0.4%), Arabic (0.4%), Russian (0.3%), Greek (0.3%), and Polish (0.3%).

The religious makeup of Hazelbrook is varied, with the largest group being those with secular beliefs, other spiritual beliefs, or no religious affiliation (53.2%). Other religious groups include Catholics (20.6%), Anglicans (19.6%), those with no stated religious affiliation (7.7%), Uniting Church (4.0%), Baptists (3.2%), and Presbyterians (2.5%).

Regarding employment, the most common occupations in Hazelbrook include professionals (27% to 28.4%), technicians and trades workers (14.1% to 14.4%), community and personal service workers (11.2% to 13.3%), clerical and administrative workers (11.9% to 13.1%), managers (10% to 10.4%), labourers (6.7% to 8.2%), sales workers (7.5% to 8.1%), and machinery operators and drivers (4.9% to 5.7%). The unemployment rate in Hazelbrook is 4.9%.

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Location and elevation

Hazelbrook is a town in New South Wales, Australia, located 86 kilometres west of Sydney and 16 kilometres east of Katoomba. The town is situated in the Blue Mountains on the Great Western Highway, at an elevation of 674 to 675 metres above sea level. The village of Hazelbrook was named after Hazelbrook House, a home built in the 1870s by Svonte Noles, which was located on the south side of the railway line opposite the station. When the Hazelbrook railway station was opened in 1884 or 1894, it adopted the name of the house. Hazelbrook House no longer exists, but the area has since become a popular destination for tourists seeking nature walks and waterfalls.

The town is surrounded by natural attractions, including Terrace Falls, Victor Falls, and Bedford Pool on the south side, and Lyre Bird Glen, Oaklands Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Burgess Falls to the north. Hazelbrook is also known for its open gardens in spring and the Lyrebird Dell Walking Track, which takes visitors through canyons, creeks, and gorges. The town is accessible by train from Sydney, with a travel time of nearly two hours, or by car in approximately 80 minutes.

Hazelbrook is described as a mid-mountain area, offering a variety of accommodation options, restaurants, and cafes. The town has a population of less than 5,000 people, with 4.5% identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in the 2021 census. The community is served by schools, a shopping centre, and sporting facilities such as Gloria Park, which is used for cricket and athletics, as well as tennis courts and the Hazelbrook Bowling Club.

The Blue Mountains, where Hazelbrook is located, provide a stunning backdrop for visitors seeking nature-based experiences. The town flanks the park, allowing easy access by foot or a short drive to the heart of the mountains. Hazelbrook offers a range of activities, including camping, nature walks, and sporting activities such as golf, bowling, and tennis. The town's elevation contributes to the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

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Attractions and landmarks

Hazelbrook, a town nestled in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia, offers a plethora of attractions and landmarks that showcase its natural beauty and historical charm. Here is an overview of some of the key places and sites to visit in and around Hazelbrook:

Waterfalls and Bushwalks:

Hazelbrook is renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls and scenic bushwalks. On the northern side of the Great Western Highway, visitors can explore Mount View Road, leading to Mabel Falls Reserve. From there, various tracks guide hikers to Mabel Falls, Edith Falls, and Hazel Falls. Oaklands Road, between Hazelbrook and Lawson, takes visitors to The Amphitheatre, home to Lyrebird Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Oakland Falls, Glow Worm Nook Falls, and Burgess Falls. These areas offer excellent bushwalking opportunities through unspoiled bushland and canyons filled with thick ferns and creeks of fresh water. On the southern side of the railway line, Terrace Falls Road leads to Terrace Falls Reserve, where a circular walking track connects to Victor Falls, Terrace Falls, and Bedford Pool.

Lyrebird Dell Walking Track:

This world-famous walking track is a must-do for nature enthusiasts. The trail takes visitors through the spectacular forests of Hazelbrook, including Leura's escarpment, neighbouring the Blue Mountains National Park. Along the way, hikers can discover majestic canyons, gorges, and creeks, as well as the Pool of Siloam, offering a tranquil camping experience with the soothing sounds of nearby waterfalls.

Gloria Park:

Gloria Park is a significant landmark in Hazelbrook, serving as the home ground of the local football club, the Hazelbrook Hawks, and the lawn bowls club. Gloria Park also holds cultural importance as it contains Aboriginal wells and unique examples of Aboriginal tool-sharpening grooves in the rocks.

Selwood House:

Selwood House is a heritage-listed building located near Hazelbrook. This site holds historical significance as it once housed the Hazelbrook House, built in the 1870s by Svonte Noles (or Edward Higgs, according to some sources). While Hazelbrook House no longer stands, Selwood House has been converted into a veterinary practice, preserving a piece of the town's history.

Other Landmarks:

Hazelbrook also boasts a range of other attractions, including the South Lawson Waterfall Circuit, Lyre Bird Glen, and numerous other waterfalls such as Oaklands Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Burgess Falls. The town has a small shopping village with cafes, restaurants, and a popular bowling club. Additionally, visitors can enjoy sporting activities such as golf, tennis, and camping in the surrounding forests and creeks.

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Amenities and facilities

Hazelbrook, a medium-sized town in New South Wales, Australia, is located about 86 kilometres west of Sydney. The town is nestled in the Blue Mountains, offering a harmonious blend of modernity and nature. With a population of around 5,000 people, Hazelbrook provides a range of amenities and facilities for both locals and visitors.

Accommodation

Hazelbrook offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets. Visitors can choose from inns, hotels, and motels, allowing for a comfortable stay while exploring the town and its surroundings.

Dining and Cafes

The town boasts a vibrant dining scene, with numerous restaurants and cafes serving a diverse range of cuisines. Whether you're craving local Australian dishes or international fare, Hazelbrook's culinary offerings will satisfy your taste buds.

Shopping

Hazelbrook's shopping centre caters to the needs of the local community and visitors alike. It features a supermarket, a Chinese restaurant, and several shops, providing convenience and a unique community atmosphere.

Sports and Recreation

Gloria Park is a hub for sports enthusiasts, hosting the local football club, the Hazelbrook Hawks, and a lawn bowls club. The park is also equipped with an athletics oval, tennis courts, and a cricket pitch, catering to a range of sporting activities. Nature lovers can explore the numerous walking tracks, such as the world-famous Lyrebird Dell Walking Track, which showcases the town's spectacular caves, gorges, and waterfalls.

Schools and Childcare

Hazelbrook is well-equipped with educational institutions, including Hazelbrook Public School, the humanist Korowal School, Blue Mountains Steiner, and two childcare centres, ensuring a comprehensive educational offering for families in the area.

Emergency Services

The town is also served by the Hazelbrook volunteer Rural Fire Brigade, one of 26 such brigades in the Blue Mountains area. They are equipped with a Category 1 tanker, a Category 7 tanker, and a personnel carrier, ensuring the safety and protection of the community.

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History and etymology

Hazelbrook is a town in New South Wales, Australia, located 91 kilometres west of Sydney and 16 kilometres east of Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. The town is 674-675 metres above sea level.

The area that is now Hazelbrook was occupied by the Gundungurra Aboriginal people for an estimated 40,000 years before Europeans arrived. On 20 May 1813, Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson became the first Europeans to pass through Hazelbrook while crossing the Blue Mountains.

In the 1870s, a home named Hazelbrook House was built in the area by Edward Higgs or Svonte Noles. It has been suggested that the house took its name from Hazel Brook, a nearby stream with hazel-like trees on its banks. In 1884, a railway station was opened opposite the house, and it adopted the name Hazelbrook. The name Hazelbrook was officially adopted in 1894.

Hazelbrook House no longer exists, but Selwood House, a heritage-listed building, is located nearby. After World War I, Hazelbrook's population grew, and more than 100 houses were built. Today, Hazelbrook is a quiet village with a population of under 5,000 people.

Frequently asked questions

According to the 2021 census, the population of Hazelbrook is 5,077.

Hazelbrook is located 674-675 metres above sea level.

Hazelbrook is 86-91 kilometres west of Sydney.

Hazelbrook is a medium-sized town.

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