Helensburgh, New South Wales Explained

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Culture and events

One of the most popular local events is the annual Helensburgh Lions Club Fair which is held in the month of October and is attended by the majority of the locals every year. Other Popular events included the Holy Cross and Helensburgh Primary, School Fetes, both of which also draw a good amount of attention from locals and are well supported throughout the community.

Other attractions occur at the Helensburgh Workers Club and Pub on public holidays, weekends or major sporting events, which many locals attend and socialize with their fellow commuter's.

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.

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