Happy TravellerWelcome to Hornsby, a charming suburb located in the Northern Sydney region of New South Wales, Australia. With its rich history, stunning landmarks, and bustling commercial areas, Hornsby is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Hornsby was established on the traditional lands of the Darug and Kurringgai people, and there are more than 200 known Aboriginal sites in the Hornsby Shire. The suburb’s name is derived from convict-turned-constable Samuel Henry Horne, who was granted land which he named Hornsby Place after taking part in the apprehension of bushrangers Dalton and MacNamara on 22 June 1830.
One of the suburb’s most notable landmarks is the Hornsby Water Clock, located in the pedestrian mall at the intersection of Florence Street and Hunter Street. Designed by Victor Cusack, the clock is a popular meeting spot and a unique piece of public art. Another popular attraction is the Odeon Cinema on Pacific Highway, which has been a fixture in the area since 1913.
Hornsby is also home to a number of heritage-listed sites, including Edgeworth Davids House and Grounds, Mount Wilga House, Old Mans Valley Cemetery, Hornsby Quarry, Hornsby Court House, Hornsby Shire Council Chambers, Hornsby War Memorial, Brinawa, Mount Errington, and Birklands. These sites offer a glimpse into the suburb’s rich history and are a must-visit for any history buff.
For those looking to indulge in some retail therapy, Hornsby has plenty to offer. The western side of the suburb features a traditional high street shopping village along the Old Pacific Highway, while the eastern side is dominated by Westfield Hornsby, a shopping center with over 300 stores, a food court, and several restaurants. The intersection of Florence Street and Hunter Street also became a pedestrian mall in the early 1990s, and is home to the Hornsby Shire Library.
Hornsby is well-connected to the rest of Sydney via public transport. Hornsby railway station is the junction of the T1 North Shore and the T9 Northern Line of the Sydney Trains network, and is a hub for some services. Bus services also operate from Hornsby Station Interchange, with services to local residential areas including Hornsby Heights, Westleigh, Normanhurst, Thornleigh, Wahroonga, Warrawee, Turramurra, and St Ives.
Residential areas in Hornsby consist of low-to-medium density housing, and are located on both sides of the railway line. Many of the residential areas on the western side of the train line enjoy bushy surrounds and close proximity to Regional and National Parks, as well as the beautiful Lisgar Gardens. In recent years, high-rise apartments have been constructed adjacent to the train line as part of the NSW state planning policies to allow medium to high density development along transport corridors.
Hornsby is also home to a number of schools, including primary schools Hornsby North Public School, Hornsby South Public School, Hornsby Heights Public School, and Clarke Road Special School, as well as the secondary schools Barker College and Hornsby Girls High School, which is a selective school. There is also a TAFE College at the north-western side of Hornsby.
Hornsby has long been associated with Ginger Meggs, a cartoon by Jimmy Bancks who grew up in Hornsby, which has appeared in Australian newspapers since 1921. The local newspaper that serves the area is the Hornsby and Upper North Shore Advocate, owned by the Cumberland Newspaper Group.
Finally, no visit to Hornsby would be complete without a trip to the Hornsby Aquatic Centre. The original pool, which was built in 1962, had reached the end of its safe working life and was closed in 2010. A new pool was built and opened in 2014, featuring a fifty-meter pool with eight lanes and a small twelve-meter pool, also with eight lanes. Whether you’re looking to cool off on a hot day or get in some laps, the Hornsby Aquatic Centre is the perfect place to do it.
In conclusion, Hornsby is a charming suburb with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, shopping, or just soaking up the local culture, Hornsby is a must-visit destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression. So why not plan your trip today and discover all that Hornsby has to offer?
