“Dooral-Dooral.” That’s what the Aboriginal Darug people called this land. It meant a smoking hollow tree. Welcome to Middle Dural.
Middle Dural is a semi-rural suburb northwest of Sydney. It is 37 kilometers from the Sydney central business district. This area is part of both Hornsby Shire and The Hills Shire.
Let’s step back in time. Timber cutters first came to Middle Dural in the early 19th century. Settlements sprang up. They were known as Upper, Middle, Lower, North and Little Dural.
In 1817, Surveyor James Meehan marked the name “Dooral” on his map. This included Glenorie, Galston, Arcadia and Dural. The Old Northern Road passes through here. Convicts built it between 1825 and 1836. It linked Sydney to the Hunter Valley.
In 1831, George Best built the Half-Way Inn. It was located right here in Middle Dural. Today, the Mother India restaurant stands on that very spot.
Middle Dural has changed over time. As of the 2021 census, 1,040 people lived here. The median age was 46 years. That is older than the national median. Most residents were born in Australia.
Driving through Middle Dural, you might notice roadside stalls. They sell fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. They come directly from local farmers.
Since the 1970s, Middle Dural has been home to the Banana Cabana Primate Sanctuary. It cares for retired monkeys. These include baboons, macaques, spider monkeys and capuchins. Even a tortoise lives there.
Middle Dural offers a glimpse into the past. From its Aboriginal roots to its farming history, it’s a unique place. It has changed from timber cutters to primate sanctuaries. Middle Dural continues to evolve.