Curious about a place named after an English county? That’s Kenthurst for you. This semi-rural suburb offers a unique blend of tranquility and accessibility. Kenthurst is 39 kilometers north-west of Sydney’s central business district. It’s part of the Hills District.
Originally, the Darug people were the inhabitants of this area. Kenthurst gets its name from Kent, an English county. “Hurst” means a woody hillock. The area was first known as Little Dooral. Later, it became Little Dural. A public meeting occurred in 1886. They wanted to change the name. Charles Gibb felt the settlement needed a more elegant title. “Kent Forest” was suggested. This was because settlers from Kent County had settled here. But it wasn’t popular. Kenthurst was chosen. The government approved the name change. It was in use from 1887.
Imagine Kenthurst in the 1890s. Dural and the Hills district supplied citrus fruit for most of Australia. Poultry and vegetable farms flourished too. The Kenthurst Post Office opened on August 1, 1887.
Kenthurst now has a population of just over 5,000. The median age is 44. Most people were born in Australia. The suburb maintains a semi-rural feel. Many blocks of land are around 2 hectares. That is about 5 acres. This provides space and privacy for residents.
Consider the Kenthurst shopping complex. It features a post office and a supermarket. You can find a butcher and a bottle shop there. There is also a hairdresser and other shops. Outside the village center are several preschools. A second real estate agent is also available.
The village green offers a public swimming pool. There is also a basketball court. Barbecue facilities are available. You can find a playground and park benches too. Kenthurst Rotary maintains the village green.
Several schools are located in Kenthurst. Kenthurst Public School is a primary school. St Madeleine’s is a Catholic primary school. Marian College is a Catholic secondary school. The Hills Grammar School is a private school. Kenthurst Preschool is community-based.
Kenthurst provides residents with various sports and recreational activities. It has its own cricket club. There is also a soccer club and a netball club.
Many say Kenthurst is great for families. It’s known for being clean, green and safe. The suburb offers peace and quiet. Parks and recreation are plentiful. There is a strong sense of community. However, public transport options are limited.
Notable residents have called Kenthurst home. Don Burke, a television personality, once lived here. Andrew Leeds, an Australian rugby player, also resided in Kenthurst. Greg Page from The Wiggles lived here too.
So, remember Kenthurst. It is a suburb where history and community intertwine. It is a place offering a peaceful retreat. Yet, it remains close to the city. It is a blend of rural charm and modern convenience.