Journey back to 1884 when Penshurst was officially established. This southern Sydney suburb, only 17 kilometers from the city center, has a unique story to tell. Penshurst is part of the St George area.
Penshurst got its name from Penshurst in Kent, England. The area was originally part of a land grant to Robert Townson. Later, John Connell acquired the land. He then passed it on to his grandsons, J.C. and E.P. Laycock. The Laycocks subdivided Connell’s Bush. They sold the western part to Thomas Sutcliffe Mort.
Early work in Penshurst involved timber-cutting and small farming. The Penshurst railway station opened on May 17, 1890. South of the railway line is an area known as MacRae’s Estate. The MacRae family once owned this land. It sits between Laycock Road and Grove Avenue, Hillcrest and Railway Parade. The original homestead still stands on Laycock Road. A caretakers house for the stables remains too. McRaes Reserve once had a river flowing through it. This river is now an underground rainwater system.
Penshurst has a mix of houses and small unit blocks. Many older people live here. Younger families have also moved in, drawn by the proximity to Hurstville. The suburb has passenger trains and buses that run to and from Sydney CBD.
The main shopping center is near Penshurst railway station. You’ll find it on Penshurst Street, Bridge Street, and The Strand. Commercial developments are also along Forest Road and King Georges Road. The Penshurst RSL Club serves as a social hub.
Penshurst railway station sits on the Illawarra Line. A train ride to Sydney Central takes about 27 minutes. Major roads include King Georges Road and Forest Road.
West Maling, located at 663-665 King Georges Road is a heritage-listed site. Penshurst Reservoirs on Laycock Road are also heritage-listed.
Penshurst boasts a number of places of worship. These include St Declan’s Roman Catholic Church and St John Anglican Church. Penshurst also has St Andrew Presbyterian and Penshurst Uniting Church. You’ll find the Penshurst Mosque, Penshurst Jehovahs Witnesses Kingdom Hall, and Penshurst Assemblies of God Church here too. Revival Life Centre and Penshurst General Church of New Jerusalem are also present.
Several schools serve the Penshurst community. Among them are Georges River Girls High School and Marist College Penshurst. There is also St Declans Catholic Primary School, Penshurst Public School, and Penshurst West Primary School. Hurstville Grove Infants School is nearby too.
Local attractions include an Aquatic Centre and tennis courts. Penshurst RSL Junior Rugby League Club operates from HV Evatt Park.
Penshurst Park and Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre are both on King Georges Road. Olds Park is another recreational space. Renown Park offers sports fields.
Penshurst has a local cricket club. It plays in the St George District Cricket Association. They have been around for over 50 years. They are based at Olds Park.
In 2021, Penshurst had a population of 12,592. The suburb continues to evolve. It balances its rich history with a vibrant modern community.