Ever wonder how Carlton got its start? Carlton, a suburb 15 kilometres south of Sydney, has a rich history. It began with timber and grew into a bustling community.
Carlton was originally part of a large land grant. Captain John Townson received 1,950 acres in 1808. This grant covered land from King Georges Road to beyond Kogarah station.
The railway changed everything for Carlton. When the railway to Hurstville opened in 1884, estates were subdivided. People started moving in, transforming the landscape of Carlton. However, Carlton didn’t get its own platform until 1889. Landowners chipped in to fund its construction. They received a free block of land and a first-class ticket to Sydney for a year.
Today, Carlton’s main shopping area is near the railway station. You will find it on Railway Parade and Carlton Parade. There’s also commercial activity along the Princes Highway. Carlton railway station is on the Illawarra line. Limited bus services are available too.
Carlton offers several parks for recreation. These include Kogarah Park, Tinsdale Reserve, Anglo Square Park, and Augusta Park. Locals and visitors alike enjoy these green spaces.
Carlton is also home to the St George Illawarra Dragons. Their home ground, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, is on Jubilee Avenue. You can see the Walk of Fame featuring St George legends in Park Street. The St George Leagues Club is nearby on Princes Highway.
Don’t miss the Shopfront Contemporary Arts Centre in Carlton Parade. Young people run this co-operative. They have gained an international reputation since Errol Bray founded it in 1976.
In 2021, Carlton had 10,631 residents. About 45% were born in Australia. Other common birthplaces included China, Nepal, and North Macedonia. While 36% spoke only English at home, many spoke Mandarin, Cantonese, Greek, or Nepali.
Carlton has several schools and churches. Carlton Public School and Carlton South Public School serve the area. Churches include St Bernadette’s Catholic Church, Carlton Uniting Church, and Park Road Anglican Church.
The railway’s construction in the 1880s sparked a land boom. Land values rose dramatically. For example, Alexander Milsop’s orchard sold for nearly five times its original price in just seven years.
The opening of the railway to Hurstville was a major event. A special train carried officials. Stations were decorated and celebrations took place. Local residents waved handkerchiefs as the train passed.
Soon after the railway opened, Hurstville sought municipal status. Carlton became part of Bexley Ward. By 1890, Bexley Ward had grown significantly in population.
In 1901, some Carlton residents felt their municipal status wasn’t benefiting them. They felt improvements were focused on Bexley. Issues like the West Kogarah Drain and inadequate rail facilities were concerns.
John George Griffin became a key figure in Carlton’s history. He was a civil engineer and surveyor. Griffin served as Mayor of Hurstville and advocated for Carlton’s needs.
Griffin was involved in a controversy known as the Chain Letter Scandal. He had suggested using chain letters to raise money for a children’s ward at the local hospital. Although the scheme raised funds, disagreements over its use led to disputes.
Carlton has transformed from timberland to a vibrant suburb. Its history is marked by the railway, land booms, and community advocates. Carlton’s story reflects the growth and changes in southern Sydney.