How about this: The story of Cranebrook Reservoir begins long before its construction. Picture this area, not as a suburb of Greater Western Sydney, but as Crane Brook Farm. In 1804, James McCarthy received a land grant and named it after the many cranes in the area.
Cranebrook is now a suburb located 50 km west of Sydney. It is part of the City of Penrith. The reservoir stands as a testament to the area’s growth. It is essential for supplying water to the region.
Cranebrook’s geography features rolling hills. From the western side, residents enjoy views of the Blue Mountains. On the eastern side, they overlook the ADI Site. This area is rich in Cumberland Woodland. Many kangaroos populate it.
The Northern Road divides Cranebrook from the ADI Site. Cranebrook is west of the road. The ADI Site is to the east. Andrews Road marks the southern boundary. Smeeton Road is the northern edge.
West of Castlereagh Road are the Penrith Lakes. These lakes are a series of flooded quarries. Quarrying began here in 1979. The site provides much of Sydney’s sand and crushed aggregate. This includes materials for ready-mixed concrete.
One of these lakes is the Sydney International Regatta Centre. It hosted the rowing events for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. The Penrith Whitewater Stadium also hosted Olympic events. It held the whitewater slalom.
It is a common myth that the lakes are filled by the Nepean River. In fact, rainwater and groundwater fill them. The lakes can act as a weir when the Nepean River floods.
In 2021, Cranebrook had a population of 15,779. Most residents were born in Australia. The median age was 33, younger than the national average.
The suburb has changed much over time. Today Cranebrook is largely residential. Medium-density housing is common. Some semi-rural housing remains in the north. New home construction continues.
McCarthy’s Lane Cemetery is nearby. It is considered the oldest Catholic cemetery in Australia. This provides a historical depth to the area.
The main commercial area is on Borrowdale Way. Here, you will find a shopping centre and parkland. Residents can reach Penrith by car in about 10 minutes. They can also travel to Windsor and Richmond easily.
Cranebrook has several schools. These include Braddock Public School and Cranebrook High School. There are also two churches. These are Corpus Christi Catholic Church and St Thomas’s Anglican Church.
Cranebrook Reservoir is a reminder of progress. It is also a symbol of how Cranebrook has balanced growth. It continues to serve its community. It provides essential water and a link to its rural past.