Eastwood calls to mind the story of Maria Ann Smith. She accidentally cultivated the first Granny Smith apple right here. Eastwood, a vibrant suburb of Sydney, has a unique story. It is full of culture and history.
Eastwood is located 17 kilometres north-west of Sydney’s central business district. It is a suburb within the City of Ryde and the City of Parramatta. Eastwood has transformed from a small town. It became a bustling suburban center.
Originally, the Wallumedegal people inhabited the area between the Lane Cove River and Parramatta River. Europeans first settled here after the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. The area was granted to Royal Marines and New South Wales Corps members. William Rutledge, an early Irish settler, named it Eastwood.
In 1840, Rutledge built Eastwood House. It is now part of Marist College Eastwood. Eastwood has a rich history evident in its architecture and landmarks.
The Main Northern railway line opened in 1886. The station was initially named Dundas. A year later, it was renamed Eastwood. This was after the Eastwood Estate. The railway boosted the suburb’s growth.
Eastwood is famous for the Granny Smith apple. Maria Ann Smith first grew it here by accident. Every October, Eastwood hosts the Granny Smith Festival. The festival has fairground rides, market stalls, and parades. There is also an apple-baking competition. A fireworks display ends the celebration at Upper Eastwood Oval. The festival now includes Chinese dragon dancers. Chinese stallholders also participate. Eastwood’s Lunar New Year Festivities incorporate Korean traditions.
The Eastwood commercial district surrounds the railway station. Eastwood Shopping Centre was built in 1976. It was built on the former Odeon Theatre site. Eastwood Village, formerly Westfield Eastwood, is another shopping center. Eastwood Plaza is on Rowe Street. It has a fountain and outdoor cafes.
Eastwood is known as an Asian shopping precinct. Many restaurants are run by Chinese and Korean retailers. Eastwood has become a hub for various Asian cuisines.
Several historical landmarks dot Eastwood. Brush Farm House was Gregory Blaxland’s home. He was an explorer of the Blue Mountains. Eastwood House was once Edward Terry’s home. He was the original landowner. The Eastwood Public Park has a grandstand and pavilion. They date back to the 1930s. Ripley, built in 1907, showcases Federation Arts and Crafts style.
Eastwood has several churches. St. Philip’s Anglican Church was founded over 100 years ago. Eastwood Library is located on the corner of Hillview Road and West Parade. The Corrective Services Academy is on the site of the former Brush Farm Public School.
Eastwood was once home to a lake. It gave names to Lakeside Road and the Lakeside Road Uniting Church. The lake was converted into an oval.
Darvall Park and Brush Farm Park are forest reserves. These parks protect the Blue Gum High Forest and rainforest. Brush Farm Park has the largest known tree heath.
Today, Eastwood is a multicultural hub. It has a large population of immigrants. The suburb has a vibrant mix of cultures. Eastwood’s story is one of growth. It is a story of transformation. It is a story of cultural richness. Remember Maria Ann Smith. Remember the Granny Smith apple. Remember Eastwood’s unique heritage.