In 1878, a woman named Mary Ann Geeves proposed the name “Rockdale.” She was the first postmistress. Little did she know, her suggestion would stick. It would become the name of this bustling Sydney suburb. Rockdale officially emerged in 1887. It transitioned from names like Frog Hollow and West Botany. The arrival of the Illawarra rail line in 1884 cemented the name. The Rockdale railway station became a local landmark.
Rockdale sits 13 kilometers south of Sydney’s central business district. It’s part of the St George area. This suburb boasts a blend of residential, commercial, and light industrial zones. The main shopping strip thrives along the Princes Highway. It’s just east of the Rockdale railway station. The commercial hub extends into neighboring streets. It also stretches to the west of the railway line. King Street has transformed. It’s now a charming stretch of cafes and grocery shops.
The history of Rockdale is intertwined with the Geeves family. Mary Ann Geeves, the postmistress, played a crucial role in its naming. Her husband, Yeoman Geeves, worked on the construction of Rocky Point Road. He also participated in the demolition of Cobbler’s Hill, later known as Arncliffe Hill. The family resided at the intersection of today’s Princes Highway and Tramway Arcade. Their general store served as the first post office between Arncliffe and Kogarah in 1882.
The opening of the railway in 1884 spurred residential development. One prominent developer was Frederick Jamison Gibbes. He was a Member of Parliament. Gibbes Street in Banksia commemorates him. An electric tramway once operated between Rockdale Station and Brighton-Le-Sands down Bay Street until 1949. Rockdale continued to evolve. In 1948, it merged with Bexley councils, forming Rockdale Municipal Council. It was proclaimed a city in 1995. It eventually merged with the City of Botany Bay in 2016, creating Bayside Council. A fascinating tidbit: since 1985, Rockdale has been a sister city with Bitola, located in the Republic of North Macedonia. This connection adds another layer to Rockdale’s rich story. Today, Rockdale remains a vibrant suburb with a captivating history. From its humble beginnings as Frog Hollow to its current status, Rockdale continues to thrive. It offers a unique blend of history and modern life.