Gazing out, can you picture an eagle soaring above? Warrimoo. This is the Aboriginal word for “eagle’s nest” or “place of the screaming white bird.”
Warrimoo is a village in the lower Blue Mountains. It sits 273 metres above sea level. That’s about 896 feet. You’re about 68 kilometres west of Sydney here.
Once known as Karabar, Warrimoo offers a blend of history and nature. It’s a place where you can discover local stories. You can also enjoy the beauty of the Blue Mountains.
Back in 1898, a railway platform called Karabar served a developing estate. It likely shared the same name. But this platform closed before World War I. In 1918, a new station opened. This one was named Warrimoo. It was a little further down the Blue Mountains line.
Entrepreneur Arthur Rickard developed Warrimoo. He planned a mix of small and large blocks. This promoted sustainable living. Rickard encouraged orchards, vegetable gardens, and chickens.
Warrimoo retains historical homes and buildings. These include a former distillery and a former ‘Bordillo’. The public school now stands where the distillery once operated.
Charity worker George Ardill moved to Warrimoo. He built homes for homeless women and children. These homes lined Florabella Street and The Avenue. Ardill played a controversial role. He instigated the removal of Indigenous children from their families.
Dorothy Wall lived in Warrimoo from 1934 to 1937. She wrote the second Blinky Bill book here. A mural at Possum Park honours her work. Warrimoo is “Blinky Bill Territory”.
The Warrimoo railway station is a landmark. It first opened in 1918. The station offers views of the town. It links Warrimoo to other towns and the Blue Mountains region. The original station burnt down. It was rebuilt in the 1950s after a bushfire.
Adjacent to the station is Ardill Park. This park is perfect for a family picnic. There’s plenty of space for children.
Rickard Road leads to Warrimoo’s Recreation Reserve. Here you’ll find Warrimoo Oval and tennis courts.
The Florabella Pass Track is a popular walk. It connects Warrimoo to Blaxland. The track passes through rainforest. You might spot lyrebirds and flame robins. Keep an eye out for flannel flowers and pink angophoras. The Pippas Pass portion has shelter caves. These caves have patterns from centuries of weathering.
Warrimoo has a small-town feel. It has a population of around 2,450. The locals are known to be friendly. Feel free to strike up a conversation and learn more about this fascinating village.
The name Warrimoo reflects the area’s natural beauty. It reminds us of the eagles soaring above. It’s a place where history and nature meet.