Ever heard of a town described as the world’s only above-ground cemetery? That’s Woy Woy. This coastal town is located in the Central Coast region of New South Wales Australia. Woy Woy sits on the southern reaches of Brisbane Water near the Pacific Ocean. It is about 84 km north of Sydney.
The double name Woy Woy comes from the local Darkinjung Aboriginal people. It means big lagoon or much water. This refers to the deep tidal channel next to the town centre. Before that it was known as Webb’s Flat. James Webb was the first European settler in the Brisbane Water area in 1823.
Holidaymakers started coming to Woy Woy in 1889. This was after the Hawkesbury River railway bridge was built. Woy Woy remains a popular holiday spot.
In the 1960s the Main Northern railway line was electrified. This led to quick growth around Woy Woy. Properties were cheaper and Sydney and Newcastle were about 90 minutes away by train.
Woy Woy was almost the site of a huge industrial development in 1948. Plans included factories housing and even an airport. The developer would have covered all costs. Predictions estimated 50000 jobs in 10 to 25 years.
In 1994 Woy Woy residents had to leave due to bushfires. The Peninsula Leisure Centre opened in 2005. It cost $24 million and experienced delays.
Spike Milligan’s parents moved to Woy Woy after moving to Australia. He often visited and made jokes about the town. He called Woy Woy the world’s only above-ground cemetery.
In 2021 Woy Woy had a population of 11072. Most people were born in Australia and speak English at home.
St John the Baptist Primary School is the local Catholic school. It started in 1922. There are also two public primary schools. Brisbane Water Secondary College also has a campus in Woy Woy.
Woy Woy is a subtropical holiday destination. It has many water views and waterfront restaurants.
The town has 34000 square metres of commercially zoned land. Most of this is retail businesses. There are also professional services and supermarkets. The Woy Woy waterfront area has ferry links to other bays.
The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce represents businesses in Woy Woy. The town is a commercial hub with legal medical and banking services. Deepwater Plaza is a major shopping centre. Cafés and restaurants line the waterfront near the Bayview Hotel and Woy Woy Hotel.
The Brisbane Water Oyster Festival used to be held at the Woy Woy waterfront. Now it is at Ettalong Beach due to larger crowds. The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce organises this event.
The Woy Woy Little Theatre Company puts on four plays each year. Performances are held at The Peninsula Theatre. They have been performing plays since 1962.
Spike Milligan often visited his parents in Woy Woy. People jokingly called him the boy from Woy Woy. The Spike Fest celebrated his life but is now gone. Milligan made references to Woy Woy in his radio series. A cycle bridge in Woy Woy is named after Spike Milligan.
Olive Riley lived in Woy Woy and became the world’s oldest blogger. She started blogging at age 107.
Woy Woy is home to sporting teams like the Roosters and Sharks. The Woy Woy Tennis Club is one of the oldest on the Central Coast.
Woy Woy railway station is a major commuter hub. Buses connect Woy Woy to nearby suburbs. Ferries go from Woy Woy wharf to other villages around Brisbane Water.
So next time you’re looking for a unique Australian town remember Woy Woy. It’s more than just a stop on the train line. It has history humour and beautiful waterways.