Gosford

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Gosford
Central Coast,  New South Wales
Gosford from the Kariong Lookout - old bypassed sectionof Highway P1540948.jpg
Central Gosford viewed from Kariong
Australia New South Wales relief location map.png
Red pog.svg
Gosford
Coordinates 33°25′37″S151°20′31″E / 33.42694°S 151.34194°E / -33.42694; 151.34194
Population
Postcode(s) 2250
Elevation20 m (66 ft)
Time zone AEST (UTC+10)
 • Summer (DST) AEST (UTC+11)
Location
LGA(s) Central Coast Council
Region Central Coast
County Northumberland
State electorate(s)
Federal division(s) Robertson
Mean max tempMean min tempAnnual rainfall
23.3 °C
74 °F
11.4 °C
53 °F
1,333.0 mm
52.5 in
Localities around Gosford:
North Gosford Narara Wyoming
West Gosford Gosford East Gosford
Point Clare Brisbane Water Brisbane Water

Gosford is a waterfront city at the northern end of Brisbane Water on the Central Coast in the state of New South Wales, Australia. The Gosford waterfront is known for its boating and scenic views on the shores of Brisbane Water. Gosford is the main commercial hub and gateway of the Central Coast. It is situated approximately 77 km (48 mi) north of Sydney and 86 km (53 mi) south of Newcastle. Gosford is located in the local government area of the Central Coast Council.

Contents

Gosford, locally nicknamed 'Gossie', [3] is located in the north-eastern part of the Sydney Basin in the traditional Darkinjung Country.

The regional city is one of the two shared administrative hubs of the Central Coast Council, along with Wyong. Gosford is the central business district of the Central Coast region and is the third largest urban area in the state of New South Wales after Sydney and Newcastle. Gosford has been deemed a vital CBD spine under the NSW Metropolitan Strategy following the merging of Gosford City council and Wyong Shire council in 2016, forming the current Central Coast Council administration. [4] The population of the Gosford area was 169,053 in 2016. [2]

History

Gosford, prior to 1927 SLNSW 796353 Looking south Mann St Gosford.jpg
Gosford, prior to 1927

Until white settlement, the area around Gosford was inhabited by the Guringai peoples, who were principally coastal-dwellers, [5] and the Darkinjung people that inhabited the hinterland. Along with the other land around the Hawkesbury River estuary, the Brisbane Water district was explored during the early stages of the settlement of New South Wales.

The Henry Kendall Cottage and Historical Museum at West Gosford Gosford Henry Kendall Cottage 001.JPG
The Henry Kendall Cottage and Historical Museum at West Gosford

Gosford itself was explored by State Governor Arthur Phillip between 1788 and 1789. [6] The area was difficult to access and settlement began around 1823. By the late 19th century the agriculture in the region was diversifying, with market gardens and citrus orchards occupying the rich soil left after the timber harvest. As late as 1850, the road between Hawkesbury (near Pittwater) and Brisbane Water was a cart wheel track. [7]

Typical of early Colonial settlement, convicts lived and worked in the Gosford area. In 1825, Gosford's population reached 100, of whom 50% were convicts.

East Gosford was the first centre of settlement. Gosford was named in 1839 after Archibald Acheson, 2nd Earl of Gosford – a friend of the then Governor of New South Wales George Gipps. [8] Acheson's title derives its name from Gosford, a townland (sub-division) of Markethill in County Armagh in Northern Ireland.

In 1887, the Main Northern railway line to Sydney was completed, requiring a bridge over the Hawkesbury River and a tunnel through the sandstone ridge west of Woy Woy. The introduction of this transport link and then the Pacific Highway in 1930 accelerated the development of the region.

Gosford became a town in 1885 and was declared a municipality in 1886. [9] It was then declared a Shire in 1947, and a City on 1 January 1980.

Rumbalara Reserve Gosford Rumbalara Reserve - panoramio (6).jpg
Rumbalara Reserve Gosford

Mann Street, the spine of the Gosford CBD has been the subject of much debate, with urban planners having ambitions to make Gosford a small smart regional city with various plans for a performing arts centre, greater choice in cafes and restaurants, new library, high speed rail linkage to Sydney and Newcastle, better pedestrian access from the Gosford Hospital, education and research precinct over the railway lines to Mann Street and a new Central Coast University promised at State and Federal elections. Availability of affordable car parking around Gosford railway station is an ongoing concern for rail commuters and visitors to Gosford CBD.

Demographics

As of the 2021 census, there were 4,873 people in Gosford CBD. 58.1% of people were born in Australia. The next most common countries of birth were India 5.0%, and Nepal 4.1%. 64.0% of people spoke only English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Nepali at 3.8% and Mandarin at 3.3%. The most common responses for religion were No Religion 40.1% and Catholic 15.8%. [10]

The Gosford Statistical Area, which incorporates the whole of Gosford's city and suburbs, includes Avoca Beach, Erina, Ettalong Beach, Kariong, Kincumber, Narara, Terrigal, Woy Woy, and Wyoming, and at the 2021 census had a population of 178,427. [11]

Geography

Climate

Gosford has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification: Cfa) [12] with warm summers and mild winters. In summer, temperatures average about 27–28 °C in the day with high humidity and about 17–18 °C at night. Winters are mild with cool overnight temperatures and mild to occasionally warm daytime temperatures with lower humidity. Records range from a maximum of 44.8 °C (113 °F) on 18 January 2013, to a low of −4.2 °C (24 °F) on 16 July 1970. Average rainfall is 1333 mm, much of which falls in the late summer and autumn. Rainfall is less common in late winter and early spring because of the foehn effect, as the city is located on the leeward side of the Great Dividing Range. [13]

Climate data for Gosford, New South Wales, Australia (1997–2013 normals, extremes 1954–2013)
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °C (°F)44.8
(112.6)
43.0
(109.4)
40.1
(104.2)
32.9
(91.2)
28.8
(83.8)
25.0
(77.0)
25.5
(77.9)
29.9
(85.8)
36.1
(97.0)
38.0
(100.4)
41.8
(107.2)
43.0
(109.4)
44.8
(112.6)
Mean maximum °C (°F)34.0
(93.2)
32.6
(90.7)
30.3
(86.5)
27.2
(81.0)
23.6
(74.5)
21.1
(70.0)
20.5
(68.9)
23.4
(74.1)
27.5
(81.5)
30.8
(87.4)
32.0
(89.6)
32.8
(91.0)
34.0
(93.2)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)28.1
(82.6)
27.4
(81.3)
26.0
(78.8)
23.3
(73.9)
20.5
(68.9)
18.3
(64.9)
17.6
(63.7)
19.4
(66.9)
22.2
(72.0)
23.9
(75.0)
25.1
(77.2)
26.6
(79.9)
23.2
(73.8)
Daily mean °C (°F)22.7
(72.9)
22.3
(72.1)
20.8
(69.4)
17.7
(63.9)
14.6
(58.3)
12.5
(54.5)
11.6
(52.9)
12.5
(54.5)
15.3
(59.5)
17.4
(63.3)
19.5
(67.1)
21.2
(70.2)
17.3
(63.2)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)17.3
(63.1)
17.2
(63.0)
15.5
(59.9)
12.1
(53.8)
8.6
(47.5)
6.7
(44.1)
5.5
(41.9)
5.6
(42.1)
8.3
(46.9)
10.8
(51.4)
13.8
(56.8)
15.7
(60.3)
11.4
(52.6)
Mean minimum °C (°F)13.5
(56.3)
13.9
(57.0)
11.9
(53.4)
8.4
(47.1)
4.1
(39.4)
2.5
(36.5)
1.7
(35.1)
1.8
(35.2)
4.1
(39.4)
6.3
(43.3)
9.7
(49.5)
11.7
(53.1)
1.7
(35.1)
Record low °C (°F)7.5
(45.5)
9.7
(49.5)
5.8
(42.4)
1.5
(34.7)
0.1
(32.2)
−1.5
(29.3)
−4.2
(24.4)
−1.1
(30.0)
−0.6
(30.9)
1.1
(34.0)
3.9
(39.0)
6.0
(42.8)
−4.2
(24.4)
Average precipitation mm (inches)107.0
(4.21)
189.9
(7.48)
146.6
(5.77)
135.8
(5.35)
121.5
(4.78)
133.5
(5.26)
77.7
(3.06)
60.4
(2.38)
63.0
(2.48)
73.8
(2.91)
85.0
(3.35)
120.1
(4.73)
1,314.3
(51.76)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1 mm)9.08.98.88.48.18.17.25.75.87.19.08.694.7
Average relative humidity (%)66.572.074.069.070.572.067.059.057.558.565.064.566.3
Average dew point °C (°F)17.4
(63.3)
18.1
(64.6)
16.8
(62.2)
13.9
(57.0)
10.9
(51.6)
8.9
(48.0)
7.2
(45.0)
6.8
(44.2)
9.1
(48.4)
11.0
(51.8)
14.0
(57.2)
15.7
(60.3)
12.5
(54.5)
Source 1: Bureau of Meteorology- extremes 1954-2013 [14]
Source 2: Bureau of Meteorology- 1997-2013 normals [15]

Central business district

Residential and commercial redevelopment along Mann Street, Gosford 2018 Mann Street, Gosford 2018.jpg
Residential and commercial redevelopment along Mann Street, Gosford 2018

Gosford proper is located in a valley with President's Hill on the city's western border, Rumbalara Reserve on its eastern border, and Brisbane Water to the city's south. Mann Street, Gosford's main street and part of the Pacific Highway, runs north-south and contains the frontage for much of the commercial district.

In the centre of Gosford is a shopping and community precinct, including Kibble Park, William Street Mall, Gosford City Library, the Imperial Shopping Centre and a full range of shops, cafes, banks and services.

A renewed period of optimism has followed demolition of several derelict buildings and several infrastructure investment projects including the full fibre optic telecommunications rollout of the National Broadband Network in 2012 in the city's CBD [16] as well as the so-called Kibbleplex project, announced in 2013 [17] that plans to house the new regional library, tertiary teaching rooms and associated organisations.

Economy and infrastructure

Gosford District Court Gosford Court House, New South Wales.jpg
Gosford District Court

Gosford is situated along an identified business growth corridor between Erina, the West Gosford light industrial zone and Somersby. Connectivity of main roads and rail travel times between Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter region are key issues for corporate business relocation to the region. Aged and personal care and retail are major employers in Gosford. [18]

As an entertainment hub, Mann Street enjoys relatively good public transport links and is one of the Central Coast's most popular spots for pubs and clubs and in close proximity to cultural and sporting events.

Yacht and other boat building has been undertaken by East Coast Yachts [19] since 1964 [20] in West Gosford.

Facilities

Gosford looking over Brisbane Water Gosford looking sth.JPG
Gosford looking over Brisbane Water
Central Coast Stadium Centralcoast stadium.jpg
Central Coast Stadium

Gosford is home to:

Media

Newspapers

Express Advocate: A News Corp Australia publication suburban style newspaper in the News Local Group.

Coast Community News releases both physical newspapers and digital news for the Central Coast. [23]

Commercial radio networks

Radio stations available in Gosford include:

Transport

Gosford railway station Gosford railway station.jpg
Gosford railway station

Bus services in Gosford are operated by Busways and Red Bus Services.

The Central Coast Highway cuts through Gosford's waterfront area, while its predecessor the Pacific Highway, takes on several names through the CBD itself.

Mann Street contains the main public transport links for Gosford, including Gosford railway station, with NSW TrainLink services twice an hour in the off-peak to Sydney Central and Newcastle Interchange, with more frequent services in the morning and evening peaks.

Education

Sport

Gosford formerly had a professional team in the National Rugby League from 2000 until 2002, the Northern Eagles. The club, formed as a merger between the previously Gosford-bound North Sydney Bears and the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, played its allocation of Gosford home matches at the purpose-built Central Coast Stadium. The club licence however reverted back to Manly in 2003 and the club was dissolved.

The Central Coast Mariners professional football club was formed in 2005 to participate in the A-League. The club has won two titles to date, most recently defeating Melbourne City in the 2023 A-League Men Grand Final.

Locally, Gosford is the headquarters of the Central Coast Division Rugby League, which owns the Central Coast League Club in downtown Gosford. The suburb of Gosford has one current club, the St. Edwards Bears, and one junior club, the Gosford Kariong Storm. The Storm were initially a senior club as well, formed from the merger of the Gosford Townies/Giants and the nearby Kariong Kookaburras.

The Central Coast Rugby Union features eight first grade clubs and is one of the strongest local rugby union competitions in the state.

The city also has local Australian rules and cricket clubs as well as basketball and Netball teams.

Notable people

Sister cities and twin towns

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Coast (New South Wales)</span> Region in New South Wales, Australia

The Central Coast is a peri-urban region lying on the Pacific Ocean in northern-eastern New South Wales, Australia. The region is situated north of Sydney, which is filled with subtropical national parks, forests and also encompasses the major coastal waterways of Brisbane Water, Tuggerah Lakes and southern Lake Macquarie. The region's hinterland, which has fertile valleys, rural farmland and wineries, and also includes the Watagan Mountains. The Central Coast is known for its regional coastal towns like Terrigal, The Entrance, Ettalong Beach, Budgewoi and Bateau Bay with resorts and holiday parks, which feature many expansive beaches and lagoons with surfing and coastal tracks, as well as scenic views. Gosford is the main commercial hub and gateway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">City of Gosford</span> Former local government area in New South Wales, Australia

The City of Gosford was a local government area that was located in the Central Coast region in the state of New South Wales, Australia. The incorporation of Gosford dates back to 1886 when the Town of Gosford was proclaimed as the Borough of Gosford, becoming the Municipality of Gosford from 1906. In 1908, the Gosford Municipality merged into Erina Shire which covered the remaining Central Coast area outside of Gosford, but regained its independence in 1936. From 1 January 1947, local government in the Central Coast region was reorganised, creating Gosford Shire and Wyong Shire, and the final boundaries of Gosford City Council date from this period. From 1 January 1980, Gosford Shire was granted city status, becoming the City of Gosford. On 12 May 2016 the Minister for Local Government amalgamated the City of Gosford and Wyong Shire Councils. The Central Coast Council was established on the same day, covering the combined areas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wyong Shire</span> Former local government area in New South Wales, Australia

Wyong Shire was a local government area located in the Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia. The incorporation of the Wyong area dates back to 7 March 1906 when the entire area of the Brisbane Water Police District outside of the Town of Gosford was proclaimed as the Erina Shire. From 1 January 1947, local government in the Central Coast region was reorganised, creating Gosford Shire and Wyong Shire, which comprised Erina Shire north and east of Kulnura, Central Mangrove and Lisarow.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Main North railway line, New South Wales</span> Railway line in New South Wales, Australia

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Woy Woy railway station</span> Australian railway station

Woy Woy railway station is located on the Main Northern line in New South Wales, Australia. It serves the southern Central Coast town of Woy Woy opening on 1 February 1889.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Woy Woy</span> Town in New South Wales, Australia

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gosford railway station</span> Australian railway station

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">East Gosford</span> Suburb of Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

East Gosford is a suburb of the Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia, located immediately south-east of Gosford's town centre. It is part of the Central Coast Council local government area, and occupies an area previously inhabited by the Guringai (Wanangine) People. East Gosford is named after the Archibald Acheson, 2nd Earl of Gosford, with whom New South Wales Governor George Gipps served in Canada. Archibald Acheson was appointed Governor of British North America in 1835, and conducted a royal commission into the state of affairs in Lower Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ettalong Beach</span> Suburb of Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

Ettalong Beach is a suburb of the Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia south of Woy Woy on Brisbane Water at the point where it meets Broken Bay, about 86 km north of Sydney. It is part of the Central Coast Council local government area. Ettalong Beach is the natural eastward continuation of Umina Beach and Ocean Beach. The village is serviced by a small retail centre along Ocean View Road.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kariong, New South Wales</span> Suburb of Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

Kariong is a locality of the Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia west of Gosford along the Central Coast Highway. It is part of the Central Coast Council local government area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patonga, New South Wales</span> Suburb of Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

Patonga is a small beach side fishing and holiday village which is part of the Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia, located on the edge of Brisk Bay and near the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. It is part of the Central Coast Council local government area. Patonga is the southern most village of the Central Coast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Coast Division Rugby League</span> Rugby league competition

The Central Coast Division of Country Rugby League is a rugby league competition based on the Central Coast of New South Wales between Sydney and Newcastle. The competition was founded in 1947 as a junior competition for the Newcastle club, Lakes United. The competition rapidly expanded and grew, so much so that in 1967, it was upgraded to full membership of the Country Rugby League as Group 12. In 1981, it was upgraded and renamed Central Coast Division. The division covers the entire region of the Central Coast from Woy Woy and Umina in the south up to Budgewoi and Gwandalan in the north.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erina Shire</span> Former local government area in New South Wales, Australia

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Coast Council (New South Wales)</span> Local government area in New South Wales, Australia

The Central Coast Council is a local government area in the Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia. It is adjacent to the Pacific Highway, Central Coast Highway, the Northern railway line and the Pacific Ocean. The council was formed on 12 May 2016 following the merger of the Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils.

The Shire of Woy Woy was a local government area on the Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia, centred on the town of Woy Woy. The shire was proclaimed on 1 August 1928 as a result of the proclamation of the separation of the D Riding of Erina Shire and had its council seat at Woy Woy, but covered the majority of the Woy Woy peninsula including Woy Woy Bay, Umina, Blackwall, Kariong, Pearl Beach, and Patonga. Woy Woy Shire was abolished on 1 January 1947 with the reorganisation of local government in the Central Coast region following the end of the Second World War, with the council area amalgamated into Gosford Shire.

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