Rydal, New South Wales

Last updated

Rydal
Town
Australia New South Wales location map blank.svg
Red pog.svg
Rydal
Coordinates: 33°29′34″S150°02′13″E / 33.49278°S 150.03694°E / -33.49278; 150.03694
Country Australia
State New South Wales
LGA
Location
Government
 •  State electorate
 •  Federal division
Elevation
957 m (3,140 ft)
Population
 • Total163 (2021 census) [1]
Postcode
2790
Annual rainfall797.5 mm (31.40 in) [2]

Rydal is a small rural village in New South Wales, Australia. [3]

Contents

Rydal is located about 154 kilometres (96 mi) west of the state capital, Sydney and 22 kilometres (14 mi) west from the city of Lithgow about 6 km off the Great Western Highway.

The Main Western Railway line passes through Rydal. Rydal station is serviced by daily Transport NSW train services to and from Sydney and Bathurst, as well as the Dubbo XPT passenger service. First settled in the 1820s, Rydal was located on Major Mitchell's main road to Bathurst, and was a busy village through the mid-1800s and early 1900s. The Great Western Highway by-passed Rydal in 1929.

There is a hotel/pub, providing accommodation, meals and coffees, and open over the weekend, but no other shops. Closest shops and fuel are at Wallerawang (12 km). Accommodation is also available at a number of bed and breakfast establishments. There is a public pay telephone. Only Telstra mobile works reliably in the village.

Rydal has a NSW Rural Fire Service volunteer-run station, attending fires and motor vehicle accidents as well as bush fires.

The Rydal Agricultural and Horticultural Show is held at the Rydal Showgrounds on the first weekend of February, on the Saturday. There is plenty of entertainment for all ages. The Equestrian events are a big drawcard, as well as displays of local produce, art, photography and cooking. It is known as the "Biggest Little Show in The West".

Daffodils at Rydal is a garden festival centered on Rydal's main street, gardens and parks, as well as open gardens in the nearby area. Held on the second weekend and third weekend of September the festival raises funds for charities. Always plenty to see and do with thousands of daffodils planted throughout the district.

Four wheel driving, trail biking and motor biking is popular in the nearby Lidsdale State Forest and Marrangaroo National Park, and fishing in the nearby Coxs River and Lake Lyell. Rydal Village Association have provided some pleasant parks for picnics, and a heritage walk past some of the historic buildings and points of interest. The Association is currently pushing Lithgow Council to provide public toilet facilities for visitors, otherwise if the hotel is open there are toilets available.

At the 2006 census, Rydal had a population of 609, but only about 50 people live in the village. [1]

History

The village's name derives from Rydal in England's Lake District, the home of poet William Wordsworth, with colonial ruler Governor George Gipps, who named the location and approved it as village in 1843.

Rydal was officially established in the mid-19th century and early growth was closely tied to the development of the nearby Great Western Railway. In 1869, the railway line between Bathurst and Lithgow was completed, and Rydal became an important stop along the route. The village's proximity to the railway made it a strategic location for transporting goods, particularly coal, wool and agricultural products.

In the late 19th century, Rydal was primarily a rural service center for the surrounding farming community. It was a hub for local trade, with general stores, post offices and other services. The arrival of the railway also led to the establishment of a small but growing community.

Rydal became known for its wool production and many local farmers sent their wool to nearby markets via the railway. The presence of the railway made it easier for Rydal to participate in broader regional and national economic activities.

By the mid-20th century, Rydal began to experience a decline as the local mining industry stalled and the importance of the railway diminished with the rise of road transport. It managed to retain its rural charm and remains a quiet, picturesque village.

In recent decades, Rydal has experienced a mild revival as part of the broader trend of people seeking out lifestyle properties in rural areas, especially for people from Sydney looking for weekend getaways or retirement locations. The village has also seen an increase in tourism, with visitors drawn to its historical sites, natural beauty and proximity to the Blue Mountains and other popular tourist destinations.

Heritage listings

XPT at Rydal station XP2002 leads WT28.jpg
XPT at Rydal station

Rydal has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Rydal (State Suburb)". 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
  2. ↑ "Monthly rainfall: Rydal-63196". bom.gov.au. Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  3. ↑ Rydal Village Association Inc. web site: http://www.rydal.com.au/
  4. ↑ "Rydal Railway Station group". New South Wales State Heritage Register . Department of Planning & Environment. H01239. Retrieved 2 June 2018. CC BY icon.svg Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC BY 4.0 licence .
  5. ↑ "Rydal rail underbridges". New South Wales State Heritage Register . Department of Planning & Environment. H01053. Retrieved 2 June 2018. CC BY icon.svg Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC BY 4.0 licence .


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