Singleton, New South Wales

Singleton is a town and Local Government Area on the banks of the Hunter River in New South Wales, Australia. Singleton lies approximately 2.5 hours (197 km) northwest of Sydney, and around an hour (77 km) northwest of Newcastle. Estimated district population in 2005 is around 22,000.

Related Topics:
Local Government Area - Hunter River - New South Wales - Australia - Sydney - Newcastle

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Singleton was established in the 1820s by Benjamin Singleton. In its early years it was also called St Patricks' Plains. The Main North Railway line reached Singleton in 1863 and was the end of the line until 1869. The town retains many historic buildings, including the original courthouse built in 1841, various large churches and many traditional Australian pubs. The countryside surrounding Singleton contains an unusual number of fine old mansions, reflecting the aristocratic nature of land grants when the area was settled. They include 'Neotsfield' (1828), the elaborate 'Baroona' (1829), 'Abbey Green' (1865) and stunning 'Minimbah' (1877).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Singleton was subject to the major flooding of the Hunter River in 1955, causing excessive damage to the town. When the area was being settled, the government originally attempted to create a town at Whittingham in a flood-free area, but the town grew by the river none the less. Singleton's main districts include the town centre, Singleton Heights, Dunolly, Darlington, The Retreat and Hunterview. Surrounding villages include Broke, Camberwell, Jerry's Plains and Belford. Major industries near Singleton include coal mining, power stations, vineyards and cattle production.

Related Topics:
Major flooding of the Hunter River in 1955 - Coal - Power station - Vineyards - Cattle

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Singleton is home to one of the world's largest sundials, a present from a local coal mine built for the 1988 Bicentennial Celebrations. It is also one of the wealthiest towns per capita in Australia due to the nearby coal mines.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Some famous Singletonians include Rugby League players Steve Simpson, Lee McWilliams, and Rugby Union player Steve Merrick.

Related Topics:
Rugby League - Rugby Union

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~