| Faulconbridge offers many attractions
including Sir Henry Parkes Grave, The Prime Ministers Corridor of Oaks and
Norman Lindsays Gallery. In 1877, Prime Minister Sir Henry Parkes
purchased 600 acres of land. Faulconbridge was named by Sir Henry Parkes after
his mother, whose maiden name was Faulconbridge. Sir Henry Parkes
was buried in Faulconbridge not far from Faulconbridge station where his grave
can be seen today. Sir Henry Parkes notable achievement was the Federation of
Australia. It
was just after Federation that a Prime Ministerial tradition started. Every Australian
Prime Minister, or a family representative, has the honour of planting an oak
tree in the beautiful Corridor of Oaks at Faulconbridge.
Across the road
from the avenue of trees is Jackson Park, an ideal location for a family picnic
featuring a play area for the children. There is also a large open area close
by for those who wish to have a game of cricket or perhaps fly a kite. From
Jackson Park you can enter Sassafras Gully via the Victoria Walking Track which
will take you to Clarinda Falls. Other parks on the opposite side of the railway
line include Browett Park not far from the station down Home Street; Ticehurst
Park further west located off Bellevue Road, and Chalmers Memorial Park closer
to the highway. A major sporting ground for athletics is Tom Hunter Park. To get
to Tom Hunter Park, turn at the traffic lights at Grose Road, then take Chapman
Parade and follow the signs to Tom Hunter. Further
down Chapman Parade you will find the famous Norman Lindsay Gallery. Norman Lindsay
(1879-1969) was a well known character within the Springwood / Faulconbridge area.
He was an artist who dared to be different with his paintings and sculptures of
naked women. He was also famous for his classic childrens book The
Magic Pudding. Norman Lindsay made such an impact in the town of Faulconbridge
that new streets developed around the gallery took on the names of the some of
his created characters such as Watkin Wombat Way, Bunyip Blue Gum Road and Bill
Barnacle Avenue (just to name a few). Norman Lindsay also had a love
for model ships which can be seen within the Gallery. Faulconbridge also
has a local primary school. Surprisingly enough Springwood High School is actually
located in Faulconbridge. If the gates are open and you are prepared for
a long drive down a dirt road, follow the Grose Road around 6km or so and you
will experience Faulconbridge Point Lookout.
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