Como Pleasure Grounds

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Collection SummaryComo Pleasure Grounds is located in Como near the Woronora River and is a popular picnic spot.HistoryComo Pleasure Grounds was originally part of a large land holding of over 12,000 acres owned by Sutherland Shire pioneer Thomas Holt. When the Illawarra railway line was established in 1885 a stopping place was created at Como. A pleasure grounds was built on a tiny rocky peninsula near the railway crossing bridge in 1886 to allow easy access for visitors from the city. Although the pleasure grounds were established by James Murphy it was his brother John who initially managed the grounds and boatshed. By 1900 the grounds had a promenande around the water's edge and a series of terraces leading to a rocky knoll which provided commanding views of both the Georges and Woronora Rivers. A number of summer houses and a large shelter pavilion was used for dinners and dances. A shop was built at the entrance which provided refreshments and which today also operates a restaurant. In addition there were swings, merry-go-rounds and see-saws to entertain visitors who also had room to play sports such as cricket and other picnic games. The opening of Tom Ugly's Bridge in 1929 created improved access to Sutherland Shire by car. However it meant that tourists were directed away fro the Pleasure Grounds to the seaside suburb of Cronulla. In 1940 the pleasure grounds were purchased by Sutherland Shire Council. A new railway bridge erected in 1972 brought further change to the pleasure grounds. Wth the relocation of the Como railway platform further south the once easy walk to the grounds was diminshed. In 1985 the old railway line was reopened as a pedestrian path. Funds have also been made available in more recent years to upgrade the grounds. An official ceremony was held in 2004 to acknowledge this achievement. It reconfirmed the community appeal of the pleasure grounds which have been described as having an indefinable magical quality.

Photograph

Arthur Birk and Miss Cook in the store at Como Pleasure Grounds, 30 November 1924

Como Pleasure Grounds

Picnic group at Como Pleasure Grounds, ca. 1904

Como, Georges River, N.S.W., ca. 1900s

Tea gardens, Como, Georges River, ca. 1900s

Como Pleasure Grounds, and Como Hotel, ca. 1890s

Como Pleasure Grounds, and Como Hotel, ca. 1900

Como Pleasure Grounds, ca. 1920s

Como Pleasure Grounds, ca. 1900

Como Pleasure Grounds, ca. 1916

Scylla Bay on the Georges River at Como, ca. early 1900s

Como Pleasure Grounds, ca. 1906

Como Pleasure Grounds, ca. 1900

Como Pleasure Grounds, ca. 1894

Map

Sutherland. 2 : C Riding, Parish of Sutherland, County of Cumberland : Village of Como

Holt Sutherland Estate, Como Heights.

Como Subdivision No. 1

Como Estate Georges River : Anniversary Day Monday 26th January 1914 : 2.30 p.m. auction sale on the ground

Oral History

May Frater Oral History

Marion Caesar Oral History

Jack Clarke Oral History

Details

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Connections

PlacesComoSubjectsComo Pleasure Grounds (N.S.W.)

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