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Updated by Joanna James on Mar 16, 2024
Headline for 5 Interesting Facts About City of Ryde in New South Wales – Things You Should Know
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Joanna James Joanna James
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5 Interesting Facts About City of Ryde in New South Wales – Things You Should Know

The City of Ryde spans from the Parramatta River to Lane Cove River. The latter encircles the city in the north. The east of the city overlooks the peninsula of Hunters Hill. Here are some of the interesting facts about this city.

1

Origins of the City's Name

Ryde has been named after a town called Ryde that can be found on the Isle of Wight. The name may have been adopted from a person who opened the 'Ryde Store' in the area. He has arrived from Ryde in the Isle of Wight and settled here for business purposes. However, the city wasn't always known as Ryde; previously, it was known as Wallumatta, an Aboriginal name. The name was used since the 1840s and was officially adopted as the municipality's name in 1870.

2

The City of Ryde Houses the Oldest Settler's Cottage in the Country

The city of Ryde is also famous for holding Australia's oldest settler's cottage. It can be found in Victoria. Known as Addington, this cottage was built around 1800 by an emancipist by the name of James Stewart. In 1810, James Shepherd has bought the property, after which he added a six-room sandstone house around the three-room cottage. The west wing of this house was added by Thomas Bowden, who was the first professional school teacher of the colony. Also known as New Far, Addington was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999.

3

It Also Boasts a National Park!

Located just 1.5 kilometres away from properties like Oaks Sydney North Ryde Suites, Lane Cove National Park is a family-favourite destination. There's a mélange of splendid things for families to enjoy here while they spend their holidays at one of the hotels Circular Quay has to offer. This scenic natural bushland is undoubtedly one of the best-kept secrets, which is draped by the serene Lane Cove River. Even amid the chaos of the bustling city life, anyone can find peace of mind in the midst of this reserve.

4

Trams Were All the Rage in the Past

Many of the services operated from Fort Macquarie, Circular Quay, and George Street to Broadway and Parramatta Road. Supplementary services operated during the peak hours from Railway Square. Rozelle Tram Depot controlled the tram services to Drummoyne and Ryde. These trams routinely travelled along the Crescent and present-day City West Link Road (then Commercial Road) after which these had taken a left onto Victoria Road. Then, these have crossed the former Gladesville Bridge and Iron Cove Bridge prior to turning onto Blaxland Road. Tram services are practically extinct in Ryde today.

5

The Granny Smith Festival Is Quite the Crowd Puller!

The main highlight of a busy year that thrives with community events is the Granny Smith Festival. It attracts tens and thousands of visitors from near and far. This festival is held on the 3rd Saturday of October each year and celebrates the legacy of Maria Ann "Granny" Smith. She was the first person to grown (accidentally) the first batch of green apples in 1868.