Matraville, New South Wales
Encyclopedia
Matraville is an older established area of the lower Eastern Suburbs
of Sydney
, in the state of New South Wales
, Australia
. Matraville is located approximately 9 kilometres by road south-east of the Sydney central business district
, in the local government area of the City of Randwick
.
, put the wind right up the English when he commanded the ships Boussole and Astrolabe to weigh anchor at the entrance to the bay... just two days after the First Fleet had arrived a couple of kilometres to the north in Port Jackson. Cast a glance across the entrance to the bay and you are looking directly at the spot where Captain James Cook planted the flag in 1770.
Matraville is named in honour of James Matra
(1746–1806), sailor and diplomat, who was a midshipman on the voyage by Captain James Cook to Botany Bay
in 1770. Matra was born in New York
, but later settled in England
. Cook wrote his name as Magra, as this was the spelling Matra used early in his life. Magra entered the Royal Navy as 'Captain's Servant' in May 1761 and served in European waters until the end of the Seven Years War. In July 1764, having returned to New York, he became a midshipman in the Hawke. This and other ships in which he later served undertook peacetime patrols on the eastern coast of North America and around the British Isles. On 25 July 1768 Magra joined the Endeavour and sailed on James Cook's first great voyage of Pacific exploration. During this voyage, Magra became acquainted with (Sir) Joseph Banks, and their friendship lasted until his death. The Endeavour returned to England in July 1771. Circumstantial evidence has identified Magra as the anonymous author of A Journal of a Voyage Round the World, which appeared two months later, and which offered some details of Cook's voyage not found in other accounts. Matra had walked over the area with Cook and his close friend, botanist Joseph Banks
. Matra had also proposed to the British government that it establish a colony at Botany Bay in 1783, which he envisaged could be a place that American loyalists could also settle. Matra died on 29 March 1806 at Tangier.
Matraville was originally reserved for the Church and Schools Corporation with income generated intended to support clergy and teachers. The school was established in 1904, thanks to the efforts of John Rowland Dacey, the state member for Botany, who had nearby suburb of Daceyville
named after him. The school was originally known as Cross Roads but Dacey suggested that the name Matra would be more appropriate in honour of James Matra
.Dacey's suggestion was accepted by the Department of Education and the school and suburb became Matraville. The land at Matraville reverted to the crown in 1917 and 72.5 acres (293,397.4 m²) were allocated for a settlement for soldiers returning from World War I
. This parcel became one of the first large residential developments in the area - between 1918 and 1925. The Voluntary Workers Association was formed to build homes for soldiers and their families at the intersection of Anzac Parade and Beauchamp Road. The first cottage at the settlement was completed in 1919 and the residential area became known as Matraville Soldiers Garden Village. A total of ninety-three cottages were built between 1918 and 1925. They were eventually taken over as State Government public housing. In 1977, all the cottages except one were demolished in spite of public protest; the one remaining cottage can still be seen in Somme Way. All that is left of the other cottages is a park with sections of sandstone walls and foundation stones laid by a number of people, including then Prime Minister William Morris Hughes. Matraville was gazetted as a postal area in 1911.
Matraville is a suburb steeped in Anzac history. Matraville Soldiers' Settlement Public School
is surrounded by roads commemorating the battlefields of World War I
. These include Amiens, Ypres, Pozieres, Beauchamp, Menin, Flanders, Amiens, Bullecourt, Bapaume, Hamel, Armentieres inter alia. One street is Lone Pine
Pde, referring to the bloody battle at Gallipoli
where more than 2000 Australians died. Pozieres Ave, commemorates the battle during World War I
, where Australia lost as many men in six weeks as they did in the whole of the Gallipoli campaign. Other streets in the area are named after rivers, Torrens, Franklin, Namoi, Hunter, Clarence and also early Australian explorers, Cunningham, Blaxland, Lawson and Oxley. HMAS Oxley was an Oberon class submarine in the Royal Australian Navy.
Matraville was split between Randwick and Botany Councils. When problems arose from the division in 1961, Botany Council decided to rename its portion Gilmore, to honour Australian poet Dame Mary Gilmore
(1864–1962). After the post masters general office pointed out that there already was a Gilmore, New South Wales (near Tumut), the council chose Hillsdale to honour Patrick Darcy Hills, who was the New South Wales minister for local government. It was a controversial choice since most residents believed that a name should have been chosen that reflected Australia's history.
Matraville was one of the last bastions of traditional Chinese market gardens which is listed on the State Heritage Register. Until 1859 market gardens in the district were owned and tended by Europeans. After the main wave of gold rushes in the 1850s Chinese workers moved into the district. By the 1920s Chinese market gardens across NSW were being squeezed out by larger scale, more modern agriculture. The gardens at Matraville continued into the 1970s when leases were rescinded by the Crown. Despite opposition from Randwick Council and local residents the gardens were bulldozed to make way for housing development.
Matraville was once home to a coal fired power plant, which was demolished in the 1980s to make way for further Port Botany expansion and a State Transit Authority bus depot, which provides services from the peninsula to the city. The only remaining part of the Bunnerong power station
is called 'the Sucko', due to the 'sucking' inlet valve for water to cool the power plant. It is a popular swimming spot. In 1934 the fourth section of the La Perouse tramline was built to the power station which helped to encourage residential and industrial growth in the area.
The Matraville shopping centre is located in Bunnerong Road, between Beauchamp Road and Franklin Street. It is recognised by locals as offering great shopping opportunities, a variety of dining experiences, activities for all ages and as a starting point for sightseeing that takes in the history of both European and indigenous Australians. The range and variety of shops is extensive. Arts and crafts are wonderfully supported with flower stores, gift shops and the renowned Kim's Art and Framing Gallery. Services are well provided with three medical centres,an optometrist, dentist, physiotherapist, pharmacies, a bank, a supermarket,a scuba diving equipment shop, a bait and tackle shop and the Post Office, which has moved from its older, more stylish premises. Another service not found in every neighbourhood centre is Sydney Animal Hospital with a veterinarian on duty, an animal transport facility and a pet shop. Matraville is close to all general services and amenities.
Dining facilities in Matraville cater to just about every taste preference. There are cafes such as Carmelos, Poppy's and Munchkins, fresh seafood, an award winning pie shop (House of Pie), Italian, Chinese, Turkish, chicken shops and even authentic Indian at Matraville Chickens. If you are looking for a night out there is a newly renovated Matraville Hotel and the Matraville RSL both offering excellent contemporary Australian cuisine as well as live entertainment.
The suburb experience increased gentrification
largely due to its proximity to the CBD, the city's famous beaches and the University of NSW which caused an increase in demand for homes in the area and in turn significant price growth. In keeping with the style of the suburb, older homes are being bought and renovated to their former glory.
Landmarks include Heffron Park, a large reserve bordering Maroubra, formerly the site of a naval stores base in World War II
.
Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park
sits along the southern border of the suburb and incorporates Botany Cemetery, Eastern Suburbs Crematorium and Pioneer Park. Arthur Stace
, known in Sydney as Mr Eternity, is buried at Botany Cemetery. He was famous for his practice of writing the word Eternity all over Sydney during the fifties and sixties.
. A child care centre and preschool is also in the suburb. Soldiers Settlement School previously had a separate Infants and Primary School which are now combined into one larger school following the acquisition of park land at Finucane Crescent. The first dux of Matraville High School in 1964, was Robert Carr
who later went on to become the Premier of New South Wales. The University of New South Wales
, one of Australia’s leading teaching and research institutions, is only minutes away from Matraville.
Matraville is close to some of Sydney's well-known beaches such as Maroubra Beach, Coogee Beach and Bondi Beach. Sydney Dive Academy is based at Matraville, just north of one of Sydney’s premier scuba diving locations, Bare Island. If you're interested in sailing the Yarra Bay Sailing Club is located a short distance from Matraville. The extensive range of world-class coastal golf courses is nearby. Major tournaments such as the Australian Open (golf)
have been held in the area.
A number of places of interest are but a short distance from Matraville. The Prince of Wales Drive will take you out to Molineaux Point where you can enjoy the stunning views of Botany Bay. You will be able to see all the historical locations around Botany Bay on a large compass-type platform that provides explanations for each location. One of the State's biggest boat ramps with four lanes and two pontoons is located a couple of kilometers away at Foreshore Beach, on the northern side of Botany Bay.
.
Drive-ins have featured in many Australian films. The best known is movie Dead End Drive-In
(1986), a satirical futuristic action film in which troublesome youth, the unemployed and unwanted immigrants are herded into a drive-in converted into a detention centre. Filming took place at Sydney’s Matraville Drive-in. The Matraville Drive-in was demolished shortly after movie was completed, joining the hundreds of Australian drive-ins to suffer a similar fate in the 1980s. Matraville also hosts a very large Christmas lights decoration in the areas around Flanders Avenue, Knowles Avenue, Franklin Street and Clarence Street.
Census of Population, there were 8,645 people living in Matraville. Of the total population in Matraville, 58.7% stated they were born in Australia. Other common responses were United Kingdom 3.9%, China 2.4% and New Zealand 2.2%. English was stated as the only language spoken at home by 62.9% of residents. The most common responses for religious affiliation were Catholic 40.1%, Anglican 15.6%, No religion 10.6 %, non Christian 8.7% and Orthodox 5.7 %. As far as occupation is concerned, residents surveyed come from all walks of life, ranging from the professionals and managers (28.6%), clerical and administrative workers (19.2%) to technicians and trades workers (15%).
Eastern Suburbs
Eastern Suburbs is a term used to refer to the eastern part of a city, or things associated with such a region. In particular, it may refer to*Eastern Suburbs , a region of Sydney, Australia**Eastern Suburbs railway line-Rugby union:...
of Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, in the state of New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. Matraville is located approximately 9 kilometres by road south-east of the Sydney central business district
Sydney central business district
The Sydney central business district is the main commercial centre of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It extends southwards for about 3 kilometres from Sydney Cove, the point of first European settlement. Its north–south axis runs from Circular Quay in the north to Central railway station in...
, in the local government area of the City of Randwick
City of Randwick
The City of Randwick is a Local Government Area in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. One of Sydney's largest parks, Centennial Park, lies within the city boundary of Randwick. Other major landmarks in Randwick include the world-famous Randwick Racecourse,...
.
History
Matraville is a suburb that fairly reeks of history. It was just a couple of kilometres down the road, near Botany Bay’s north headland, that the Frenchman Jean-Francois de Galaup, Comte de La PerouseLa Perouse
La Perouse may refer to* Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse, a French naval officer and explorer,and the following places which were named after him:* La Perouse, New South Wales, a suburb of Sydney...
, put the wind right up the English when he commanded the ships Boussole and Astrolabe to weigh anchor at the entrance to the bay... just two days after the First Fleet had arrived a couple of kilometres to the north in Port Jackson. Cast a glance across the entrance to the bay and you are looking directly at the spot where Captain James Cook planted the flag in 1770.
Matraville is named in honour of James Matra
James Matra
James Mario Matra , sailor and diplomat, was a midshipman on the voyage by Captain James Cook to Botany Bay in 1770.He was born in New York, but later settled in England...
(1746–1806), sailor and diplomat, who was a midshipman on the voyage by Captain James Cook to Botany Bay
Botany Bay
Botany Bay is a bay in Sydney, New South Wales, a few kilometres south of the Sydney central business district. The Cooks River and the Georges River are the two major tributaries that flow into the bay...
in 1770. Matra was born in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, but later settled in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. Cook wrote his name as Magra, as this was the spelling Matra used early in his life. Magra entered the Royal Navy as 'Captain's Servant' in May 1761 and served in European waters until the end of the Seven Years War. In July 1764, having returned to New York, he became a midshipman in the Hawke. This and other ships in which he later served undertook peacetime patrols on the eastern coast of North America and around the British Isles. On 25 July 1768 Magra joined the Endeavour and sailed on James Cook's first great voyage of Pacific exploration. During this voyage, Magra became acquainted with (Sir) Joseph Banks, and their friendship lasted until his death. The Endeavour returned to England in July 1771. Circumstantial evidence has identified Magra as the anonymous author of A Journal of a Voyage Round the World, which appeared two months later, and which offered some details of Cook's voyage not found in other accounts. Matra had walked over the area with Cook and his close friend, botanist Joseph Banks
Joseph Banks
Sir Joseph Banks, 1st Baronet, GCB, PRS was an English naturalist, botanist and patron of the natural sciences. He took part in Captain James Cook's first great voyage . Banks is credited with the introduction to the Western world of eucalyptus, acacia, mimosa and the genus named after him,...
. Matra had also proposed to the British government that it establish a colony at Botany Bay in 1783, which he envisaged could be a place that American loyalists could also settle. Matra died on 29 March 1806 at Tangier.
Daceyville, New South Wales
Daceyville is a suburb in south-eastern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Daceyville is located 7 km southeast of the Sydney central business district and is part of the City of Botany Bay....
named after him. The school was originally known as Cross Roads but Dacey suggested that the name Matra would be more appropriate in honour of James Matra
James Matra
James Mario Matra , sailor and diplomat, was a midshipman on the voyage by Captain James Cook to Botany Bay in 1770.He was born in New York, but later settled in England...
.Dacey's suggestion was accepted by the Department of Education and the school and suburb became Matraville. The land at Matraville reverted to the crown in 1917 and 72.5 acres (293,397.4 m²) were allocated for a settlement for soldiers returning from World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. This parcel became one of the first large residential developments in the area - between 1918 and 1925. The Voluntary Workers Association was formed to build homes for soldiers and their families at the intersection of Anzac Parade and Beauchamp Road. The first cottage at the settlement was completed in 1919 and the residential area became known as Matraville Soldiers Garden Village. A total of ninety-three cottages were built between 1918 and 1925. They were eventually taken over as State Government public housing. In 1977, all the cottages except one were demolished in spite of public protest; the one remaining cottage can still be seen in Somme Way. All that is left of the other cottages is a park with sections of sandstone walls and foundation stones laid by a number of people, including then Prime Minister William Morris Hughes. Matraville was gazetted as a postal area in 1911.
Matraville is a suburb steeped in Anzac history. Matraville Soldiers' Settlement Public School
Matraville Soldiers' Settlement Public School
Matraville Soldiers' Settlement Public School is a public school that was founded in 1927 in Sydney, Australia.-History:The school was first founded in 1926 by a group of WWI soldiers and their families who occupied land supplied by the government on which they built around 60 houses. The school...
is surrounded by roads commemorating the battlefields of World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. These include Amiens, Ypres, Pozieres, Beauchamp, Menin, Flanders, Amiens, Bullecourt, Bapaume, Hamel, Armentieres inter alia. One street is Lone Pine
Lone Pine
Lone Pine is a series of children's books written by Malcolm Saville.Although they were written over a 35-year timespan, between 1943 and 1978, the characters only age by a few years in the course of the series...
Pde, referring to the bloody battle at Gallipoli
Gallipoli
The Gallipoli peninsula is located in Turkish Thrace , the European part of Turkey, with the Aegean Sea to the west and the Dardanelles straits to the east. Gallipoli derives its name from the Greek "Καλλίπολις" , meaning "Beautiful City"...
where more than 2000 Australians died. Pozieres Ave, commemorates the battle during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, where Australia lost as many men in six weeks as they did in the whole of the Gallipoli campaign. Other streets in the area are named after rivers, Torrens, Franklin, Namoi, Hunter, Clarence and also early Australian explorers, Cunningham, Blaxland, Lawson and Oxley. HMAS Oxley was an Oberon class submarine in the Royal Australian Navy.
Matraville was split between Randwick and Botany Councils. When problems arose from the division in 1961, Botany Council decided to rename its portion Gilmore, to honour Australian poet Dame Mary Gilmore
Mary Gilmore
Dame Mary Gilmore DBE was a prominent Australian socialist poet and journalist.-Early life:Mary Jean Cameron was born on 16 August 1865 at Cotta Walla near Goulburn, New South Wales...
(1864–1962). After the post masters general office pointed out that there already was a Gilmore, New South Wales (near Tumut), the council chose Hillsdale to honour Patrick Darcy Hills, who was the New South Wales minister for local government. It was a controversial choice since most residents believed that a name should have been chosen that reflected Australia's history.
Matraville was one of the last bastions of traditional Chinese market gardens which is listed on the State Heritage Register. Until 1859 market gardens in the district were owned and tended by Europeans. After the main wave of gold rushes in the 1850s Chinese workers moved into the district. By the 1920s Chinese market gardens across NSW were being squeezed out by larger scale, more modern agriculture. The gardens at Matraville continued into the 1970s when leases were rescinded by the Crown. Despite opposition from Randwick Council and local residents the gardens were bulldozed to make way for housing development.
Matraville was once home to a coal fired power plant, which was demolished in the 1980s to make way for further Port Botany expansion and a State Transit Authority bus depot, which provides services from the peninsula to the city. The only remaining part of the Bunnerong power station
Bunnerong Power Station, New South Wales
Bunnerong Power Station is a demolished former coal-powered electric power station in the south-eastern Sydney suburb of Matraville, New South Wales, Australia. When the last generating units were commissioned, it was the largest power station in New South Wales, with a capacity of 375 MW. It was...
is called 'the Sucko', due to the 'sucking' inlet valve for water to cool the power plant. It is a popular swimming spot. In 1934 the fourth section of the La Perouse tramline was built to the power station which helped to encourage residential and industrial growth in the area.
Commercial areas
Today Matraville is primarily a residential area. The area has predominately low-rise housing, giving a quiet and relaxed suburban feel. There is also a diverse range of retail, commercial and recreational uses. Approximately 52 per cent of all private dwellings in Matraville are separate houses, significantly higher than the Randwick City average (28 per cent).The Matraville shopping centre is located in Bunnerong Road, between Beauchamp Road and Franklin Street. It is recognised by locals as offering great shopping opportunities, a variety of dining experiences, activities for all ages and as a starting point for sightseeing that takes in the history of both European and indigenous Australians. The range and variety of shops is extensive. Arts and crafts are wonderfully supported with flower stores, gift shops and the renowned Kim's Art and Framing Gallery. Services are well provided with three medical centres,an optometrist, dentist, physiotherapist, pharmacies, a bank, a supermarket,a scuba diving equipment shop, a bait and tackle shop and the Post Office, which has moved from its older, more stylish premises. Another service not found in every neighbourhood centre is Sydney Animal Hospital with a veterinarian on duty, an animal transport facility and a pet shop. Matraville is close to all general services and amenities.
Dining facilities in Matraville cater to just about every taste preference. There are cafes such as Carmelos, Poppy's and Munchkins, fresh seafood, an award winning pie shop (House of Pie), Italian, Chinese, Turkish, chicken shops and even authentic Indian at Matraville Chickens. If you are looking for a night out there is a newly renovated Matraville Hotel and the Matraville RSL both offering excellent contemporary Australian cuisine as well as live entertainment.
The suburb experience increased gentrification
Gentrification
Gentrification and urban gentrification refer to the changes that result when wealthier people acquire or rent property in low income and working class communities. Urban gentrification is associated with movement. Consequent to gentrification, the average income increases and average family size...
largely due to its proximity to the CBD, the city's famous beaches and the University of NSW which caused an increase in demand for homes in the area and in turn significant price growth. In keeping with the style of the suburb, older homes are being bought and renovated to their former glory.
Landmarks
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park
Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park
Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park is a cemetery and crematorium at Matraville, in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, Australia. Land was dedicated as a cemetery site in 1888, with the first interment recorded on 21 August 1893. Since then, more than 65,000 people have been buried there...
sits along the southern border of the suburb and incorporates Botany Cemetery, Eastern Suburbs Crematorium and Pioneer Park. Arthur Stace
Arthur Stace
Arthur Malcolm Stace , otherwise known as Mr Eternity, was an Australian reformed alcoholic who converted to Christianity and spread his form of gospel by writing the word "Eternity'" in chalk on footpaths in Sydney over a period of approximately 35 years...
, known in Sydney as Mr Eternity, is buried at Botany Cemetery. He was famous for his practice of writing the word Eternity all over Sydney during the fifties and sixties.
Churches
Matraville is home to St Agnes Catholic Church Matraville Baptist Church and East Sydney Community Christian Church. Matraville also has a large Jehovah's Witness congregation with a Kingdom Hall.Schools
There are three primary schools, two public and one Catholic and Matraville Sports High SchoolMatraville Sports High School
Matraville Sports High School, is a school located in Chifley, New South Wales, Australia, on Anzac Parade. It is a coeducational high school operated by the New South Wales Department of Education and Training with students from years 7 to 12...
. A child care centre and preschool is also in the suburb. Soldiers Settlement School previously had a separate Infants and Primary School which are now combined into one larger school following the acquisition of park land at Finucane Crescent. The first dux of Matraville High School in 1964, was Robert Carr
Bob Carr
Robert John "Bob" Carr , Australian statesman, was Premier of New South Wales from 4 April 1995 to 3 August 2005. He holds the record for the longest continuous service as premier of NSW...
who later went on to become the Premier of New South Wales. The University of New South Wales
University of New South Wales
The University of New South Wales , is a research-focused university based in Kensington, a suburb in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia...
, one of Australia’s leading teaching and research institutions, is only minutes away from Matraville.
Transport
Matraville is conveniently located 9 km from Sydney CBD and 3 km along Bunnerong Road from Kingsford town centre. Sydney Bus routes 309,390,391,392,394,398,399 and X92 provides fast and frequent service to City - Central Railway station, Martin Place and Circular Quay via Bunnerong Road, ANZAC Parade (UNSW), and Oxford Street.Sport and recreation
Heffron Park bounded by Bunnerong Road, Jersey Road, Robey Street and Fitzgerald Avenue comprises many sporting facilities including The Matraville Sports Centre with its squash and tennis courts. The Des Renford Aquatic Centre has an indoor heated pool, an outdoor Olympic sized pool and 2 pools for juniors. The Heffron Park sporting fields are set in extensive grasslands with a 4.2 kilometre bicycle track that weaves through the entire park. The park also provides opportunities for passive recreation such as walking, jogging, kite flying and ball games.In addition nearby Matraville RSL club, provides activities such as lawn bowls, social golf, tennis, darts and snooker. The Malabar Riding school is located on Wassel Street near the Chinese Gardens. Matraville Sports High School's Rugby League Program is one of the fastest growing in schoolboy Rugby League.Matraville is close to some of Sydney's well-known beaches such as Maroubra Beach, Coogee Beach and Bondi Beach. Sydney Dive Academy is based at Matraville, just north of one of Sydney’s premier scuba diving locations, Bare Island. If you're interested in sailing the Yarra Bay Sailing Club is located a short distance from Matraville. The extensive range of world-class coastal golf courses is nearby. Major tournaments such as the Australian Open (golf)
Australian Open (golf)
The Australian Open is one of the principal annual golf tournaments on the PGA Tour of Australasia, and also the OneAsia Tour since its formation in 2009. The event was first played in 1904 and takes place toward the end of each year...
have been held in the area.
A number of places of interest are but a short distance from Matraville. The Prince of Wales Drive will take you out to Molineaux Point where you can enjoy the stunning views of Botany Bay. You will be able to see all the historical locations around Botany Bay on a large compass-type platform that provides explanations for each location. One of the State's biggest boat ramps with four lanes and two pontoons is located a couple of kilometers away at Foreshore Beach, on the northern side of Botany Bay.
Culture
The Star Drive-in theatre opened in August 1958 and operated until 8 August 1984 when it closed for the last time because it was no longer profitable. No fanfare greeted the last screening and only nine cars were there to view the last film screened, The ExterminatorThe Exterminator
The Exterminator is a 1980 action film written, produced and directed by James Glickenhaus and starring Robert Ginty as Vietnam veteran vigilante John Eastland, also known as "The Exterminator", who takes out the street punks and those involved in organized crime when the law fails to do justice.-...
.
Drive-ins have featured in many Australian films. The best known is movie Dead End Drive-In
Dead End Drive-In
Dead End Drive-In is a 1986 Australian New Wave film about a teenage couple trapped in a drive-in theater which is really a concentration camp for societal rejects. The inmates, many of whom sport punk fashion, are fed a steady diet of junk food, New Wave music, drugs, and bad movies.The film was...
(1986), a satirical futuristic action film in which troublesome youth, the unemployed and unwanted immigrants are herded into a drive-in converted into a detention centre. Filming took place at Sydney’s Matraville Drive-in. The Matraville Drive-in was demolished shortly after movie was completed, joining the hundreds of Australian drive-ins to suffer a similar fate in the 1980s. Matraville also hosts a very large Christmas lights decoration in the areas around Flanders Avenue, Knowles Avenue, Franklin Street and Clarence Street.
Demographics
According to the 2006 Australian Bureau of StatisticsAustralian Bureau of Statistics
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is Australia's national statistical agency. It was created as the Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics on 8 December 1905, when the Census and Statistics Act 1905 was given Royal assent. It had its beginnings in section 51 of the Constitution of Australia...
Census of Population, there were 8,645 people living in Matraville. Of the total population in Matraville, 58.7% stated they were born in Australia. Other common responses were United Kingdom 3.9%, China 2.4% and New Zealand 2.2%. English was stated as the only language spoken at home by 62.9% of residents. The most common responses for religious affiliation were Catholic 40.1%, Anglican 15.6%, No religion 10.6 %, non Christian 8.7% and Orthodox 5.7 %. As far as occupation is concerned, residents surveyed come from all walks of life, ranging from the professionals and managers (28.6%), clerical and administrative workers (19.2%) to technicians and trades workers (15%).