Harwood, New South Wales Explained

Type:town
Harwood
State:nsw
Lga:Clarence Valley Council
Postcode:2465
Est:1850s
Pop:291
Coordinates:-29.4224°N 153.2458°W
Pushpin Label Position:left
Stategov:Clarence
Fedgov:Page
Dist1:652
Dir1:NNE
Location1:Sydney
Dist2:42
Dir2:NE
Location2:Grafton
Dist3:5
Dir3:NE
Location3:Maclean

Harwood is a village on the Clarence River, 5 km north-east of Maclean in northern New South Wales. As of the, Harwood had a population of 291. It is known for sugar cane production, with the Harwood Sugar Mill located on the eastern side of town.

History

The traditional custodians of the Harwood area are the Yaegl people.[1]

The first Europeans settled the area around the 1830s due to the abundance of cedar. Sugar cane production began in the 1850s, with the Harwood Mill opening in 1874.[2]

Roads

The Pacific Highway cuts through the middle of the village. Prior to the construction of the Harwood Bridge in 1966, the Harwood Ferry transported vehicles along the highway across the Clarence River. It was the last ferry on the highway. In 2019, a new bridge superseded the old one to carry the highway. The old bridge is still used for local traffic.

Amenities

Harwood Island Public School is the local primary school. For high school, students have to travel to Maclean.

The village also has a general store, antique store, pub (with children's playground and multiple Tesla charging stations), hall, cricket oval, and public boat ramp.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: First Peoples. 15 June 2021. Port of Yamba Historical Society and Museum.
  2. Web site: The Hidden Gem, Harwood. 15 June 2021. myclarencevalley.com.au. My Clarence Valley.