NSWFarming
Carlingford
Mobbs Hill orange growers who got their own railway.
1802William Mobbs takes up his Orange Grove farm
WHAT STARTED IT
The hills north of Parramatta were granted to small farmers from the 1790s. William Mobbs, a former convict, took up 30 acres here in 1802 and his ‘Orange Grove’ became known for its citrus; the hill was long called Mobbs Hill. Families such as the Mobbs, Spurways, Eyles and Coxes made the district one of Sydney’s main orange-growing areas.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
A post office opened at Mobbs Hill in 1883 and was renamed Carlingford within weeks. A private railway from Clyde, meant to run on to Dural, reached the district in 1896 but its owners failed; the government reopened it in 1901, and a village grew around Carlingford station. After the Second World War the orchards were subdivided for housing.
TURNING POINTS
1802William Mobbs acquires 30 acres overlooking the Dundas Valley and plants his ‘Orange Grove’.
1883The Mobbs Hill post office opens in July and is soon renamed Carlingford.
1896A private railway from Clyde reaches the district in April; its terminus is first called Pennant Hills.
1901On 1 August the government reopens the line, with Carlingford hung with flags and crowds riding the first trains.
1923The foundation stone of the Carlingford Mechanics’ Institute and Memorial Hall is laid on Mobbs Hill.
1959Electric trains reach Carlingford.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A suburban centre in the City of Parramatta, with shops at Mobbs Hill and near the old station site, and streets named after the orchard families.