NSWPlanned settlement
Leichhardt
A land sale named after the merchant’s explorer friend.
1849Beames subdivides ‘Leichhardt Township’
WHAT STARTED IT
Leichhardt grew on the land between Parramatta Road and Iron Cove, granted in small farms from 1794 and in larger blocks such as John Piper’s Piperston in 1811. Sydney merchant Walter Beames bought most of Piperston in 1846–47 and in 1849 subdivided it as ‘Leichhardt Township’, naming it after his friend the explorer Ludwig Leichhardt.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
James Norton’s neighbouring Elswick estate was subdivided in 1867, laying out Norton and Marion streets. The Municipality of Leichhardt was proclaimed on 14 December 1871 with 614 residents, and Frank Beames became its first mayor. Annandale broke away as a separate borough in 1894. After the Second World War Leichhardt became the heart of Sydney’s Italian community, with clubs, cafes and shops along Norton Street.
TURNING POINTS
1811John Piper is granted 165 acres called Piperston, and his brother Hugh 270 acres beside Iron Cove.
1849Walter Beames’s sale plan names his subdivision ‘Leichhardt Township’ after the explorer.
1867James Norton’s Elswick estate is subdivided, creating Norton, Marion, Elswick and Allen streets.
1871The Municipality of Leichhardt is proclaimed on 14 December, covering about 1,300 acres.
1894About 336 acres become the separate Borough of Annandale on 1 February.
1954The Italian sporting club APIA opens in Norton Street.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A dense inner-west suburb still known for its Italian cafes and restaurants. It has been part of Inner West Council since 2016.