Newington and Homebush

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In 1807, John Blaxland, one to the first free settlers to arrive in Australia, acquired 520 hectares of land which he named Newington after his family estate in England. John  Blaxland brought an experienced salt maker with him from England, who laid out salt pans on the edge of the Parramatta River.

By 1827, the Newington Estate was sending eight tons of salt to Sydney each week. The Blaxland’s were living on the estate until the 1860s. In that time a fabric mill and flour mill were built in addition to cattle grazing, logging and coal mining. Newington House, built in 1832, is still standing today.

In 1819, Wentworth acquired more land so that his estate comprised 394 hectares. It was at this time that he constructed Homebush House, positioned near to the corner of Figtree Drive and Australia Avenue.

In 1825, a horseracing track was developed on the estate, and between 1841 and 1860 the track was used as the headquarters of the Australian Jockey Club.