Kiama Township
In 1831, David Smith, originally a cedar-getter, built the first house in Kiama. By 1836 the residents petitioned the police magistrate at Wollongong requesting that the town be laid out. In 1839 NSW Governor, Sir George Gipps, approved the design for the village of Kiama and proposed that the price of land to be two pounds per acre.
The deepened harbour (Robertson Basin) was completed in 1876. It was designed to better accommodate the coastal steamers and other ships that transported people, goods and produce along the coast. The distinctive Norfolk Island pines along Terralong Street and in Hindmarsh Park were planted by the council in 1897.
On your walk you may wish to stop by at the Christ Church near the showground and visit the grave of John Gowen who arrived in the First Fleet. The church was built in 1859 and its red cedar ceiling resembles the hull of a ship.
Kiama's proximity to the Sydney markets ensured its early settlement. At least one resident arrived in the First Fleet in 1788. Kiama's maritime history, historic buildings and impressive natural landscape including blowholes, make it a unique town on the east coast.
This plaque is 1 of many found around the district. The plaques describe the history of their locations. They were commissioned by Kiama Council in 2009.
If you had seen them around, you are welcome to have a look at the collection of plaques in the district.
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