Sutherland Shire

Experience the beauty and tranquillity of this secluded gem nestled on the edge of the Georges River. With an abundance of native flora and fauna, rich in history and heritage, Como is only 40 minutes by train from the Sydney CBD and all attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Named in 1888 by local, James Murphy, because the scenery reminded him of Lake Como in Italy, Como’s attractions retain much of their original late nineteenth century charm.

The historic Como Hotel
Built in 1878 and almost destroyed by fire nearly 100 years later, this historic site has been restored to its former sandstone glory. A favourite watering hole of the famous Australian poet Henry Lawson who lived at Como in the 1900s, local legend has it that Lawson “used to row a boat from his house to the hotel and sell or recite his poems for beer.” The remains of Lawson’s house are in Paruna Reserve, Como West

The hotel is still a shire favourite for a lazy afternoon lunch and to savour the spectacular view overlooking parkland, Scylla Bay and the beautiful Georges River.

Como Pleasure Grounds
Established in 1895 to celebrate the rail line reaching southern Sydney, the pleasure grounds provided entertainment to visitors who came in their droves by train. The Razzle Dazzle circular ride was a popular attraction for these genteel folk! This ride is echoed in playground equipment provided for kids at the park today.

The pleasure grounds are now the perfect place for a quiet picnic and a leisurely stroll among native flora and fauna, with great views, seating areas and BBQ facilities available.

The site of the grounds is of significant indigenous history as it was the place where the clans of the Sweetwater, or Freshwater, people of the nearby Woronora River met the Bitterwater, or Saltwater, people of the Georges River.

Take a Dip
If you don’t mind getting muddy feet you can take a dip in the river tidal baths close by the pleasure grounds.

Stroll or Cycle the Heritage Listed old Como Rail Bridge
If you’re a bit more energetic you can take a bicycle ride or walk across the heritage listed. Como Rail Bridge. Significant as the longest single track lattice girder bridge in New South Wales and is a rare example of its type. The railway track on the bridge was converted to an extensively used cycleway and footpath, which opened in 1985, 100 years after the construction of the bridge.

Fun on the Water
The heritage listed Murphy’s boatshed, now Como Marina offers boats to hire if you want to fish or just explore the river as the young adventurers Bass & Flinders did in 1795. The marina also has a restaurant and its waterfront café is well known by local residents as the place to go for a scrumptious weekend breakfast.

Markets
Pick up a bargain at the marina markets held every second Sunday of the month. If you’re looking to buy something really special, then just up the road the local primary school hosts an antique and craft market also held on the second Sunday of each month.