Located in the Inner-South of Sydney, Mascot is a suburb just 7 kilometres away from the Sydney CBD. Mascot is one of the administrative centres of the Bay Side Council, while a small part of it is located in the Inner West Council. Its total land area is 9.2 km2 and has a population of 14,772 based on the 2016 census. The suburbs neighbouring Mascot are Alexandria, Arncliffe, Rosebery, St. Peters, Eastlakes, Tempe, Pagewood and Botany.
History of Mascot
The first grants in Mascot were made in 1835, where the suburb’s lands were mostly used for market gardening. Following the construction of Botany Road in 1875, the suburb was subdivided and a municipality called “North Botany” was established in 1888. In 1904, a racecourse known as “Ascot” operated in the area. It was named after a famous counterpart in England. A few years after (1911), a referendum was held to name the suburb as Ascot or Booralee. However, an objection from the postal authorities on the use of “Ascot”, which led to the council to name the suburb as Mascot. The suburb was then chosen in 1920 to be a site of a public airfield with the Commonwealth Government purchasing 161 acres of land in Mascot for this purpose. The said airfield began operating in 1924.
Facilities Around Mascot
Mascot today is a buzzing town with several shops, industrial complex, parks and residential areas. Various multicultural restaurants (Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese) are also available in this suburb.
The main shopping centre in Mascot is in Botany Road, while the suburb’s Police Headquarters and its Ambulance Station is also located in the same area. Redevelopments for commercial and residential purposes are underway around the Mascot railway station. There are several bus routes servicing around Mascot, making commuting easy for residents.
There are three railway stations on the Airport & South Line, while the Mascot railway station is served by the Sydney and South line. The Metropolitan Goods railway line (Sydenham to Botany branch) also passes through Mascot. And of course, there’s the Kingsford Smith Airport a.k.a. Sydney/Mascot Airport, which the primary airport serving Sydney and is a primary hub for Qantas. There are also several schools in this suburb, such as the Mascot Public School, St. Therese’s School, J.J. Cahill Memorial High School and even a dance school such as the Stars Talent Schools.
Famous Destinations Around Mascot
The Lakes Golf Club
One of Australia’s most distinguished private golf clubs, The Lakes is found here in Mascot. The world-class golf course has been a host to major tournaments in the country. Members and their guests could enjoy playing in a serene and outstanding environment.
Ice Zoo
If you’re looking fun on the ice, Ice Zoo is the place to visit in Mascot. They offer ice skating lessons for both kids and adults and some snow play too.