Why is Moruya called Granite Town?

Why is Moruya called Granite Town?

Between 1924 and 1932, 18,900 cubic metres of Moruya Granite was dressed and shaped into 40,000 blocks for use in the pylons for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Moruya Granite was also used to construct the Cenotaph in Sydney’s Martin Place. Made from just seven mighty granite blocks and opened in 1929, the Cenotaph contains the largest Granite blocks ever quarried, dressed and transported in Australia at that time.

At its peak, the Moruya Granite Quarry employed 250 people from 13 countries. Quarry Manager John Gilmore ensured that he had The finest stonemasons from Scotland and Italy.

Obviously the Sydney Harbour Bridge stands resolute today and while the Moruya Quarry itself has closed, Moruya Quarry Park offers a glimpse back to a time when Moruya first became a place for artisans. 

Take a Heritage Tour with VIP Private Tours to see other hidden gems from Australia’s colonial and indigenous past.

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