Step into the captivating history of Vista Park and experience its deep connection to heritage.

Aboriginal History

The Dharawal people, original inhabitants of Wollongong, lived across Illawarra, Shoalhaven, and Sydney coastal areas. Wongawilli and nearby areas likely served as seasonal campsites for foraging rather than long-term habitation due to limited water sources. Their tool kit, adapted to diverse environments, included ‘extractive’ and ‘maintenance’ tools. An archaeological assessment in The Ridge precinct, conducted by Sheargold in collaboration with Biosis Research, uncovered various artifacts, shedding light on Dharawal culture.

European History

In 1815, Europeans arrived in the Illawarra region, leading to the granting of lands in Wongawilli to settlers within thirteen years. The area transitioned from mixed farming to mining, prompting rapid population growth and the emergence of settlements like Bankbook Hill. The mining community saw the establishment of essential amenities like the first church and Wongawilli Public School by mine owners. The Wongawilli settlement evolved from land owned by mine owners in 1936, with varied lot sizes. Houses were constructed on-site or relocated, showcasing the area’s growth and adaptation. Today, mining operations continue in Wongawilli.

Agriculture & Dairying

Coral Vale’s agricultural history reflects the evolution of the Illawarra region. Initially used for grazing, it transitioned to farming in the 1830s, focusing on market gardens and crops. The shift to dairy farming began in the 1840s, accelerated by droughts and technological advancements in the late 19th century. ‘Coral Vale’ expanded its operations and adapted to regulatory changes, becoming a major dairy producer until the 1980s. Subsequently, the property fragmented, returning to grazing.

Mining

Coal was discovered in Wongawilli in the 1880s, with mining operations commencing in 1906. Recognizing the region’s potential, G & C Hoskins purchased Wongawilli Colliery in 1916, investing in its development by establishing a washery and coke ovens. BHP took over ownership from 1935 to 2007, supplying coal to the Port Kembla steelworks. The mine underwent various changes during this period, including consolidation into the Elouera Colliery in 1993. The Wongawilli Mining Method, which involves larger block extraction and hydraulic support, was pioneered.

We acknowledge the Dharawal people as the Traditional Custodians of the land where we live and work and their connections to land, sea, and community. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Heritage Interpretation

Vista Park was carefully designed to be an inspiring space where the community can thrive in harmony with nature and heritage. We've chosen to honor its rich tradition and history.

Heritage Interpretation

Experience Vista Park’s rich heritage and deep connection to local history evident across all its facilities. From Bankbook Park, where elements of the old Wongawilli coal mine are artfully displayed as sculptures or integrated into the playground, to the locally heritage-listed Coral Vale Homestead, every corner tells a story.

Our sales and information center is located at the restored homestead in Coral Vale, the heart of our community. Just steps away lies the beautifully restored old milk dairy shed, now transformed into Smiths Ln Dairy. Indulge in delicious food, explore the general store, and wander through the discovery garden.

Adjacent to Smiths Ln Dairy stands Little Zak’s Academy, a meticulously designed childcare center boasting a one-of-a-kind playground that pays homage to the heritage-listed site.

As you journey through the Vale, you’ll encounter markings on the streets, intentionally placed to commemorate the rails of the Illawarra ICC Illawarra train, and heritage interpretation monuments showcasing old rails discovered during Vista Park’s construction.

This is just a glimpse of Vista Park and its profound connection to Wongawilli’s history. To truly understand and appreciate its story, come experience it firsthand.

Explore Vista Park’s facilities and find out what makes our award-winning community special!

Bankbook Park

Bankbook Park

Nestled within the scenic creek, winding from the escarpment to the coastal plain through Vista Park's heart, this park is truly one-of-a-kind in the Illawarra region.

With a design heavily influenced by the surrounding landscape, Bankbook Park boasts natural play areas dotted along an exploration trail, inviting discovery. It offers a state-of-the-art playground, barbecue facilities, and shaded picnic tables.

The playground showcases restored mining artifacts from the local Wongawilli Coal Mine, cleverly integrated as play equipment and sculptures.

Unique features of Bankbook Park include rail man cars, once used to ferry miners to and from the pit, now refurbished and safe for children to explore.

Additionally, transmission towers, formerly powering the mine, are now part of the flying fox structure. An enormous steel boiler, once the heart of the mine’s operations, stands as a testament to its industrial past.

Bankbook Park is further enhanced by a network of cycleways connecting it to the community, offering opportunities for walking, running, and cycling.

Coral Vale Homestead

Coral Vale Homestead

Preserved and revitalized as part of our commitment to honouring the past while building the future.

As part of the Vista Park development, we’ve preserved and restored the historic Coral Vale Homestead on Smiths Lane, which holds a proud connection to the area’s past. Originally built by William Rose around 1890 and continuously occupied since, the homestead had fallen into disrepair over the years. It’s now listed as a local heritage property.

Before most of the restoration work could begin, the homestead had to be leveled due to termite damage, with the footings destroyed over time. This involved lifting sections of the building, laying new foundations, and then carefully lowering the structure onto the new footings.

Once the building was leveled, the restoration proceeded. Large sections of internal floorboards and external decking were replaced, along with the entire roof structure and cladding. New weatherboards were specially milled to match the original profile, and the kitchen annexure was stripped of asbestos and rebuilt. Finally, a long-overdue fresh paint job completed the restoration.

Adjacent buildings surrounding the homestead also underwent careful treatment. Restoration works on the feed silo have been completed, and the old milk dairy buildings have been restored and repurposed as Smiths Lane Dairy.

Smiths Ln Dairy

A dynamic café infused with heritage, flavour, and nature!

Smiths Ln Dairy offers a unique experience—a combination of eatery, general store, and ‘discovery’ garden nestled in the heritage-listed dairy sheds near Coral Vale Homestead. At The Eatery, patrons can indulge in a seasonal menu sourced from local farmers and producers, perfectly paired with Abstract Coffee. The General Store stocks pantry essentials sourced from nearby suppliers, including the freshest full cream or flavored milk dispensed straight from taps into reusable bottles. The discovery garden, a sanctuary of native plants and natural products, invites children to explore and learn about the ecosystem in their own special space.

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Little Zak’s Academy

A space nurturing children's development while honouring the heritage-listed site.

Little Zak’s Academy is committed to nurturing children’s potential through play-based learning, emphasizing academic, physical, and social development.

Little Zak’s Academy Wongawilli boasts a state-of-the-art childcare centre, seamlessly integrating modern design with heritage preservation, featuring a one-of-a-kind playground designed to nurture children’s development. Proudly recognized with the Excellence in Construction Award from the Master Builders Association of NSW in 2022, our Childcare Centre was judged as the best childcare centre build in NSW.

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Coral Vale Homestead, built by William Rose circa 1890, currently holds the status of a local heritage property.
The old milk dairy shed was restored and repurposed as Smiths Ln Dairy Cafe, showcasing elements from the Smiths Family, the last owners of Coral Vale Homestead.
Lifestyle at Vista Park

Lifestyle at Vista Park

Enjoy of a diverse range of activities and nearby facilities within a continuously growing community.

Nestled in nature, Vista Park offers a suburban lifestyle with warm summers and mild winters, allowing residents to enjoy a wide array of recreational activities year-round. People of all ages can engage in play, sports, and various fitness activities.

Natural Attractions

Enjoy a variety of activities surrounded by nature at nearby natural attractions:

Fitness & Recreation

Stay active with nearby facilities that support a healthy lifestyle:

Shopping

Living at Vista Park offers plenty of retail outlets, cafes, and restaurants within a 20-minute drive:

Health & Medical

Meet your healthcare needs with local providers in Dapto and the nearby Wollongong Hospital:

Schools & Education

Vista Park is an ideal location for families, with quality schools nearby and access to the Dapto intake area:

Transport

Vista Park is conveniently close to Dapto Train Station, just 4.7 km away, providing easy access to transportation.