Epping is a suburb in north-west Sydney, Australia, approximately 18-20km from the central business district. It is bounded by a number of suburbs, including Beecroft, North Epping, Carlingford, Eastwood, Marsfield and North Ryde. Population (2001, Hornsby Shire-administered area only): 11,748.

While the suburb lacks more modern entertainment venues such as a cinema, the Chester St Theatre Group is a popular performance group. Epping is primarily under the municipal authority of Ward C in the Hornsby Shire Council, although Parramatta City Council and Ryde City Council both administer areas within the suburb.

Epping RSL club has been a popular place for many decades.

History

In 1792 Governor Phillip began the granting of parcels of lands to marines, and the area was referred to on Phillip's maps as the Field of Mars, named after the Roman Field of Mars probably because of the military link. It contained the area of what is now the surrounding suburbs of Ryde. Epping's railway station was originally called 'Field of Mars', after which it was changed to East Carlingford. In 1899 the suburb name of Epping was adopted after suggestion by a local landowner William Midson (1849-1924), after a town near Epping Forest in Essex, where Midson's family originated.

Transportation

Epping Station is an important suburban railway station in Sydney; as of June 2004, the primary city-bound platform has been closed to facilitate construction of a new train line, the Epping to Chatswood line. Epping will be the terminus of the first stage of this new line which runs from Chatswood west to Epping, which is currently under construction. The second stage of this project which was due to run west from Epping to Parramatta has been cancelled as of August 2003. The existing train line is the designated Northern Line which runs from Sydney Central to Hornsby via Strathfield runs north south through Epping. To the north (towards Hornsby) the next station is Cheltenham, to the south towards Strathfield the next station is Eastwood. The suburb is also well-serviced by bus facilities.

Churches

• Our Lady Help of Christians (Roman Catholic)
• Chester St Uniting Church
• Oxford St Uniting Church
• West Epping Uniting Church
• St. Alban's (Anglican) - the tall Spire is visible for many kilometres
• St. Aiden's - West Epping (Anglican) - part of the Epping Parish
• Epping Baptist
• Emmaus Bible College
• Epping Presbyterian
• Epping Gospel Chapel

Schools

• Epping Boy's High School (actually located in Marsfield )
• Arden Anglican Secondary School (formerly the Catholic girl's school Our Lady of Mercy College)
• Epping Heights Public School
• Epping West Public School