The land was originally part of the traditional lands of the Garigal and Cannagal peoples and was used by Aboriginal people
until the early 1800s.
The existing Currawong land area was created as early as 1823. A formal land grant was then made in 1836 to Martin Burke.
From this time until the 1940s the land was used by various owners and families as farming land.
Currawong is of State historical significance as an intact remaining example of a mid-twentieth century, workers' holiday
camp, designed for workers 'to get away from crowded industrial areas and enjoy places normally frequented by richer people'
(Sydney Morning Herald 30/12/1947, p3). The social significance of the site is also demonstrated by public protests and media debates over the several
proposals for its redevelopment since the 1970s. Currawong is rare within Australia as it has operated as a union camp continuously
for 60 years, with little changes to the original accommodation.
