Loftus, New South Wales

Loftus is a suburb, in southern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Loftus is 29 kilometres south of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the Sutherland Shire.

Loftus is a residential suburb with a bushland atmosphere, adjacent to the Royal National Park that flanks Sydney's south-eastern boundary. The western border is formed by Loftus and Fahy Creeks. Prince Edward Park and Woronora Cemetery form the northern border.

History
Loftus was named after Lord Augustus William Frederick Spencer Loftus, governor of New South Wales between 1878 and 1885. The Illawarra railway line to Sutherland was completed in 1885. The next station south was Loftus Junction, which opened on 9 March 1886. The name was changed to Loftus ten years later and in 1979 the station moved to the present site.

The Tramway Museum at Loftus was created in 1950, in a large tram yard shed beside the rail tracks that ran across the Princess Highway into the Royal National Park. During the latter years of World War II this had been an army camp site, with the national park used as a training ground. The public school opened in January 1953. The official post office opened in July 1953 but closed in 1980.

Transport
The Princes Highway runs along the eastern border. Loftus railway station is on the City Rail Illawarra line. Loftus is also home to the Sydney Tramway Museum and a tram line runs from the museum to the Royal National Park. The tram line was originally a train branch line to Audley station within Royal National Park.

Schools
Loftus Public School is located in National Avenue. The Southern Sydney Institute of TAFE, Loftus Campus and the University of Wollongong, Loftus Campus are located next to the railway station. Camp Wonawong is a youth camp located beside Loftus Creek.

Sport and recreation
Loftus has various social and sporting clubs which include:
 * Loftus Yarrawarrah Rovers Football Club
 * Loftus Zircons Netball Club
 * 1st Loftus Scouts
 * Loftus Underground Organisation (LUGOS)