Cowan

Cowan, located approximately 40 kilometres north of Sydney's central business district, is a small outer suburb within the Hornsby Shire of New South Wales. The suburb's name comes from an Aboriginal word meaning "big water."

According to the 2016 census, Cowan had 631 residents, with a median age of 40. The majority of residents (81.9%) were born in Australia, with other common countries of birth including England (3.5%), South Korea (1.6%), South Africa (1.6%), New Zealand (1.4%), and the Philippines (1.3%).

The Cowan railway station on the Main Northern railway line facilitates public transportation in Cowan. NSW TrainLink's Central Coast & Newcastle Line services serve this station, providing residents access to Sydney Central and Newcastle. Additionally, CDC NSW operates bus route 592 through Cowan, connecting Hornsby station to Mooney Mooney.

Essential establishments in Cowan include the Cowan Public School, which opened in 1939 and caters to the community's educational needs. The suburb also features a General Store at the corner of the Pacific Highway and Fraser Road, which serves the local community. A notable landmark is the "Pie in the Sky" pie shop, located approximately one kilometre north of Cowan on the Pacific Highway. It was featured in the Australian film Lantana and is a popular stop for day-trippers and motor enthusiasts.

Cowan's proximity to vast bushland areas between the waterways of Berowra and Cowan Creek supports recreational activities. The suburb also provides access to a network of hiking trails, including the Great North Walk and the Jerusalem Bay Track, which offer residents opportunities for bushwalking and nature exploration.

Cowan's combination of accessible transportation, essential services, and recreational facilities contributes to its residential appeal.