Dural at a glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Councils | The Hills Shire (generally west of Old Northern Road) and Hornsby Shire (generally east), a split dating to 1906 |
| Postcode | 2158 |
| Typical homes | Houses on acreage and large rural-residential blocks, plus nurseries and small farms |
| Services | Many properties are unsewered and use septic tanks or aerated wastewater systems |
| Watch for | Bushfire-prone land, long or steep driveways, distance from suppliers |
Old Northern Road splits Dural in two
When the Baulkham Hills and Hornsby shires were created in 1906, Old Northern Road became the boundary, and Dural has been split ever since. Land on the western side is generally in The Hills Shire, and land on the eastern side is generally in Hornsby Shire. The two councils have different LEPs, rural zones, tree rules and bushfire maps. Always confirm your council before planning a shed, granny flat or extension.
Old Northern Road itself was built by convicts between 1825 and 1836, and St Jude's sandstone church dates from around 1846, so some properties sit near heritage items.
Septic systems, bushfire and acreage
Dural is semi-rural, and many properties are not connected to the sewer. They rely on an on-site sewage management system, such as a septic tank or an aerated wastewater treatment system (AWTS). The Hills Shire alone has about 3,500 systems on its register, and each needs an approval to operate. That matters for renovations:
- Adding a bathroom or bedrooms can increase the load on the system, and altering it needs council approval.
- Extensions, sheds and driveways must keep clear of tanks and effluent disposal areas.
- Buying in Dural? The Hills Shire offers pre-purchase inspections of on-site systems.
Much of the rural land on both sides of the boundary adjoins bushland and is mapped bushfire-prone. New work there usually needs a bushfire attack level (BAL) assessment under AS 3959, and some sites need NSW RFS input.
What Dural acreage owners ask trades for
Big blocks bring big outdoor jobs. Common requests include long concrete driveways, rural and boundary fence installation, carport builders and large sheds, deck builders using bushfire-rated materials, and roof restoration on large tiled roofs. Inside, owners of 1970s and 80s acreage homes often ask for kitchen and bathroom renovations. Tell trades about gates, steep or unsealed driveways and where a truck can turn, because distance and access affect the quote.
Rural zoning also changes what you can build. Sheds, secondary dwellings and home businesses on rural land follow different rules from suburban lots, and the rules differ between The Hills and Hornsby. Large trees and remnant bushland may be protected, so check before clearing for a driveway or building pad. Gravel and unsealed driveways on sloping land can wash out in heavy rain, so ask for drainage to be priced with any new concrete or paving.
Popular jobs in Dural
Concrete driveways
Plan access, levels and drainage before selecting a driveway finish.
Get quotesFence installation
Define the boundary, purpose and installation scope before choosing a fence.
Get quotesCarport builders
Plan an installed carport around vehicle clearance, structural support, drainage and the site approval pathway.
Get quotesDeck builders
Create a deck that works with your home, outdoor circulation and site conditions.
Get quotesRoof restoration
Understand whether repairing and restoring your existing roof is a sensible alternative to replacement.
Get quotesBathroom renovations
Plan a bathroom around layout, water management, ventilation and finishes before comparing prices.
Get quotesLocal service guides
Common questions
Is my Dural property in The Hills or Hornsby council?
Generally, land west of Old Northern Road is in The Hills Shire and land to the east is in Hornsby Shire. Check your rates notice or a Section 10.7 certificate to be sure. It matters because the two councils have different rural zoning, development controls, tree rules, bushfire maps and on-site sewage approvals.
Can I add a bathroom if my Dural home is on a septic system?
Often, but the system must cope with the extra load. A plumber or wastewater consultant can check its capacity, and your council must approve any change to the system. Adding bedrooms can raise the design load too. Sort this out before you finalise plans, because upgrading the system can change the budget.
Do I need a bushfire assessment for a shed or deck in Dural?
If your land is mapped bushfire-prone, a deck or attached structure usually needs to meet a bushfire attack level, and a shed close to the house may too. Some small structures are exempt if they meet every rule, including the bushfire conditions. Check your council's map, and see our carport and approvals guide.