HONESTY. QUALITY. INNOVATION.
A Gosford Quarries Magic Moment - Gosford Quarries Sandstone was transported by horse and carriage in the 1920s-1940s.
Gosford Quarries is a large company with a true family approach. As Australia’s premier supplier, we operate professionally and efficiently in corporate capacities, and our staff treat each client with caring, friendly and reliable service.
Gosford Quarries was founded in 1922, its first processing plant in Gosford. In those days, the company was known as ‘'The Hawkesbury Sandstone Co.' The signature sandstone colour range of this era was ‘Gosford Grey’.
The oldest quarry in our GQ quarry portfolio, the Wondabyne Quarry
Many historical landmarks feature this predominant colour, particularly the Australian War Memorial, hewn and built in the Wondabyne sandstone colour range, a building of such significance we have chosen it to present our 100 Year Centenary in our Centenary Logo for 2022.
The Australian War Memorial - Wondabyne Sandstone Colour Range
In January 2013, Gosford Quarries merged with Sarkis Bros. Sandstone, bringing together two of Australia’s most revered and experienced sandstone suppliers.
The Sarkis family has a rich heritage in stone, with their father, Antonios, founding a Limestone quarry in his homeland of Lebanon in the early 1970s. Stone processing has been an integral part of life for them ever since.
Gosford Quarries is now the primary supplier for the largest scale of civil and commercial works in Australia, consulting at the highest end of their market to Civil, commercial, and restoration partners.
Gosford Quarries are known as ‘The Sandstone People’. Generations of the employees now treat GQ like their family; they love, work, live & breathe sandstone in their lives.
Gosford Quarries is proud to be able to continue its traditions of quality and commitment to the Australian community established over the 99 preceding years of our Centenary.
“For over 100 years, Gosford Quarries Sandstone has known no equivalent in sandstone supply, in-house masonry & artistry, sandstone processing technologies, in-house draftsman and expert sandstone advice to residential, commercial, and civil & heritage customers and their sandstone projects.”
“In a way, Gosford’s sandstone can be seen as an emblem of Australia’s natural beauty and strength”, writes Aleisha Parr, an Australian journalist.
From the Sydney ‘Yellow Block’ sandstone (quarried on-site in the CBD) to the vast array of architectural sandstone featuring the immortal ‘Hawkesbury’ brown sandstone, made famous by some of the greatest historic architectural landmarks in our major cities, Sydney & Melbourne among them, Gosford Quarries sandstone is immortalised in the skin and bone of both our historic and contemporary buildings.
100 Years Of Locally Sourced & Quarried Sandstone
100 Years young, Gosford Quarries continues to supply sandstone from 8 Quarries throughout NSW & QLD with distinct and individual characters; no two are the same.
Browns, greys, pinks, whites, golds and hues, patterns & bands make our company the largest supplier & most capable supplier in volume, colour range, finishes, products & applications. Sandstone is an architect's dream material.
Australia has world-class reserves of Sandstone (NSW, QLD), and our great land sits upon a giant sandstone basin.
Gosford Quarries sandstone quarry cutting machine in action
Predominantly our quarries supply ‘Hawkesbury’ sandstone (brown sandstone, the most commonly used and recognised sandstone, particularly in residential projects) and ‘oxidising sandstones’ (golden & cream), typical of sandstone foundations, facades & ornaments of Sydney’s historic buildings such as St Mary’s Cathedral, Martin Place, Sydney Town Hall, The QVB, Pyrmont, GPO and many more.
The very fabric of our major city Sydney is symbiotic with the Gosford Quarries name and our immortal sandstone products.
100 Years Of 100% Quality Australian Sandstone & Supply
One of the associations with our good name is QUALITY Australian Sandstone.
Gosford Quarries Australian Sandstone is put through extensive technical tests by Geotech Laboratories to qualify the integrity & quality of all Australian sandstone products & applications. Our customers know that they are receiving the most stringently tested & quality-assured sandstone available in the Australian market when they order from us.
Amongst councils, commercial civil & heritage partners, we are top of mind and the ‘go-to’ for quality & quantity of sandstone supply in Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane.
100 Years Of Australian Community Involvement
Gosford Quarries prides itself on its position as a responsible corporate citizen. Ingrained in our culture is the need to support and give back to the community, whether local, national or international.
00 George St, CNC profiled sandstone Mural “ngarunga nangama: calm water dream” by Judy Watson
We have long associations with highly regarded organisations such as the Mulloon Institute, Voice of Charity, Rotary Clubs, ACCF Bushfire Relief, The Bryson Anderson project, Kicking Goals for Sick Kids for Westmead Children's Hospital, local schools and churches, Indigenous Community projects, MOM and the AMPC to name a few.
Gosford Quarries has survived world wars, pandemics and some of the most difficult economic challenges. We know the importance of continuing in, and embracing, the great Australian ANZAC spirit. Gosford Quarries supports and values local community RSLs and Sub Branch, as demonstrated by our donations of iconic Aussie sandstone to local communities and schools.
100 Years Of Residential Sandstone Supply
Despite our historic buildings evidencing our historical use of sandstone architecturally, the Australian public continues to find revelation and discovery in unique sandstone products and the imagination of architects who love to use sandstone in both historical & contemporary contexts. The visual beauty of sandstone is becoming an ever-increasing romantic & popular choice for building material in Australian homes, both renovations & new builds.
As a building material of great versatility in thermal stability, recyclability, stability, environmental suitability and visual aesthetic, Australian Sandstone is an exciting product Australian Architects utilise in juxtaposition and synthesis to existing structures to realise unique and beautiful visual, textural designs.
From foundations to cladding, facades & veneer to landscaped rubble and ballast walls, to landscaped steps and landscaping logs, from interior feature walls & hero fireplaces to higher-end diamond sawn pavers & tiles forming unique and gorgeous firepits and outdoor fire pits to possibilities of residential architectural use of sandstone are endless and limited only to one's imagination.
These designs are memorable, but they also reflect and reverberate the very skin of our land, the sandstone of Australian beaches, and the monolith sandstone boulders - part of the Australian bush landscape within our natural surroundings.
100 Years Of Commercial Sandstone Supply
Gosford Quarries Sandstone has been trusted with countless commercial projects such as Barangaroo towers and headland park, Australian War Memorial, Hyde Park, Park Hyatt (Sydney), Westpac building, Queen Victoria Building, St Mary’s Cathedral, Wynyard walk station, Parliament of Victoria, GPO and many more.
Commercial projects bring elements of scale, intricacy and grandeur to the supply of sandstone.
“Gosford Quarries sandstone is the most specified and trusted sandstone in the commercial sector for commercial projects of every nature and scale. Quality means peace of mind and longevity, which developers, builders and installers value in commercial projects. ”
Landmark contemporary Commercial Sandstone Project in "Parramatta Square" - rustic quarry cut sandstone
Commercial designers, developers, Councils and commercial Architects choose Gosford Quarries because we are the leaders in innovation and processing technologies and can produce the most intricate bespoke cladding, curved and profiled facades. Gosford Quarries’ ability to achieve these bespoke designs and our exclusive technological capabilities make us the go-to for commercial projects that aim to stand out from the crowd and be unique.
Gosford Quarries offer exclusive project-specific quarry and factory tours for large commercial projects with specific requirements. Our commercial clients can see Gosford Quarries' capabilities in person and physically select and nominate colours from our exclusive quarries.
These factory tours give our valued customers insight into the new technologies we have invested in, which have the capabilities to produce even the most intricate designs on almost any scale.
“There is no equivalent to Gosford Quarries.”
100 Years Of Civil Sandstone Supply
Gosford Quarries are partners with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) and The Landscape Association (TLA) NSW, helping to educate landscape architects, designers and installers alike about natural Australian sandstone.
Gosford Quarries offer a wide range of Landscaping materials such as sandstone retaining wall blocks, sandstone garden edging, sandstone paving, sandstone cladding, outdoor sandstone seating, fire pits and general carved and profiled sandstone sculptural features can all be customised at Gosford Quarries.
Gosford quarries also offer the widest range of civil sandstone products and crushed and bulk materials sourced directly from our variety of exclusive sandstone quarries around NSW and QLD.
Landmark contemporary Civil Project at Barangaroo Sydney - sandstone random quarry blocks
With the most sophisticated technology, multiple quarries, twice the processing power, and the largest range of colours, Gosford Quarries sandstone are the most sought after sandstone by Australian landscapers, Landscape architects, civil designers and stonemasons.
The expert team at Gosford Quarries are here to speak about your Civil Construction and Engineering Projects and Public Works Projects at any scale. We can work with you from conception to construction and support the realisation of your design and architectural vision for any civil or public construction project.
“Gosford Quarries and GQ Products have the largest product range of natural sandstone landscaping products and supplies for you to enjoy.”
With access to nine prestigious Australian quarries, we can provide our valued clients with the highest quality products and services. As such a versatile product, sandstone is an ideal material for various applications within the landscaping sector in Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and beyond. Available in a myriad of finishes, shapes and colours, this natural material is one of the most popular landscaping products in the country.
100 Years Of Heritage Sandstone Supply
Where iconic sandstone buildings are concerned, no one is trusted more than GQ to get the job done right the first time, as we have access to the finest natural and human resources. Gosford Quarries has some of the rarest Australian sandstone specifically used for the heritage and restoration sector, such as Piles Creek Guinea Gold/Cream and our most recently acquired George St City “Salvaged” stone which only GQ had the resources to achieve.
GQ has partnered with the Sydney government on a variety of restoration tasks, chosen to complete these high profile projects due to our unbeatable professionalism and world-class products.
“Through our extensive experience, GQ has developed a reputation as a Sydney sandstone supplier for Heritage Sandstone Projects that everybody trusts.”
Heritage Sandstone Restoration Project - Sydney Town Hall
Selecting a local business ensures you are in contact with the people completing each task, and you are not held up by long wait and delivery times. Save time and money and restore the heritage buildings representing our development as a nation through natural Australian sandstone.
Our Sandstone has been part of each era of the colonial journey of Australia, from the first major buildings to restorations of iconic architectural landmarks, so our national heritage protected buildings remain relevant, honoured and maintained in honour of our unique history.
100 Years Of Australian Sandstone Manufacturing
As sandstone supply has developed over the years, so has Gosford Quarries with our equipment, technology and levels of investment.
We continue to manufacture raw quarry materials to the most refined and bespoke sandstone finishes in diamond and gang sawn textures. Our capability and level of supply, coupled with our turnaround times against large scale demand, make us the premier sandstone manufacturer in the country.
We continue to be at the forefront of this ideally suited premium building material for Australian homes, commercial, civil and heritage projects.
100 Years Of The Greatest Sandstone Processing Technology
“Gosford Quarries continues to invest in the latest equipment and technologies to remain at the forefront of innovation in the extraction, production, processing & profiling of sandstone in Australia. ”
We invest millions of dollars into new technologies and robotics, allowing us to create the most intricate and complex designs that no other sandstone supplier can produce.
CNC Sandstone Profiling robot cutting & shaping with utter precision
We hold a unique position as one of the oldest and most experienced sandstone suppliers globally and the most innovative sandstone company. This means that we have a rich history of traditional stonemasonry tools and preserve the skilful art of stone masonry, but we also have the latest CNC robotic technology never before seen in Australia.
These innovations and technological advancements continue to be at the forefront of processing and make sandstone affordable The processing demands imagination, versatility and realisation as cladding, building and landscaping natural material stone.
CNC Profiling of Sandstone for Bespoke Sandstone Products & Applications
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery and profiling refer to automated robotic technologies that use coded programs to cut stone accurately to Computer-aided design (CAD) drawings.
This keeps us at the forefront of innovation and design with sandstone. Our significant investment, also numbering in the millions, into customising these specialised machines ensure they are suitable for cutting and shaping Australian Sandstone.
100 Years Of Advanced Sandstone Processing Technology
Gosford Quarries boast a fleet of CNC operated robotic machines unlike any other supplier in Australia to process sandstone.
The main benefit of this technology has been realised in intricate heritage restoration projects and commercial sandstone projects, and artworks that emphasise a need for bespoke and tailored sandstone processing, which only Gosford quarries can supply.
Our current state-of-the-art machinery has revolutionised the way sandstone is processed, opening a world of new possibilities for designers.
With our broad range of specialised services, such as in-house heritage consultants, designers, 3D CAD modelling experts and highly experienced stonemasons, we continue to provide unparalleled service to the Architecture and design sector.
CNC Profiling for Sandstone Artwork Projects
One of the most outstanding examples of the power of Gosford Quarries technology is the mural at 200 George St, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
This project incorporated culture, art, and history and paid homage to the exclusive yellow block sandstone that Gosford Quarries extracted from the site itself.
100 Years Of Sandstone Products & Sandstone Applications
Gosford Quarries has a range of sandstone products and applications as diverse as our history.
Sandstone paving, stone cladding for walls, sandstone tiles, sandstone cladding, sandstone crazy paving, sandstone bricks, sandstone garden edging, sandstone walling, stone cladding veneer, stone cladding for exterior walls, sandstone wall cladding, sandstone tiles outdoor, sandstone caps, sandstone pyramid capping, sandstone sealers, sandstone slabs, natural stone cladding, crazy stone paving, sandstone wall blocks, stone cladding for fireplaces, sandstone wall tiles, sandstone bathroom tiles, ballast, rubble walling, solid block walling, sandstone boulder and sandstone logs. The list is far longer, but these are our top of mind and most sourced products & applications.
There are many sandstone supply materials to execute any building or landscaping project of any scale or type.
Gosford Quarries Today and the Gosford Quarries of the Next 100 Years
Today, Gosford Quarries is 108 team members strong, from stonemasons to quarriers, machine operators, showroom staff, operational staff, marketing, administration and higher-level executive; we are a true family business with family values, despite our scale.
Our staff are exceptionally dedicated, aligned to our vision, hard-working and highly skilled. Our team also shares our values of hard work and generosity of spirit, making them incredibly valuable to our customers and ourselves.
As a corporate citizen, we are singularly dedicated to environmental sustainability with land care programs & best practices.
“For 100 years, Gosford Quarries has continually met and exceeded the expectations of our Australian customers with quality, excellent capability, artistry and expert advice and consultation.”
As we continue to invest and take advantage of innovations arising from technological advancement, we remain at the leading edge of sandstone supply and as the industry benchmark for our nation and the world stage of sandstone supply.
Our partnership with Sydney University and our memberships with key industry bodies are our continual feedback and consultation with TAFE and masonry courses, coupled with our dedicated stonemasons, ensure that the boutique and timeless skills of sandstone masonry remain alive, current and vibrant in an ever-changing marketplace and industry.
Our Centenary is a proud moment.
Our 100 Years of Sandstone Supply in the Australian marketplace is a testament to hard work, perseverance, adaptability, innovation, growth, currency & passion.
“As an Australian Company, we continue to add value to our industry, and we keep jobs local as we service and supply our local community and the corporate industry at large.”
We also continue to be involved in the community through donation, art, indigenous projects, historical projects and restoration of coveted landmarks that are a part of our heritage and the soul of the Australian people.
We hope to continue to be top of mind not only as Australia’s premier sandstone supplier but to be recognised as a socially responsible corporate community leader, as this is not only a part of our family values, it is an integral facet of the soul of our business, flowing from our family spirit.
Our Gosford Quarries Centenary Celebration During 2022
In 2022 we have a few special things planned for our Gosford Quarries Centenary.
Keep watching across social media and our website for historical vision and video as we interview installers, architects, management, staff, and stonemasons, who continue to write in our ongoing Sandstone Story pages.
No matter the current challenges, and no matter the state of the world at large, we continue to be optimistic, practical and engaged, steadfast and hardworking and remain leaders sharing our knowledge and expertise about sandstone.
We reflect on our contribution to the past 100 years of sandstone supply with pride and gratitude and look forward to being “The Sandstone People” for the next 100 years.
A version of this article appears in Outdoor Design Source at this location.