Dapto is a developing residential area, Dapto is thought to be named from Aboriginal word meaning "water plenty" or "tap toe", used to describe the way a lame Aboriginal elder Walked.

The village of Dapto was once a mining, timber cutting and farming community, and today is a large town with many shops, schools and beautiful parks.

Major feature include Dapto Greyhound Racing Club, Dapto Mall and Parkside Plaza, Dapto Markets every first Sunday of the month located at the showground.