JaneyAnne

Cromer Heights is a suburb of Sydney 20 kilometres north-east of the CBD in the local government area of the Warringah Council but still considered to be in the Northern beaches district of Sydney.

The heights are to the west, over South Creek on the hill, between Cromer and Oxford Falls. The main features of Cromer Heights are a nursing home on Maybrook Avenue and the shops on Truman Avenue. Overall it is a tidy suburb with some nice houses.

The area is surrounded on three sides by the Dee Why West Recreation reserve, an area of hard rock and scrubby growth that carry the marks of recent bushfires.

Cromer Golf Course which may be accessed by Cromer Road, is on the eastern boundary and connects with Narrabeen Lakes. The Golf course is a large 18 holes with a particularly pleasant 19th hole which provides facilities for functions for groups and weddings.

Tennis facilities may be found at the north western corner of the golf club. I believe that these are separate, but who knows?

The primary transport routes are Truman Avenue and Toronto Avenue which lead to Carrington Avenue and South Creek Road, both of which eventually lead to Warringah Road.

Eastlakes is a suburb of Sydney located 8 kilometres south east of the CBD in the local government area of the City of Botany Bay and is part of the Eastern Suburbs. It is bordered by Pagewood to the east and south, Mascot to the west and Kingsford to the north. It has a population of about 6,600, 21% of whom are under 18 and 21% of whom are over 60.

It is a mostly residential suburb with both single houses and home units. The median price for houses is $661,000 which is below the region average of $960,000 and the median price for home units is $308,000 which is also below the region average of $490,000. Rental properties ask about $300 - $400 per week. There is a small shopping centre.

Eastlakes Primary School caters for younger children while older children travel to neighbouring suburbs for high school.

The prestigious Lakes Golf Course is located in Eastlakes. It is a beautiful private golf club established in 1928 which has hosted many national golfing tournaments which have attracted world champion golfers.

Being located near the Eastern Distributor and Gardeners Road, public transport is readily available for residents.

While Eastlakes is not one of the better Eastern Suburbs which attract high property prices it is probably more affordable than most.

Queens Park is a suburb of Sydney 6 kilometres south-east of the CBD in the local government area of Waverly Council but still considered to be in the Eastern Suburbs district of Sydney.

It is bounded on the north by Bondi Junction, the east by Charing Cross, the south by Randwick and to the west by Centennial Park. The population in 2006 was 2,683 with 23.2% under 18 and 18% over 60. 37% of the dwellings are separate houses, 32% are medium density. About 30% are rented.

Originally it was a swampy part of the Sydney Common and later became a water reserve called Lachlan Swamps. The wetlands have been filled and drained and now a small remnant of parkland is surrounded on 3 sides by houses. Whilst there are trees in the suburb, they are much sparser than other old and established areas in Sydney.

Originally part of Bondi Junction the suburb was proclaimed in 1992. The original Queens Park still exists and is home to many sports grounds.

Moriah College is a Jewish school found between Queens Park Road, Baronga Ave and York Road. It is a beautiful complex processing students between preschool and senior school.

The median price for houses is $1,317,500 and $520,000 for units.

Centennial Park is located 4 kilometres south east of the Sydney CBD in the local government area of Randwick Council and is part of the Eastern Suburbs. It is bordered by Kensington to the north, Queens Park to the east, Randwick to the south and Moore Park to the west. It has a population of about 2,150, 13% of whom are under 18 and 14% of whom are over 60.

The actual park was developed to celebrate Australia’s centenary in 1888 and was created out of swampland. When money was needed to maintain and develop the park land on the edge was sold off and a suburb was created.

Strict guidelines were set down as to what sort of houses were to be built – there were to be no wooden or terrace houses. The houses were to be of brick or stone and their roofs were to be tile or slate. Home units were not built in the suburb until the 1960’s. There are no figures available for average house prices in the suburb but the median price for units is $418,000.

Centennial Park is a nice suburb, close to the city and all amenities with a wonderful park close at hand.

Moore Park is a suburb of Sydney 3 kilometres south-east of the CBD in the local government area of the City of Sydney and part of the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.

It is bounded on the north by Paddington, the east by Centennial Park, the south by Kensington and to the west by Surry Hills, Redfern and Waterloo. The suburb has no official resident population.

It consists of a number of sporting facilities, old Sydney Showground and the Sydney Girls High School.

The Sydney Girls High School is a rare breed. It is a state school that was created in 1880 to prepare students for higher education. After moving from the first premises on Elizabeth Street the school was moved to their present site which was known as Billygoat Swamp. This was facilitated by the movement of the Sydney Zoo moving to Taronga Park in 1916.

The school has updated and upgraded constantly as needed, sometimes helped a bit by Mother Nature. The hail storm of April 1999 ruined the top floor classrooms and provided an excuse to remodel.

Aside from the school, there is a football ground, a golf course, a cricket ground and tennis facilities. All of these are of a high class and are a special resource for the Sydney public.

No resident population but a large transient one.

Chifley is a suburb of Sydney located 13 kilometres south east of the CBD in the local government area of the City of Randwick and part of the Eastern Suburbs. It is bordered by Malabar to the east, Little Bay to the south and Matraville to the west and north. It has a population of about 3,100, 23% of whom are under 18 and 22% of whom are over 60.

The suburb was named after the Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley. It is a fairly flat suburb. Chifley was actually part of Matraville until it was made a separate suburb in the 1960’s.

The median price of houses is $707,000 which is below the total region average of $960,000. There is a large public housing complex located in the suburb.

Chifley Primary School caters for younger children but older children do not have to travel far to high schools in neighbouring suburbs.

As it lies between Bunnerong Road and Anzac Parade it is well serviced by buses going to the city and out to other eastern suburbs.

There are no shopping centres in Chifley but nearby suburbs have all the facilities residents require.

Chifley may not be one of the better eastern suburbs but still quite a pleasant suburb.

Davidson is a suburb of Sydney located 20 kilometres north east of the CBD in the local government area of the Municipality of Warringah and is part of the Northern Beaches region. It has a population of about 2,450 of whom 25% are under 18 and 16% are over 60.

It is a relatively small suburb with only about 400 houses but it has one of the highest rates of home ownership in Sydney. The median price for houses is $840,000.

Davidson started out as a mining quarry and residential development did not begin till the 1980’s. It is adjacent to the Kuring-Gai and Garigal National Parks which makes it prone to bushfires. However, residents can enjoy the abundant flora and fauna that living near bushland encourages.

There is a local public primary school and a Catholic school and the high school that bears its name is actually in the nearby suburb of Frenchs Forest.

Shopping needs to be done in nearby suburbs as there are no shops. The large Forestway Shopping Centre is close by. Public transport is not reliable and most residents depend on private transport to get about.

The suburb of Davidson is a nice quiet place in which to live.

Cromer is a suburb of Sydney 20 kilometres north-east of the CBD in the local government area of the Warringah Council but still considered to be in the Northern beaches district of Sydney.

It is bounded on the north by Ingleside, the east by Narrabeen, Collaroy and Dee Why, the south by Narraweena and to the west by Belrose. The population in 2006 was 7,722 with 27.1% under 18 and 20.4% over 60. 71% of the dwellings are separate houses and 13% are rented.

Shops are on South Creek Road about a block north of the sizeable industrial area. They are the usual suburban supporting shops like the grocer, butcher, the real-estate agent, post office etc. Parking for shoppers is near the shops with the bus stop a short walk to the north on South Creek Road.

The median price for houses is $750,000 and that for units is $375,000. This is what you would expect as the units are half the price of the houses. House prices have dropped whilst unit prices have gone up. This may be due to their affordability.

Cromer Golf Course is on the edge of Narrabeen Lakes. It is a championship course with excellent facilities for groups and weddings. Speaking of eating houses, Cromer boasts 37 restaurants within the suburb.

Situated 72 kilometres north west of the Sydney CBD is South Maroota in the local government area of the Hills Shire and part of the Hills District. It has a small population of about 510 people.

It is a quiet rural community with houses on acreages. House prices are just under the $1 million mark. There are orchards in the area.

There is no school at South Maroota so children need to travel to go to school. Residents who work in the city need to be up early to get to work but what an area to come home to after a busy day at work.

South Maroota’s one claim to fame is the Pacific Park Motocross and Water-Skiing Park. This is situated on the banks of the Hawkesbury River and is about a 55 minute drive from the city. It is also a caravan and camping site with a shop providing essentials to the people who stay and visit. This park was the site of the 2004 Australian Motocross Championships. It offers trails for all levels of expertise – from the beginner to the professional.

For those who really like the peace and quiet and still be relatively close to the city South Maroota may be the place to have a look.

Despite being 83 kilometres north west of the Sydney CBD, Maroota is still a suburb of Sydney. It is in the local government areas of Hornsby and the Hills Shires and is part of the Hills District. It has a population of about 700 25% of whom are under 18 and 16% are over 60, with the average age being 37.

It is a rural suburb with houses on acreages. Most of the properties are small farms or orchards. It is also a sand mining area and is supplying much of the sand needed in the city.

For those who live in Maroota and work in the city, it means a very early start. However, the peace and quiet when you get home more than compensates for the travel. Primary school children are catered for with the Maroota Public School but older children need to travel to attend school.

Maroota is not far from Wiseman’s Ferry which is a very popular destination for Sydneysiders and tourists on weekends.

There are no shops or amenities in Maroota. Residents need to travel for shopping or entertainment or they make their own entertainment.

Maroota is definitely a suburb for people who love a very quiet life.

Duffys Forest is a suburb of Sydney 28 kilometres north of the CBD in the local government area of the Warringah Council but still considered to be in the Northern beaches district of Sydney.

It is bounded on the north, south and west by Kuring-Gai Chase and the east by Terrey Hills. The population in 2006 was 477 with 24% under 18 and 20% over 60. 15% of the properties are rented.

Terrey Hills Golf and Country Club is an 18 hole course with its own mini suburb "The Greenway" enclosed. The settlement consists of very nice, large and modern homes. In fact the whole suburb reeks of money and style.

The only rental property I found was a 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom house with heated pool, Jacuzzi and tennis court, costing just $1,950 per week with a bond of $7,800.

The suburb is surrounded by bushland and as such would be prone to bushfires. Not much chance of property damage though as the blocks are generally well watered lawns.

Interestingly, broadband internet is only connected to 62% of the houses. This is a surprising statistic.

Accommodation aside, the suburb sits astride a ridge, so the views of the adjacent bushland would be quite pleasant. All I can say is WOW Whatta place.

The Sydney suburb of Beaumont Hills is situated 40 kilometres west of the CBD in the local government area of the Hills Shire and is part of the Hills District. It is surrounded by the suburbs of Kellyville, Kenthurst, Annangrove and Rouse Hill.

It has a population of about 5,800, 33% of whom are under 18 and 8% are over 60. It is therefore a suburb for families with children. Formerly Beaumont Hills was part of Kellyville but became a separate suburb in 2002.

It is a suburb of housing estates with many houses in the “McMansion” style and similar to each other. The average price of houses is $599,000. Rental prices are quite high being over $500 per week.

Beaumont Hills Public School is located in the suburb and there are many other schools nearby. There are many child care centres for those parents who need them.

A shopping centre opened in the suburb in May this year with a supermarket, chemist, hairdresser and other specialty shops.

Buses provide services to the city and other large centres nearby but many people rely on their own cars for transport.

Beaumont Hills is a mushrooming suburb that can only be expected to grow in the next few years.

Ingleside is a suburb of Sydney 28 kilometres north-east of the CBD in the local government areas of Pittwater and Warringah Councils but still considered to be in the Northern beaches district of Sydney. It is approximately 2 kilometres inland from Mona Vale and the coast

The suburb is bounded on the north by Kuring-Gai Chase, the east by Bayview, Mona Vale, Warriewood, Elanora Heights and Narrabeen, the south by Oxford Falls and Cromer and to the west by Terrey Hills and Kuring-Gai Chase. The population in 2006 was 788 with 30% under 18 and 19% over 60. 90% of the dwellings are separate houses and 19% are being rented.

Ingleside is really a rural area with quarries, market gardens and best of all the Baha’i House of Worship. Mona Vale Road is a pleasant drive through bushland that is burnt regularly.

Powder Works Road takes its name from the Gunpowder and explosives factory established there in the 1880s. On the corner of Powder Works Road and Waratah Road is the Monash Country Club. The club was burned to the ground in December 1957. It was rebuilt much larger and more luxurious in 1959 when it was raised to Group 1 status by the New South Wales Golf Association in 1959.

A pleasant place with some gems hidden in the bush.

The sleepy little suburb of Church Point is located 32 kilometres north of Sydney’s CBD in the local government area of Pittwater Council and is part of the Northern Beaches region. It has a population of about 1,150 people, 21% of whom are under 18 and 23% of whom are over 60.

The suburb has an idyllic setting nestled around Pittwater. Residents can watch the passing parade of yachts.

The Church Point Ferry runs regular services to nearby Scotland Island and also provides a school run for students to Newport schools.

Pittwater Road terminates in Church Point – if it went any further it would be in the water!

Residents need to travel for all amenities – a small price to pay for living in such a pretty spot. There is however the restaurant called Pasadena on Pittwater which has been continually operating since the 1920’s. It is opened for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Imagine sitting outside eating and watching all the boats go by. It is also a popular venue for weddings with the bride and groom being able to arrive by seaplane to the wharf.

Church Point is definitely a suburb where you can get away from it all and really relax.

The suburb of Elanora Heights is located 27 kilometres north east of the CBD of Sydney, in the local government area of Pittwater Council and is part of the Northern Beaches region. It has a population of about 3,700 27% of whom are under 18 and 20% of whom are over 60.

It is situated on a hill above Narrabeen with views over Narrabeen Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. It is also next to bushland which means that it is prone to bushfires during summer.

The actual name of the suburb is now Elanora. Elanora Heights was its original name but this was changed in the late 20th century but most still refer to it by the old name.

It is mainly a residential suburb of single dwellings. The average price of property is $790,000. On Powder Works Road, the main thoroughfare of the suburb, there is a small shopping centre with a café, a restaurant, a real estate agency, hairdressing salons and a post office.

The Elanora Country Club is a golf club founded in 1928 which has a lovely course offering good views of the northern beaches. It also provides accommodation for members of affiliated clubs when visiting.

Elanora Heights is a nice peaceful suburb.

Killarney Heights is a suburb of Sydney 15 kilometres north-east of the CBD in the local government area of the Warringah Council but still considered to be in the Northern Beaches district of Sydney.

Founded in the 1960s it is bounded on the north by Forestville, the east by Allambie Heights, the south and west by Middle harbour. The population in 2006 was 4,069 with 27% under 18 and 22% over 60.

90% of all dwellings are separate houses with a median price of $895,000. Only 12% of dwellings are rented.

Killarney Heights is a very pleasant suburb with lots of trees sitting on a hard stony ridge above Middle Harbour. Transport to and from the suburb is by road via Warringah Road and Wakehurst Parkway from Forestville.

If you want to do any shopping I am afraid you must travel. Schools are a different story though. The Primary and High Schools are close to the oval.

It is interesting that people living close to natural bushland and parks rarely use them. They are more visited by people who live elsewhere and flock in on weekends. Killarney Heights is no exception to this rule. By day it is a sleepy little appendage off Forestville but over the weekends … Well…

The inner city suburb of Paddington is situated 3 kilometres east of Sydney’s CBD and is in the local government areas of the City of Sydney and the Municipality of Woollahra. It is affectionately known as “Paddo”. It has a population of about 11,700 13% of whom are under 18 and 16% of whom are over 60.

Paddington has everything for those who love the inner city hustle and bustle. It is full of restaurants, boutiques and fashion stores. Visitors flock to Oxford Street for the shopping and entertainment available. Oxford Street is also the venue for the annual Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.

The suburb underwent a revival in the 1980’s when many people bought run down terrace houses, refurbished them, and then sold them at high prices. My mother’s best friend really made a killing doing this!

There are many historic buildings in the suburb which are on the Register of the National Estate. It is the home of Victoria Barracks a main Australian Army base which was built in 1848. Paddington Public School was opened in 1856 and is still going strong. The children use nearby Centennial Park as their playing fields.

Paddington – the suburb where it is all happening and definitely not for those who want to live a quiet existence.

Situated 36 kilometres north east of the Sydney CBD is the suburb of Clareville in the local government area of Pittwater Council. It is also part of the Northern Beaches region.

Its position is magic – nestled right on the shores of Pittwater. To the north are Palm and Whale Beaches to the east are Avalon and Bilgola and to the south is Taylors Point.

Due to its position and magnificent views over the water, house prices are high, often over $5,000,000.

Apart from the summer, Clareville is a very tranquil part of Pittwater. There is a nice restaurant - Clareville Beach Kiosk – which offers intimate and romantic dining. Be sure to book!

It comes alive in summer with many Sydneysiders and holiday makers flocking to the area. Clareville Beach provides good safe swimming for families, especially with small children as it is not a surfing beach. It has good facilities, providing toilets, electric barbecues and picnic areas. I can remember being taken to Clareville Beach as a small child and having loads of fun making sand castles and paddling.

The beach has become a popular place as a wedding venue – imagine the wonderful backdrop to the photos!

Clareville – a very nice part of the world!

Belrose is a Sydney suburb located 19 kilometres north east of the CBD in the local government area of Warringah Council and is part of the Northern Beaches region. It has a population of about 8,400 of whom 24% are under 18 and 27% are over 60.

Until the 1970’s Belrose was a semi-rural suburb. Today it is mainly residential consisting of single dwellings. The average price of houses is $786,000.

Glenrose and Belrose Village are two shopping centres in the suburb. It is home to the Austlink Business Park. There is also the Glen Street Theatre which presents many performances for the entertainment of Sydney siders.

The suburb is bordered by bushland which makes it prone to bushfires in the summer. The vegetation in the area has come to manage being burned as part of its cycle. The name Belrose comes from two native plants – the Christmas Bell and the native rose.

Children are well catered for with the Covenant Christian School, Belrose Public School, Wakehurst Public School, a Rudolf Steiner School and Yanginanook School – an independent Christian primary school. Of course there are other schools in nearby suburbs.

Forest Coach Lines provides transport for the residents offering regular services to Chatswood Railway Station and to other suburbs in the Northern Beaches region.

The suburb of Forestville is situated 15 kilometres north of Sydney’s CBD in the local government are of Warringah Council and is part of the Northern Beaches region. It has a population of about 7,700 of whom 25% are under 18, and 24% of whom are over 60.

Originally the area was used for timber cutting. Today, the suburb is mainly residential with the average price of houses being $750,000 and units $470,000. There is a local shopping centre and the large Forestway Shopping Centre is nearby.

Schools in the suburb are the Montessori Forestville School for preschool to year 12, Forestville Primary and a Catholic school. Other schools are located in nearby suburbs.

The area is service by Forest Coach Lines which take commuters to Chatswood Railway Station or to Warringah Mall and the beaches. Most people however use private car for transport.

Forestville is the NSW headquarters of WIRES which is a wildlife rescue service – it you see an injured or orphaned native animal they are the people to call. They probably get lots of work and the Garingal National Park is nearby.

Forestville is a pleasant suburb close to all facilities and has a lot going for it.