Ah, Sydney’s little pocket of style and culture. Yes, Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs are the emerald city for those who enjoy cutting edge culture, particularly those after good vegan restaurants, pilates, and sipping pressed juice by the beach. But that’s not all Sydney’s Eastern suburbs has to offer.
Whether you’re into fine dining, bush walks, beach volleyball or family picnics with a view, Sydney’s Eastern suburbs is a varied mix for those keen on embracing the city’s cultural activities and attractions.
If you’re looking to buy a home in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, it’s the amenities that make this area one of Sydney richest – culturally, and financially.
Restaurants/Cafes/Bars
Sydney-siders in general are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining and drinking out. Every suburb has its own individual flavour of hospitality. But due to the nature of the industry, a high staff turnover often means that service is patchy at best. Regardless, a few establishments remain prized gems, and Bondi Icebergs definitely tops that list. Whether you’re there for a wine, a meal, to snap a shot for Instagram, or to be ironic, Bondi Icebergs never fails to impress.
If a more relaxed beer garden is on your mind, the Coogee Bay Hotel is great for a chilled out Sunday afternoon drink.
In the mood for Romance? Vine in Double Way is a swanky, up-market restaurant that’s great for first dates, anniversaries and birthday dinners.
And because breakfast is an entire event in and of itself, there’s plenty we could mention. Kawa in Surry Hills for the vegan crowd with non-vegan friends, The Depot in Bondi for amazingly good-looking breakfast spreads, and you can’t go past the ethically sourced food at The Commons in Darlinghurst.
Honourable mentions go to:
Shady Pines Saloon in Surry Hills for its Western charm.
Gelato Messina in Surry Hills for the most hyped desert.
The Catalina in Rose Bay for fine dining at its best.
Parks in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs
If you’re keen to look past Centennial Parklands for your next run, PT session or Sunday play date for the kids, Sydney’s Eastern suburbs is rich with grassed areas, playground equipment and running tracks.
Maroubra Beach Playground is great for two reasons – it’s the perfect spot for seaside activities in winter when the water’s too cold, and just as good in summer. Parking’s tight in this area and it’s not exactly peaceful, but the kids will love it nonetheless.
For a day that combines beautiful views, swimming, bushwalking, swing sets and picnic facilities, Vaucluse’s Parsley Bay Reserve is your destination. There’s a small car park next to the reserve which makes access easy. And don’t forget your bathers! There’s an enclosed swimming pool too, making it safe for younger kids.
Fancy a serene walk through nature that’s just a hop from main roads? Fred Hollows Reserve is an unexpected paradise located just off Alison Road in Randwick. Imagine stepping into a vegetated gully, crossing footbridge across a gently murmuring creek, and arriving home within 30 minutes? What a treat.
You might also like:
Rushcutters Bay Park and Playground.
Biddigal Reserve North Bondi.
Tamarama Beach and Park.
Entertainment in Sydney’s East
For live music, the Hordern Pavilion at Moore Park is a top venue for both local and international acts. And after the gig, it’s easy to refuel at a selection of restaurants and bars. The Bavarian Bier Café is a top choice for beer drinkers.
In the warmer months, Centennial Park hosts the Moonlight Cinema, a perfect date or group outing for the young and old alike. Just remember to bring the Aeroguard and your own blanket!
For a boys outing, the New South Wales Golf Club in La Perouse is a links-style golf course that’s been around since 1926. Love your sports? The Sydney Cricket Grounds (also known as the Allianz stadium) is easy to access from Moore Park Road.
Special mention to:
• Bondi Pavillion for a whole host of cultural events
• Sculpture by the Sea in October-November
• Vaucluse House for a history lesson
Public transport and driving in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs
If you’re looking to buy a home in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, you’ll be spoilt for access to public transport. Trains and bus service this area with a high density and frequency.
If you own a car, parking in these areas can be tight. If you’re in a permit zone, you won’t have to worry too much. It’s venturing out to find parking that’s a problem. But with public transport so readily available, getting around Sydney’s Eastern suburbs is virtually hassle-free, unless the bus or train is late. Which in Sydney – let’s face it – is inevitable. Plan ahead, and don’t get too fussed with delays.
House prices in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs
According to the ATO, Sydney’s Eastern suburb residents have the highest taxable income. Which means the bleedingly obvious – the nation’s highest house prices. On top of that, NAB Group Chief Economist Alan Oster forecasts that housing prices are still set to rise an average 2.3 percent in 2016.
There’s limited data for specifically Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, but with Sydney’s average house price now well over $1 million, purchasing property in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs is on par with the city average.
But of course, it depends which suburb you’re headed to. A 2-bedroom New York style loft in Pyrmont currently goes for $940, 000. Head over to Vaucluse, and the median house price is over $4 million.
When it comes to buying a house in Sydney, there’s far more to think about than house prices. Consider the entire area – after all, there’s more to creating a home than just the four walls you’ll be living in. Is the area accessible by car? Public transport? Does it have enough in the way of entertainment to meet your lifestyle? And of course, make sure to visit your neighbourhood of choice before you start making offers.
Data sources:
Core Logic via Your Investment Property Magazine
RealEstate.com.au
ATO Taxation Statistics 2013-2014 report