Suburb Profiles
Annandale
Conveniently located on Sydney`s city fringe, Annandale offers outstanding architecture and lifestyle choices with broad appeal across different demographics.
Completed in 1888, Annandale`s main street of Johnston Street is noted as being Sydney`s first 30metre wide street. Named after Major George Johnston (1764 - 1823) who on 7th February, 1793 was granted 100 acres of land in what is now known as South Annandale and Stanmore. The area was first known as Johnston`s Bush but later the major renamed it Annandale after his birthplace, Annan in Dumfriesshire, Scotland.
Annandale`s architecture comprises units, terrace houses and in lesser numbers, free-standing homes. Many of the older terrace homes from the Victorian or Federation era have been beautifully restored, in-keeping with the periodic charm but with added contemporary styles and comforts.
The area, renowned for its wide tree-lined streets, offers an eclectic village vibe with its centre dotted by village shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants for which the inner west is so renowned. Popular local haunts include the North Annandale Hotel (corner Booth and Johnston Street) and for live music the Annandale Hotel (corner Parramatta Road & Nelson Street). Quality public schools include Annandale Public and Annandale North Public, as well as private schools such as St Brendan`s Catholic.
Parklands are in abundance and enjoyed by locals. Between Pier Street North and Piper Street South is Hinsby Park which enjoys a children`s playground area and war memorial dedicated by locals to veterans of the Great War. Annandale`s location ensures it is popular with CBD workers just a short bus ride or light rail ride into the city.
Key Facts
Location: 5 kilometres south-west of Sydney at the junction of Parramatta Road and Pyrmont Bridge Road.
Council: Leichhardt
Surrounding Suburbs: Leichhardt and Glebe
Balmain
Balmain is one of Sydney`s oldest waterfront suburbs where residents can live exclusively and enjoy the harbour side location as well as proximity to the city.
Located west of Sydney`s CBD, Balmain began life as a fishing village then dry dock in the 1850s building its shipping industry. Balmain also once had a coal mine that opened in 1897 and finally closed in 1931 - its mine shaft located beside what is now Birchgrove Primary School. In the 1970`s, Balmain grew in popularity among business people, who wanted somewhere to live that was close to the city.
Balmain`s working class roots have come a long way. Older homes in the area are now predominantly renovated and command high prices. Homes range from apartments and smaller one or two bedroom cottages to grand mansions. Locals flock to the suburbs main thoroughfare of Darling Street which hosts an array of retail offerings as well as a good mixture of cafes, restaurants and pubs. Balmain Public School and Sydney Secondary College - Balmain Campus, are two educational facilities, with Balmain and Rozelle Hospitals close by. Parks in the area include Gladstone Park in Darling Street, Punch Park in Wortley Street, Paringa Reserve in Elliot Street and Birchgrove Park on The Terrace. Elkington Park in Glassop Street has a children`s play area, band rotunda and seating, as well as the Dawn Fraser baths - one of the oldest pools in Australia built in the early 1800`s.
Key Facts
Location: 5km west of the CBD
Council: Leichhardt
Surrounding Suburbs: Birchgrove, Rozelle and Lilyfield
Camperdown
Camperdown has become a popular residential area due to its proximity to the CBD and the surrounding eclectic districts of the inner west.
Camperdown was included in the 240-acre estate granted to Governor William Bligh in August 1806. It was named after the Battle of Camperdown in which the governor fought in 1797 and which took place off the coast, 50km north of Amsterdam, near the village of Camperduin - meaning the Dunes of Kamp.
The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital has a big place in Camperdown`s history and has been in operation since 1882. RPA is the first and only hospital in the state to have a Liver Transplant Unit.
The area has undergone a major image overhaul recently. What were once industrial buildings are now stylish warehouse apartments with original heritage features as well as modern comforts. One example is the Biscuit Factory Soho District on the site of the old Weston`s Biscuit Factory which was established in the 1920`s. Rhodes House on the corner of Parramatta Road and Missenden Road is also one of the areas most sought after warehouse conversions with its rooftop resort style facilities.
Camperdown covers both the east and south sides of Parramatta Road and is bordered by Newtown, with all its vibrant retail and culinary delights; and Annandale which is renowned for its architecture, tree-lined streets and historic churches.
Victoria Park linked to the University of Sydney, is an inner city oasis and features a lake, pool and play areas. Camperdown Memorial Park is home to Newtown`s annual festival which can accommodate up to 80,000 people.
The suburb features good transport links to the city and surrounding areas, and is close to the airport.
Key Facts
Location: 4km south-west of Sydney`s CBD
Council: Marrickville
Surrounding Suburbs: Glebe, Newtown, Annandale
Leichhardt
Often known as Sydney`s Little Italy, Leichhardt is a picturesque suburb that is famous for its restaurants, history and culture.
Since the middle of the 20th Century, Leichhardt has been a centre for the Italian community. The suburb`s Italian heritage is especially evident along the main street of Norton Street which is lined with popular traditional restaurants.
The area was first settled in 1811 when Captain Piper and Ensign Huge Piper received large grants of land. The area was originally called Piperston before the pair sold the land to Walter Beames. Beames called the area Leichhardt after his friend the famous explorer Ludwig Leichhardt. Beames subdivided the area in 1942 and can be widely credited for the early development of the suburb. Wealthy families flocked to the area and as a result Leichhardt consisted of many large estates flanked by extensive gardens and large paddocks.
With the building of Petersham railway station, Leichhardt began to change from an idyllic country-style town, to a working class suburb as transport to the area became more readily available. Smaller cottages began to replace the large paddocks and which are still in evidence today.
There is now a range of apartment style and types from converted brick homes to modern studios offering close proximity to shops and amenities. Townhouses and stunning homes can also be found throughout the area. Leichhardt is an interesting mix of old charm, progress and vibrancy. Older brick buildings such as the Town Hall, Leichhardt Public School and Leichhardt Post Office provide an interesting contrast to the array of restaurants, cinemas and shops.
There are 84 parks and reserves in the area as well as 10 playing founds. Leichhardt Park offers outdoor play equipment, a walking track and an aquatic centre, whilst Lambert Park is a multi-use 7000 capacity sporting ground and home of the Tigers team. Pet-friendly parks are in abundance including its very own Café Bones which caters for pampered pooches at Hawthorne Canal Reserve.
Key Facts
Location: 7km south-west of CBD
Council: Leichhardt
Surrounding Suburbs: Haberfield, Lilyfield, Petersham and Annandale
Lilyfield
Picturesque Lilyfield combines inner city convenience with a quiet suburban atmosphere.
Named after the self-sown, wild lilies that once grew in its fields, Lilyfield is a small, tranquil suburb despite its proximity to the CBD. A 10 minute bus ride will have residents into the heart of the City, but the leafy streets give it an air of remoteness from the rest of Sydney. Originally home to the Gadigal and Wangal Aborigines, the suburb has strong working class roots as boat builders and ship`s captains settled there in the late 1830s. In the mid-1830s shipbuilding firms were established in the area, boosting the population. The suburb became industrialised from the 1970s onwards with large companies such as Mort`s Docks and Lever Brothers moving in.
Today, like most inner city suburbs, Lilyfield attracts investors eager to capitalise on its closeness to the city and have renovated and developed many of the original workers` cottages. The suburb`s traditional, blue-collar workers have been largely replaced by young professionals and anyone working close to the CBD. A selection of good restaurants, cosy cafes and quaint pubs can be found in the Lilyfield area as well as easy access to the popular Bay Run.
Homes range from weatherboard cottages to freestanding brick houses and newly- restored terraces. The quiet streets and nearby recreational facilities make the suburb a natural choice for young families with a number of schools to choose from. Orange Grove Public School is the closest state school in the area with Leichhardt Public School and Balmain High School nearby. Birchgrove Primary and Balmain-Lilyfield Montessori School are a short bus ride away.
Key Facts
Location: 6km west of Sydney between Parramatta Road and Iron Cove
Council: Leichhardt
Surrounding suburbs: Drummoyne, Glebe, Leichhardt, Haberfield
Petersham
Businesses and residents easily co-exist in the leafy inner west suburb of Petersham.
As one of the earliest settlements in the NSW, Petersham has come a long way since Lieutenant-Governor Francis Grose first sent workmen to plant wheat and corn in the region in 1793.
In its early days, Petersham was described as a quiet agricultural hamlet, but today its industrial area has expanded. Despite the rapid industrial growth, Petersham has a host of striking, historical landmarks which lend the suburb a real charm. Petersham Hall which stands on Crystal Street is one of the few remaining Art Deco town halls in the country and has been maintained in original condition.
There is a wide range of property available in the area from stylish studio apartments to it`s predominantly terrace houses. Stately homes also feature within a sought-after area of the suburb, such as Croydon and Clarendon Streets. The areas main business district is along New Canterbury Road, which is lined with various restaurants, cafes and shops. There are many restaurants serving authentic Portuguese-style cuisine, which extends along Audley Street and towards the railway station. There are also shops and restaurants on nearby Parramatta Road.
There are several schools in the area including Fort Street High School, the oldest public school in NSW is a landmark, and Petersham Public school is situated in neighbouring Lewisham.
Petersham Park is a leafy reserve complete with paved walkways, a heated swimming pool and cricket pitch which serves as a baseball diamond in winter.
Key Facts
Location: 6km south west of Sydney CBD
Council: Marrickville
Surrounding Suburbs: Lewisham, Stanmore, Leichhardt, Marrickville
Stanmore
One of the most charming of inner west locales, Stanmore features lovely art-deco architecture and a real community spirit.
Stanmore was given its name by prosperous saddler John Jones, after his birthplace in England. The settler willed 8ha of the estate to the Methodist Church and in 1880; Newington College was built on this site.
Stanmore Road, the former dirt track which runs through the suburb, used to be a tram track. A railway station opened in 1878 and today, Stanmore lies on both sides of the track. The suburb is comprised of one or two bedroom apartments, some art-deco, and a range period style houses. Popular addresses are Railway Avenue, Percival Road and Trafalgar Street which are close to local amenities. Nearby cosmopolitan Enmore and Newtown suburbs have an array of eateries and shopping opportunities whilst the close proximity to CBD adds to Stanmore`s popularity.
Schools in the area include Newington College and Stanmore Public School. Stanmore also has a small shopping centre beside the railway station with commercial developments running down the length of Parramatta Road. Stanmore is surrounded by Annandale across Parramatta Road and neighbouring Petersham. In some parts Leichhardt`s popular Norton Street cafe strip is just a stroll away.
Key Facts
Location: 6km south-west of Sydney CBD
Council: Marrickville
Surrounding Suburbs: Annandale, Leichhardt, Petersham
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