CerianG

The Strand is Whale Beach’s premier waterfront street. It is right on the beautiful beach and all the properties here have wonderful ocean views. Several of the houses are brand news, and recently built, others are older and renovated – and some may be in original condition.

All but one of the blocks to the left of Surf Road are big – spanning all the way up to Whale Beach Rd – and all are just a skip across the road to the sand.
Whale Beach is busy in peak season and holidays with tourists from further afield visiting, but otherwise is often bypassed for the prestige of Palm Beach and is therefore quieter.

The properties on The Strand to the right of Surf Rd are further up the hill a bit and shrouded in greenery from The Strand itself.

Whale Beach has big shady pine trees, a children’s playground, a SLSC and an amenities block. On the corner of Surf Rd is a restaurant that has changed hands so many times in recent years it makes my head spin. I believe it has recently opened as ‘Ripples’. There used to be a kiosk section for light fare – but I am unsure if that is operating now.

Above the SLSC (and accessed by Whale Beach Rd) is ‘Moby’s Restaurant’ which offers great views. And on the corner of Whale Beach Rd and Surf Rd is the café Olive and Rose which does great breakfasts.

This short and narrow cul-de-sac leads off busy Pittwater Road, and is therefore very handy to the city buses. The street has houses only on one side, as the other side is parkland.

Although the road leads straight to the waters of Careel Bay – there is only one waterfront property here. That is the last house – which is a beautifully renovated weatherboard cottage, with wide waterfront lawn. The other homes are a mix of older, original, and beautifully renovated houses most of which have a cottage type feel.

The end of the street itself doesn’t give direct access onto the sand – but a viewing platform has been built. The adjacent parkland consists of thick rainforest type flora but in the midst of this is the large grassed area of Careel Bay Dog Park (offleash). You used to be able to take your dogs down on to the foreshore at all times – where they could run freely in the water, but council stepped in and fenced the beach off – and dogs are now prohibited there. This was to protect the mangroves and water-birds and has been a bone of contention ever since.

South, the dog park opens onto the playing fields of Hitchcock Park – and it’s a nice walk to the small local shops of Careel Head Rd – including a takeaway, café, pizzeria and convenience store. Careel Bay Vet is also close by, but other than this there is not a lot within walking distance.

Argyle Street is a family friendly road, and one of the few that is almost completely level on the Plateau. It’s very leafy and green. The blocks are not as large as others in the area, but are still a decent size. It’s a bit more suburban in feel than many of the heavily treed streets on the plateau.

The properties are generally renovated older style – but there are a couple of modern masterpieces. Some of the houses on the western side would offer Pittwater views or glimpses, and some on the eastern side may offer ocean glimpses (and possibly Pittwater glimpses depending on how tall they are).

The local bus runs along this street approximately hourly, and there are city express buses (peak times only) a ten-fifteen minute walk away.

There are no footpaths here – but the local shops – an excellent deli/café, and vet clinics are a very brief stroll.

Bilgola Plateau Kindy (Pre-school) and terrific Public Primary are five – ten minutes away, and there is a nice reserve with playground. It’s a friendly, quiet neighbourhood and is a little further afield than some of the surrounding suburbs. Being so far from the main road, it would be difficult here without a car.

This is a great family area in particular, with much to offer.

This one-way street heading north and west off Pittwater Road is undergoing big change. That is to say, development. This is mostly apparent in the section directly leading on to Pittwater Rd. At least one or two old Californian Bungalows have recently demolished and either apartment buildings or commercial real estate are currently being constructed.

The street is generally extremely good with regards to accessing facilities. It’s a very easy walk to the main road buses which are many and frequent. Warringah Mall is not far away, and Dee Why has numerous shops of its own.

The housing on Kingsway is predominantly high-rise apartments – with some lower rise duplex style apartments. The corners of Kingsway and Pittwater Road give home to the Kingsway Medical Centre, which houses some excellent paediatricians and other specialists, and also a wonderful pharmacy – whose staff are terrific.

The council buildings are a short walk, and Dee Why Beach is in close driving distance. Dee Why Public primary is especially close to Kingsway, and the massive DY RSL is pretty close, once Pittwater Road has been crossed.

Dee Why, at least along the main strip, comes across as very crowded – it has a large percentage of apartment buildings, and when traveling by bus in the vicinity – Dee Why always offers the most passengers.

Narrabeen Park Parade is one of those weird streets that fluctuates between its own name, becomes another street – then goes back to itself once again. Even the maps are confusing on this point (and I don’t have my hands on a council document), so as such I am going to talk about it as one road from the north side of Ocean Street – where it crosses the bridge at Narrabeen Lake.

This is essentially one long street from where Ocean Street turns off Pittwater Road, follows the coast and beaches, past wonderful homes and townhouses and the ‘new’ Sands Hotel Bistro and Bar…. and then reaches the bridge crossing the lagoon.

Narrabeen Lagoon is a magical place and you can park at Birdwood Park at the reserve here. Great swimming at high tide for everyone and it’s calm safe water for small children (though deep at high tide). The lake proper is a short swim under the bridge and this is a marvelous shallow waterland for little ones. Be aware that squid often enter the lake, as sometimes to rays, and very infrequently, sharks.

Heading north there are a couple of cafes, beautiful housing and much park land. The parade comes out near Mona Vale hospital – and is a through route ‘only’ for those in the know.

This is a review for the eastern section of Anzac Avenue only.

Anzac Avenue Collaroy offers wonderful family living. It’s also a great address for cashed up surfers and golfers with Long Reef Golf Club right across the road and the popular Long Reef break, just the other side of the small jutting peninsula.

Plenty of other facilities nearby, though, also make this a great area for all members of the family.

Anzac Avenue itself only has housing on one side – the other side being take up with reserve and the golf course. It’s a cul-de-sac and there is glorious direct beach access at the end of the street. The houses are mostly larger older brick style, and renovated cottages – with one or two beautiful colonial styles. I suspect that some of the corner blocks might have their addresses on the side streets.

Despite the location, views would be minimal from ground floors (if existing at all) but pretty good from second stories. Although Anzac is a cul-de-sac, it’s now as quiet as you might expect as a lot of people using the park, beach and gold club park in the street.

At the western end there is busy Pittwater Road offering both good car and bus routes into the city (or further North).

There is a great kids playground in the reserve opposite, numerous local shops including a pizzeria on the corner.

North Steyne may be considered by some to be the premier street in Manly. It fronts the wide sweep of Manly Beach – and is a constant hub of activity. The attractions are obviously many, the beach being one of the prime Sydney Beaches.

The properties along North Steyne are all apartment blocks (and hotels) of varying degrees of size and luxury, although there are still some that are older, un-renovated red brick buildings. Most of the more modern and sophisticated blocks offer apartments with deep balconies offering wonderful ocean views. The higher the apartment, the better, in my opinion, not only for the views, but also to escape the noise of constantly flowing traffic below.

Manly Beach itself has a SLSC, change facilities, picnic benches in wide grassy areas, and a children’s playground. There are often numerous activities, such as street performers, markets, and beach ‘boot camp’ happening, so there is always something to do. There are plentiful cafes, bars and restaurants on both the Steyne and surrounding streets. For shopping there is the Corso (which is also home to the infamous Steyne Hotel), and many small specialty stores.

Public transport is good with the ferries and buses and there are choices of nearby schools. Manly is busy suburb and tourist destination and The Steyne and the Corso are often over-crowded.

At first glance Laurie Road is nothing to write home about, but this little suburban street has a lot to offer. There is practically no through traffic so the road is very quiet, and there are plenty of trees.

The homes here are a mixture of 1970’s brick houses, and beautifully renovated ‘Manly’ cottages and Californian Bungalows. This is a street that, in my opinion, has a lot of potential. The biggest draw card for Laurie Road is the extensive facilities available nearby, many of which are in walking distance.

There is a Coles Supermarket close by on Koorala Street, and there is a bakers, greengrocers and café on Rosebery Street, where you will also find furniture and appliance stores. For the coffee lovers Belaroma’s Coffee headquarters a short stroll, and here you can roast your own beans, enjoy a cuppa and buy your favorite grind in bulk.

There are plenty of other services on nearby Condamine Street, including many shops, takeaways, and city and northern buses. The pre-school is also located here. A couple of large reserves are situated nearby as is Manly Swim Centre and Manly Lagoon.

Manly West Primary School is a two-minute drive.

It’s not as posh as it’s close neighbours – Balgowlah and Manly, but this offers good value for money in an up and coming area.

Cove Avenue is an attractive, quiet waterfront cul-de-sac (though technically speaking the cul-de-sac end is actually Oyama Ave), with no through traffic. It is a very narrow street, with small blocks close to the road, and housing mainly consists of older apartment buildings – in the duplex style, and older houses. Dotted amongst these there a few modern mansions, mostly stylishly built and so therefore are not an eye-sore.

There are little views to be had from the street itself but the properties on the Manly Cove side much have exceptional views – and some of the higher set houses on the eastern side must also have wonderful vistas.

Cove Avenue is in easy walking distances to all the facilities that Manly’s eastern end (in particular) has to offer, including the Sydney Ferry of course, making this a good location for city commuters. It is one minute’s walk to the sands and blue waters of Manly Cove, numerous cafés and restaurants, and plentiful shops.

On the street itself is situated the Manly Waters Private Hospital, and two minutes further east leads you to the wonderful, family friendly Little Manly Beach reserve with safe, shallow swimming and terrific down-market kiosk. There are also walking paths along the point and a children’s playground.

Wonderful family area – just a little out of the centre of the action.

Forest Way is a long, wide and busy through-route that begins at Mona Vale Road and ends at Warringah Rd, Frenchs Forest.
At the northern end sits the large, fairly new Homemaker’s Centre that has numerous large home-ware’s stores, including Clive Peeters, Freedom, and Harvey Norman etc. There are several cafes and a rooftop playground.
Almost next to the centre is a large Bunnings, and there are other large warehouse type stores located in this commercial area.

Opposite, on the other side of Forest Way are some vestiges of the Garigal National Park, which can be accessed via a few side streets.

Further southwards the bush gives way to suburban properties on large blocks, many of these properties are on large blocks, and would experience noise from the four lanes of passing traffic.

There are several gardening and landscape centres located in the vicinity – and Forest Way has a waste Management facility.

This stretch of the road is also home to a Rudolf Steiner School, and further down the road at Belrose proper, there are shops, cafes, a preschool and a pub.

There are plenty of city buses along this route, and although, personally I couldn’t live on this road due to the traffic – it may offer some bargain properties to first homebuyers.

Hilltop Rd is a serene cul-de-sac leading from Hudson Parade. Whilst some directories class it as ‘Avalon’, it’s really more in the vicinity of Clareville.

Immediately as you turn onto the road there is a small row of shops – known locally as ‘The Hilltop Shops’. There is a great family pizzeria called Carlo’s – which seems to have been there forever, a bottle shop (a friend and I talked for years about opening one here, then someone did it) – and sometimes there’s an Asian takeaway, which doubles as a fish and chip shop (it’s often hard to tell). Ever present is the local convenience store.

Heading south up the street, the quiet nature of the road becomes apparent. It is very green, and overhung with trees. The properties range from un-renovated 1960s and ugly – to beautifully renovated older properties and brand new modernist mansions. Several of the (western side) properties are like private estates – they are on huge blocks of land (an acre or more perhaps) with gated driveways, sprawling lawns and outdoor studios. A stand out house is a very old gothic sandstone cottage, that I believe was recently on the market.

Most of the properties on the western side of the road would have great Pittwater views, and many on the eastern side would also. There are express city buses at the end of the street, otherwise public transport is terrible.

Hilltop Rd has access down to Clareville Beach via bush walking tracks – that are convenient – but steep overgrown and filled with ticks. Paradise Beach on Paradise Ave is also not a huge walk.

George Street is for the most part a cul-de-sac partially fronting Careel Bay in North Avalon. The northwestern part is waterfront, and the very end is reserve where the Careel Bay Marina is located.

The blocks are large, the street well treed, and it’s generally a quiet road, particularly the western end.

The facilities at the eastern end are generally better, being closer to the buses of Barrenjoey rd, the beach, and the large reserve Hitchcock Park (with tennis courts) is also nearby. There are a few local shops on Elvina Ave that crosses George St. On the other side of Barrenjoey Rd, on North Avalon Road there are more shops, a good café and a long day care centre. Barrenjoey High School is close by, as is North Avalon Beach. The western end of George Street is a long walk from anywhere, so a car would be advisable.

The properties on George Street range from smaller original beach houses, to large, new modern dwellings.

Of great local interest, and contention, is the Careel Bay Marina. Several years ago it was leased by a company who wishes to develop the facilities. The original DA was refused, and as far as the writer is aware, there is still a battle ensuing. Currently the facility is minimal with one small shed offering boating services. The developer wants to build wharves, shops and a café.

There are two main streets in the village of Avalon in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Avalon Parade is one of them. It runs from Barrenjoey Rd, crosses Old Barrenjoey Rd (at a dangerous crossroads, where a roundabout should be placed), and heads west until it becomes Hudson Parade.

The eastern third of Avalon Parade is a main part of the shopping precinct. On the other side of Barrenjoey Rd is beautiful Avalon Beach with ocean rock swimming pool, kid’s paddling pool and SLSC (which has nippers).
The shops consist of bakers, takeaways, patisseries and specialty stores. There are numerous real estate agents, a good butchers, and close by is Woolworths. There is also a Post Office, liquor store, Mitre Ten and many café’s.

Some 300 metres westward, the shops peter out and at this point there is large carpark, and next to this the first of three medical clinics. Directly opposite is the Avalon Backpackers.

The residential properties begin here, and mostly consist of gracious older and newer homes, but many of the blocks have been redeveloped into ostentatious townhouses and apartments (particularly for the over 55’s). Because of the council zoning allowing SEPP55 developments, real estate along part of the road is very valuable indeed.

There is also Pittwater Retirement Village here.

Avalon paraded is pretty and convenient – but is a fairly busy through-route.

Central Road is a fairly lengthy street running from Avalon Parade (where it becomes Hudson Parade) to Barrenjoey Rd. The street is very green with many trees, and is relatively level. There are many facilities within walking distance, including in the street itself. There are speed humps in the road – to slow down the occasional through-traffic.

The properties are generally on large blocks and consist of a mix of older cottage style homes, updated beach houses and a few big new homes.

The eastern end of the street gives easy access to both Avalon beach reserve, and the city buses of Barrenjoey Rd. Also at this end is a church, Maria Regina Primary School, and just around the corner on Park Street is St Marks Preschool.

A little laneway gives direct access into Dunbar Park, where there is a playground, and it is an easy stroll across the park into Avalon proper – the Woolworths, library and community centre, and numerous shops and restaurants.

At the western end of Central Road, just wear it joins to Hudson, there is another (more secluded) reserve with children’s playground. From this point it is an easy stroll to the Hilltop Rd shops, but a bit of a trek into Avalon itself.

It’s a great area for families with kids.

This is a winding cliff-top road that offers spectacular views to both the north and south over Avalon and Bilgola beaches respectively. There is a cliff top look out point that takes advantage of these fine views.

The houses are a mix of old and new- with many large properties on the southern slopes overlooking idyllic Bilgola Beach. Some of these cliff top properties have precarious swimming pools that can be spied from the beach below.

The northern end of The Serpentine is in relatively easy walking distance of Avalon Village, it is also easy to access city buses from this point. As the Serpentine descends down to the wonderful beach front – so does the access to facilities in easy walking distance.

Bilgola Beach itself is wonderful – with a 50 metre ocean rock pool – kids’ section, and a café, it is a wonderful local resource. Made all the more so, by the day trippers passing it by in order to continue on to Palm Beach – for the prestige perhaps. Bilgola Beach has two big parking areas, but despite that – it’s hard to park here at peak times. Eight years ago on Christmas Day – a parking spot could be had, no worries… In recent years however, it’s become a battle.

Surfside Avenue, Avalon is a wonderful street that really earns its name. Continuing on from the tail end of Avalon Parade – this is an ocean front cul-de-sac that suits surfers down to a board. With the parking at the head overlooking Avalon Beach being open and easy – many surfers come here to park and chak out the waves. If they are inclined – they can easily leave the car – and make their way down through the beachfront reserve and playground – passing onto the beach – where many of them choose to throwthemsleves in – board first off the rocks surrounding the ocean rockpool.

The northern end of Surfside is occupied by older apartment buildings, some of which have been done up, almost all of which offer spectacular views. There are still good buys to be had here for couples starting out, or affluent singles (who like to surf). It’s a very brief stroll to city busses (all of thirty seconds), and everything that Avalon has to offer (restaurants, supermarket, specialty stores, school etc).

The southern, higher end of the street has some lovely houses – on the eastern side, these are oceanfront – but I believe the western side my also offer lovely district views, even if not water-views.

Calvert Parade, Newport is one of those streets where, property-wise, one side hits the jackpot, and the other side is a distant cousin. That’s not to say the western side of Calvert Parade is anything to sneer at – it’s a lovely street with direct beach access – but the west side doesn’t really offer even views… whereas the eastern side is beachfront with many properties either leading straight on to the sands of Newport Beach (and also right near the ocean rock-pool) or having incredible views over the Pacific Ocean. Inasmuch – the western side properties generally go for a small fraction of the eastern side, and can be a considerable bargain for this popular street.

The houses along Calvert generally consist of a mixture of brand new architect designed homes, to classic weatherboard beach houses.
It’s a great location with city buses, and shops, an easy walk, as is the fantastic new Newport Community Centre (with kids playgroup and family day care), of course the beach – and the many shops an restaurants of Newport Village itself.

Crossing Barrenjoey Rd – there is a big playing field, a couple of preschools, and the well regarded Newport Primary. Slightly further a field is the Newport Arms - a very popular and attractively located Pub.

This is a wonderful cul-de-sac – that has a special beach area (Paradise Beach) that only the locals seem to be aware of. Parking is terrible, however, and if you don’t live in the street itself, it’s best to walk if you can.

The narrow road leads from the local through-route of Riverview Rd, and descends steeply. Most of the properties on the western side are waterfront and have spectacular views over Pittwater. A lot of them have their own boat shed and/or jetty. Some are still in original condition, but many are brand new modernist constructions. I think there are a few with inclinators – which are a fairly common feature amongst steep Pittwater properties.

At the bottom, northern end of the street, is situated Paradise Beach. This small beach reserve is a wonderful spot for avid swimmers at high tide, and small children at most times. It has a shark net and a long jetty (great for jumping off).
The houses at this end are situated on a private access driveway. A couple are very old and un-renovated, and there is one magnificent old style and very private property at the end of the private drive.

Some of the high properties on Riverview Rd have access down to the beach.

Prince Alfred Parade is a long winding street leading from the end of Irrubel Rd in Newport to the base of Loombah Street on the lower climes of Bilgola.

It’s a very scenic road indeed and many properties (if not all) have wonderful Pittwater views. A lot of the houses are multi-stories and there are few original or un-renovated properties.

The road is home to both the Royal Motor Yacht Club, and the Royal Prince Yacht Club is on a small side street leading off. The former has extensive member facilities including restaurants, bars and a swimming pool. The latter is somewhat prettier and has a lovely alfresco area. Both are wonderful facilities for boaties.

Further northwards is the lovely Florence Park, a deep grassy foreshore reserve. It has playground equipment consisting of two sings a high slide/climbing platform (not suitable for littlies), a spinner, bouncy thing, and a set of swings. There’s also a bubbler and a tap (for on-leash dogs). The park has an old boat ramp (ok for small dinghy’s now, I imagine), and a sandy area (I’d stop at calling it a ‘beach’). At low tide this is a wonderful spot for kids – as there are thousands of crabs, hermit crabs too – and if you don’t mind mud, it’s great fun to explore.

Nothing else is really in walking distance – especially because of the hills, but there are great schools and shops nearby.

Mirabooka Street is a serene cul-de-dac that leads off the steeply winding Loombah Street. The end closest to Loombah is well shaded and some of the blocks are steep. There is something of an escarpment behind the ‘high’ side of the street at this point, which would cause the lower properties to be in shade much of the time. This is particularly the case with regards to one or two houses that are tucked away in the corner. I doubt they would ever see the light.

Moving around the initial two corners, the street both levels, and straightens out. Some of the houses here are huge, and both the high side and low side would have wonderful views over Pittwater. Many of the houses have been renovated and modernized, with several still in original condition from the outside.

The end of this very quiet and leafy cul-de-sac offers direct north and west facing views towards Kurin-gai Chase National Park – and possibly as far as Lion Island. The properties here are sumptuous and very private. There are stairs at this end of the street – that lead back up on to Lower Plateau Rd, but it’s a bit of a walk to anywhere and public transport is not good.

There are shops up the road on Plateau Rd, a school, pre-school and a couple of parks with playgrounds, all a very short drive away.