Picture this Northbridge in 1875. William Twemlow a Sydney jeweler had just built his magnificent home The Hermitage. It stood proudly on Fig Tree Point crafted from sandstone quarried on his own estate. Getting there was quite the adventure. Twemlow sailed through The Spit around Middle Head. Then he walked to his shop at Sydney Arcade. This was Northbridge before the suburb even existed.
Northbridge a quiet leafy suburb on Sydney’s Lower North Shore is our destination today. Its history is as unique as its location. A peninsula extending into Middle Harbour it’s surrounded by water and bush on three sides. This tranquil setting belies its affluent nature. Northbridge consistently ranks among Australia’s top postcodes for average taxable income.
The Long Gully Bridge formerly known as the North Sydney Bridge is a defining feature of Northbridge. Completed in January 1892 this sandstone suspension bridge with its Federation Gothic style is a stunning landmark. It wasn’t always a public bridge though. It was originally built by land developers at a cost of A£42000. The NSW government purchased it in 1912.
Before the bridge even existed the area was home to the indigenous Camaraigal people. They fished and hunted in Middle Harbour for generations. Sadly disease introduced by European settlers devastated the Aboriginal population. By the 1850s the traditional way of life was gone from Northbridge.
The suburb’s growth really took off after World War I. New houses roads schools and shops sprung up. Many charming Federation-style homes remain today. Northbridge Plaza a shopping centre with numerous stores including a Woolworths is a hub of activity. Numerous cafes and restaurants line Sailors Bay Road offering diverse culinary choices.
Northbridge’s community spirit is strong. The Norths Pirates Junior Rugby Union Club plays at Tunks Park below the famous bridge. The Northbridge Sailing Club and Northbridge Cricket Club are other vital community hubs. Northbridge Public School founded in 1923 has a rich history hosting significant events. One notable event was the launch of the Australian of the Year Awards in 2003.
Several notable Australians have called Northbridge home including former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Former Wallabies player Phil Waugh and journalist Chris Reason also reside here. Even former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke lived here until his death in 2019.
Northbridge is more than just a collection of expensive houses. It’s a place of history heritage and community spirit. It’s a place where stunning natural beauty meets modern conveniences. A place where the echoes of the past intertwine with the vibrant present. Northbridge a place that truly deserves its place among Sydney’s most desirable suburbs.