Whispers of “Double Pay” linger in the air. That’s the nickname some give Double Bay. It hints at the suburb’s luxurious appeal. Double Bay is an eastern suburb of Sydney. It sits four kilometers east of the central business district. Double Bay got its name from the bay on Sydney Harbour. The bay creates two distinct formations. A small point interrupts them.
Imagine Double Bay’s early days. Fishermen sought shelter here after European settlement in 1788. A farm grew, raising cattle and lettuce. By 1814, it stretched into nearby areas.
Now picture Charles Amos Messenger. He was a sculling champion. He established Sydney Harbour’s first boatshed at Balmain. Later, he floated it to Double Bay. The Messenger boatshed became a hub. Charles Amos’s sons, Dally and Wally, were Rugby League players. They rowed people across the harbor. Their passengers included William Bede Dalley. He was the acting premier of New South Wales in 1885.
For a time, Double Bay lost some shine. The opening of Westfield Bondi Junction in 2003 hurt local businesses. Some called Double Bay “Double Pay” because of its empty shops. The Ritz Carlton Hotel closed in 2009. Celebrities like Princess Diana once stayed there.
But Double Bay has bounced back. The InterContinental Hotel opened in 2014. It sparked a revival. New developments have followed. The Kiaora Lands Development attracts a younger crowd. This area now features a Woolworths, a library, cafes and restaurants.
Today, Double Bay offers high-end shopping and restaurants. Visit the commercial area along New South Head Road. Explore Knox Street, Cross Street, and Bay Street. You will find hotels, boutiques, and coffee shops.
Double Bay is known for celebrity sightings. Princess Diana, George and Barbara Bush visited here. More recently, Miranda Kerr and Russell Crowe have been spotted.
Consider a visit to Redleaf Beach. It is a harborside tidal enclosure. Steyne Park is another option. It has a cricket pitch, a hockey field and playground.
Double Bay has a rich history and a vibrant present. From its humble beginnings to its modern revival, Double Bay continues to evolve. So walk along New South Head Road. Feel the Double Bay vibe. It’s a blend of old stories and new energy. Double Bay always offers something unique.