Middle Cove

Gazing across Middle Cove, have you ever wondered how this tranquil haven came to be? Middle Cove, nestled on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, possesses a rich history interwoven with Aboriginal heritage and modern development. Middle Cove takes its name from its location between two other coves, Castle Cove and Crag Cove. This area, bounded by Middle Harbour on three sides and Eastern Valley Way on the west, was undeveloped bushland until the late 1950s. Then, Dick Dusseldorp, a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Lend Lease, GPT, and MLC, acquired a significant portion of the land. He transformed Middle Cove into the residential suburb we know today. Dusseldorp’s own home in Middle Cove, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s honeycomb design, stands as a testament to his architectural vision and is considered one of Australia’s top house designs. Long before European settlement, the Cammeraygal people, a powerful Aboriginal tribe, called this area home. Their territory extended across much of the north-west of the harbour. Governor Phillip, in a 1790 dispatch, noted their strength and numbers, even mentioning their unique custom of tooth extraction from members of other tribes. The name “Cammeraygal” echoes through time, lending itself to the nearby suburb of Cammeray. The presence of Harold Reid Reserve, a sprawling park overlooking Sugarloaf Bay, enhances the natural beauty of Middle Cove. Named after Harold J. Reid, a long-serving town clerk for the Municipality of Willoughby, the reserve provides a sanctuary for native wildlife like goannas, sugar gliders, and swamp wallabies. As you explore Middle Cove, remember the layers of history beneath your feet, from the ancient traditions of the Cammeraygal people to the architectural innovation of Dusseldorp, culminating in the tranquil haven that captivates us today.