Castlecrag

Castlecrag is one of Sydney’s (and indeed Australia’s) most historically significant suburbs. Designed by renowned architect Walter Burley Griffin (and his wife Marion Mahony Griffin), the intent of the suburb was to blend into the bush. The idea was to have communal living in what would be a perfect blend into the bush and topography. This is why many of the streets have an unusual curve to them and are narrower than we are used to. It also explains why many of the homes are built with natural stones and often have flat roofs (that were sometimes used as entertaining spaces).

You will also find many of the streets are named after parts of a castle due to the Griffins having named the suburb Castlecrag after the rock formation overlooking Middle Harbour that was known locally as Edinburgh Castle.

Whilst some of this unique history is tied to the suburb and still defines it, there is a deep-rooted community aspect to the suburb. As development occurs to rebuild what we knew as the quadrangle and will no doubt be a vibrant shopping and community district, the suburb will continue to grow and change shape.

House with stone walls and greenery, featuring large windows and wooden door, surrounded by trees and shrubs.
Bust of Walter Burley Griffin on a pedestal surrounded by greenery, with an Australia Post sign in the background.

Inside Castlecrag

  • There is a relaxed community lifestyle in Castlecrag. It has an amazing village feel which is perfect for young families, professions and retirees. It is a great area for bushwalking, hiking, kayaking and sailing. It feels serene and removed despite being only 8km from the CBD.

    It is worth noting that there are effectively two markets in Castlecrag. One is the properties with spectacular views and the other is the properties that do not have views.

  • Currently there are not a huge number of amenities in Castlecrag. There are a couple of cafes (Ganache is a family favourite), a butcher, a post office, a fantastic wine store and a few restaurants. In time, when the development of the shopping precinct occurs, it will have a lot more to offer in this area and attract a larger and different crowd.

  • Castlecrag has a few bus options depending on where you are going:

    • 275 will take you to and from Chatswood, right into Castlecrag. It goes along Edinburgh Road through as far as Linden Way.

    • 203 will take you to and from North Sydney (to Milsons Point Wharf). It also goes along Edinburgh Road through as far as Linden Way.

    • 194 will take you to and from the City (or St Ives in the other direction). It passes through Castlecrag, collecting passengers on Eastern Valley Way.

  • Castlecrag offers catchments to some of the best public schools in Sydney.

    For Primary School (K-6):

    • Willoughby Public School

    For High School (7-12):

    • Willoughby Girls High School

    • Mosman High School

    • Cammeraygal High School

  • Castlecrag has some great walking trails and some self-guided walking tours (you can easily find them online). There are some hidden walking paths in cul-de-sacs and between homes.

    A personal favourite is walking around to the different Walter Burley Griffin houses to see (at least from the outside) what sets Castlecrag apart.

    Also, The Haven Amphitheatre is an interesting outdoor performance space that is well worth a look.

  • Castlecrag is a largely family-oriented suburb with over 75% of the population being in this group. Despite this, there are also a significant number of single or couple households which cater for professionals and retirees.

  • Obviously in a very bush heavy location, there are areas of Castlecrag that are bushfire risk zones. There are also areas where it is not uncommon to find varied wildlife.

    It is also worth noting that there are sections of heritage and conservation within Castlecrag and this should be checked before buying into the area.

    Finally, the community is very environmentally conscious and there are always continuing efforts to preserve the landscape, the bushland and what makes Castlecrag the amazing suburb that it is.

  • Buying in Castlecrag is like buying fine art that you can live in. People will visit your home and marvel at the suburb you live in and the home you have there, no matter what street or which home you buy. You are also buying into a great community and a piece of Sydney’s history.

    Also, did we mention the views? If you buy one of the homes with a view, you will struggle to get many better views. Particularly as it comes with serenity and privacy.