Willoughby

When we talk about Willoughby, we are talking about all the suburbs of Willoughby, North Willoughby and Willoughby East. Whilst they each have some differences in surrounds (and price points), you will find that much of what is true about one is true about the others.

Willoughby is a fascinating suburb that still has some evidence of the Cammeraygal people of Guringai nation in their rock carvings, middens and artworks in caves. Surprisingly, the origins of the name Willoughby is unclear with different possibilities depending on which historian you listen to, but it was largely farmland in the late 1800s. It was also the home to the Nine Network for over half a century until they moved in 2020.

Tree-lined sidewalk next to a brick building with parked vehicles and garbage bins on the street, overcast sky.
Street view with a hair salon named 'Chameleon Hair', sidewalk, trees, and parked cars.

Inside Willoughby

  • Willoughby is a strong community suburb with lots of local events and markets. It centres around a few different schools, parks and different communities (including churches). There are plenty of green spaces including many different parks that are great for walking dogs and children to play in.

    Willoughby also offers many dining, shopping, cultural and recreational facilities. It is a vibrant suburb that offers so much to so many. It is extremely convenient for the City but also contains everything you could need in close proximity.

  • Willoughby offers everything you could possibly need all within the one suburb. There are restaurants, cafes, shopping facilities and community spaces. There are also several small businesses operating in the area offering everything you could possibly need, from interior design and curtain businesses to air conditioning and even Buyers’ Agents … wink, wink …

    The Willoughby Leisure Centre is also a great place for fitness, sports and a range of other activities.

  • Willoughby has a large array of bus options from different locations:

    • The 200 series buses and the 194 offer transport to and from the City (and North Sydney) along Eastern Valley Way. Going back the other way, these routes go to East Lindfield or even into Willoughby.

    • 120 and 115 go between Chatswood and the City (or North Sydney respectively).

    • 143 and 144 travel between Chatswood and Manly passing through Willoughby.

    • 257 travels between Chatswood and Balmoral beach passing through Willoughby.

  • Willoughby offers catchments to some of the best public schools in Sydney (and some would argue the best high school for girls). In fact, it is not uncommon for people to look to buy in Willoughby specifically for Willoughby Girls High School catchment.

    For Primary School (K-6):

    • Willoughby Public School

    For High School (7-12):

    • Willoughby Girls High School

    • Chatswood High School

  • One of many venues in Willoughby, The Willoughby Incinerator (designed by Walter Burley Griffin and built in 1934) is a fantastic venue for a coffee, meal or even a party. It also offers a gallery with art exhibitions and cultural events. Whilst it is hugely popular and not really a hidden gem, it is well worth noting.

    Another not so hidden gem is the monthly French Market held at Laurelbank. If you’ve never been, you should go.

    There is also the Jiji Rescue Cat Café which is a little unusual for Australia but a great experience for anyone who loves to spend time with cats and enjoys a café.

    Also, if you are looking for somewhere amazing to visit and look at the decorations for Halloween (maybe also do a little trick or treating) and Christmas, you can’t go past the Avenues. Third Avenue is the leader here but just quietly, Second Avenue and the others are making waves to catch up.

  • Whilst there is a huge variety of people across Willoughby, it is still a very family friendly area with over 2/3 of the population being families. It is also a great area to live for singles and couples.

  • Willoughby is an environmentally conscious area. There are sustainability initiatives, strategies to address climate change and tree preservation rules. This is all to keep the amazing natural feel to the area while it continues to grow. There are some bushfire and flood risk zones throughout Willoughby and it is important to check prior to purchasing a property.

  • There are so many different reasons to buy in Willoughby. The convenience to the city is a big reason why people buy here. It is also an excellent place to raise a family and offers great schools, parks and play areas.

    Willoughby also boasts the ability to live completely within the suburb as you could do everything here without ever needing to leave.