Going Green: 9 Sought-After Leafy Suburbs Around Sydney
Breathe easy with our round-up of delightfully green neighbourhoods in Sydney.
Seeking a tree change without leaving the city limits? These nine Sydney suburbs offer plenty of space and greenery and promise the ultimate leafy lifestyle.
Pymble
The family-friendly suburb of Pymble sits on Sydney’s affluent upper north shore, 15km from the CBD. Here, streets are lined with historic homes and locals have access to prestigious schools, cafes, shops and restaurants at their fingertips. Flanked by Lane Cove National Park, Pymble offers an abundance of open spaces with playgrounds, walking trails, tennis courts and golf courses luring locals outside.
Queens Park
Nestled in Sydney’s stylish eastern suburbs, Queens Park is loved for its outdoor lifestyle. Families aspire to live here and tend to stay for its proximity to sprawling Centennial Park and short drive or stroll to both Clovelly and Bronte beach. Throw in the major shopping hub of Bondi Junction, excellent public and private schools and a quick bus service to the CBD and it’s easy to see why Queens Park is one of Sydney’s most coveted addresses.
Birchgrove
Just a short bus or ferry ride to the city centre, Birchgrove couples a convenient commute with picturesque tree-lined streets and beautiful Victorian homes overlooking the harbour. Bordered by Balmain, locals have abundant cafés, restaurants and historic pubs on their doorstep along with a bi-monthly arts and crafts market. But meander down to the waterfront and see where Birchgrove truly shines. Along its scenic green foreshore, locals relax in the reserves while lapping up world-famous million-dollar views.
Lane Cove
Surrounded by lush bushland, residents of Lane Cove can feel fully immersed in nature. The suburb is home to expansive recreational areas and playgrounds, including Blackman Park and Lane Cove Bushland Park, encompassing rambling small creeks and rivers. Minutes away at Lane Cove National Park, discover walking tracks, canoeing, fishing and picnic spots. Lane Cove is known for its vibrant community feel, closeness to both the CBD and Chatswood and laidback village of cafés, restaurants and supermarkets.
Killara
The serene suburb of Killara sits on Sydney’s upper north shore and is highly regarded for its nature-based lifestyle. Bound by bushland, it boasts Lane Cove National Park on one side and Garigal National Park on the other, with an abundance of playgrounds and reserves peppered throughout. Well-off families aspire to move in for its excellent education facilities, much-loved Killara Golf Club and shopping hubs of Chatswood and Macquarie both just 10 minutes’ drive away.
Vaucluse
With its large stately homes, calm, harbourside swimming spots and leafy foreshore walks, Vaucluse locals are certainly living the good life. Mostly residential, the suburb is dotted with only a handful of cafes and grocery stores contributing to its quiet, peaceful vibe. It encompasses part of Sydney Harbour National Park, home to stunning Nielsen Park with its sensational views, crystal clear beach and sheltered picnic areas.
Stanwell Tops
Sydneysiders looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city head south toward Stanwell Tops. Tucked just north of Wollongong, it adjoins the Royal National Park and is home to the Instagram-famous Sea Cliff Bridge and photogenic Stanwell Park Beach. There’s a sprinkling of local cafes and supermarkets, effortless public transport links north and south and panoramic vistas at every turn.
Gordon
Well serviced with public transport, a shopping village and fantastic public schools, families will feel right at home in Gordon. The suburb’s copious green spaces are connected via pretty tree-lined streets strewn with classic, Federation and Californian homes. Playgrounds, sporting fields, golf course and popular cafes add to Gordon’s enduring charm. Those commuting can hop on the train directly to the CBD.
Terrey Hills
Surrounded by parkland, Terrey Hills is defined by its sense of calm. It has a strong community spirit with several schools spanning preschool, primary and two international schools. Encircled by Kuring-gai Chase National Park, locals are spoilt for choice with bushwalking, horse riding, fishing and cycling trails. Sydney’s stunning northern beaches are just a short drive away, while the city centre is an easy 30-minute commute.
