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Rose Bay Public School Outperforms Neighbours In 2025 NAPLAN

Rose Bay Public School recorded stronger Year 5 NAPLAN results than several nearby private and Catholic schools, placing it among Sydney’s highest-improving non-selective public schools.

Rose Bay Public School’s Ranking Rise

Rose Bay Public School reached 102nd place in the 2025 NAPLAN results, improving by 181 spots. The school recorded an average score of 546.4, based on the rankings data for 2025.

Comparison With Nearby Schools In Rose Bay

In the eastern suburbs, Rose Bay Public School’s Year 5 cohort achieved higher average results than several neighbouring schools, with Kincoppal – Rose Bay School of the Sacred Heart recording an average of 545, Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Woollahra recording 540.2, and St Catherine’s School in Waverley recording 539.6.

These figures align with earlier reporting that Rose Bay Public School’s Year 5 results were ahead of these private and Catholic schools.

Context From Sydney’s Broader Performance

Across Sydney, opportunity class host schools continued to rank strongly, with some recording average scores up to 7 per cent higher than non-OC public schools. Recent data noted that more than two dozen non-selective public schools also appeared among the top performers.

Average sector scores reported were 525 for independent schools, 515 for Catholic systemic schools and 496 for government schools, including those with OCs.

Rose Bay Public School — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

NAPLAN Framework And National Reporting

ACARA continued to report NAPLAN results using the four proficiency levels introduced in 2023. The national time series was reset from that year, meaning results from before 2022 cannot be directly compared.

School-level reporting for 2025 is scheduled for release in December 2025, with results published through the national schools platform.

Outlook

The 2025 results for Rose Bay Public School contribute to ongoing comparisons across public, Catholic and independent schools in the Sydney region. Further detail is expected when the school-level results become publicly available in December 2025.

Published 9-Dec-2025

Club Rose Bay Restoration Progresses Under Merivale Management

Photo Credit: Club Rose Bay/Facebook

Club Rose Bay in Rose Bay is undergoing a full restoration under a management agreement with Merivale after entering administration in August 2024.

Background And Financial Position

Club Rose Bay entered voluntary administration at the end of August 2024 after reporting financial losses in consecutive years. The club recorded a loss of around $350,000 in 2022, followed by just over $40,000 in 2023.

At a members’ meeting in January 2025, the RSL membership voted almost unanimously to proceed with an operations management agreement with Merivale to support the venue’s recovery.

Under the agreement, Merivale is responsible for managing hospitality operations, including food, beverage and events, while the club’s board retains ownership and full governance control.

Renovation Works And Planned Features In Rose Bay

Behind-the-scenes videos released in October 2025 confirmed that restoration work is well advanced. Planned features for the renewed venue include a sports bar with large screens and a games area fitted with pool tables.

The cocktail bar has been referenced differently across updates: Merivale material shared earlier in the year described a DJ record-style bar, while later plans highlighted a 1950s airport-inspired concept. Outdoor additions include a pickleball court, a half basketball court and dog-friendly dining areas. An open-plan kitchen and wood-fired pizza oven will also form part of the new layout.

RSL redevelopment — *Photo Credit: Club Rose Bay/Facebook*

Notti’s To Lead The Dining Offering

A central hospitality feature of the redevelopment is Notti’s, a casual Italian restaurant. The venue is being developed by chef Mike Eggert, known for Totti’s, and will focus on pizza as its primary offering.

Merivale noted that Notti’s is positioned as an approachable extension of its broader Italian dining concepts.

RSL Traditions And Community Connection

Despite the scale of the redevelopment, leadership from both the club and Merivale confirmed that the venue’s RSL identity will remain central. A daily moment of silence and the recitation of the Ode of Remembrance will continue, supported by a memorabilia display and honour boards.

Long-time members expressed strong interest in the reopening, including WWII veteran John Ryrie, who first visited the club in the late 1940s when it operated from a small shed. Community anticipation has been echoed by club representatives and Merivale, with acknowledgment that expectations are high.

Merivale chief executive Justin Hemmes has stated that the project is personally important, noting the pressure to meet community expectations given the club’s longstanding role in the area.

Next Steps

A confirmed reopening date has not yet been announced, although updates indicate that the venue is expected to reopen in late December. Both Merivale and the club’s leadership expect the renewed Club Rose Bay to serve as a long-term community hub, balancing new facilities with traditional RSL functions.

Published 7-Dec-2025

Kambala Student Celebrated In Statewide Young Scientist Awards

Photo Credit: Science Teachers Association of NSW/Facebook

A Kambala student from Rose Bay has been recognised for her scientific research in this year’s Young Scientist Awards, joining other eastern Sydney students acknowledged for innovative work across multiple fields.

Kambala Representation At The Young Scientist Awards

Fourteen-year-old Kambala student Karin Iwano earned recognition in the 2025 competition, which is presented annually by the Science Teachers’ Association of NSW. Her project explored practical ways to measure soil acidity using liquefied red cabbage, creating a biodegradable method that produces clear visual results.

The awards drew more than 500 entries from students across New South Wales.

Young Scientist Awards — *Photo Credit: Science Teachers Association of NSW/Facebook*

Karin’s Chemistry Investigation

Karin also placed third in the Scientific Investigations – Chemistry (Years 7–8) division for a quantitative study into the effect of vitamin C powder mass on peak wavelength absorbance readings.

Using red cabbage extract as a natural pH indicator, she recorded colour changes through spectrophotometer readings. Her findings linked these shifts to structural behaviour in anthocyanin molecules.

Kambala’s Educational Environment

Kambala, located in Rose Bay, describes its approach as one that encourages curiosity, ambition and independent thinking among students. The school’s philosophy emphasises supporting girls to pursue challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

Other Eastern Sydney Representation

The eastern suburbs were also represented by Dover Heights student Congjing Zhu, whose project examined UV resistance in parsley plants with the aim of supporting development of plant-based, environmentally safer sunscreen ingredients.

Sydney students — *Photo Credit: Science Teachers Association of NSW/Facebook*

Statewide Award Results

The overall Young Scientist of the Year title went to Michaela Loukas of Marist Catholic College Penshurst. Equal runners-up included students from Barrenjoey High School and Lambton High School, while rural and primary divisions also saw multiple winners across the state.

Program Purpose And Next Steps

The Young Scientist Awards have been run since 1992 to encourage students to investigate scientific questions and develop evidence-based solutions. Selected students from the 2025 cohort will proceed to represent New South Wales at the national iCubed Awards.

Published 2-Dec-2025

Record Sub-Penthouse Sale Sets New Benchmark in Rose Bay

Photo Credit: Sotheby's

A sub-penthouse in Rose Bay has sold for more than $20 million, setting a new suburb record at The Wintergarden apartment building.

Background of the Landmark Purchase

The sub-penthouse at The Wintergarden on New South Head Road achieved a price above $20 million. The property was guided at $18 million and sold through agents Julian Hasemer and Michael Pallier, while buyer’s agent Jeremy Bedwani secured the purchase.

The residence was previously owned by the late Evelyn Royal, who bought the apartment for $6.75 million in 2009. It was later redesigned by Alexander Michael.

Wintergarden Rose Bay — *Photo Credit: Sotheby’s*

Details of the Wintergarden Transaction

The 330sqm apartment features three bedrooms, three bathrooms and four car spaces. It includes formal and casual living and dining areas, a terrace, a wraparound balcony and level lift access to the secured parking area.

The Wintergarden is a boutique eight-residence building on the former Wintergarden Theatre site. It includes manicured gardens, a harbourfront pool retreat and direct access to Rose Bay Beach. Its position offers 180-degree northerly harbour views and is within walking distance of the Catalina restaurant and Rose Bay village.

sub-penthouse sale — *Photo Credit: Sotheby’s*

Record Set for Rose Bay

The sale exceeds the previous Rose Bay apartment record of $14.7 million, achieved in August 2024 for a penthouse in the Opus building. The penthouse directly above the sub-penthouse was purchased for $11.25 million in 2020.

The two apartments share the same 330sqm layout. There is speculation about plans to combine both levels into a larger residence, noting that any structural alterations would require strata approval.

Sydney property — *Photo Credit: Sotheby’s*

Wintergarden’s Position in the Local Market

The Wintergarden is known as a popular option for high-end downsizers due to its beachfront location, limited number of apartments and private amenities. The building’s history and views continue to draw interest from buyers seeking tightly held residences in Rose Bay.

Future Outlook for Rose Bay

With this sale establishing a new benchmark, Rose Bay now holds one of Sydney’s strongest apartment price results, reinforcing ongoing demand for rare waterfront properties in tightly held buildings.

Published 27-Nov-2025

$150-million Rose Bay Sale Marks a Turning Point for Sydney’s East

Photo Credit: paullangsam/Instagram

An amalgamated Rose Bay site has changed hands in a deal worth about $150 million, in what Raine & Horne describes as one of Australia’s biggest residential property transactions.

The sale, negotiated by Raine & Horne’s Double Bay office, combines multiple neighbouring properties in Rose Bay and could significantly change how this part of the suburb is used in future.

A major deal for the eastern suburbs

The landmark site, spanning about 3,000 square metres across 33–37 Dover Road and 2–30 Wilberforce Avenue, includes five houses and two unit blocks. The site’s zoning allows for a six-storey building with a 22-metre height limit, making it a significant redevelopment opportunity in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The deal was led by agent Alex Lyons and his team at Raine & Horne Double Bay, who handled the sale of the amalgamated Rose Bay site. The buyer has not been officially confirmed, but industry sources allege it is Graeme Skerritt, owner of Pathways Aged Care, and that he is reportedly planning a luxury aged-care facility on the 3,000-square-metre site.

What this means for the Rose Bay community

For Rose Bay residents, the sale is about more than the headline price, as it is likely to influence how this pocket of the suburb is redeveloped. The site sits within Rose Bay’s harbourside area, which is known for its village-style shopping strips, nearby schools and proximity to the CBD.

Any future plans for the block are expected to draw close attention from local residents, given the size and location of the property.

High-value sites with flexible planning potential are typically sought after in lifestyle-rich suburbs like Rose Bay, and this transaction appears to fit that pattern. Agents say the sale reflects strong demand for prestige landholdings in Sydney’s east, even as the broader housing market moves through different cycles.

Published 4-Nov-2025

Rose Bay Waterfront Home Sells for $82.5 Million, Setting New Record

Photo Credit: Forbes Global Properties

A Rose Bay waterfront estate at 14 Tivoli Avenue has sold for $82.5 million, marking Sydney’s highest house sale of 2025 and setting a new suburb record.

Record Sale in Rose Bay

A luxury property owned by Orazio and Yolanda Camuglia has achieved the top residential sale of the year, finalised on 22 October 2025. The result exceeded Rose Bay’s previous record of $54.6 million from February and topped all Sydney house sales for the year.

Situated on a 1,138-square-metre waterfront parcel, the home comprises three self-contained residences with eight bedrooms, ten bathrooms, and four-car garaging. The sale was managed by Forbes Global Properties agents Ken Jacobs and Hui Xu.

*Photo Credit: Forbes Global Properties*

Waterfront Luxury and Design

Stretching from Tivoli Avenue to the harbour’s edge, the home offers sweeping views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Sydney skyline. Interiors feature Carrara marble, marine-grade fittings, and expansive glass detailing. The estate also includes a pool, gym, sauna, landscaped gardens, and a boathouse.

Rose Bay property — *Photo Credit: Forbes Global Properties*

Market Standing and Comparisons

The $82.5 million sale surpasses the previous suburb record and the recent $60 million transaction at Vaucluse’s Coolong Road. Experts describe the sale as one of Sydney’s five highest residential property deals on record, underscoring continued strength in the city’s prestige market.

History and Renovations

The Camuglias first acquired part of the Tivoli Avenue site in 2004 and spent years expanding and modernising the residence. A 2018 development approval under architect Renato D’Ettore included major extensions and upgrades.

The couple are also known for commissioning D’Ettore for other projects, including Coogee Castle and Italianate House in Surry Hills.

Rose Bay record sale — *Photo Credit: Forbes Global Properties*

Shifting Property Landscape

Property valuer Simon Feilich noted that Rose Bay’s market reflects both high-end individual sales and collective redevelopment trends. Long-held family properties are increasingly being amalgamated for aged-care and medium-density projects, signalling ongoing transformation in the suburb’s housing landscape.

Published 3-Nov-2025

Free Harbour Yoga Sessions Announced For Rose Bay Residents

Free open-air yoga classes are coming to Rose Bay this summer, giving locals the chance to move by the harbour in a calm and community-focused setting.

Rose Bay To Offer Free Waterfront Yoga

Rose Bay residents will soon have the opportunity to join free waterfront yoga sessions designed to bring the local community together through movement, mindfulness and time outdoors.

The new summer initiative will invite locals to participate in calm open-air sessions suitable for people of all ages and experience levels, encouraging wellbeing and connection in an accessible setting.

Free Community Program With A Focus On Inclusion

The Harbour Flow series will run weekly from November 2025 to February 2026. It will deliver 12 open-air yoga classes across Rose Bay, Double Bay, and Vaucluse. The Rose Bay sessions will be held at Rose Bay Yoga on the Marina, located at Rose Bay Marina with its entrance next to The Boathouse.

Only one free class will be available per person, and registration is required to secure a confirmed spot. The program is open to beginners, school-run parents, older residents and regular practitioners, with the intention of making community movement easy to join and pressure-free.

Harbourfront Experience With Atmosphere And Social Connection

Each class will run for 60 minutes on a waterfront deck at sunrise, sunset or under full moon evenings, depending on the session.

Some events will include live acoustic musicians, and others may be supported by nearby cafés through informal post-class gathering opportunities or small offers.

Professional instructors lead the sessions outdoors by the harbour. They offer a calm movement experience connected to nature, not focused on performance or intensity.

Separate From Paid Yoga Timetable And Limited Access

The organiser is running this community initiative separately from their regular paid studio timetable, which will continue as usual across all three locations.

Prospective participants must register to receive the timetable and booking links when they are released. Bookings will open on a first-come basis, and a waitlist will open if sessions reach capacity.

Published 22-October-2025

Magazine Owner Lists $59 Million Mansion in Rose Bay

Photo Credit: Pillinger

Indulgence magazine owner Linge Dai has listed his harbourfront mansion in Rose Bay for $59 million, only months after purchasing the Bruce Stafford-designed residence that set a suburb record earlier this year.

Harbourfront Mansion Back on the Market

The four-level residence at 12 Dumaresq Road, Rose Bay, designed by Bruce Stafford, has been relisted with a price guide of $59 million through Monika Tu and Jad Khattar of Black Diamondz Property Concierge.

Dai purchased the home in February 2025 from Frank Qiang Geng and Juanjuan Zhao for about $56.4 million, setting a new benchmark for the suburb at the time. The sale marked one of Sydney’s highest-value residential transactions for the year.

Occupying an 806-square-metre site, the property offers direct gated access to Dumaresq Reserve and a tidal beach, placing it among Rose Bay’s most exclusive harbourfront holdings.

Rose Bay mansion — *Photo Credit: Pillinger*

Architectural and Design Features

The mansion’s contemporary design showcases 180-degree views of Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the city skyline. It includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a lift to all levels, accommodating large families and guests with privacy.

Interiors feature glass-wrapped living areas, a professional-grade kitchen, home theatre, custom office, and a full-floor entertainment zone with billiards facilities. Outdoor amenities include sun-drenched terraces, landscaped gardens, a pool, spa, and sauna, making it one of the area’s most complete lifestyle properties.

Background and Reason for Sale

The property was previously owned by Frank Qiang Geng and Juanjuan Zhao, who sold it to Dai earlier this year. Reports state that Dai and his family are relocating after their child’s tennis success, having purchased another residence with a private tennis court.

Sydney luxury property — *Photo Credit: Pillinger*

Owner Profile

Dai oversees Ximi Media, which acquired Indulgence magazine in 2021. The quarterly publication caters to high-net-worth Chinese Australians and tourists, covering topics related to luxury, style, and culture.

The relisting of the property underscores the strength of Sydney’s prestige property market, with Rose Bay remaining a key location for high-end buyers seeking architectural homes with harbour access.

Market Context

The home’s relisting marks one of Sydney’s highest-value sales of 2025, reinforcing Rose Bay’s reputation as a premium harbourside enclave.

Published 22-Oct-2025

Rose Bay’s 120-Year-Old Church Prepares for a New Chapter as Aambra Restaurant

Photo Credit: Churches of Australia

For 120 years, a Gothic Revival church has stood in Rose Bay. Now, the beloved landmark is preparing for a bold new chapter as Levantine restaurant Aambra.

The red-brick church at 518a Old South Head Road has stood as a steadfast part of Rose Bay’s story. Erected in 1904 as the Rose Bay Methodist Church, the building marked the spread of Methodism into Sydney’s eastern suburbs at the turn of the 20th century.

It was built on land gifted by Hon. Ebenezer Vickery, a philanthropist and member of the New South Wales Legislative Council, who laid the foundation stone with hopes that the church would become a spiritual and social anchor for the growing community. Designed by A.L. & G. McCredie and Sons, the church reflected the Gothic Revival style, with its pointed arch windows, steep gables and intricate stained glass capturing the aspirations of the era.

The Rise, Growth and Legacy of a Local Landmark

As Rose Bay’s population grew, so too did the church’s role. In 1924 and again in 1929, expansions were undertaken by architects Dallas E. Walsh and Byera Hadley, adding the Wesley Hall and new community spaces.

For decades, the church served not only as a place of worship but also as a local hub, hosting Sunday schools, community meetings and events that helped shape the suburb’s identity. Inside, the soaring timber ceilings and original pews framed countless gatherings across generations, anchoring family and community life in the heart of Rose Bay.

By the early 21st century, however, congregations had dwindled, and by 2017, services ceased. The church’s doors closed, and the building, though structurally sound and protected by heritage listing, fell mostly silent. Occasional community activities continued, but the space awaited a new purpose that respected its history while breathing fresh life into its walls. That new chapter is now on the horizon, not as a place of worship, but as a gathering place of a different kind.

Aambra: A New Life for a Rose Bay Landmark

The former church is now being transformed into Aambra, a Levantine restaurant that aims to celebrate the flavours and warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality while preserving the soul of this historic site. Spearheaded by hospitality operator Cristian Gorgees, Aambra will accommodate around 140 to 150 guests in a space that marries old-world character with contemporary dining design.

The 10-metre cathedral ceilings, original arched doorways, and stained glass windows will remain, complemented by new lighting, marble details, and a glass-enclosed mezzanine for private dining. A timber deck, surrounded by greenery, will create an inviting alfresco dining area beneath the Sydney sky.

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Preserving Heritage Through Design and Flavour

In the kitchen, Gianluca Lonati, formerly of Nour, will craft a menu inspired by the Levant — a region renowned for its shared plates and bold, spice-driven cooking. Diners can expect mezze platters, char-grilled meats, masgouf-style fish and slow-cooked lamb sfiha, alongside freshly baked breads and regionally inspired cocktails.

A curated wine list will feature premium Lebanese labels. A bar and open kitchen will bring diners closer to the action, allowing them to watch dishes and drinks prepared before their eyes.

Beyond the food, Aambra is envisioned as a community gathering place once more. The goal is not only to preserve the physical shell of the former church but also to revive its spirit as a venue where people come together — this time over shared meals rather than shared hymns. Gorgees sees the project as a chance to reconnect Rose Bay residents with a local landmark, bringing activity and flavour back into a building with deep community roots.

Aambra is expected to open in mid-November 2025, operating from Tuesday to Sunday, and promises to offer Rose Bay a new way to experience both its rich past and its vibrant present.

Published 14-Oct-2025

Historic Rose Bay Mansion Sells for $45.1 Million, Setting Potential New Benchmark

Photo Credit: Richardson & Wrench Double Bay

A prestigious Rose Bay property has changed hands for $45.1 million at a private auction held on 24 September, marking what could be a new benchmark for Australian residential properties sold under the hammer.

The grand estate at 19 Kent Rd, known as The Knoll due to its elevated position, had initially attracted interest in the $30 million to $35 million range when it first came to market. The final sale price exceeded these early expectations by more than $10 million.

Photo Credit: Richardson & Wrench Double Bay

The sprawling 2,536-square-metre property, which offered six bedrooms and commanding views over the Royal Sydney Golf Course, had been held by the same family for six decades. According to selling agents Michael Dunn and James Dunn of Richardson & Wrench Double Bay, the vendors were descendants of the Burns family, connected to Sir James Burns who established the merchant company Burns Philp.

Nine registered bidders competed for the trophy home, with four participating actively in the auction conducted by Jessie Davidson. Bidding commenced at $29 million and advanced rapidly in million-dollar increments before the property was declared on the market at $40 million.

The winning bid came from a local family, described by the agents as a couple in their 50s, who secured the keys with a final offer of $45.1 million. Whilst speculation has circulated about the purchasers’ possible connection to the nearby golf club, this remains unconfirmed.

Michael Dunn expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating he believed it could represent a record for a residential property sold at auction. The previous benchmark was set at $43.1 million for a Toorak property in Victoria, which sold in 2021.

Built in 1935 and designed by Scott, Green & Scott for WA Freeman, the Georgian revival-style residence evokes the character of a British country manor. The property features generous rooms with high ceilings, established gardens, level lawns, and a 15.2-metre swimming pool.

The home’s proximity to the recently renovated Royal Sydney Golf Club proved to be a significant drawcard, with the fairways visible from the residence. As a deceased estate, The Knoll represented a rare opportunity to acquire one of the larger non-waterfront properties in Rose Bay, having had only a handful of owners throughout its nearly century-long history.

The new owners are expected to undertake renovations to the heritage property.

Published 24-September-2025