Rose Bay Archives - Page 3 of 8

Major Rose Bay Harbourside Property Hit the Market

A sprawling amalgamated property spanning more than 3,000 square metres in Rose Bay has been listed for $100 million, joining a wave of large-scale development sites being marketed in the harbourside suburb.

The site combines multiple properties at 1A, 1-3, 5 Conway Avenue and 34 and 34A Carlisle Street, with agents Steven Zoellner and Fred Small from Laing & Simmons Double Bay marketing the opportunity as Rose Bay’s “Ultimate LMR Super Site.”

According to Mr Zoellner, the property’s location and potential Harbour Bridge views from upper levels are expected to attract significant interest from major development companies.

The collection includes a white three-bedroom semi with a sandstone fence at 34A Carlisle Street, sitting on the smallest parcel of 328 square metres, as well as seven apartments at 1-3 Conway Avenue that were built within the past two decades. The site also incorporates a block of four units at 1A Conway and a standalone house at 5 Conway Avenue.

All property owners agreed to sell collectively, recognising the land’s greater value to developers than as individual holdings.

The listing comes as Rose Bay emerges as a focal point for Sydney’s housing reforms. The NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, which came into effect on 28 February 2025, introduced new planning controls to encourage more diverse housing types within 800 metres of town centres and train stations across Greater Sydney and other regions.

Under these reforms, Mr Zoellner said the Conway-Carlisle site could support an apartment building of up to eight storeys, potentially containing 60 to 70 apartments, with a portion designated as affordable housing. Another possibility includes an over-55 development, similar to projects already underway elsewhere in Rose Bay.

The property is situated near Rose Bay Village and the harbour foreshore. Across the road, Mathieson Property is planning an eight-storey building containing 70 apartments.

Rose Bay has seen several major amalgamated sites change hands since the planning reforms took effect. A 5,979-square-metre site combining 12 properties at 41-55 Dover Road and 32-38 Wilberforce Avenue sold for $173 million to aged care provider Waterbrook Retirement Living, whilst a separate amalgamation of six houses and two unit blocks at 20-30 Wilberforce Avenue and 33-37 Dover Road sold for approximately $150 million to a private buyer.

The reforms have sparked debate in the local community. Woollahra Municipal Council has requested a temporary suspension of state government reforms in the town centres of Rose Bay, Double Bay and Edgecliff, citing concerns about local infrastructure and character.

Despite the controversy, the development pipeline continues to grow. More than $200 million worth of development applications have been submitted in Rose Bay in recent months, signalling strong developer confidence in the suburb’s transformation under the new planning framework.

Published 10-March-2026

New Shared Path and Cycleway Proposed for O’Sullivan Road in Rose Bay

Photo Credit: Your Say - Woollahra

A stretch of O’Sullivan Road in Rose Bay could soon become safer and easier for locals to walk, run and ride, with a proposed 1.7-kilometre upgrade adding a wider shared path and a separated cycleway.

The proposed upgrade would run along O’Sullivan Road between Old South Head Road and New South Head Road, creating a mix of separated cycleway and shared path designed for people travelling on foot or by bike.

The concept design describes a total of 1.7 kilometres of new path work, made up of about 900 metres of shared path and 800 metres of separated footpath and cycleway. At its narrowest point, the shared path would be three metres wide, allowing about 1.5 metres in each direction. The separated cycleway would be about 2.4 metres wide, allowing about 1.2 metres in each direction.

How the Bike Route Would Be Separated

For the section with a separated cycleway and footpath, the design includes a concrete barrier, described as a concrete “lip”, between the cycleway and the parking lane. The existing nature strip and kerb would remain in place to separate the cycleway from the footpath.

Project material states the current on-road bike lane on much of O’Sullivan Road can be unsafe and hard to use when large parked vehicles, including cars, boats and trailers, encroach on the lane. The proposed mix of shared path and separated cycleway is intended to improve safety by keeping riders away from traffic lanes.

Two New Crossings Proposed

Two new pedestrian crossings are proposed as part of the plan, in response to local requests. A raised pedestrian crossing is proposed near Bunyula Road, close to the entrance to the Woollahra Golf Club car park. A signalised pedestrian crossing is proposed on O’Sullivan Road near the major intersection with Old South Head Road, with project material describing it as a way to complete a missing link at the intersection.

Connecting Parks, the Foreshore and a 4km Loop

The proposed path would connect to existing routes around the Woollahra Golf Club and Royal Sydney Golf Club, completing a loop of about four kilometres that project material says would suit walkers, runners, cyclists and other users on a relatively flat grade. The proposal also links into existing paths and shared paths, including Rose Bay Promenade and New South Head Road, and connects to open spaces such as Lyne Park and the Rose Bay foreshore.

The project is also designed to link with a new cycleway along Curlewis Street in Bondi being built by Waverley Council, which is due for completion in mid-2026. The route was identified as a priority cycling route in the Active Transport Plan adopted by Woollahra Municipal Council in 2023, following community feedback that included submissions calling for more cycleways and clearer provision for cyclists.

The consultation period is open until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, with construction proposed for late 2026 or early 2027 and expected to take about six months.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Published 6-Mar-2026

Swans Midfielder Adams Making Strong Recovery After Rose Bay Incident

Photo Credit: Sydney Swans

Sydney Swans midfielder Taylor Adams is progressing well in his recovery following an incident outside Club Rose Bay last month, with teammates reporting the 32-year-old is training strongly and in good spirits.

Adams was knocked unconscious and hospitalised at St Vincent’s after an altercation near the Vickery Avenue venue on 24 January. Police were called to the scene just after 10pm, where Adams had been allegedly struck during an argument with two men he did not know. The incident occurred as he was attempting to leave the area after an evening out with teammates.

According to The Nightly, NSW Police reported that Adams sustained a small cut to his cheek and briefly lost consciousness after being knocked to the ground. He was treated by paramedics at the scene before being transported to hospital, where he was released the following morning at 7am.

Star teammate Isaac Heeney, speaking at the launch of the Swans’ partnership with Nike, said the incident had been difficult for Adams and his pregnant partner Ellie, but that his friend has moved forward positively.

Heeney described the circumstances of the assault as shocking, noting it serves as a reminder to be cautious. He confirmed that Adams is nearly back to full training and praised his teammate’s work ethic, according to reporting from the source article.

Sydney CEO Matthew Pavlich told media the club has provided comprehensive support to Adams during what has been a mentally challenging period. The club released a statement at the time condemning violence and confirming they are working with NSW Police to identify the offender, according to coverage by ESPN.

The incident investigation remains ongoing, with Adams considering what further action to pursue.

Adams had already been facing a delayed start to the 2026 season after suffering a partial tear to his Achilles tendon during training in December. The former Collingwood player has now resumed modified training as he works towards an early-season return.

Swans coach Dean Cox told media in January that Adams was simply trying to go home when the incident occurred, according to reporting by AFL.com.au. Cox emphasised the club’s commitment to supporting Adams and his family through the situation.

Club Rose Bay, which is owned by Justin Hemmes’ Merivale group, recently underwent a revamp and reopened in December 2024, according to The Nightly.

The Swans are preparing for their opening round match in March, with hopes that Adams will be available for selection after working through both his physical recovery and the aftermath of the incident.

Published 12-February-2026

Swans Player Hospitalised After Alleged Assault Outside Rose Bay Venue

Photo Credit: Sydney Swans

A Sydney Swans player was taken to hospital after being knocked unconscious during an alleged assault outside a Rose Bay venue on Saturday night.

Taylor Adams, a 32-year-old midfielder, was attending Club Rose Bay on Vickery Avenue when the incident occurred just after 10pm, according to NSW Police. The venue, which recently underwent a major redevelopment by hospitality group Merivale, has been operating as a reimagined RSL club overlooking Rose Bay Harbour.

Police from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command responded to reports of an assault near the licensed premises. According to their statement, Adams became involved in an argument with two men who were unknown to him. During the altercation, he was allegedly punched in the face, causing a small cut to his cheek, before being knocked to the ground where he briefly lost consciousness.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended the scene and transported Adams to St Vincent’s Hospital. He was released from hospital at 7am on Sunday morning, according to a statement from the Sydney Swans.

The two men involved had left the scene before police arrived. Police investigations are continuing.

Adams addressed the incident briefly on his Instagram account on Sunday. He thanked supporters for their messages and confirmed he was doing well, but said he would not be commenting further as the matter is now with police.

Sydney Swans head coach Dean Cox later told media that Adams had been trying to leave the venue when the incident occurred. Cox said the club does not tolerate violence in any form and is working with Adams and NSW Police to identify the offender. He added that the club regularly discusses player safety and community responsibilities with the team.

The veteran midfielder, who joined the Swans from Collingwood at the end of 2023, has been training in rehabilitation during the pre-season after suffering a partial tear to his Achilles tendon in December. He played just four games last season due to recurring hamstring injuries. Cox indicated Adams should still be available for the club’s opening round match against Carlton in March.

Published 27-January-2026

Rose Bay Seniors Housing Proposal Emerges After $150m Site Sale

Photo Credit: MillionDollarListingSydney/Facebook

A large seniors housing and aged care proposal has emerged in Rose Bay following the sale of an amalgamated residential site spanning Dover Road and Wilberforce Avenue.

Site History And Recent Sale

A combined holding across 33–37 Dover Road and 2–30 Wilberforce Avenue in Rose Bay spans about 3,000 square metres and includes five houses and two unit blocks.

In October 2025, the group of properties appeared as an amalgamated site reported as sold for $150 million, with the purchaser not publicly confirmed at the time.

A separate Rose Bay aggregation nearby was also sold in December 2025 for $173 million, involving properties across Dover Road and Wilberforce Avenue.

Pathways Aged Care — *Photo Credit: MillionDollarListingSydney/Facebook*

What The Proposal Includes

A scoping report has now been lodged for Pathways Rose Bay covering the Dover Road and Wilberforce Avenue addresses, setting out the scope of a seniors housing and aged care development.

The proposal includes demolition of existing structures, site preparation and earthworks, and two basement levels with vehicle access from Wilberforce Avenue.

Plans outline two independent living unit buildings at eight to nine storeys, alongside a three-storey residential aged care building, with approximately 70 units and 50 rooms respectively.

Shared facilities listed include resident lounges, a cinema, kitchen facilities and a swimming pool, along with landscaping works and tree replacement.

Rose Bay seniors housing — *Photo Credit: MillionDollarListingSydney/Facebook*

Planning Details

The scoping documentation references seniors housing provisions that allow additional height, and states the independent living component would comply with a 25.8-metre height limit, with the aged care building within a 14.3-metre limit.

What Happens Next

With the scoping report lodged, the Rose Bay proposal has entered a formal planning pathway, with further assessment expected to determine the next steps for the site.

Published 18-Jan-2026

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’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