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Recent Rose Bay Upgrades Gave These Forgotten Laneways a New Lease on Life

Photo credit: Steven Siewert - Woollahra Municipal Council / woollahra.nsw.gov.au

Laneways and car parks in Rose Bay have just received a much-needed makeover thanks to the “Streets as Shared Spaces” program that funded this transformation project and gave these otherwise forgotten spots a new lease on life.

Woollahra Municipal Council has announced that it has completed several temporary activations in the Rose Bay Centre over the summer which gave forgotten laneways and car parks a fresh lick of paint, new murals, plants and seating.

The project was made possible through funding from the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program. The award-winning $15 million program was launched in May 2022 as a pilot to enable improvement across the state with temporary interventions and pop-ups that allowed councils, the community and stakeholders to trial innovative ideas that test and build the case for more permanent changes.

Under the program, Councils get grants of up to $500,000 to help them deliver trial programs that test permanent changes that are aimed at strengthening the amenity, accessibility and economic vitality of a high street and surrounding area through a place-based approach.

Look at their before and after photos and see the wonderful transformation that made these spots unrecognisable today.

Collins Lane

Recent Rose Bay Upgrades Gave These Forgotten Laneways a New Lease on Life — Collins Lane: before and after the makeover | Steven Siewert – Woollahra Municipal Council / woollahra.nsw.gov.au

Thanks to artist Alice McAuliffe’s “Concept Carpet”, this laneway is now a vibrant spot with bright colours, inviting festoon lights and lush greens everywhere you look.

Percival Lane

Sharon Billinge’s giant artworks called Beach, Bark and Banksias gave Percival Lane an updated look. The artwork pays homage to Rose Bay’s famous dog beach and its native flora.

Wilberforce Avenue carpark

Wilberforce Avenue car park’s concrete walls are now unrecognisable, in a good way, of course, thanks to Claire Foxton’s artwork Boowambillee (Shark Island) which is inspired by the Boowambillee (Shark Island), the roughly shark-shaped island surrounded by the waters of Rose Bay.

The mural also features Rani, the first Sydney to Hobart yacht race winner who launched from Boowambillee/Shark Island on Boxing Day 1945.

Collins Avenue Parklet

You might also notice a new parklet (temporary seating area) located at Collins Avenue opposite Percival Park. The parklet is now ready for locals and visitors to enjoy where they can sit down and rest after a day at the beach or enjoy a nice, warm coffee from one of the many cafes in the area.

Percival Park

Percival Park also received a glow-up with a new garden installed by IndigiGrow, festoon lighting and colourful bollards.

Council invites you to take these short surveys and let them know what you think about these projects.

Published 19-March-2023

New Rose Bay Promenade Cycleway to Commence Construction Soon!

Photo Credit: Woollahra Council / yoursay.woollahra.nsw.gov.au

DId you know that Stage 3 of the New South Head Road (Double Bay to Rose Bay) Cycleway Project is set to commence in April 2022?

To be constructed in three stages, the 2.4km cycleway project will run along New South Head Road, between William Street in Double Bay and Norwich Road in Rose Bay.

The New South Head Road alignment, or Route A2, provides cyclists access between Vaucluse and Rushcutters Bay making it a critical east-west cycling connection within Woollahra.

Its primary section situated between Double Bay and Rose Bay, however, lacks protected on-road bike pathways or off-road alternatives that will separate the cyclist from vehicle traffic, resulting in a number of cyclist fatalities and near misses that occurred along this route in recent years. Hence, a new cycleway is being constructed to enhance safety along New South Head Road.

The construction of the bi-directional cycleway along the Rose Bay Promenade involved the widening of the footpath to accommodate the new shared pedestrian and cycle path.

New Rose Bay Promenade Cycleway to Commence Construction Soon — Separated bi-directional cycleway along Rose Bay Promenade | Photo Credit: Woollahra Council / yoursay.woollahra.nsw.gov.au

However, Stage 3 of the construction, which was originally slated June 2021, was delayed in consideration of the potential impact of construction works on the growing number of pedestrians who flock to the promenade. Proceeding with the construction at the time would cause pedestrians to cross the road in order to navigate around the works.

The project will cost approximately $1.25M and will be jointly funded by the Woollahra Council and Transport for NSW. TFNSW awarded the Council $1M as part of its 2018/19 Active Transport Grant Funding Program.

Charcoal Fish: New Fish Eatery to Open in Rose Bay

From the minds of the wonder duo Josh and Julie Niland comes Charcoal Fish, an up-and-coming Rose Bay eatery inspired by the charcoal chicken shop model which would allow customers to walk in, purchase quality coal-grilled fish, and walk out, avoiding the “fishy smell” that naturally permeates the kitchen after cooking.

The restaurant’s menu will feature Aquna Murray Cod brought in from Griffith, NSW — a fish known for its sweet white meat that remains juicy after grilling, all while maintaining a crisp outer layer of skin. The fish has also been chosen as 92% of it is used in cooking, falling in line with the restaurant’s zero waste policies.

According to their website, the Nilands have always championed diversity in the fish that they use, however Charcoal Fish intends to be dynamic and diverse with one particular kind of fish. The result is the same fish being used in a variety of ways to create new and exciting meals, snacks, and condiments. Gravy will be created from cod heads, frames and fins, and a variety of Murray Cod dishes such as salads and roasts will also be available.

The Nilands, who co-own Saint Peter and the Fish Butchery in Paddington, obtained the site in Rose Bay after purchasing a closed restaurant. Their development application for alterations worth $77,000 have been approved by the Woollahra Council.

Charcoal Fish is scheduled to open in July 2021 at 670 New South Head Rd, Rose Bay. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their Instagram page for the latest updates and announcements concerning the restaurant.

Fortis Expands Boutique Residential Development in Rose Bay

Fortis has acquired another Rose Bay property for $28.5 million and the 2,223 square metre site will join its expanding portfolio of boutique residential developments in the ritzy suburb.

The new project on Spencer Street will be the third Rose Bay site for Fortis, after The Benson and No. 1 Carlisle. A development application will be submitted to Council by mid-2021 with an expected completion date by late 2023.

According to Fortis director Charles Mellick, wealthy downsizers have been their biggest luxury apartment investors. They sell their palatial homes for a profit and move into a smaller but still upscale apartment and have enough money left over for their middle-aged children, who might also want to get into Sydney’s luxury property market.

Mr Mellick also said that Fortis didn’t pre-sell units at No. 1 Carlisle since four of the nine apartments were sold before the residential complex could open and they are expecting to sell out the rest in the next two months at the full asking price.

“We are excited about this latest acquisition on Spencer Street, a development that we feel will go on to become a future classic in the area,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fortis is also focusing on commercial developments in Double Bay with the highly-anticipated Pallas House. The company has over $2 billion projects in the pipeline in Sydney and Melbourne.

The Aristocrat in Rose Bay: Luxury Residence Development Completed

One of Sydney’s most sought-after residential developments has finished. The Aristocrat in Rose Bay would soon be ready to welcome its new residents in the luxury complex exclusive for just 22 owners.

A project of the Luxcon Group, The Aristocrat was designed and developed to impress, combining classic elegance and function as inspired by some famous buildings in Manhattan, such as the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Centre.

This opulent dwelling puts a modern spin to art deco architecture whilst mixing timeless designs with a blend of the trendiest styles in today’s modern homes. Black frames on the window work in contrast to the pale and toned-down colour palettes.

The units at The Aristocrat come with an open plan for the living room, dining room and kitchen areas with detailed and textured floors or walls. These spaces seamlessly transition so the balcony, perfect for entertaining house guests.

On the other hand, the bedrooms are featured with recessed lights, decorative sconces and a clean tone that mimics the relaxing ambience of a five-star hotel. The bathrooms and kitchen are detailed with stone floors, marble tops and brass handles.

The Aristocrat in Rose Bay is just seven kilometres away from Sydney CBD and near the city’s first-class shopping and recreational precincts. It’s also near Sydney’s famous beaches and neighbourhood establishments, including alfresco eateries.

Keen to live in such a grand address? Learn more about The Aristocrat on its official site.

Kambala, Kincoppal-Rose Bay, 7 Other Elite Private Schools to Overhaul Sex Ed Curriculum

A group of headmasters from nine elite single-sex private schools in Sydney, including Kincoppal – Rose Bay on Vaucluse Road and Kambala in New South Head Road, plan to make changes to their sex education classes amidst a spate of abuse and “toxic culture” allegations raised by the students.

In recent weeks, a viral petition created by a former Kambala student, 22-year-old Chanel Contos, emerged online to bring attention to what the female students have been experiencing among their male friends, boyfriends, and older male schoolmates. The petition has gained over 29,000 signatures and nearly 3,000 testimonies of abuse and assault from girls as young as 13 years old.

“There was absolutely no sex education when we were at school, I don’t know why the school decided to give us barely any sex education. By the time I left your school I didn’t have much knowledge at all and into my early 20’s I was pressured into sex by a 2 of boyfriends daily and I didn’t realise that this wasn’t okay, I didn’t understand that this was a form of assault as we weren’t taught anything,” one testimony stated.

“Many boys touched and grabbed all my lady parts “for fun” during my high school experience… if you’re a parent, imagine hearing that happening to your child. Not a good time is it.”

Dr Ian Lambert, the principal at Scots College in Bellevue Hill reached out to the principals and headmasters of Kincoppal-Rose Bay and Kambala, as well as Ascham (Edgecliff), Waverley College, Sydney Grammar School, St Vincent’s College (Potts Points), Cranbrook (Bellevue Hill) and St Catherine’s (Waverley) to discuss how they can address these issues.

The school officials also emailed parents of their commitment to “audit programs” and share their solutions with each of the schools to help the young men and women in relating to each other better during various events.

They also met with Ms Contos via Zoom to hold an insightful dialogue, after she conducted an informal Instagram survey on the culture among elite private schools.

Ms Contos explained that schools must use their position of authority to mitigate the culture that “objectifies women, normalises sexual abuse and assault and shames the victims.”

Meanwhile, Stacey Maloney, the head of NSW’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad, said that they have gotten in touch with school officials after discussing Ms Contos’ petition with Chief executive of the Association of Independent Schools NSW, Dr Geoff Newcombe.

Ms Maloney said that they will work together with the schools and the students to ensure that they can “focus on education and empowerment safely without fear” and will likely conduct webinars on sexual violence for school personnel and teachers.

If you or someone you know have been a victim of assault and abuse, phone National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line: 1800 737 732.

Bake Bar Opens 4th Sydney Store in Rose Bay

After three successful stores in Double Bay, Randwick and Alexandria, Bake Bar has opened its fourth Sydney store at Old South Head Road in Rose Bay last September.

The specialty bakery selling gluten-free or organic breads, pastries, cakes and healthy wholefood delights is pushing convenience up a notch as the Rose Bay site, which has more seating than its other stores, will be the first to offer a self-ordering system and a self-service bread bar.

By 2020, the Bake Bar Rose Bay will be introducing its completely cashless payment system, per Hospitality Magazine.

Bake Bar, the brainchild of artisan baker Gili Gold, does everything fresh every day. Ms Gold has culled recipes from her childhood spent mostly in her grandmother’s kitchen.

The menu at the cafe changes every season but some of the bakery’s famous food choices include its brekkie roll and its signature dish, the shakshuka (poached eggs in tomatoes and chili sauce).

Bake Bar also creates goodies to denote special religious holidays, such as hot cross buns and mince pies. But of course, people come here every day for their regular fill of the bakery’s famous sourdough bread.

Ms Gold opened the first Bake Bar bakery and cafe in 2012 as a place for Sydneysiders to enjoy delicious wholesome food. All branches have been successfully operating in a busy hub where people hangout, have coffee with friends, or breakfast and brunch with family.

Enjoy Mouthwatering Freshly-Prepared Fish and Chips at Fish Cove in Rose Bay

A serving of batter-fried fish and chips is a staple Australian family meal. However, if you’re tired of having the same old choices, there’s a new restaurant in Rose Bay that serves this familiar traditional dish with a modern twist.

Fish Cove, located at 801 New South Head Road, opened in early 2019 to the delight of Sydney foodies. Whilst it is the latest fish and chipper on the block, its owner and chef is no small fry.

In 2003, Chef Michael won at the “Best Fish and Chips in Sydney” at the Sydney Fish Market Seafood Excellence Awards. He went on to manage a gourmet cafe in Alexandria but decided to open Fish Cove in Rose Bay when his passion for fish and chips kept burning.

When most fish and chippers in town use low-cost imported ingredients, Fish Cove prides itself in serving freshly-sourced seafood and vegetables from Australia or New Zealand. Diners can actually watch Michael work in his kitchen as it has an open area for people to see that everything is fresh and delivered daily from the markets.

This restaurant’s menu is like a seafood gallery full of wonderful colours and flavours. Fish Cove’s main fish ingredient is the New Zealand Hake, which hasn’t been frozen so that it retains its distinct flavor and quality.

Fish Cove also serves grilled fish burgers with a choice of BBQ sauce, tomato sauce, lemon mayo, or a special sauce. Diners may also order lobsters, oysters and salmon dishes when available or in season.

Battered, grilled or crumbed, the mouth-watering fish meals are complimented with a serving of chips, fresh salads or other sides like pineapple fritters, marinated calamari, garlic prawns, sweet potato fries, or battered mussels. These are perfect for dining at the restaurant or for takeaway.

The restaurant opens Monday to Sunday from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“Awesome Place for Fish and Chips. The best I have been too in Australia. I have now been there nearly every week since its opening, and it is always consistent, with an excellent selection of fish, with “Proper Chips” and great salads too. Staff is always friendly and attentive. A very Happy Customer.”

~ Alan Moore, Facebook

“Fresh seafood, homemade salads, clean restaurant and tables and good value. If you don’t feel like seafood their beef burgers are also nice. A great new addition to the area.”
~ Phillip Lederer, Google Reviews

“We went there tonight and had the best fish and chips in the eastern suburbs. Very clean, very fresh, friendly staff – just a great casual local. Eat in which we did or take away. Can’t wait to go back.”
~ Dioelli, Trip Advisor

Hotel Rose Bay Reopens With a Modern Look

Photo Credit: Hotel Rose Bay/Facebook

Hotel Rose Bay, the 90-year-old pub and casual hangout bar, has reopened with a modern look after months of a multi-million renovation. The family-owned establishment’s redesign delivered the necessary upgrade whilst retaining the pub’s community appeal.

Interior designer Richards Stanisich was hired to transform Hotel Rose Bay into an elegant waterhole. In place of its dark timbre interiors are tasteful light-coloured walls accented with rose gold and terrazzo tiling.

The renovation also included more windows and a raised ceiling to open up space. The change, however, essentially removed the vintage trains and the elevated train tracks that used to hover and run above the guests sitting at the bar.

Despite the locals launching a protest to #savethetrain, manager Toby Chick said that removing this feature has been “a long time coming.”

View this post on Instagram

The historic @hotelrosebay has recently completed a major refurbishment by well known interior designer @Richards_Stanisich. The new space boasts terrazzo tiling, warm wood details and rose gold accents. The pub also welcomes new executive chef Ian Royle, an alumnus of acclaimed Sydney restaurants Flying Fish and Catalina. #BallardSuburbSnapshots #RoseBay #BallardProperty

A post shared by Ballard Property (@ballardproperty) on Mar 21, 2019 at 7:03pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

Fugen are proud to announce we have recently completed a full refurb to the Rose Bay Hotel! Now features and all new open plan design with high coffered ceilings and luxury finishes throughout creating a warm and vibrant feel! Thank you to all involved on a great project! @richards_stanisich . . . . #fugenconstructions #hotelrosebay #richardstanisich #architects #construction #refurb #design #cofferedceilings #rattan #wallpanelling #joinery #terrazzo #lightbox #rosebay #building #bar #hotel

A post shared by Fugen Constructions (@fugenconstructions) on Mar 20, 2019 at 3:26pm PDT

Today, the new Hotel Rose Bay has three distinct sections:

the main bar and lounge for guests looking to unwind
the sports bar for group gatherings and family
the 70-seat restaurant for big celebrations or romantic dates

Along with the redesign is a new menu. The food choices have been upgraded with more sophisticated meals featuring fresh local produce and loads of seafood fare from the innovations of Chef Ian Royle.

Hotel Rose Bay guests may enjoy a heavenly dinner of modern Australian dishes fused with Asian flavours, such as the salmon tarte with avocado and wonton crisp, or the split king prawns with sea greens and burnt butter.

*Photo Credit:* *Hotel Rose Bay/Facebook*

Hotel Rose Bay first opened its doors in New South Head Road in 1929. The restaurant is open from Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., and on Sunday until 10:30 p.m.

Why Catalina Is Still the Most Popular Restaurant in Rose Bay After 20 Years

Catalina is an iconic Sydney restaurant. That is simply an indisputable fact. Built in Rose Bay in the mid-90s as a family-managed establishment, this harbourside spot has been a big part of the dining experience of many Sydneysiders.

Locals love hosting events like weddings, birthdays, reunions, and other milestones at the Catalina because of its spectacular food choices. The restaurant’s specialty is seafood but the menu is a mix of French, Italian, Mediterranean and Spanish influences served by head chef Max Axisa.

*Photo Credit:* *Catalina Rose Bay/Facebook*

The best seats in Catalina are by the deck, where diners can watch planes fly or enjoy the night lights twinkling in the water as they eat their food. Prior reservations are recommended since this area can easily fill up during lunch and dinner.

The panoramic water view makes dining at the Catalina by the deck is a relaxing and pleasurable experience even when it’s filled with people. If you have guests from out of town and you’d like to show off the beauty of Sydney, then taking them to this restaurant and asking for a seat by the deck would be a perfect idea.

Those who prefer to be seated inside will find no shortage of views too, thanks to the wide windows providing great vantage points of the water.

Waiters and service staff at the Catalina are instructed to treat every guest with the highest regard, maintaining the best standards that the restaurant is known for.

This restaurant is one of the very few food places in Sydney that still has crisp white table cloths. Owner Michael McMahon believes that the Catalina doesn’t have to be trendy and casual like many new restaurants. Instead, he wants to maintain Catalina as the place where grown-ups eat great food.

“A wonderful afternoon spent here with girlfriends. The food and service was brilliant – not to mention the location & view. We didn’t feel at all rushed and had a relaxing experience.”
~ Simone Elsden, via The Fork

“Wowwww, I was not expecting the food here to be that great but I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I ordered the scallops for entree, which were perfectly cooked and the sauce underneath was honestly great. For main, I ordered the toothfish with shiitake mushroom dumplings in a dashi broth. Oh my – a dish that is very well thought out, with all the flavours/ingredients complementing each other perfectly. Everyone on the table had food envy for my dish (just quietly). Unfortunately, I had no room for dessert today, but the menu had so many great options, so I will definitely be back soon to try them out! The wait staff was great – very friendly, accommodating and speedy. A fantastic lunch!”
~ TheHappyMedium, via Zomato

“Wonderful in every respect. Food, friendly service, wine, harbour view, desserts, people-watching, coffee. White tablecloths, smart casual dress code. Highly recommended.”
~ Ian Ferris, via Delicious

This family-friendly restaurant is open daily at 12:00 noon and for dinners at 6:00 p.m. from Mondays through Saturdays.