Double Bay, Sydney Region — New South Wales

Double Bay is a suburb located in the eastern part of Sydney, on a harbor bearing the same name. It is part of the local government area of the Municipality of Woollhara.

This suburb was once considered the most fashionable place to be in prior to the development of the Sydney Central Business District. Today, Double Bay is more associated with the affluent families calling this area home. However, retail for high-end items is still very much the norm in this suburb. There are still a lot of shops and boutiques in this tree-lined neighborhood selling branded items, like jewelry and clothing accessories. There are also several salons offering to pamper both locals and visitors, such as the Angsana Spa Double Bay Sydney on Bay Street. Numerous restaurants within the suburb cater to various gastronomic cravings and some of them even feature al fresco dining.

The beach fronting Double Bay is considered ideal for sailing, with the harbor waters teeming with different types of sailing vessels on any given day.

Swimming can be done on the beach or at the harbor-side Redleaf Pool, where children can frolic under the watchful eyes of their parents.

There are also day cruises available for locals and visitors to fully enjoy scenic harbor views.

Double Bay is also the location of the Neilsen Park where locals and visitors go to have picnics and barbecues. The park is also adjacent to the beach, ideal for swimming and water sports like jet skiing, surfing, and kayaking.

Boats can also be chartered for fishing enthusiasts for a day or two of deep-sea fishing. There are also cruises available from September to November to view the harbor’s annual marine visitors, whales passing by the coastal waters.

This suburb also boasts of several historic homes that contribute to Double Bay’s aesthetic and cultural appeal and two of them are located along Vacluse Road. The Strickland House is a residence constructed in the later part of the 19th century. Visitors are welcome to tour its well preserved and well-maintained interiors.

Another historic structure is the Vaucluse House, a 19th century residence still located within a sprawling estate that enjoys spectacular harbor views. This Gothic-style abode is open to visitors Tuesdays to Sundays, and is a great place to view original 19th century furnishings. Visitors will also enjoy strolling along its formal gardens that is carefully maintained up to the present.

The more adventurous individuals can charter seaplane flights and enjoy expansive views of the harbor. Most seaplane services also offer to take visitors to well-known restaurants in the area, providing for one-a-kind experiences.

There are several establishments offering accommodations in Double Bay. One is the Medina Executive Double Bay located on the corner of Ocean & Guilfoyle Avenues. Another is the Sir Stamford Hotel Double Bay on Knox Street, a boutique hotel that boasts of a large collection of prints made by artist Norman Lindsay. Still yet another luxurious establishment is the five-star Stamford Plaza Double Bay on Cross Street, which offers complete amenities as well as excellent harbor views.