Located approximately 5 km’s north of Sydney’s CBD and covers an area of approximately 1.6 km²
Here residents have a vast choice of transport options to get to the city, Northern Beachs and North west. There is a comprehensive bus network through the area with Military Rd being the main thoroughfare. There are 2 ferry stops, one at the bottom of Hayes Street and the other at Kurraba Point.
The Aboriginal name for the area was 'Wirra-birra'. In 1789, soon after the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney, Governor Arthur Phillip declared this bay a neutral harbour where foreign ships could anchor and take on water and supplies. Neutral Bay was far enough away from Sydney Cove to discourage convicts from escaping on these vessels and to keep possible enemy ships at a distance from the main settlement.
By early 19th century, Neutral Bay became a popular residential area for a more alternative lifestyle with architecturally designed homes from those seeking to escape mass production properties. Notable homes to mention include; “Brent Knowle” and “The Cobbles”, both in Shellcove Road,” The Gables” in Spruson Street, Keynsham, St Anne's and Gundimaine House, all of which form a significant heritage group and have a state heritage listing.
Tucked away in Wallaringa Ave is Nutcote (http://www.nutcote.org/), home to childrens book Author May Gibbs. Best known for her iconic story “Snugglepot and Cuddlepie”, she was also the creator of the popular weekly comic strips Bib and Bub and Tiggy Touchwood for many years. Her work remained extremely popular. After the death of her husband in 1939, she lived on at Nutcote with her dogs, (mainly Scots Terriers), publishing her last book Prince Dande Lion in 1953. She died without having had children, in 1969, leaving her estate to UNICEF, the Spastic Centre of NSW (now Cerebral Palsy Alliance) and the NSW Society for Crippled Children (now Northcott Disability Services.)
There are plenty of parks and recreational areas scattered across the area. Some include; Ilberry Park in Barry St, Forsyth Park in Montpelier St, Willow tree park in Nook Ave, Warringa Park in Rawson St, Anderson Park in Clark Rd and Kurraba Park in Kurraba Rd.
There are 2 schools to choose from. Neutral Bay Public School (http://www.neutralbay-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/) on Ben Boyd Road and Cameragal Montessori School (http://cameragal.nsw.edu.au/) located in Montpelier Street.
Shopping predominantly runs the stretch from start to finish of Military Rd where you can find an array of clothing, boutique gift stores, Thai massage parlors, nail salons, hair salons, you name it, you’ll find it there. Tucked away behind Military Rd is Grove Arcade and Big Bear shopping arcade. There are also a total of 3 supermarkets to choose from (x 2 Woolworths and x 1 Coles).
References
Wikipedia
Dictionary of Sydney
North Sydney Council
Mosman Council
www.sydney.com
Trip Advisor
www.kirribilli.org.au/
www.weekendnotes.com
sydney travellers guide
