Double Bay Magazine & Directory

Double BAY

MAGAZINE & DIRECTORY Ed 1

Directories have been around for centuries. The earliest known example dates back to 15th century Venice, where merchants compiled lists of trading partners and services to help navigate the growing complexities of commerce. But it was in the 19th century that directories truly flourished — particularly with the rise of the telephone.

Arguably the mos t fa mous directory in history is the Yellow Pages, which began in 1886 when a printer in Cheyenne, Wyoming ran out of white paper and used yellow instead. The concept caught on, and by the 20th century, the Yellow Pages became a household name, delivered to millions of doorsteps around the world. At its peak, it was the go-to resource for finding plumbers, restaurants, mechanics, and more — all alphabetically ordered and at your fingertips. Even in an age of Google and apps, the Yellow Pages lives on in various forms, especially online, proving that the fundamental idea of an organised, trusted listing still holds value.

Directories offer much m ore than convenience — they offer structure in an often-chaotic digital environment. Where a search engine provides thousands of results (not all of them reliable), a directory offers a curated, localised, and easy-to-navigate list of businesses, services, or people. This makes them especially powerful at the community level.

For shoppers, director ies make it easier to explore local options and support nearby businesses. You might discover a new florist around the corner, a café you hadn’t noticed before, or a boutique offering something unique — all without being bombarded by paid ads or algorithms favouring global chains.

For businesses, being included in a local directory can build trust and visibility. It places them in context with their neighbours, reinforces a sense of place, and connects them with customers who are actively looking to spend locally. In many cases, especially in community-led directories, inclusion signals a kind of endorsement: “These are businesses we know, use, and recommend.”

And let’s not overlook the fact that there are many worthy groups and organisations that don’t have websites. They truly deserve recognition, but to Google they simply don’t exist.Beyond shopping, directories can strengthen the social fabric of a neighbourhood.

They can include not j ust businesses, but also local services, clubs, markets, events, creatives, and volunteers. This approach fosters a sense of community identity and makes it easier for people to participate in local life.

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A well-maintained directory ca n also help reduce isolation — especially for new residents, small business owners, or anyone unsure where to begin. By showing people what’s around them, directories encourage connection and participation.

That’s why Eastern Suburbs Life ha s created Oxford Street Directory. Google that name and it ranks #1 in searches. It’s only just getting started but is uniquely linked to Oxford Street News so that users get not only their local community directory, but also a dedicated community newsfeed. It’s far from being a static list and is part of a broader initiative to encourage collaboration between local businesses, community organisations, and residents.

WOOLLAHRA Library @ DOUBLE BAY

Double Bay Library is much more than a place to borrow books — it is a vibrant community hub at the heart of one of Sydney’s most iconic suburbs. Consistently praised by visitors and locals alike, it is proudly ranked Number One library in NSW on TripAdvisor, a reflection of both the quality of its facilities and the welcoming atmosphere it offers. Modern, light-filled and thoughtfully designed, Double Bay Library provides a carefully curated collection of books, magazines and digital resources, along with free Wi-Fi, comfortable study areas and quiet reading spaces. The library supports all stages of life, offering early-learning programs, school holiday activities, author talks, cultural events, technology help sessions and lifelong learning opportunities for adults and seniors.

At its core, Double Bay Li brar y is a place for connection. It brings people together through shared interests, learning and creativity, supported by friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always happy to help. Whether you are a local resident, a worker in the area or a visitor exploring Double Bay, the library offers a calm yet dynamic space that is both inclusive and inspiring.

Its recognition as the top-rated library in NSW highlights the important role it plays in community life — a trusted, much-loved public space that continues to enrich Double Bay socially, culturally and intellectually.

451 NSH RD, DOUBLE BAY www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/library

First SEAPLANE flight over Sydney

Sydney’s seaplane history began on May 8, 1914 with the test flight of a privately owned Farman hydro-aeroplane, the property of Lebbeus Hordern, heir to the Hordern mercantile fortune. The seaplane took off from Double Bay between Beach Street and Bay Street near where today’s 18 Footers Club stands. With French pilot Maurice Guillaux at the controls it flew firstly towards Manly, then westwards to the city and back to its starting point, in the first of several flights made that afternoon.

The exercise created co nsi derable public interest, firstly among the several hundred spectators who had gathered on the shoreline to witness the event first-hand, and also through the considerable press coverage generated nationwide both by this initial flight and the continuing trials of the Farman hydro-aeroplane over ensuing days. During the middle decades of the 20th century, seaplanes would become an integral part of the life of Sydney harbour. While the operations begun at Rose Bay in 1938 were in no way directly consequent upon the achievements of Maurice Guillaux

and Lebbeus Hordern in 1914, these early flights were a foretaste of the flying boat era, and belong to the same tradition.

The first seaplane flight in Sydney has both independent historical significance and is also notable as evidence that Australia was part of the growing international recognition of the credible potential of aviation. The plane cost £1,600.

Walkabout WITH RUTH

DOUBLE Bay

Begin your walInterncontinental Hotel. Originally constructed in 1991 and launched as The Ritz-Carlton, the Double Bay hotel was acquired by both Sydney developer Piety Group and Melbourne property developer Paul Fridman in Dec 2021 from Chinese Group Shanghai United. In its heyday, the hotel attracted Princess Diana, Madonna, Bill Clinton and David Bowie and was the scene of INXS frontman Hutchence’s untimely death in 1997, when he was one of the world’s most recognised rock stars as the band sold out stadiums across the globe and sold more than 80 million records.

Head down Cross St on the left is Traansvaal Ave named by Edward Knox Harkness, who developed property in the street, June 1900 in honour of NSW troops fighting in the Boer War. The streetscape mainly consists of quaint cottages with Victorian style facades and a beautiful boulevard in the middle with unique shops on either side. Don’t miss the plaque outside No 16B honouring Herbert Henry (Dally) Messenger. The former Double Bay Public School student was born in Balmain in 1883 before his family moved to the house in Transvaal Ave in 1885 when they established a boat building business on the waterfront near Beach St, which grew into a fully-fledged marina. He is recognised by both rugby and rugby league fraternities for his achievements - acknowledged as ‘a rugby genius, ranked the best Australian footballer of all time’ by historians of the code from which he defected in 1907 and hailed simply as ‘The Master’ by the Rugby League.

Head across NSH Rd to Kiaora Pl ace, a shopping precinct, which was recently revitalised. This was once home to the Double Bay Grounds where Australasia won the Cup in 1909 and 1919. A wall consists of a series of interprative panels and images depicting the Double Bay Grounds and tennis legends who graced the court including Sir Norman Brookes, James Anderson, Anthony Wilding and Patterson. The Grounds was the home of Australian tennis between 1909 and 1920. It hosted the Australasian Championships, 1

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MOTHER’S DAY @ Kiaora Place

Celebrate mum this Mother’s Day with loads of gift ideas from Kiaora Place in Double Bay. Finding the perfect present for Mother’s Day is so easy with a selection of retailers, services and restaurants all in one convenient location in a relaxed atmosph ere. Mud Australia is the perfect store for ceramic lovers, and this year, that is most of us! Stop in at Mud Australia for handmade porcelain tableware and homewares, in a timeless, minimal aesthetic. Each piece has been lovingly designed and crafted in Australia.

To make mum feel extra special, how about some pampering? Choose from a massage, manicure or skin treatment with the teams from Laser Clinics Australia, Le Nails and The Salon. Consider a gift voucher, or booking a treatment you can enjoy together.

It’s just one stop for special g ifts. Visit Zjoosh, where a divine array of Glasshouse candles and personal fragrances can be paired with a piece of costume jewellery, cashmere knit, luxe sleepwear or something for the beautiful home.

Say cheers to mum with a bottle of something tasty. Kiaora Place is home to a well-stocked Dan Murphy’s, with a team of experts to help you choose the perfect drop. Can’t decide? Try a gift hamper or sign up for a wine box subscription.

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And nothing makes mu m feel more special than taking her out to lunch or dinner. Kiaora Place has a range of eateries to relax in the sun with a delicious lunch or splurge on dinner with the family.

You can choose from bout iq ue retailers and major brands, all in one easy location at Kiaora Place on the south side of New South Head Rd.

With up to two hours of free parking* at Woolworths, you can check off your grocery shop or stop for a coffee and lunch at one of the variety of cafes and restaurants to relax after shopping.

For more gift ideas, visit kiao raplace.com.au and follow the new lifestyle blog, Day in the Bay. Or follow Kiaora Place on Facebook and Instagram.

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Celebrate Double BAY

Feb 21-22

Celebrate Double Bay will be a vibrant celebration of local culture, food, fashion, and community spirit. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Double Bay, this open-street festival will bring together residents, businesses, and visitors for two days of fun and connection from Sat, Feb 21 to Sun, Feb 22, 2026 – an inaugural event planned to run for the next three years.

“The festival’s vision is simple but powerful: to activate our streets, parks, and p ublic spaces with a celebration that showcases the very best of Double Bay — our businesses, our schools, our community groups, and our local talent,” Woollahra Mayor Sarah Dixson says. Attendees will enjoy live music, street performances, a dog parade, fashion showcases from local designers, family-friendly activities and delicious food from the area's best eateries.

Whether you’re a foodie, fashion lover, or family, Celeb rate Double Bay offers something for everyone, creating lasting memories and foster-

ing community pride. Celebrate Double Bay is proudly funded by the NSW Government's Open Street Program, led by Transport for NSW. This exciting event will be hosted by Woollahra Council in partnership with The Bay Street Initiative.

We’d love to hear fro m l ocal businesses who are interested in participating, and community members who’d like to help out at the festival as a volunteer.

Please register your interest at: placemaking@woollahra.nsw.gov.au

Find out more at: www.baystdoublebay.com.au/ celebratedoublebay2026

18 footers sailing club

guilfoylest

southave cooper st bay st

savoyhotel

shortst

guilfoyle park bay village newsouthheadrd goldman l knoxst

cosmopolitan centre

Illustration: Chillibonbon Creatif ©

intercontinental hotel

crossst

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Double BAY

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WOOLLAHRA Council news

Cross Street Car Park in Double Bay is important for local businesses, visitors and residents. It provides valuable parking for 396 cars, and is located conveniently within the Double Bay centre, close to shops, cafes and restaurants.

Due to its conditio n, the 1970scar park requires either expensive repair works or to be rebuilt.

Council is pro posing to build a new 5-storey car park on the site with at least 412 spaces, and subdividing the site, with 38% sold for development to

pay for construction of the new car park, which would ensure there is no cost to Council or ratepayers. Any additional funds from the sale of this part of the site would be redirected to funding improvements for the local area and the community.

Repairs to the ex ist ing car park would not be a prudent use of public funds. Those works would cost a minimum of $26 million to extend the life of the car park by 10 years, and more than $38 million to extend its life for 25 years.

Construction of a new car park

would take approximately two years, from 2028 to 2030, with an estimated cost of $53.5 million. We believe the proposal to rebuild the car park is the best opportunity to deliver a much-needed new car park for Double Bay.

The comm u nity is invited to provide feedback on the proposal from Jan 27 to Feb 25 at yoursay.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/ cross-street.

A community info rmation session will also be held on Tuesday, Feb 3, 6-7.30pm at Woollahra Library at Double

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