Billyard Avenue Profile And History

It’s no wonder that Billyard Avenue in Elizabeth Bay is one of Sydney’s most sought-after addresses.

It offers a rare combination of urban cool mixed with residential charm, leafy green parks and harbour-front scenery.

A short history

This lovely cul-de-sac is a perfect example of Sydney Harbour living at its best. Along this leafy narrow one-way street, which runs from Ithaca Road, lie apartments and houses that showcase some of Sydney’s finest architectural styles, including Art Deco and Victorian apartment buildings, many of which have been beautifully renovated.

The location affords spectacular views of the harbour and adjacent to it, on Onslow Avenue, is stately Elizabeth Bay House, one of Sydney’s most iconic grand homes, steeped in fascinating history. Today’s grand homes on Billyard Avenue include famous waterfront mansions, Boomerang, Berthong and Ramona, which are all among the city’s most pricey real estate.

Out and about

Residents of Billyard Avenue are perfectly poised to make the most of all that Elizabeth Bay, as well as Potts Point, Darlinghurst and the city, has to offer. From here it’s an easy walk to the CBD, the Botanic Gardens and Domain; not to mention, the century-old Elizabeth Bay Marina, which has just undergone a significant facelift that upgraded its facilities and added a new waterfront cafe. The street is also a stone’s throw from Potts Point’s hippest eateries.

When the hustle and bustle of inner city life feels too much, there are also nearby green spaces to rest, relax and take in the water views. Right on the street is the lovely Arthur McElhone Reserve, with both Beare Park and Rushcutters Bay a proverbial stone’s throw away.

Things you may not have noticed

Of all the picturesque waterfront views our fair city has to offer, Arthur McElhone Reserve may be the most charming. It combines postcard-perfect harbour views with Zen-like peacefulness. In fact, it was bought by the City of Sydney in 1948 to serve as a retreat from the city. Despite its diminutive size, there’s usually plenty of space to pull up your picnic blanket and soak in the views. A bridge crosses over a fish ponds dotted with pond lilies and filled with bright orange koi, some up to 40 years old. Originally built as the carriage lawn area for Elizabeth Bay House, the famous reserve has featured in several Conrad Martens paintings.

And, while nearby Potts Point might be better known for its dining and bar scene, Elizabeth Bay has many excellent cafes. From Lizzy Bay Café and Pickled Espresso, to other exciting wining and dining options including Gazebo Elizabeth Bay; all-day Mediterranean Diner, Culina Sydney; Japanese Izakaya-style teppanyaki and noodle bar, Kujin, and chic pasta palace Acme.

Notable Buildings

Notable houses include:

The heritage-listed Spanish Mission style trophy home, Boomerang, which was built in 1926, is one of the most iconic and expensive homes in Sydney. Its illustrious owners have included Melbourne-based billionaire trucking magnate Lindsay Fox.

Another one of Sydney’s most luxurious residences, waterfront mansion, Ramona, also resides on Billyard Avenue.

Notable apartments include:

Designed by John Spencer-Stransfield and dating back to 1928, Del Rio is a landmark Spanish Mission block of five iconic apartments with Chateau Marmont style arches.

Why the locals love It

What’s not to love? This sweet little street with its charming parks and waterfront access nestles below the great shopping, eateries and nightlife of Potts Point, without being right in the noisy thick of the action making it the perfect spot for cosmopolitan inner-city living.