Welcome to Double Bay

Sydney has its share of glamorous hubs, but none with quite the five-star luxury mystique of Double Bay. Mention the name ‘Double Bay’ to any Sydneysider and they’ll give you a knowing look – Sydney’s answer to Rodeo Drive is where you can expect the richest fashion, hotels, water views, impossibly preened people, and the filthy rich on a daily basis. Since its hey-day in the ’70s and ’80s, it’s the place where overseas celebs and rock stars alike have always stayed and hung out, from Transvaal Avenue to Knox Street, not to mention the famous Stamford Plaza Double Bay that has been host to President George Bush (Senior), Keanu Reeves, Bill Clinton & Princess Di.

The first thing to strike a visitor about Double Bay is its pedestrian-friendly street style: wide, paved walkways flanked by a smorgasbord of high-end fashion shops. Any wise fashionista knows a good outfit is all in the accessories, and you could do worse than heading straight to Claudine's Shoes & Accessories for that pair of killer heels and handbag. Not far away, D'Aliccia Handbags & Accessories should also be on the list. Since 1978, it has specialised in handbags, evening bags, wallets, scarves, wraps, shoes, watches, hats, jewellery – and even feather-trimmed Venetian masks. 

And Double Bay being the gem-filled suburb it is, it’s no surprise everywhere you turn there’ll be another jewellery store. Don’t miss a turn inside La Princibella Jewellery, which specialises in Swarovski hand made jewellery and imported jewellery, and custom creations. 

Men can suit up in the latest designer styles with a visit to Lord John on Knox Street, widely regarded as Double Bay’s leading boutique for European imported menswear, with labels like Paul & Shark and Brax and a range of Italian sport shirts, business shirts, knitted shirts, slacks and jeans, as well as hand made Italian silk ties along with designer label shoes.

Also not to be missed is Village Resort Swimwear which features the largest range of ladies swimwear in the Eastern Suburbs. Names like Gideon Oberson, Lea Gottlieb and Gottex feature alongside such labels as Dolce & Gabbana and Vitamin A, newly arrived from the USA. 

A successful dose of retail therapy should definitely be followed by a cafe crawl. Double Bay has long been the milling point of Sydney’s richest socialites and entrepreneurs talking politics, doing deals and gossiping in the Knox Street cafes. Unmissable is Dee Bees on Knox Street, where folk go to see and be seen: most recently, Michael Parkinson, Suzie Quatro, Leo Sayer and Jimmy Barnes have all been spotted in there. 

But it’s not just a people-watching heaven; Double Bay’s proximity to Sydney Harbour means it’s filled with charming natural oasis-like coves to relax and take a swim. Relax and unwind at Redleaf harbour swimming pool, which is actually part of the Sydney Harbour, partitioned off into a Riviera-style swimming bay, complete with pontoons to sunbake on, and surrounded by atmospheric floral gardens. There’s also Village Beach, Seven Shillings Beach, pretty Blackburn Gardens and Steyne Park, all within walking distance.

When the sun starts setting, Double Bay really gets out to play. For a laid-back evening beer, check out the famous beer gardens at the Golden Sheaf Hotel and the Royal Oak. And the flagship nightspot that distils the spirit of Double Bay is Australian 18 Footers League Ltd, the clubhouse home of the amazing 18-foot skiffs that make their way to international competitions. Located right on the waterfront, The Australian 18 Footers League makes the most of its uninterrupted views with its cocktail bar and restaurant. On race days you can even book a spectator ferry to follow the skiffs, or take in the latest sport match on two plasma screens. Its waterfront restaurant is a must, offering a menu with just the right mix of inventive and classic fare. Unsurprisingly, fresh seafood features heavily, as do exquisite local and New Zealand wines. Meet up with your date beforehand in the cocktail bar, where the staff will mix your favourite drink with an expert twist. 

A little later into the night, hip young things head to Double Bay’s nightspot Cherri Jam. Eye-catching decor like the black-and-white restaurant and warm-hued booths of the night-club make this a sexy place to toast the night away with cocktails and a dancefloor. Most nights you’ll find DJs and live bands, spinning up retro, house and funk. Watch out for the social pages snappers, too.

Double Bay is just 12 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay, or a $15 taxi ride from the centre of the city. Alternatively take the Eastern Suburbs train line and hop off at Edgecliff (7 mins). A few minutes walk will see you in the heart of Double Bay. For more information visit www.beautifuldoublebay.com.au