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Community Opposition Grows Over Netball Courts at Lough Park, Double Bay

A proposal to upgrade grass fields into hard-surfaced netball courts at Lough Park in Double Bay has divided the local community.

Lough Park’s History and Current Use

Lough Playing Fields in Double Bay is a historic park catering to sports such as netball, softball, cricket, and rugby and soccer training. It is also a popular site for walking and jogging. The site was once part of the Cooper family’s Point Piper Estate before being set aside for sporting activities in 1927.

Currently, the facilities include a grassed netball court and two junior synthetic cricket pitches, with dog access permitted under specific conditions.

Proposal Details and Concerns

Woollahra Council’s $690,000 proposal involves upgrading the existing grass netball fields at Lough Park into acrylic and concrete courts. The proposal includes installing four floodlights, each 10 metres tall, to allow the courts to be used beyond daylight hours and throughout winter.

Planning documents highlight that the development would address unmet demand for informal recreation and training. However, several concerns have been raised, including the impact of hard surface infrastructure, potential increases in weeknight noise from whistles and bouncing balls, intrusive lighting, flood risks, and traffic congestion.

The courts would be available for community use but could also be booked commercially by private companies, leading to further concerns about increased usage and reduced passive space.

Comparison and Alternatives: Existing Infrastructure

Opponents argue that there are already over 72 courts available in or near Woollahra, with more planned. Save Lough Park, one of the action groups, stresses that additional courts should not come at the cost of one of the eastern suburbs’ remaining passive green spaces.

Advocates for field sports also point out that girls increasingly participate in field-based activities such as soccer, AFL, and hockey, challenging the notion that hard courts are the only facilities needed to support female athletes.

Community Sentiment: Divided Views

Community groups such as Save Lough Park and Friends of Lough Park have voiced strong opposition, gathering over 800 petition signatures. They emphasise the environmental, noise, and traffic impacts of the proposal, while stating their support for girls’ sport in principle but questioning the chosen location.

Conversely, supporters, including some councillors and community members, argue that infrastructure for girls’ sports has historically lagged behind that of boys’ sports and that new facilities are essential to rectify the imbalance.

SIGN THE PETITION NOW

Next Steps for the Proposal

Woollahra Council has voted to move the Lough Park proposal forward to community consultation. A meeting is scheduled for 28 April, offering the community an opportunity to voice feedback before a final decision is made.

Published 27-Apr-2025

Neil Perry Revamps Song Bird in Double Bay with Designer Collette Dinnigan

Photo Credit: Song Bird/Instagram

Chef Neil Perry has enlisted designer Collette Dinnigan to revitalise his Double Bay restaurant, Song Bird, after a challenging opening phase.

Rocky Start for Song Bird in Double Bay

Neil Perry launched Song Bird in August 2024. It is part of his $12 million Double Bay hospitality precinct. The 240-seat Cantonese restaurant, positioned next to his successful venue Margaret, struggled to find its footing initially.

Song Bird Neil Perry — *Photo Credit: Song Bird/Instagram*

Mr Perry explained that budget overruns forced him to open the restaurant earlier than planned, resulting in untrained staff and incomplete facilities, including a malfunctioning dumbwaiter. He described the first three months as extremely difficult, acknowledging the decision to open prematurely was a significant error despite his extensive industry experience.

Addressing Design Challenges with Collette Dinnigan

To improve the restaurant’s atmosphere, Mr Perry turned to long-time friend and acclaimed designer Collette Dinnigan. Known for her work in fashion and interior design, Ms Dinnigan was tasked with addressing the acoustic issues caused by the restaurant’s hard surfaces.

Ms Dinnigan introduced acoustic foam to soften the soundscape and contributed decorative elements such as antique birdcages, enhanced column designs, and carefully curated artwork to transform the venue’s interior. Mr Perry and Ms Dinnigan’s professional relationship dates back over 30 years, including collaborations during Ms Dinnigan’s fashion shows.

Expanding the Culinary Direction

Alongside the interior redesign, Mr Perry expanded Song Bird’s culinary offerings. Moving beyond a purely Cantonese focus, the refreshed menu now includes influences from Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines. These changes draw inspiration from Mr Perry’s earlier ventures, Wokpool and Spice Temple.

Mr Perry stated that after nearly seven months of operational improvements, Song Bird now offers a markedly different and enhanced dining experience.

Early Community Response to Changes

Recent bookings and reviews suggest the Double Bay community has responded positively to the changes at Song Bird. The refreshed atmosphere and broader menu are seen as contributing factors to the restaurant’s turnaround.

Looking Ahead for Song Bird in Double Bay

With Collette Dinnigan’s design influence and an expanded menu, Song Bird is positioning itself for greater success within Double Bay’s competitive dining scene. Perry’s adjustments highlight his continued commitment to evolving the restaurant to meet both his standards and diners’ expectations.

Published 27-Apr-2025

Real Housewives Star Plans Extensive Upgrade in Double Bay

Photo Credit: Ray White Double Bay/YouTube

A $23.9 million redevelopment has been proposed for Krissy Marsh’s Double Bay residence, with plans lodged to transform the historic six-bedroom property into a multi-level home featuring wellness and entertainment facilities.

Large-Scale Proposal for Marsh Residence

A major renovation is underway for a luxury property in Double Bay owned by Real Housewives of Sydney cast member Krissy Marsh and her husband Johnny Marsh. Documents lodged with Woollahra Council reveal plans for a $23.9-million redevelopment aimed at aligning the property with the couple’s current needs and lifestyle requirements.

Double Bay home — *Photo Credit: Home Beautiful/Instagram*

The Marshes purchased the property in 2022 for approximately $30 million. Located in one of Sydney’s most high-profile suburbs, the house is set to undergo significant changes, with the scale of proposed works placing it among the largest developments ever undertaken in the Woollahra Council area.

Planned Features and Scope

The application outlines the addition of a wellness retreat including a sauna, ice bathroom, treatment rooms, and a gymnasium. Further inclusions are a cinema room, outdoor bars, a swimming pool, a cabana, a cellar, a herb garden, a commercial kitchen, and a new basement level with extra parking. New bedrooms are also planned as part of the redevelopment.

The build will reportedly require around 2,000 cubic metres of excavation, roughly equivalent to the volume of an Olympic swimming pool.

Double Bay home renovation — *Photo Credit: Home Beautiful/Instagram*

Community Reaction

While the owners intend the property to be their long-term residence, the scale of the redevelopment has drawn criticism. The Double Bay Residents Association has formally objected, describing the project as a “gross overdevelopment.” Planning documents argue the impact on neighbouring properties would be minimal.

Council Assessment Underway

Woollahra Council is assessing the proposal as part of its standard development application process. The project’s timeline and final approval remain subject to council review.

Published 15-Apr-2025

New Planning Laws Prompt Developer Interest in Double Bay

Photo Credit: Google Maps

New planning laws have led to heightened developer interest in Double Bay, with property owners now reassessing the value and potential of their land.

Zoning Reforms Reshape Development Potential

The NSW government introduced new planning laws on 28 February as part of a broader strategy to address the state’s housing shortage. These laws apply to areas located within 800 metres of 171 designated train stations or shopping centres across Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, and the Central Coast.

Under the new framework, buildings of six to eight storeys can be constructed within 400 metres of key hubs, while development of up to three storeys is permitted between 400 and 800 metres. Changes to floor space ratios and dual occupancy rules are also increasing development capacity across multiple lots.

How Double Bay Fits the Picture

Double Bay is among the suburbs impacted by the planning reforms. While the changes are intended to improve housing supply, local real estate agents anticipate that three-bedroom apartments in new developments around Double Bay may be priced between $5 million and $6 million—and even higher if properties offer views. This has raised questions about whether the policy will enhance housing affordability in high-end areas.

Developers are now targeting eligible locations for redevelopment, including amalgamated sites. In other parts of Sydney, some property owners have doubled their sale price by consolidating adjoining lots for larger-scale projects.

Wider Movement Across Sydney

Similar activity is unfolding in other eastern suburbs including Rose Bay, Edgecliff, Bondi Junction, and Maroubra. In Rose Bay alone, 28 homeowners have combined their properties, with at least 60 amalgamations reported in one three-block radius.

In Gordon, developers are securing options on homes near train stations, with some properties reaching prices of up to $12 million. Meanwhile, in Mosman, concerns have been raised over six-storey buildings being planned in low-rise areas near Balmoral Beach.

Mixed Sentiments Among Property Owners

While some owners welcome the financial benefits, others are facing limitations. In Gordon, heritage-listed homes are excluded from redevelopment despite being located in newly eligible zones. Affected residents have raised concerns about loss of privacy, overshadowing, and future property values.

Local councils, including Mosman, have indicated that developments meeting the new planning criteria cannot be rejected on the basis of height or density. However, objections may still be submitted on other grounds—such as view obstruction or privacy impacts—though how they will be assessed remains unclear.

Double Bay housing development — *Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View*

Policy Sparks Activity but Raises Questions

The new planning rules mark a major shift in development controls as the state government seeks to ease housing pressures. In areas like Double Bay, the reforms have triggered immediate developer activity and multi-million-dollar transactions. However, uncertainty remains around affordability outcomes, the inclusion of heritage properties, and long-term impacts on urban character.

Published 13-Apr-2025

Double Bay Intersection Sees 13 Crashes in Five Years as Residents Demand Action

A major intersection in Double Bay has been the site of 13 crashes and nine injuries since 2019, prompting growing concern from residents who say traffic congestion and confusion at the site have reached a crisis point.

Growing Safety Concerns

The crossroads where New South Head Road, Bellevue Road, Cross Street and Kiaora Road meet is often described by locals as one of the most dangerous in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Community members have reported regular near misses and constant traffic jams that disrupt daily life and pose risks to drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike. According to recent data, the four-way intersection has been the scene of repeated collisions, with some residents stating it’s a surprise no one has been killed.

The intersection’s layout has long caused confusion among motorists. A key issue is uncertainty around which traffic lights apply to which direction, especially for cars turning right from Bellevue Road or New South Head Road. Drivers often hesitate or stop mid-turn, creating blockages and increasing the chance of accidents. A left-turn lane added in 2022 has only added to the confusion for drivers attempting to travel straight through the intersection.

Locals Push for Change

Local business owner Pham Yang, who has operated nearby for more than two decades, said the situation has steadily worsened as more drivers unfamiliar with the area get caught off guard by the complex intersection. He described daily scenes of frustration, with drivers frequently honking and shouting as traffic clogs the area.

Woollahra Mayor Sarah Swan said Council continues to hear from worried residents, many of whom believe it’s only a matter of time before a more serious incident occurs. She noted that the city’s engineers have submitted multiple requests to Transport for NSW since early 2022, seeking improvements to ease congestion and reduce safety risks.

Deputy Mayor Sean Carmichael has described the traffic situation as “desperate”, particularly for Bellevue Hill residents who he says are often unable to leave or return to their suburb during peak traffic hours. He first formally raised the issue over two years ago.

Federal Member for Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane, addressed the matter in state parliament last week, describing the intersection as “confusing, congested and dangerous.” She encouraged the transport minister to visit the site to see the problems firsthand. Sloane has also launched a community petition aimed at urging state authorities to take urgent action.

Transport for NSW confirmed that a traffic and safety review was completed in October 2023 and is currently being assessed. A spokesperson for the department said a technical review is underway to identify possible improvements to the intersection and that further steps will be determined once the assessment is complete.

Top Priority Request

Council recently ask Transport for NSW to address several problem intersections along New South Head and Old South Head roads due to ongoing safety and congestion issues.

A top priority in the request was a review of the intersection where New South Head Road meets Bellevue Road, Cross Street and Kiaora Road in Double Bay.

According to the 2020 Double Bay Transport Strategy, that junction was projected to exceed capacity during morning, evening and Saturday peak hours by 2027. Council now believes that level of congestion is already being experienced.

Ms Swan noted that the intersection is a vital part of the area’s road network and essential for people travelling to work, school, or appointments.

Other intersections included in the request were New South Head Road at William Street, Manning Road, and Wolseley Road, as well as Old South Head Road at Victoria Road. Council hopes these reviews will help relieve pressure on state-managed roads and improve safety for all road users.

Published 7-April-2025

Midweek Escape: Unlimited Pizza & Chill Vibes at Pelicano

For those looking to break up the workweek, Pelicano has something special in store. Their new Wednesday night event, The Interlude, is designed to help you recharge with good food, great drinks, and even better music.

Read: Meet RUMA: Double Bay’s Must-Visit Restaurant for Food Lovers

Running from 6:00 p.m. until late, it’s the perfect excuse to gather your crew, unwind, and indulge midweek. The highlight? $25 unlimited pizzas—a deal that’s hard to resist.

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Pelicano Potts Point. (@pelicanosydney) 分享的帖子

Whether you’re a fan of classic Margherita, something more adventurous, or just in the mood to sample everything, there’s no better way to enjoy a carefree evening. Pair that with $12 Aperol spritzes or $8 Peronis, and you’ve got a winning combination that makes the workweek feel just a little lighter.

Pelicano has long been a favourite for those who love a mix of Italian and Mediterranean flavours in a stylish yet relaxed setting. After its grand reopening in October, the venue has brought a fresh energy to Potts Point, and The Interlude is just another reason to make a midweek visit.

Adding to the ambiance, DJs will be spinning a soundtrack of throwback hip-hop and R&B. Expect those nostalgic beats to set the perfect tone as you sip, snack, and soak up the buzzing atmosphere on Pelicano’s al fresco terrace.

Read: New Housing Development on New South Head Road in Double Bay

For those in the know, Pelicano has always been a go-to for a night out—but The Interlude is bringing a whole new flavour to midweek plans. So, whether you’re easing into the weekend early or just need a little break before Thursday, this is your perfect excuse to hit this restaurant midweek. Visit Pelicano at 33 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point. They are open Wednesday- Sunday, from 5:00 p.m. until late.

Published 28-February-2025

Meet RUMA: Double Bay’s Must-Visit Restaurant for Food Lovers

Photo Credit: RUMA Dining/Google Photos

RUMA offers a unique all-day dining experience that blends Modern Australian cuisine with bold Asian flavours in Double Bay.

With a cosy atmosphere, inventive dishes, and a carefully crafted drinks menu, RUMA delivers a dining experience that feels both exciting and familiar.

A Name That Feels Like Home

RUMA means “home” in Malay, and the restaurant truly lives up to its name. From the moment you step inside, the space feels warm and inviting, striking the perfect balance between casual comfort and modern elegance.

Chef Faheem Noor, the talent behind RUMA’s menu, draws inspiration from Sydney’s diverse food culture. He creates dishes that feel both comforting and exciting, using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to bring each plate to life.

RUMA’s interior combines earthy textures and native floral arrangements creating an intimate yet relaxed atmosphere. The design takes cues from traditional Malay homes but with a contemporary twist.

A Menu That Surprises and Delights

RUMA’s menu reflects Noor’s creative take on classic flavours, bringing together unexpected combinations and bold, fresh ingredients.

A Breakfast Spread with a Twist

RUMA turns morning staples into something special. The Kimchi and scallion hash browns offer a crispy, flavour-packed start to the day, while the Thai-style sausage McMuffin adds a fun, spicy kick.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Strawberry Sando is a light and airy treat. If you prefer savoury, the house favourite Australian scrambled eggs with Sambal Matah is for you.

Lunch and Dinner: Comfort Food, Elevated

RUMA’s menu encourages sharing and indulging, with small plates that highlight fresh, punchy flavours.

Start with:

-Infused Watermelon

-House Taramasalata and WA Octopus

-Korean Fried Chicken with Caviar

-Sydney Rock Oysters and Tuna Tartare

-Kingfish and Cooked Tiger Prawns

Move on to something more substantial:

-Lemon Ravioli with crispy chilli oil and kaffir limes

-Wagyu Striploin with Sarawak pepper jus and charred peppers

-Crumbed Lamb Cutlets with peas, baby cos, and mint sauce

-Grilled Salmon with stir fry warrigal greens

-Asian-style chermoula

And if you try only one dish, make it the King Prawns Egg Noodles with shellfish butter and scallions.

food menu

Cocktails That Hit the Spot

A great meal deserves a great drink, and RUMA’s cocktail menu delivers. Created by Alex Raclet and Alex Cameron (Table Manners Bronte), the drinks list focuses on fresh ingredients and layered flavours.

For something bright and tropical, try the ‘Ruma’, featuring vodka, passionfruit, ginger, orange blossom, orange juice and lime. If you love a margarita, the ‘Kumquat Margy’ featuring patron blanco that brings a citrusy twist with kumquat and calamansi. Whisky fans should go for the ‘Manuka Old Fashioned,’ a honey-infused rye whiskey with maple, indian tonic, and orange bitters. For wine lovers, you’ll love ‘Stone Fruit Bellini,’ a sparkling wine with a mix of mirabelle plum, mango, and allspice.

Drink menu

Why RUMA Stands Out in Double Bay

From early morning coffee to late-night cocktails, this is a place where food, drinks, and atmosphere come together effortlessly.

If you’re searching for a fresh new spot with exciting flavours, a welcoming vibe, and a menu worth coming back for, RUMA is it.

Visit RUMA

– 1/1 Kiaora Lane, Double Bay
– Open daily for breakfast & lunch (7am – 5pm)
– Dinner Wednesday to Sunday (5pm – 10pm)

book table

Published 17-Feb-2025

Manly’s Best Cycling Routes Are Now Closer Than Ever for Double Bay Riders

Love cycling but tired of the same routes? Double Bay riders now have a shortcut to Manly’s best bike trails, all thanks to a new 30-minute ferry ride. Unlock an entirely new world of cycling opportunities for those looking to swap urban streets for oceanfront trails and bushland adventures.

From Harbour Streets to Coastal Trails

Double Bay’s streets and parks offer a refined, scenic ride through boutique-lined avenues and waterfront paths, but for those craving a change of scenery, Manly provides a different kind of experience.

Upon stepping off the ferry at Manly Wharf, cyclists are immediately greeted with access to expansive coastal rides, including the popular Manly Lagoon to North Head loop. This route takes riders through a mix of open beaches, bushland trails, and panoramic lookouts, making it a must-ride for those wanting to experience Sydney’s rugged coastline firsthand.

For those seeking a more leisurely ride, the Manly to Shelly Beach path offers a smooth beachfront track, perfect for casual cyclists or families. This short yet stunning route allows riders to soak in the atmosphere before stopping at Shelly Beach for a swim or a quick coffee break at one of the area’s well-known cafés.

Must-Visit Destinations for Cyclists in Manly

Manly Beach: One of Sydney’s most famous ocean beaches, perfect for a post-ride swim or just enjoying the lively beachside atmosphere. Cyclists can park their bikes and relax by the shore after a long ride.
North Head Lookout: A breathtaking spot with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. The ride up to North Head includes scenic bushland trails and quiet roads, making it a rewarding climb for cycling enthusiasts.
Shelly Beach: A peaceful cove just a short ride from Manly Beach, ideal for snorkeling, swimming, or enjoying a relaxed coffee break. The ride to Shelly Beach follows a smooth coastal track with beautiful ocean views.
Manly to Spit Bridge Ride: A longer scenic route that takes riders through coastal boardwalks, bushland paths, and harbourside tracks. This route is perfect for those looking to extend their cycling adventure beyond Manly’s main area.
Fairy Bower Pool: A historic ocean pool located along the ride to Shelly Beach. A great spot to take a quick dip and enjoy the stunning rock formations surrounding the pool.

North Head in Manly — North Head Lookout
Photo Credit: National Parks NSW

Cycling Meets Café Culture: Manly’s Best Refuel Spots

Cycling isn’t just about the ride—it’s also about the stops along the way. Manly is home to a thriving café and restaurant scene, making it the ideal destination for those who enjoy good food as much as good cycling.

The Boathouse Shelly Beach – Known for its fresh Australian-style breakfasts and unbeatable ocean views, this café is a must-visit for cyclists looking to refuel with high-quality food.
Bare Naked Bowls– A go-to for healthy smoothies and acai bowls, this café is popular among Manly’s active crowd and provides the perfect energy boost for riders.
4 Pines Brewing Co – After a long ride, cyclists can unwind at this local favourite for craft beer and hearty food. It’s a relaxed, welcoming spot with plenty of seating.
Rollers Bakehouse – Famous for its buttery croissants and artisan pastries, this is an excellent stop for cyclists looking to indulge in a well-earned treat.

4 Pines Brewing Co in Manly — *Photo Credit: 4 Pines Brew Pub/Google Maps*

Why This Changes the Game for Double Bay Cyclists

For Double Bay residents, Manly has always been a great weekend destination, but with the new ferry route, it has become more accessible than ever. Instead of dealing with the stress of loading a bike into a car or navigating Sydney’s busy roads, cyclists can now simply roll their bikes onto the ferry and enjoy a smooth ride across the harbour. Once in Manly, they can take advantage of expansive bike-friendly pathways, coastal boardwalks, and national park trails, offering a refreshing change from city riding.

Beyond the ride itself, the ferry trip adds to the overall experience. The journey across Sydney Harbour is a scenic adventure in itself, offering views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Sydney’s famous skyline, making it one of the most picturesque commutes a cyclist could ask for.

Exploring the Other Side: Why Manly Cyclists Should Visit Double Bay

While Double Bay cyclists are encouraged to explore Manly’s rugged coastline and bike-friendly paths, the journey can go both ways. Manly riders looking for a change of pace can take the same ferry service to Double Bay and experience its European-style café scene, peaceful harbour beaches, and hidden garden trails. Unlike Manly’s open ocean waves, Double Bay offers calmer waters and shaded parklands, making it a perfect post-ride retreat for those looking to relax after a long cycling session.

A Ride Worth Taking

With the Double Bay to Manly ferry now in service, Sydney’s cyclists have an exciting new way to experience two distinct cycling landscapes in a single day. Whether it’s for the long coastal loops, the café culture, or simply the thrill of a new route, this harbour-to-beach cycling adventure is one worth adding to the weekend itinerary.

BOOK A Ferry RIDE

Published 17-February-2025

Woollahra Library at Double Bay: A Modern Community Hub

Photo Credit: WoollahraMunicipalCouncil

Woollahra Library is a shining example of how libraries have evolved to meet the needs of today’s communities in Double Bay. Once in a historic harbourside mansion, it moved into a larger, purpose-built space above a shopping centre. The shift was made to accommodate the growing number of visitors and provide better facilities.

Woollahra Library is much more than a place to borrow books. It’s designed for learning, creativity, and connection. Visitors can access a huge range of resources, including:

Books
E-books
Audiobooks
Films
Journals
Digital databases

The library also runs many community programs, such as author talks, tech workshops, baby rhyme time, and storytelling sessions. Its flexible spaces for study, work, and social gatherings make it a popular venue for events and meetings.

Woollahra Library at Double Bay — *Photo Credit: WoollahraMunicipalCouncil*

Easy Access and Facilities

Getting to the library is simple. Visitors can park for one hour free in the Kiaora Place car park, with extra parking available nearby. Public transport is also convenient, with bus routes 323, 324, 325, and 326 stopping close by, and Edgecliff Station within easy reach.

The library is designed to be accessible to everyone. Facilities include:

Wheelchair access and accessible toilets
Baby change rooms and a welcoming space for breastfeeding
Lifts from New South Head Road and Kiaora Place arcade

Study and meeting spaces — *Photo Credit: WoollahraMunicipalCouncil*

For those needing a quiet space or a place to collaborate, the library offers:

Paid Spaces:

Event Space (up to 100 people)
Tech Room (up to 13 people)

Free Spaces:

Study Rooms (up to 8 people)
Quiet Pod (up to 2 people)

For bookings, a library membership is needed.

A Green and Welcoming Space

One of the library’s standout features is its use of greenery. A lush green wall at the entrance and cascading ivy help soften the modern design. Natural light, timber-slatted ceilings, and organic elements create a warm and inviting atmosphere. This focus on nature reflects the suburb’s commitment to sustainability.

iPad wall — *Photo Credit: WoollahraMunicipalCouncil*

The Junior section is especially fun for children, featuring:

An interactive iPad treehouse
A slide leading into a colourful reading cave
A storytelling space with floor projections

Children’s interactive learning space — *Photo Credit: WoollahraMunicipalCouncil*

Opening Hours and Contact Details

Woollahra Library at Double Bay is open every day:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closed on public holidays

Woollahra Library is more than just a library in Double Bay. It has helped revitalise the suburb and strengthen the local community.

Published 15-Feb-2025

Australian 18 Footers League in Double Bay Celebrates 90 Years

Photo Credit: 18footers League

The Australian 18-footers League, based in Double Bay, is planning a weekend of festivities to celebrate its 90th anniversary.

The club, known for its exciting 18ft skiff races on Sydney Harbour, has a rich history of innovation, community engagement, and sporting excellence.

A History of Innovation and Community Spirit

The League was formed in 1935 by James J. Giltinan, who saw the potential for a new type of 18ft skiff racing. Giltinan’s entrepreneurial spirit led to early success, with large crowds drawn to the spectacle of the races. The club also strongly committed to the community, raising significant funds for the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children through its ‘Queen of the Waves’ competition.

In the late 1950s, the League secured its current clubhouse in Double Bay thanks to the generosity of skipper Alf Beashel. The 1970s marked a ‘Golden Era’ for the sport, with advancements in design and construction pushing the boundaries of speed and performance.

From Sydney Harbour to the World Stage

The Australian 18-footers League has consistently pushed the boundaries of the sport. In 1985, it staged a unique ocean-going race, ‘The Ocean Challenge,’ which saw skiffs racing from Palm Beach down the coast and into Sydney Harbour. More recently, the League has embraced technology, livestreaming its races with commentary to a global audience.

Over the years, the League has also played a key role in expanding the sport internationally. The Giltinan World Championship, held in 1938, now attracts competitors from over 20 countries.

Anniversary Celebrations

To mark its 90th anniversary, the League is hosting a weekend of events on February 1st and 2nd. Saturday will feature the ‘Skiff Sydney Harbour Marathon,’ with all skiff classes invited to compete.

Sunday will see the traditional ‘Queen of the Harbour’ race, in which current fleet skippers compete for a special anniversary trophy. The club also invites all past Club Championship-winning skippers to join the celebrations.

Published Date 29-Jan-2025