Everything You Need to Know About Double Bay

Double Bay is a harbourside suburb about 4km east of the Sydney CBD, in postcode 2028. It’s known for its marina, boutique shopping strip, harbourside dining and Redleaf Beach. The Savoy Hotel has been part of Double Bay for decades, and this guide covers the background, transport and food options our guests ask about most.

A Little Background Before You Arrive and Explore

Double Bay is quite an exclusive harbourside suburb that often goes under the tourist radar, but it’s worth booking Sydney accommodation to visit because of its gorgeous harbourside boating villages. The team here at The Savoy Hotel in Double Bay have compiled this article describing the basics on Double Bay, for your information.

How Did Double Bay Get Its Name?

The locality was formerly known as Keltie Cove, named after the master of HMS Sirius. It served as a shelter for fishermen who frequently visited around the harbour during the colony’s early years.

Its current name was first used in 1821. Double Bay was named as such because of the sandy shoreline stopped by a miniature point. It pertains to the two formations between Darling Point and Point Piper that have a miniature point in the middle.

Gov. Lachlan Macquarie marked the bay as the location for the future Botanical Gardens. The gardens were conceptualised and laid out before Macquarie left Sydney. Unfortunately, his successor, Sir Thomas Mitchell, proposed to transform the area into a village composed of 31 lots.

The land was sold through an auction in 1835. At that point, Double Bay only had five streets: Lilian, Swamp, Cross, Bay, and Ocean. It was marketed as a village built for families involved in maritime activities such as fishermen and shipbuilders. For decades, Double Bay was just a neglected, sleepy backwater. It was not until the end of World War II that Double Bay turned into the exclusive location that it is today.

What Makes Double Bay So Special?

Double Bay is known as one of the most expensive and fashionable shopping districts in Australia. Deemed by many as Sydney’s “little Europe”, there is no shortage of high fashion boutiques, vibrant cafes, grandiose residential homes, and elegant streets here.

The locality also has cinemas, parks, and swimming pools. Its commercial area runs through New South Head Road. It also traverses the surrounding streets of Cross Street, Knox Street, and Bay Street.

One of the suburb’s best known spots is Redleaf Beach, a harbourside swimming enclosure with a shark-proof net, popular with locals for a quick swim or a walk along the promenade. Double Bay is also home to Central Synagogue, one of Sydney’s most significant synagogues, on the border with Woollahra.

Double Bay weather

The area has moderate summer temperatures. It can go as high as 40°C, while the lowest temperature during this time is around 17°C. On the other hand, temperatures are mild during winter. The highest is 17°C and can go as low as 7°C.

Is It Easy to Get to Double Bay?

There are several ways to get to Double Bay from Sydney: ferry, bus, taxi, train, or on foot.

Train

Double Bay doesn’t have its own railway station. The nearest is Edgecliff Station on the Eastern Suburbs line from Central or Town Hall, about a 10 to 15 minute walk from The Savoy Hotel. The walk to the station is uphill, though the return walk back to the hotel is much easier.

• Travel time: 5 minutes by train to Edgecliff, plus the walk
• Cost: $14 to $28

Train and Bus (Line 324)

• Travel time: 10 minutes
• Cost: $2 to $46

Bus

Bus routes #324, #325, #326 and #327 run 7 days a week, with a stop within 100 metres of The Savoy Hotel. The main tourist centres of Darling Harbour, the Sydney Convention Centre, theatres and cinemas, and Circular Quay are within about 10 minutes of the hotel by public transport or taxi.

• Travel time: 14 minutes
• Cost: $7 to $21

Ferry

• Travel time: 18 minutes
• Cost: $29 to $34

Taxi

• Travel time: 6 minutes
• Cost: $15 to $35

On Foot

• Travel time: 55 minutes
• Cost: none

Here are the companies that operate services between Sydney and Double Bay:

• Sydney Trains run from Martin Place Station to Edgecliff station every five minutes.
• Transport NSW also runs this route every hour.
• Transit Systems have buses coming from Yurong Street after William Street, going to Hargrave Street after Elizabeth Street. Trips begin every 10 minutes. State Transit also runs this route every 10 minutes.

Although the travel time is relatively short and fares are cheap, it is always best to book accessible, comfortable accommodation in Sydney. This way, time and energy is conserved in appreciating the sights and sounds the locality can offer.

Where Are the Best Places to Eat in Double Bay?

Double Bay has spectacular water views and mouth watering food. Book a nearby accommodation in Sydney to rest in after trying these top-tier restaurants.

Pink Salt. 

Pink Salt is a rustic-chic bar and restaurant adorned with items from all over the world. Their outdoor space also has several plants and greenery. They offer contemporary Australian dishes with a Mediterranean influence.

Dish Pizza & Gelato

Dish Pizza and Gelato serves award-winning pizzas and homemade gelato that are still budget friendly. They were voted as one of the top pizza restaurants in Sydney. They also offer modern Italian dishes.

RedLeaf Pool Café. 

RedLeaf Pool Café is one of Sydney’s hidden treasures. A great place for casual lunch, the cafe is located beside the Redleaf Pool. Customers get to enjoy the best views in Sydney while eating sandwiches and drinking coffee. There’s also a secluded beach nearby waiting to be explored.

Char & Co. 

Char & Co is one of the most unique restaurants in Australia. They strive to infuse the “Gaucho” culture with Double Bay with their South Brazil-inspired menu. The place has a relaxed and inviting ambience that people will surely enjoy after a long day.

Niji Restaurant & Bar. 

Those who are craving Japanese food will enjoy Niji Restaurant & Bar, they put a twist on traditional dishes by using Western ingredients to their dishes. The wood ceiling is designed to look like a traditional Japanese restaurant so customers will feel like they are visiting Japan. They also have an outdoor seating area and sushi bar.

A few more recent additions worth knowing about:

• Gitano, a Mexican diner and cocktail lounge on Cross Street, open late Thursday to Saturday with a full margarita and mezcal list.
• Piccolina, an Italian deli and café on the ground floor of the InterContinental, popular for breakfast and lunch.
• Little Jean, a bistro on Kiaora Road serving fresh, seasonal produce, house made pastries and coffee through the day.

Those who prefer to stay in at their accommodation will likewise find a number of good options for take-away. For instance, you can buy fresh produce from the market in Guilfoyle Park every Thursday to cook your own delicious meals.

Enjoy Your Vacation in Double Bay With Excellent Sydney Accommodation

Are you in search of Sydney accommodation in Double Bay? The Savoy Hotel makes it easy to access the greatest sights in Sydney and its nearby areas. Our location at 41 to 45 Knox Street sits a short stroll from the marina, Redleaf Beach and the Cross Street dining strip, with the following advantages:

• We’re only 4.5 km from the city centre, easily accessible via taxi, bus or harbour ferry.
• The bus stop and train station connections are near the hotel.
• The Double Bay Ferry Wharf is only a few minutes away from the hotel.

Great location, beautiful rooms and secure area, what more can you ask for? Browse our range of rooms, from Standard Atrium Rooms through to the Retreat Suite, or call us on 9335 5700 to book your Sydney accommodation at The Savoy Hotel in Double Bay.

Once you’ve settled in, Double Bay itself has plenty to fill a day, antique shops and art galleries along the arcades, jewellery stores, and if you’re after something active, tennis, golf, swimming or a look-in at the local sailing club. Our Exploring Sydney guide covers all of it in more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions