Sydney/Upper North Shore

The Upper North Shore starts north of Chatswood and stretches all the way to the Hawkesbury River. It consists of mainly residential and bushland suburbs, with the apartments and high density of the Lower North Shore giving way to the detached houses in the leafy suburbs of Killara, Pymble, Turramurra, Warrawee, Wahroonga and Hornsby and further north to villages carved out of the bush near Berowra and Mt Colah.
Containing some of the oldest residential areas of Sydney, the North Shore is known for its extensive gardens and mature European trees, making it one of the most attractive areas within the Sydney metropolitan area. This is particularly true in November of each year, when the blossoming of the Jacaranda trees provides streetscapes of bright purple flowers.

The North Shore train line and the Pacific Highway provide the spine of the region, running parallel to each other for much of their length.
is a major station on the North Shore line. All trains on this line, including expresses, stop there.
is a terminal station for both North Shore lines, as well as providing onwards services north through the Central Coast, Newcastle and beyond.

Trains and public buses are available, mainly centred around a city commute. You'll probably be able to get to a single destination and return to the city by public transport easily enough, but touring the area requires a car. The main road linking the North Shore suburbs together is the Pacific Highway in a northwest to southeast (and vice versa) direction.

• Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve

  phone: +61 2 8448 0400
  address: Entry from Rosedale Road or Vista Road, St Ives
  A must-see for birdwatchers, conservationists and people with a passion in Australian botany. The nature reserve contains some of the last remaining blue gum forests which once ruled over much of Sydney. Rainbow lorikeets, king parrots and silvereyes are a sample of the birds you will find here.

• Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden

  phone: +61 2 9424 0353
  address: 420 Mona Vale Road, St Ives
  The Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden features scenic landscape including bushland, gullies, ponds and waterfalls. It is a great spot to have a picnic or go bushwalking/hiking. The picnic area is quite often visited by swamp wallabies so this is a good spot to see these animals relatively close to the city.

• Rose Seidler House

  phone: +61 2 9989 8020
  address: 71 Clissold Road, Wahroonga
  The first building designed by the renowned Australian architect Harry Seidler. This famed piece of Australian modernist architecture, built in 1948-1950, has been preserved in its original condition and features panoramic views of Kuringai National Park.

• Hornsby Water Clock

• Roseville Cinema

  phone: +61 2 9416 8555
  address: 112 Pacific Highway, Roseville
  Family-owned, independent cinema with a focus on art house. Runs films not shown in the big multiplexes.

• Lindfield Rocks

  phone: +61 2 9424 0754
  address: 62a Tryon Road, East Lindfield
  The oldest bouldering site in Sydney. Very popular among rock climbing enthusiasts and accessible to beginners.

• Ku-ring-gai Chase National ParkLarge national park to the north of Hornsby until the Hawkesbury river.

• North Turramurra Golf Course

  phone: +61 2 9144 5110
  address: 361b Bobbin Head Rd North Turramurra 2072
  Public golf course with scenic views. The flattish terrain and golf lessons available make it particularly attractive for beginners though it is probably not challenging enough for pro golfers.

• St. Ives Medieval Faire

  phone: +61 2 9424 0353
  address: 420 Mona Vale Rd, St. Ives
  Every year the St. Ives Showground turns into a bustling village from the Middle Ages. Events include a jousting tournament, a trebuchet demonstration, seeing fully armoured knights, a reenactment of hawking as well as a lavish medieval feast.

• Stanley Street Butchery

  phone: +61 2 9449 9242
  address: 15 Stanley Street, St Ives
  South African grocery and butchery. If you're after traditional biltong, boerewors, droëwors or any other authentic South African foodstuff, it will be here.

• Westfield HornsbyA large shopping centre with cinemas, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants etc. Right next to station.

• Khob Khun Thai

  phone: +61 2 9880 8020
  address: 308 Pacific Highway, Lindfield
  Serves light Thai meals quickly. You barely have enough time to sit down or grab some BYO alcohol from the shop around the corner before the food is ready. It is popular with university students from the nearby campus of the University of Technology, Sydney.

• Cafe Lyon

  phone: +61 2 9416 5026
  address: 366 Pacific Highway, Lindfield
  A local bistro that serves French meals with a modern twist.

• Lotus Inn

  phone: +61 2 9489 5740
  address: 41 Redleaf Avenue, Wahroonga
  A$10-20. Serves Chinese cuisine mainly. It is the most popular and well known Chinese restaurant within the area. It is BYO Wine only with no corkage, and there is a bottle shop just down the road. It is approx. 3-5minute walk from the station and is generally full on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday's. Try the Sizzling Beef.

• Dosa House

  phone: +61 2 9489 4797
  address: 4/100 Pacific Hwy, Waitara
  The restaurant looks plain and drab but the South Indian dishes are reasonable for budget eaters.

• Greengate Hotel

  phone: +61 2 9498 3577
  address: 655 Pacific Highway, Killara
  Conveniently located on the corner of Pacific Highway and Greengate Road, there is always something on every night with entertainment or live music. A trivia night is held every Tuesday.

• Hornsby RSL Club

  phone: +61 2 9477 7777
  address: 4 High Street, Hornsby
  The go-to place for people passing through Hornsby. Attracts a older crowd than in the past. The RSL offers high tea, tapas and mixed drinks. There is a basic dress code to not wear any offensive, untidy or overly casual clothing

• Kipling's Garage Bar

  phone: +61 2 9440 4088
  address: 2 Eastern Rd, Turramurra
  As hinted by the name, this wine bar was built on what was a mechanic's garage. Nowadays it has a rustic and chic industrial vibe. There is a big fireplace making winter nights very comfy. Over 250 different types of wines are available, along with spirits, craft beers and ciders. Serves tapas.

• Garden Tap

  phone: +61 2 9144 5086
  address: 272 Bobbin Head Rd, North Turramurra
  Has the design and atmosphere of a classic English style pub. The cocktails aren't too flashy but the diners come for the burgers like the wagyu beef and pulled pork.

• Cellar 8 Wine Bar

  phone: +61 2 9440 9044
  address: 8 Post Office St, Pymble
  A modern, boutique bar tucked and hidden away. The large range of wines are all sourced from Australia and New Zealand. Try the caramelised garlic bread.

• Ascot Motor Inn

  phone: +61 2 9487 3355
  address: 18 Ingram Road, Wahroonga
  Comfortable motel with swimming pool and a quality Indian restaurant and steakhouse.

• The Hornsby Inn

  phone: +61 2 9477-5555
  address: Cnr Hunter & Burdett Street, Hornsby
  This pub style accommodation is not too flash but cosy. Inside there are a few bars, bottle shops and a Thai restaurant.

• Killara Inn Hotel & Conference Centre

  phone: +61 2 9416 1344
  address: 480 Pacific Highway, Killara
  4 star hotel on the Pacific Highway with friendly service and clean and comfortable rooms.

• Pymble Hotel

  phone: +61 2 9144 1039
  address: 1134 Pacific Hwy Pymble
  Budget, old-style looking hotel with pub and free parking.

Within Sydney

• Take a break from the nature walks and dive into the Northern Beaches via the A3.

Further away

• Brooklyn is a pleasant town on the banks of the Hawkesbury river, just a few stops north on the train line.