Nestled between Narrabeen and Mona Vale, Warriewood is a quiet performer on the Northern Beaches. A lesser-known suburb in the area, Warriewood is popular and much-loved by locals for a number of reasons.
Let’s explore the appeal of this location:
Way back in Warriewood
Warriewood is located 26 kilometres and around a 40-minute drive from the Sydney CBD. The local wetlands were originally a source of food for the Guringai tribe that was based in the area.
Sources are conflicting about the name. Some say it is derived from the word ‘warra’, meaning swamp tree. Others report that the district was given its current name in 1892, when the agricultural property Wharriewood was established and named after the proprietor’s family.
Farmers flourished in the area for 100 years, raising crops and attending the local market gardens. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the area was rezoned for residential properties. Because of this, Warriewood is still playing ‘catch up’ and the suburb is still home to larger blocks with older cottages that give an indication of the previous semi-rural lifestyle of the area. Head down Boondah Road and you are still treated to the sight of horses grazing in paddocks, which certainly bring a unique feel to the area.
Why live in Warriewood?
There are so many reasons why newcomers to the Northern Beaches and to Sydney choose Warriewood:
1. Seamless connectivity to the CBD
One of the standout features of Warriewood is it makes commuting easy, thanks to the B Line Bus service. This rapid transit service offers frequent and direct routes between the Northern Beaches and Sydney's CBD. Take advantage of free car parking at the Warriewood parking station on Pittwater Road and enjoy ocean views on your way to the city.
2. Modern living with new homes and apartments
More well-established family homes in Warriewood were largely built in the 1980s and early 1990s. They tend to be on higher ground with views across the valley. Many include swimming pools and have been subdivided or had granny flats added out the back to take advantage of the larger blocks they were built on back when the suburb was finding its feet.
Over recent years, Warriewood has had a surge in new home development along lowland parts of the suburb. Buyers can choose from a variety of new homes, townhouses and apartments designed to cater to different budgets. Apartment blocks offer resort-style facilities and family-friendly communities, and new homes often have up to five bedrooms, giving larger families the space they crave.
3. Sport and recreation
Warriewood has several sporting fields and is a hub for weekend sport. Boondah Road has free basketball courts and soccer fields, and “Rat Park” (Pittwater Rugby Park) in Narrabeen is nearby. There are also plenty of routes allowing families to enjoy a bicycle ride in relative safety.
In terms of playgrounds, there are several smaller parks dotted around the suburb and the main ‘hub’ is Rocketship Park, which is popular for birthday parties and mothers’ groups. There are benches, sheltered areas, toilets and water fountains that make visiting convenient.
Families also enjoy the bistro, playground and entertainment at Pittwater RSL, which sits at the edge of the suburb.
4. Warriewood Beach – The best-kept secret
Warriewood Beach is one of the area’s best-kept secrets. This beautiful, uncrowded beach offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle and there is usually parking available. The beach is surrounded by stunning cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a picturesque setting at any time of day.
5. Warriewood Square
‘The Square’ features a wide range of shops, a food court, cafés, Kmart, Coles, Woolworths and Aldi. Visitors come from Mona Vale and Narrabeen to make the most of this larger shopping spot.
Shoppers who want to side-step the Square drop into the local IGA or visit the cafés by the beach.
6. Excellent schools
Families with children will appreciate the selection of primary and high schools in and around Warriewood. Nearby primary schools include Narrabeen North Public School and Mona Vale Public School, which both have fantastic reputations and an engaged community of parents, students and teachers. For high school students, Mater Maria Catholic College and Narrabeen Sports High School are the nearest choices.
7. The natural beauty of Warriewood Wetlands
The 26-hectare Warriewood Wetlands, a stunning natural reserve that provides a tranquil retreat from the urban environment, are the largest remaining low-lying freshwater sand plain ecosystem in the northern Sydney area. Explore the wetlands on the boardwalks and trails to discover a diverse range of flora and fauna; it’s a popular spot for birdwatching and nature walks.
Another secret spot is Irrawong Reserve, a ‘secret’ waterfall and a great location for a picnic and walk with the kids.
Housing in Warriewood
Many families turn their attention to Warriewood when they realise they can get a quality home and a little more for their money than in Mona Vale and Newport.
The average price for a home in Warriewood is $2,305,000, which represents a 9.5% gain over the last 12 months (Aug ‘23 to Jul ‘24). Townhouses are in the $1.1 million to $1.9 million range and apartments start from under $1 million for a one-bedroom property. Unit prices have achieved significant growth recently, with the area’s modern apartments now fetching an average of $1,556,650.
Homes are in high demand and selling very quickly to families, while retirees are coming from all over the Northern Beaches, the Central Coast and the Eastern Suburbs to find their dream apartment.
Investing in Warriewood
Over 70% of Warriewood homes are owned outright or with a mortgage. Families comprise over 80% of Warriewood residents. The rental market is tight with yield on houses sitting at 3.05% and units performing slightly better at 3.44%.
Ready to buy or sell in Warriewood?
As area specialists, we understand each separate ‘pocket’ of Warriewood and the highlights each has to offer. If you’re looking to buy, talk to us about what’s coming up on the market.
If you own a home in Warriewood and are considering moving on, reach out for an appraisal and talk to us about how we will achieve top dollar for your home.
