St Leonards offers a vibrant, convenient lifestyle, combining modern apartment living with leafy parks and green spaces like Gore Hill and Smoothey Park. Residents enjoy a growing café and dining scene, regular community events, and easy access to recreational areas such as Lane Cove National Park for bushwalking and cycling. Its proximity to the city makes it ideal for professionals seeking a balance of urban convenience and outdoor leisure.

Where to eat

The Wooden Whisk

Shop 7&8, 38-46 Albany St, St Leonards NSW 2065

The Wooden Whisk in St Leonards is a popular café known for its relaxed atmosphere and high-quality Australian café cuisine. Patrons frequently praise dishes like the braised lamb shoulder salad, brioche French toast, and croque madame. The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great spot for brunch or lunch. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Tripadvisor, it's considered one of the top dining options in the area.

The Rice Den

30-32 Chandos St, St Leonards NSW 2065

The Rice Den offers a contemporary take on Cantonese cuisine, blending traditional family recipes with modern culinary techniques. The menu features share-style dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with options for various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan choices. The restaurant also boasts an award-winning wine list and a selection of creative cocktails, all set within a stylish, accessible venue.

The Moody Chef

30 Atchison St, St Leonards NSW 2065

The Moody Chef in St Leonards is a beloved local café offering a modern Australian menu with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes include shakshuka with lamb merguez, poached eggs with kipfler potato and confit bacon mash, and prawn spaghetti puttanesca. The café provides a welcoming atmosphere with both indoor and alfresco seating options, making it a popular choice for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.

Where to shop

Mall 88 St Leonards

88 Christie St, St Leonards NSW 2065

Mall 88 St Leonards is a contemporary four-storey retail precinct located opposite St Leonards Train Station. Spanning approximately 8,000 square metres, the centre features a diverse mix of international flavours, boutique stores, and well-known brands, including a Coles supermarket, cafes, and alfresco dining options. Designed as a lifestyle destination, Mall 88 also offers essential services such as a public library and medical centre, catering to the needs of both locals and visitors.

St Leonards Square

472-486 Pacific Hwy, St Leonards NSW 2065

St Leonards Square is a modern, mixed-use development offering a blend of retail, dining, and residential spaces. The precinct features a range of boutique shops, including QE Foodstore for fresh produce, Rusty Rabbit for contemporary Australian cuisine, and Organica for organic groceries. Additionally, residents benefit from amenities such as a Virgin Active gym, Salon Lane co-working space for beauty professionals, and the St Leonards Library, all within walking distance.

Where to play

St Leonards Park

Miller St, North Sydney NSW 2060

St Leonards Park is a large, heritage-listed green space located on the Lower North Shore, featuring open lawns, picnic areas, and walking paths. It includes sports facilities such as North Sydney Oval and Bon Andrews Oval, making it popular for cricket, netball, and other community sports. The park also offers modern playgrounds and shaded areas, providing a family-friendly environment for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Wadanggari Park

564 Pacific Hwy, St Leonards NSW 2065

Wadanggari Park is a newly redeveloped urban green space featuring adventure-style playgrounds, open lawns, and plazas for community gatherings. The park offers modern facilities for children, including climbing structures, swings, and interactive play zones, making it ideal for family outings. Its central location near shops and public transport also makes it a convenient spot for residents and visitors to relax or enjoy outdoor activities.

St Leonards is well-connected, with St Leonards railway station providing frequent train services to Sydney CBD and other North Shore suburbs. The area is also served by multiple bus routes and has easy access to major roads, making driving convenient. Upcoming infrastructure, including the Crows Nest Metro station, will further enhance public transport options and connectivity for residents and commuters.

Bus

● 252: Between Gladesville to City via North Sydney

● 287: Between Ryde to Milsons Point via St Leonards & North Sydney

● 290: Between Epping to City via Macquarie University & North Sydney

● 291: Between Epping to McMahons Point

● 286: Between Denistone East to Milsons Point via St Leonards & North Sydney

● 261: Between Lane Cove to City via Longueville

● 265: Between Lane Cove to North Sydney via Greenwich

● 254: Between Riverview to McMahons Point

● 267: Between Greenwich Point Wharf to St Leonards Station

Train

● St Leonards Railway Station

● North Sydney Railway Station - 3.5km (10 minute drive)

● Artarmon Railway Station - 2km (5 minute drive)

● Wollstonecraft Railway Station - 2.5km (5 minute drive)

● Crows Nest Metro Station - 1.5km (5 minute drive)

Car

● (~13-15 minutes to CBD)

● Pacific Highway - 15 minutes (8km)

● Warringah Freeway - 15-20 minutes (9km)

● M1 - 20 minutes (10km)

St Leonards offers a mix of primary, secondary, and tertiary options, catering to families and professionals alike. The suburb is home to reputable schools such as St Leonards Public School and North Sydney Demonstration School, providing quality education for younger students. Its proximity to major universities, including the University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney, makes it an attractive location for students and academic professionals.

Medical facilities in St Leonards are anchored by the Royal North Shore Hospital, a major teaching hospital offering comprehensive healthcare services, including emergency, surgical, and specialist care. The suburb also hosts a variety of medical centres, general practitioners, and allied health services, ensuring convenient access to routine and specialised healthcare. Additionally, several nearby pharmacies and wellness clinics support residents with medications, preventative care, and holistic health options.

St Leonards reflects a diverse and professional community, with a significant proportion of residents born overseas, particularly from China, India, and Hong Kong. The suburb has a relatively young average age of around 33 years, with most residents aged between 15 and 64. Couples without children are the predominant household type, highlighting the area’s appeal to professionals, small families, and students.

Language

Religion

Ancestry

The property market in St Leonards is characterised by a mix of modern high-rise apartments and older residential homes, appealing to both investors and owner-occupiers. The median unit price is approximately $1,125,000, with recent trends showing a slight decrease, creating potential opportunities for buyers. Ongoing developments, including new apartment towers and mixed-use projects, continue to shape the suburb’s skyline and enhance its investment and lifestyle appeal.