Bellevue Hill, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bellevue Hill Sydney, New South Wales
Ginahgulla Road, Bellevue Hill
Postcode(s)	2023
Elevation	92 m (302 ft)
Location	5 km (3 mi) east of Sydney CBD
LGA(s)	Municipality of Woollahra
State electorate(s)	Vaucluse
Federal Division(s)	Wentworth
Suburbs around Bellevue Hill: Double Bay Point Piper Rose Bay Edgecliff Bellevue Hill North Bondi Woollahra Bondi Junction Bondi

Bellevue Hill is a beautiful suburb right by the harbour in Sydney, Australia. It's in the eastern part of Sydney, about five kilometres (or three miles) east of the city centre. This area is part of the Municipality of Woollahra. It's known for its amazing views!

Discovering Bellevue Hill's Past

The land where Bellevue Hill now stands was first home to the Cadigal people. They were Aboriginal Australians who lived by fishing and collecting shellfish.

In the early 1800s, some Irish settlers called this area Vinegar Hill. This name came from a famous battle in Ireland. But Governor Lachlan Macquarie didn't like that name. He decided to call it Bellevue Hill instead. "Belle vue" means "beautiful view" in French, which perfectly describes the area!

Later, the land became part of Daniel Cooper's large property. After he passed away in 1853, most of it went to his nephew, Sir Daniel Cooper.

Early Homes and Development

In the mid-1800s, land on the hills was opened up for building. This led to the creation of the first big houses. Two famous ones were Ginahgulla, owned by the Fairfax family, and Cranbrook. At first, there wasn't much public transport. So, people who moved here usually had their own ways to get around. They also really loved the amazing views!

More land was released in the early 1900s, especially on the western side of the hill. When the tram line was extended, it helped the area grow a lot. Most houses were built between 1910 and 1930. Many people owned their homes. There were also new waves of building in the 1990s.

Who Lives in Bellevue Hill?

Bellevue Hill is a diverse place with people from many backgrounds.

A Look at the Community

According to the 2021 census, about 10,590 people live in Bellevue Hill. In 2016, most residents (58.2%) were born in Australia. Other common birthplaces included England, South Africa, New Zealand, China, and the United States.

Most people (74.8%) speak only English at home. But you might also hear languages like Hebrew, Mandarin, Russian, Portuguese, and French. Many different religions are practiced here, including Judaism, Catholicism, and people who have no religion.

Many residents work as professionals or managers. This shows that Bellevue Hill is home to many people in important jobs.

Amazing Homes in Bellevue Hill

Bellevue Hill is famous for its grand and historic homes.

Historic Houses and Famous Owners

The Fairfax family, a well-known name in Australia, lived in Bellevue Hill. They first leased a home called Trahlee on Ginahgulla Road. Later, they moved to Ginahgulla, which is now known as Fairfax House and is part of The Scots College.

One very famous house is Caerleon. It's a beautiful Queen Anne style home built in 1885. It was sold for $22 million in 2008! Another mansion on Victoria Road sold for even more, $23 million, in 2009. This house was once used by the French consulate. Lachlan Murdoch, a well-known businessman, bought it.

Actress Toni Collette also sold her Bellevue Hill home, El Mio, for $6.4 million in 2009. This house was designed in the Spanish Mission style in 1928.

Important Heritage Sites

Bellevue Hill has several places that are protected because of their history and importance.

• 24 Victoria Road: Leura (Bellevue Hill)
• Rona, Ginahgulla Road
• Ginahgulla, Ginahgulla Road, now called Fairfax House and part of the Scots College
• Rovello, Ginahgulla Road
• Caerleon, Ginahgulla Road (the first Queen Anne home in Australia)
• House and Gardens, 1 Rose Bay Avenue
• Former Government House, now part of Cranbrook School, Victoria Road
• Sports Pavilion, Cranbrook School, New South Head Road (designed by John Horbury Hunt)
• Trahlee, Ginahgulla Road, is listed on the Heritage Register of New South Wales
• Villa d'Este, Victoria Road, is listed on the Heritage Register of New South Wales
• Bonnington, Victoria Road, is listed on the Heritage Register of New South Wales
• Wirian, Victoria Road, former home of Martin Sharp, is listed on the State Heritage Register of New South Wales

Schools in Bellevue Hill

Bellevue Hill is home to several schools. These include Bellevue Hill Public School and private schools like The Scots College and Cranbrook School.

Scots College, Victoria Road

Famous People from Bellevue Hill

Many interesting and famous people have lived in Bellevue Hill over the years.

• Gubby Allen: A former English test cricketer, born here.
• Charles Blackburn: A former leader of the University of Sydney.
• May Brahe: A composer who spent her later years here.
• Edmund Capon: The former director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
• Gordian Fulde: A director of emergency medicine at St Vincent's Hospital.
• Helen Garner: A well-known writer.
• Rene Rivkin: A famous stockbroker.
• Alan Kippax: A former Australian Test cricketer.
• Sir William McMahon and Lady McMahon: A former Prime Minister of Australia and his wife.
• Chad Morrison: A former Australian rules footballer.
• James Packer: A businessman and son of Kerry Packer.
• Kerry Packer: A very famous businessman who was once Australia's richest man.
• Martin Sharp: A talented artist.
• David Wilson: A King's Counsel (a type of senior lawyer).

Images for kids

• 

  Caerleon (1885)

• 

  Cranbrook Sports Pavilion

• 

  Fairfax House

• 

  Rona

• 

  Rovello

• 

  Trahlee

• 

  Aspinall House, Scots College, Victoria Road