Waverton, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Waverton Sydney, New South Wales
Waverton, New South Wales
Population	2,981 (2021 census)
• Density	3,730/km2 (9,700/sq mi)
Established	1929
Postcode(s)	2060
Elevation	42 m (138 ft)
Area	0.8 km2 (0.3 sq mi)
Location	4 km (2 mi) north of Sydney CBD
LGA(s)	North Sydney Council
State electorate(s)	North Shore
Federal Division(s)	North Sydney
Suburbs around Waverton: Wollstonecraft Crows Nest North Sydney Greenwich Waverton North Sydney Birchgrove Goat Island McMahons Point

Aboriginal whale carving in the Waverton Peninsula Reserve, as it appeared in the 1980s (white paint was used to accentuate the grooves, but the carving has since been restored to its natural state)

Waverton is a beautiful suburb located right by the harbour in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It's part of Sydney's lower North Shore. Waverton is only about four kilometres north of the main city centre, known as the Sydney central business district. It's managed by the North Sydney local government.

Exploring Waverton's Past

In the early 1800s, the land where Waverton now stands was mostly used for farming. People also harvested timber from the trees. As roads were built and more people moved into the area in the mid-1800s, it slowly started to become a suburban place.

How Waverton Got Its Name

The name "Waverton" was officially chosen in 1929. It was named after the "Waverton Estate," which belonged to an early resident named Richard Old. Before that, the land was owned by William Carr. He named it after a village in England that had a connection to his family.

The Railway Arrives

The North Shore railway line was extended to this area in 1893. For almost 40 years, the local train station was called "Bay Road." This was because a road called Bay Road crossed the railway line there. In 1929, a local group suggested a name change, and "Waverton" was chosen.

First Peoples of Waverton

Indigenous Australians lived in this area for a very long time, until 1916. They left behind many signs of their presence. You can still see some of these today. For example, there's a large rock carving of a whale near the old Coal Loader. At Balls Head Reserve, you can find ancient waterholes and grinding grooves. There are also engravings and grinding grooves in Waverton Park. These show how the Aboriginal people used the land and lived here.

Waverton Today

Today, Waverton is a small but well-off suburb. It's known for its lovely old homes and leafy streets. People like living here because it's close to both Sydney Harbour and the city centre. It's a popular place for families and working people. This is because it's quiet, has good public transport, and lots of green spaces. Places like Balls Head Reserve and Waverton Park are great for outdoor activities.

Waverton is also home to a special museum ship called the Cape Don. It's docked at the old coal loader in Balls Head Bay.

Important Historic Places

Waverton has several places that are listed for their historical importance. This means they are protected because they tell us about the past.

• Waverton Railway Station: The train station is part of the historic North Shore railway line.
• The Coal Loader: Located on the west side of the peninsula, this was built between 1913 and 1917. It's one of the oldest coal loaders in Sydney Harbour. It used to load coal from the Hunter Valley onto steamships. It has been restored and is now a popular place to visit on weekends.

Getting Around Waverton

Train Services

Waverton railway station is on the North Shore railway line. This line is part of the Sydney Trains network, which connects many parts of Sydney.

Bus Routes

Busways operates one bus route that goes through Waverton:

• Route 265: This bus travels from Lane Cove to North Sydney. It passes through Wollstonecraft along the way.

Shops and Local Businesses

Berrys Bay

Waverton has a small group of shops near the railway station. It feels like a friendly village centre. Here you can find:

• An IGA supermarket
• A bottle shop
• A butcher
• A chemist
• Several restaurants and cafes

The naval base HMAS Waterhen is also located on Balls Head Road.

Things to Do in Waverton

Waverton is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. It's set along the northern waterways of Lavender Bay. The area has beautiful bushland and lovely old homes. It offers a nice mix of peaceful living and easy access to city life.

Parks and Recreation

• Balls Head Reserve: This bushland peninsula is a very popular spot for picnics. It's especially busy during harbour fireworks events, like on New Year's Eve. The reserve has a one-way road system that is popular for walkers and joggers. There are also many bushwalking paths nearby.
• Waverton Park: This park is located on the banks of Berrys Bay. It offers amazing views of Sydney Harbour and is another great place for recreation.

Museum Ships

Waverton is home to several training ships. These include the Cape Don, Sycamore, and Young Endeavour. The Cape Don is also a popular maritime museum that you can visit.