Neutral Bay Wharf will temporarily close for essential maintenance works as Transport for NSW Maritime carries out a gangway replacement to improve passenger safety and accessibility.
From Friday, 14 November to Friday, 19 December 2025, Neutral Bay Wharf will be closed to allow Transport for NSW Maritime to complete vital gangway replacement works. The project is part of the agency’s ongoing Wharf Maintenance Program designed to maintain safe, reliable, and accessible infrastructure for ferry commuters across Sydney.
Work will be undertaken Monday to Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. However, the wharf will remain closed outside these hours for the full duration of the project. While some noise and general activity are expected during the works, efforts will be made to minimise disruption to local residents and businesses.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Alternative Transport Options For Commuters
During the closure, ferry passengers are advised to use other travel routes. The 225 bus service departs from the ferry wharf and travels to Wycombe Road, near Military Road, where connections to city and Northern bus routes are available. Those who wish to continue their ferry commute can take a short nine-minute walk to Kurraba Point Wharf.
Additional options include bus stops on Clark Road after Adderstone Avenue and Milsons Point train station, both offering links to the city. Passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance to avoid delays.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Part Of A Broader Wharf Maintenance Program
Neutral Bay Wharf’s temporary closure is part of a wider Wharf Maintenance Program involving several Sydney locations. Other wharves currently affected include Aquarium, Balmain East, Casino, and Cremorne Point.
Cremorne Point Wharf is also closed until Friday, 12 December 2025, for essential upgrades that include a new gangway, pontoon roof, and general structural improvements aimed at improving safety, reliability, and accessibility.
The Neutral Bay Wharf project is scheduled for completion by Friday, 19 December 2025. Upon reopening, ferry services are expected to resume normal operations. Transport for NSW Maritime has encouraged passengers to check real-time updates through official transport channels before travelling.
Residents in Neutral Bay are rallying to save a row of century-old terraces from demolition after a development application proposed replacing them with an eight-storey apartment block.
A proposal lodged with North Sydney Council seeks approval to demolish six adjoining properties at 27–37 Bydown Street, Neutral Bay, and replace them with a 28-metre-high residential building containing 25 apartments, including six affordable housing units. The $30 million project, designed by PBD Architects for developer Bydown Street Residence DM Pty Ltd, also includes three basement levels of parking.
The 1211.7-square-metre site is zoned R3 Medium Density Residential. The existing cottages, built around 1908, are believed to have housed tram workers and are considered part of Neutral Bay’s early working-class heritage.
Photo Credit: Change.org
Community Effort to Save the Cottages
Local residents have launched a campaign titled Save Bydown Terraces from Demolition – Neutral Precinct to prevent the redevelopment. The online petition calls for an Interim Heritage Order to protect the six adjoining homes, describing them as a rare and intact example of federation workers’ cottages that reflect the suburb’s cultural and architectural history.
The campaign has gained more than 180 signatures, with residents voicing concerns over increased congestion, loss of historical character, and the scale of new developments reshaping the lower north shore. Many argue that once historical homes are demolished, the suburb’s unique identity will be permanently altered.
Photo Credit: Change.org
Council Considers Heritage Protection
A motion was presented at the North Sydney Council meeting on 13 October 2025, following strong community advocacy. Councillors voted unanimously to appoint a heritage consultant to assess whether the Bydown Street cottages are eligible for protection under an Interim Heritage Order.
This decision followed community representations citing the buildings’ historical associations with builder Frank Harpham and architect Thomas W. Hodgson, both linked to significant early 20th-century developments in the area. Harpham was a founding member of the Middle Harbour Yacht Club, while Hodgson served multiple terms as a North Sydney mayor.
Heritage and Planning Context
The proposed eight-storey project is part of the NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow increased height and density if developments include affordable housing. The Neutral Bay site meets this criterion, proposing six affordable units within the 25-apartment complex.
Recently submitted design renders revealed the new structure’s scale, sparking further concern among residents. Community members claim the building would dominate its surroundings and impact nearby heritage landmarks such as the Neutral Bay Fire Station and Public School.
The Neutral Precinct group continues to encourage public submissions and correspondence with council representatives before a final decision is made. While supporters of the redevelopment cite the need for increased housing, many residents argue that heritage conservation should take precedence in maintaining Neutral Bay’s historic character.
The development application (DA 310/2025) remains open for community submissions through the North Sydney Council Planning Portal, with a final outcome pending the heritage consultant’s assessment.
The Nike store on Military Road has closed its doors permanently following the collapse of AF-1, the franchisee that operated the Neutral Bay outlet along with six other Nike stores across Sydney.
The franchisee, which had been operating for nearly two decades, has been forced into liquidation after losing its licensing agreement with Nike, leaving as many as 115 workers without jobs.
The Neutral Bay store, located at 185 Military Road on the corner of Rangers Road, was one of seven AF-1-operated Nike outlets affected by the sudden closure. Other stores included those at Pitt Street in the CBD, Bondi, Chatswood, Burwood, Warringah and Castle Hill.
Liquidator John Morgan from BCR Advisory has been appointed to manage the wind-up process and confirmed that eligible employee entitlements, including unpaid annual leave, wages and redundancy payments, will be covered under the Commonwealth Government’s Fair Entitlements Guarantee scheme.
The liquidator’s office has provided information to affected employees about how to apply for compensation through the federal funding program.
For customers holding gift certificates or store credits for the affected stores, the news is disappointing. These will not be honoured, as they represent unsecured claims against the franchisee.
Morgan stated that his office is working with Nike and landlords to arrange an orderly closedown of the shops and, where appropriate, facilitate the return of goods to Nike under existing supply arrangements.
A Nike spokesperson confirmed that agreements with AF-1 had ended “effective immediately” and said the company appreciated the partnership. Nike added it looks forward to continuing to serve consumers through its growing network of Nike stores, multibrand retail partners and online platform.
Cleaver’s Organic began as a family butcher shop in Neutral Bay, Sydney in 1998 and has grown into a national brand now stocked in Coles, turning organic red meat from a niche product into a regular choice for Australian families.
What started more than 20 years ago as a small business serving Neutral Bay families has grown steadily by sticking to its core values. Cleaver’s Organic offers 100 per cent grass-fed, organic-certified meat with clear health benefits.
Its community focus has built a loyal customer base that values taste, traceability, and ethical production. The company balances tradition with meeting the needs of today’s health-conscious Australians.
Shaping Consumer Understanding Through Education
The “Seriously Organic, Seriously Good” campaign, which ran from September 2024 to April 2025, helped change how Australians view organic meat. It shifted focus from just ethics and sustainability to clear benefits like health, animal welfare, and caring for the environment.
This fresh messaging framed organic meat as a smart, everyday family choice rather than a luxury product. The campaign attracted over 115,000 new shoppers and boosted online sales by more than 50%, marking a significant shift in the organic meat market.
Leadership in Sustainable Farming
Cleaver’s Organic is part of Hewitt, Australia’s largest organic meat producer managing over 5.6 million acres of certified organic farmland. The company was a pioneer in Australia to receive Regenerative Organic Certification, reflecting its commitment to soil health, animal welfare, and sustainability.
Hewitt supports hundreds of thousands of animals raised under organic standards and helps set industry benchmarks. Leading producers like the Schutt family in Queensland exemplify the brand’s dedication to certified organic livestock farming and build trust in the Cleaver’s name.
Recognition and Industry Impact
Cleaver’s Organic received the Campaign of the Year award at the 2025 Organic Industry Awards, recognising its success in educating consumers and expanding the organic meat market in Australia.
The award highlights the brand’s rise from a local butcher shop in Neutral Bay to a national presence in Coles stores. It demonstrates how the combination of community values, clear communication, and sustainable practices can drive industry success and benefit Australian consumers.
The Oak Hotel has announced that bookings are now open for Father’s Day, giving local families the chance to enjoy a traditional celebration beneath the venue’s famous oak tree. The iconic Neutral Bay establishment is positioning itself as an ideal choice for families seeking a relaxed atmosphere with a touch of local history.
The venue’s appeal lies in its combination of traditional pub fare and family-friendly environment, making it particularly suitable for multi-generational celebrations. The famous oak tree that gives the hotel its name continues to provide a unique dining backdrop that sets it apart from other local venues.
Located in the heart of Neutral Bay, The Oak Hotel offers convenient access for local families who prefer to stay close to home for their Father’s Day celebrations. The venue’s reputation for hearty pub classics makes it a comfortable choice for dads who appreciate straightforward, quality food in a relaxed setting.
Families interested in dining at The Oak Hotel this Father’s Day are encouraged to make reservations, as Sunday bookings typically fill up quickly for special occasions. The venue’s combination of traditional charm and family-friendly atmosphere continues to make it a popular choice among Neutral Bay residents.
Father’s Day falls on Sunday, 7 September 2025, giving families across the Lower North Shore numerous options to show their appreciation for the dads in their lives. For those seeking a local, traditional pub experience, The Oak Hotel’s famous oak tree setting offers a distinctly Neutral Bay way to mark the occasion.
The Pickled Possum, one of Neutral Bay’s most iconic late-night venues, is officially on the market following its recent move into receivership, and its future could go in many directions.
Long known as a quirky institution on Military Road, the famed karaoke and piano bar is being offered to buyers for about $2.5 million, with interest already high from hospitality players and potential developers. The sale is being managed by HTL Property, with expressions of interest due by 7 August 2025 at 5PM.
Photo credit: Feargus ODonoghue/Google Maps
The two-storey building sits on a 164sqm site and still holds a rare extended trading licence allowing operation until 2:00am, Monday to Saturday. Its legacy and location continue to appeal to a wide range of buyers, including restaurateurs, brewers, and spirits distillers, with the potential for it to be part of a future amalgamated development.
The bar’s name was inspired by real possums that would peer down from the door frames, hoping for scraps of carrots and lettuce from late-night patrons. But inside, the experience was anything but sleepy, with old photos plastered on the walls, $10 steak nights, and crowds singing around the piano until closing.
Over the years, The Pickled Possum attracted both locals and famous faces, including Janet Jackson and Chris Hemsworth. The venue peaked in the 1980s and was known for serving drinks from eskys and spontaneous singalongs by former mayors.
Photo credit: Gokhan Kur/Google Maps
Owned and operated for four decades by John Oseckas and Margurite Smith, the couple transferred ownership in 2021 after purchasing it in 2002 for $913,000. The new owner, Robert Patterson, had lodged plans for a 78-room boarding house across several adjoining properties, but the proposal was refused by North Sydney Council in late 2024.
Now, with the site being offered through a structured campaign, its future remains open-ended. The current tenant is eager to stay and continue operating under a new lease if an investor-owner is secured.
HTL Property agents Sam Handy, Andrew Jolliffe, and Ben Kennedy say the level of enquiry so far reflects both the venue’s nostalgic pull and its strong fundamentals, such as location, licence, and character.
We’ve combed Kurraba Point, Neutral Bay, and Neutral Bay Junction for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
David and Frances van Gestel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The beer garden at The Oaks is absolutely magical – shaded by a majestic oak tree draped in fairy lights, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal. We ordered the chicken schnitzel, oysters, and fish tacos – all were fresh, full of flavour, and beautifully presented. The oysters in particular were incredibly fresh. I also had the lychee cocktail which was light, sweet, and delicious. Great vibes, friendly service, and a lively yet laid-back atmosphere. A favourite spot for a reason!
Ryan Nikoo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great food! Unbelievable atmosphere upstairs with a vintage hotel turned into pub rooms including pool tables! Fantastic place to have some beers and enjoy time playing pool, darts, fusball or basketball shots! Service can be a bit slow on busy days. Interesting experience and will definitely go back!
Lucy Honey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love it here! Especially the huge courtyard shaded by the magnificent Oak tree. Great atmosphere day and night. Delicious food, very generous portions. The steak sandwiches are absolutely delicious, so tender!! Excellent value for money 😋Love it here! Especially the huge courtyard shaded by the magnificent Oak tree. Great atmosphere day and night. Delicious food, very generous portions. The steak sandwiches are absolutely delicious, so tender!! Excellent value for money 😋
Kathreen Louise Del Rosario ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love their wings! Reasonable price with the quality of their food. Will definitely go back for my regular wing fix. PS hubby ordered his burger and he said it was good too!
David ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Probably one of the best burgers that we have ever had. Also the wings… we tried 6 different flavours… all on point. Nice cocktails aswell. Well done guys. This is my new go to!
Jonathan Malota ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently tried the chicken wings, and they were really impressive, crispy and packed with flavor. The chicken burger was also lovely. We arrived around 9 PM, and they were gracious enough to take our order just before closing, which we appreciated. Whether you choose to eat in or take away, this place offers a great experience. I highly recommend giving it a try! The staff is friendly and welcoming as well. Looking forward to returning!
Tash Toohey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ SoCal Mexican’s bottomless brunch was easily one of the best I’ve tried! The food was excellent plenty of it, fresh, and full of flavor. The Tommy’s margaritas were unreal, and the staff were some of the friendliest I’ve ever experienced at a bottomless brunch. They were super generous and really added to the overall great vibe. All around, an amazing time I’ll definitely be back!
Alice ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A fantastic place to visit! Gorgeous rooftop dining and nice interiors. We went for Taco Tuesday and ordered every single one, all of which were delicious! Our favourite was the pork belly with pineapple, cabbage & Jalapeños. Even better paired with their Margaritas & Happy hour!
Janette ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My friends and I frequent this restaurant every tuesday after our volleyball games – there is a reason we keep coming back! from the staff at the front, to the bar, to the tables and all the way into the kitchen. every single one of the staff is amazing. special shout outs to the chefs (hope i got all their names right) scotty, chris and annie. thank you for making each time we dine with you so memorable. i recognise i havent spoken about the food but it speaks for itself! highly recommend this restaurant! thank you for being amazing!
Harvey Broadbent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Just as we walked into the beautifully designed restaurant, I was greeted by Karla a staff member there. She made it her mission for us to have an awesome time, and provided amazing service! We had an absolute blast, and the food was amazing. Will definitely be back soon. Thanks!
Gabriela Bolzan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Incredible atmosphere and amazing food! We had a wood fire bread and carpaccio as an entree and lamb ragu pasta for the main. It was my first experience at this restaurant and it definitely won’t be the last! I’ll be recommending it to all my friends. Great customer service and unforgettable food. 5 starts without a doubt!
nat ber ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We were small group of five and we all had different dishes from pizza , to steak, chicken, pasta… All dishes were good. Definitely recommend calamari fritti and also loved mango and macadamia tiramisu. It was refreshing and not too sweet. I noticed they have nice selection of different paninis during the lunch time so will be back to try
Teddy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I have been going to this restaurant for ten years and their food is always excellent. A lot of choices. From Sushi to sashimi, Undone and Raman. The staff are helpful and friendly. We went there with a baby this time and he is well looking after. They provided plastic utensils for kids, a baby friendly cup with straw, a toy to occupy the baby etc.
James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great, fresh sushi. Nice service. We would recommend paying $3 for the lucky dip – they come out with an old arcade style game and you put a coin in and get a prize. Ours was a free dessert. Other prizes are vouchers, free drinks etc
Nin Roberts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We’ve been coming here on and off for 10+ years and it’s always been a good experience. It’s quite a small cozy space so bookings are recommended for evenings but lunchtime usually just a short wait. They have really yummy crab fried rice. 10% surcharge on weekends though and some of the booths probably need new cushions as they’re falling apart but the food and service has always been great.
A teenage student from Shore School has been awarded over $276,000 in damages after injuring his back during a long jump activity at Neutral Bay Public School.
The accident happened in 2019 during a Year 6 athletics carnival at Neutral Bay Public School, where an 11-year-old boy landed awkwardly in the long jump pit. He was on his fifth or sixth attempt when he fell on his back and felt immediate pain. The student said he felt winded at first, and later developed chronic back issues.
He argued in court that staff failed to keep the sandpit properly maintained during the event. Although he kept playing sports like rowing and basketball, he told the court he couldn’t train at the same level. His legal team said the injury may limit his future career options, especially in jobs that require long periods of sitting.
Lawsuit Challenges School’s Safety Practices
The student claimed the school breached its duty of care by not raking the sandpit between jumps, leaving it compacted and shallow. He argued this made his fall more dangerous during the athletics event.
The State responded that staff raked the pit every few jumps and noted the student remained active afterward. The New South Wales District Court initially ruled in favour of the school. However, the student appealed, and a panel of judges reviewed the case again in late 2024.
Appeal Decision Supports Student’s Claim
The appeals panel found that Neutral Bay Public School did not meet reasonable safety standards on the day of the accident. They agreed the sand should have been loosened after each jump, not every few. The judges determined that failing to do so increased the risk of injury.
They also noted that the injury had real effects on the teen’s health, education and future work plans. As a result, the court awarded him $276,500 in damages, along with interest to cover the time since the incident.
Community Reflections On School Sports Safety
The court’s decision has stirred fresh debate among school communities about safety at sporting events. Many parents and educators are now rethinking how equipment and facilities are managed during carnivals.
Though risk is part of sport, the case has reminded schools of their duty to prevent avoidable injuries. So far, the Department of Education has stayed silent on whether any changes are coming.
For 53 years, Pearsons Jewellers was more than just a shop on Military Road in Neutral Bay. It was a cornerstone of the community. Known for its expert watch repairs and fine jewellery, the store has touched the lives of countless locals. But now, after five decades of dedication, the couple behind the business, Nick and Louise Pearson, have made the difficult decision to close shop.
As the sign on the window announces its “closing down” sale, the memories of the many customers who have walked through Pearsons’ door flood in. From the loyal regulars who came in for repairs on their treasured timepieces to those seeking the perfect engagement ring or gift for a loved one, the shop was always buzzing with life.
A Shop Built on Trust and Dedication
The story of Pearsons Jewellers begins in 1972, when Swiss-trained watchmaker John Baumann opened the business as Baumann Jewellers. With a reputation for quality and reliability, the shop quickly became a trusted destination for Neutral Bay locals.
In 1989, Nick Pearson, a young watchmaker with a second-generation legacy, joined the business. Trained by his father Ron, Nick brought a passion for craftsmanship and a strong work ethic to the team.
By 2000, the two watchmakers formed a partnership, and the business became known as Pearsons Jewellers. John Baumann retired in 2006, leaving the business in Nick and Louise’s hands. Over the years, Louise helped expand the shop’s offerings, introducing more jewelry options while Nick continued to hone his skills in watch repair.
The business grew, with Pearsons becoming a fixture in the local community. In 2007, the shop was refurbished, giving it a fresh look and an expanded selection of fine jewellery and timepieces. By the time Pearsons Jewellers celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2012, the business was well-established, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.
The Strain of Success
However, success often comes with its own challenges. In recent years, demand for repairs increased, especially after other nearby watchmakers closed their doors. As business boomed, Nick and Louise found themselves working harder than ever to keep up with the demand. Nick, who often worked 12 to 15-hour days, was managing the workload of several watchmakers by himself. Even though they had a skilled team member at one point, the shop had struggled to find a replacement for her after she left.
Nick and Louise’s commitment to their customers never wavered. Despite the exhaustion and the long daily commute from Winston Hills, Nick remained dedicated to his craft, working well into the evenings. Louise, too, played a crucial role in the business, overseeing the jewellery side and ensuring everything ran smoothly. But despite their best efforts, the reality of their situation was undeniable.
Photo Credit: Pearsons Jewellers
A New Chapter
Now, with a sense of relief and anticipation, the Pearsons are preparing to close the shop’s physical doors for the final time this July. But the story isn’t over. The couple plans to continue their watch repair business from home, offering a mail-in service for their loyal customers. It’s a bittersweet end to an era, but Nick and Louise are looking forward to slowing down after years of hard work.
For those who have visited Pearsons Jewellers over the years, the closing down sale offers a chance to take home a final piece of the store’s legacy. With discounts of 25-50% off marked prices, long-time customers can stock up on jewellery and mementoes of a place that has been part of their lives for so long.
While the physical store may be closing, the memories of Pearsons Jewellers will continue to live on in the hearts of the Neutral Bay community—a business built on trust, expertise, and a commitment to the people it served for over five decades.
WaFire Grill has landed in Neutral Bay, finally offering locals a taste of the Middle East crafted by a chef who’s cooked in Dubai’s Burj Al Arab and beyond.
Chef Wasim Shaikh began his culinary career at 18 in a flight kitchen in India, later honing his skills across Dubai, Egypt, China, the UK and Singapore. He worked at top hotels in Dubai, including the Burj Al Arab, before moving to Australia.
Here, he became known as the head chef at Kazbah, a popular Middle Eastern restaurant in Balmain and Darling Harbour. After Kazbah closed, Shaikh saw a chance to bring authentic Middle Eastern dining to Neutral Bay.
Bringing Middle Eastern Flavour to the North Shore
WaFire Grill’s menu draws from across the Middle East, with flavours from North Africa to the Persian Gulf. It features grilled meats like lamb kafta and chicken shish tawook, a nutty tabouleh salad, and a slow-cooked lamb shank tagine served with couscous or Persian rice.
Moroccan-style grilled prawns with green sauce and mango have also become a local favourite. One standout mezze is the Kataifi Haloumi, haloumi wrapped in pastry and topped with honey-pomegranate glaze.
Fresh Produce and Slow Feasts
Unlike many commercial kitchens, Shaikh avoids bulk suppliers and instead shops daily at local markets and butchers to ensure freshness. He often visits Auburn to source authentic Middle Eastern ingredients.
The restaurant’s dining concept encourages guests to take their time, meals are served gradually, encouraging conversation and connection over a slow “feast.” WaFire Grill also welcomes guests to bring their own wine, adding to the relaxed, community-driven experience.
Celebrating Culture Beyond the Menu
WaFire Grill aims to be more than just a restaurant, creating a space that celebrates Middle Eastern culture through food and events like live music and performances. The team brings a strong focus on hospitality and tradition, shaped by Chef Wasim Shaikh’s heritage.
Their goal is to make dining feel like gathering with family. With its cultural focus and community spirit, WaFire Grill is quickly becoming a favourite in Neutral Bay.
