Three parcels of land tucked along the Belrose Corridor, a strip of native bushland that links Garigal National Park to surrounding green space, are on the chopping block, with the state announcing plans to sell the sites for residential development as part of a sweeping statewide housing push.
The blocks at 5 and 6 Elm Avenue and 106 Pringle Avenue have quietly become the talk of the Northern Beaches, earning the unofficial nickname the “giant schlong of Belrose.”
Together, the three sites have been flagged for up to 24 new dwellings. Because the sites fall within the Belrose Corridor, which is subject to strict biodiversity protections designed to safeguard wildlife movement into and out of Garigal National Park, only 16,940 square metres can actually be used for housing. The remainder must be retained as vegetation, public open space, and a functioning native wildlife eco-corridor.
Photo credit: property.com.au
Of the three sites, 6 Elm Avenue has been specifically identified as capable of accommodating five homes.
The land release forms part of the Building Homes for NSW program, which aims to deliver 30,000 homes across the state to address the ongoing housing shortage. In February 2026, nine sites across NSW were identified in the latest round of releases, collectively earmarked for more than 180 homes. The Belrose trio is among them.
Cr Jody Williams, moved quickly after the announcement, flagging concerns about what residential development could mean for the Corridor and the wildlife that depends on it. She and Cr Ethan Hrnjak have since indicated they will ask their fellow local officials to formally request that the state either hand the land over to council or sell it at a nominal fee, keeping it as public recreation space and preserving the integrity of the wildlife corridor.
“Save the schlong!” Cr Hrnjak urged on social media, rallying public support for the push.
It’s a concern the councillors believe many residents share. Belrose sits on the edge of Garigal National Park, a defining feature of the suburb’s character. The idea of homes rising on land that currently serves as a buffer for native animals is one that Cr Williams and her colleague have flagged as a serious community issue.
What happens next remains unclear — council is yet to vote on the matter, and no final decision has been made. For now, the giant schlong of Belrose has the suburb’s attention.
New pedestrian fencing and widened footpaths along Forest Way in Belrose are being welcomed locally as a practical safety improvement near Wakehurst Public School.
Transport for NSW installed pedestrian fencing between Wearden Road and Glen Street to guide pedestrians toward signalised crossing points. The footpath at the northern corner of Glen Street and Forest Way was also widened to provide more space for people walking in the area.
Forest Way is a high foot-traffic corridor used by primary and secondary students, families and people accessing a nearby day care service.
Photo Credit: MichaelReganMP/Facebook
The works were carried out across night shifts scheduled between Sunday 30 November and Sunday 14 December 2025, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday to Thursday.
Background To Safety Concerns In Belrose
Concerns about pedestrian conditions were raised in September 2023, with reports of students walking in groups along narrow footpaths beside traffic travelling at 70 km/h, including near a blind corner.
In August 2023, a crash resulted in vehicles skidding onto the footpath near where students stand. High-traction asphalt was later installed on the roadway.
Photo Credit: MichaelReganMP/Facebook
Transport for NSW recorded eight crashes in the area between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2023, including two involving pedestrians.
School Zone Extension And What Remains
A 40 km/h school zone was extended in August 2025 to include raised pedestrian crossings on Glen Street and Pringle Avenue. The section of Forest Way near the school remains outside the 40 km/h zone under current criteria.
Photo Credit: MichaelReganMP/Facebook
Further measures raised locally include additional fencing and the possibility of a pedestrian footbridge, which has been described as difficult and costly to install at the location.
The fencing and footpath upgrades form part of the Road Safety Program launched in early 2024, which includes $518 million allocated to road safety projects across NSW.
For many families, the installation of fencing and added footpath space along Forest Way in Belrose represents a tangible step toward safer daily travel, with further improvements still under consideration.
A $200 million redevelopment of the Uniting Wesley Gardens seniors housing precinct in Belrose has been approved under the State Significant Development process, paving the way for new independent living apartments, aged care beds and expanded on-site community facilities.
The redevelopment of the Uniting Wesley Gardens seniors housing precinct in Belrose has been approved, clearing the way for a staged transformation of the long-running site.
The project was determined as approved on 5 February 2026 under State Significant Development application SSD-71378958, covering a 4.84-hectare property on Morgan Road in Belrose.
Photo Credit: SSD-71378958
Long-Established Belrose Site
Uniting Wesley Gardens has operated in Belrose since the 1970s and currently provides retirement and residential aged care services. The approved redevelopment will modernise the precinct while retaining key community uses already located on the site.
The Forest Preschool and the Belrose Uniting Church are set to remain.
Photo Credit: SSD-71378958
What The Belrose Seniors Housing Plan Includes
The approval allows for six buildings of up to five storeys. Reporting on the project describes a mix of independent living and residential care accommodation, including 147 independent living apartments and 120 residential aged care places, with dementia support.
The planning portal summary for the same application lists 140 independent living units and 120 residential care facility beds, indicating a variation in the publicly available figures that will require clarification in detailed project documentation.
Planned shared amenities include a swimming pool, café, gym, library, cinema, hairdressing salon, clubhouse, Men’s Shed and chapel. Landscaped elements are to feature two outdoor recreation areas, a forest walk, rooftop courtyards, outdoor rooms and a yarning circle. A suite of medical and allied health consulting rooms is also proposed.
Photo Credit: SSD-71378958
Assessment And Community Issues
During assessment, the local authorities raised concerns relating to height, bulk and scale, urban design, parking, stormwater and amenity impacts. The proposal nonetheless received approval following review.
Photo Credit: SSD-71378958
Jobs And Next Steps
Construction is expected to create around 230 jobs, with about 100 ongoing roles once operational. Works will be staged, with existing residents supported during the construction period.
Detailed design is progressing, with tender documentation anticipated later in 2026. The Belrose seniors housing redevelopment represents a significant renewal of one of the area’s longest-operating seniors living communities.
A teenage provisional licence holder has been hospitalised following an early morning collision that saw a vehicle smash into the front of a residence on Forest Way in Belrose.
Emergency services responded to the incident at approximately 6.45am on Tuesday, 3 February, after reports of a crash were received.
Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command attended the scene and discovered a vehicle had collided with the front of a house on the busy thoroughfare.
The driver, aged 17, received medical treatment at the scene from paramedics before being transported to Royal North Shore Hospital. The teenager was reported to be in a stable condition.
Fortunately, the residents inside the home at the time of the collision were unharmed.
A crime scene has been established at the location, and police are conducting an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
The incident adds to ongoing concerns about road safety on Forest Way, a major arterial road connecting the northern beaches to other parts of Sydney.
Further details about the crash are expected to be released as the police investigation continues.
Located within the North Shore and Forest District of Sydney is Belrose’s Garigal National Park—a protected park that is ideal for several outdoor activities or quick getaway trips with family and friends.
If you are planning on having a picnic or maybe a short trip for fishing and bushwalking, but still haven’t decided where to go, here is a list of reasons why Garigal National Park is the place you must visit.
Garigal National Park serves as a natural habitat for a number of native and threatened animal species. Given the parks massive size that spans all the way from Sydney Harbour to Blue Mountains, it is no wonder that Garigal has a rich biological diversity of animals.
If you stay at the park for quite a while, you will definitely get to see animal species that are no longer sighted nor inhabit urban areas. Included amongst the animals you might encounter at the park are tiger quolls, broad-headed snakes, red-crowned toadlets, giant burrowing frog,swamp wallabies, echidna, southern brown Bandicoot, Rosenberg’s goanna, the powerful owl, the barking owl, and more.
Birds are also abundant at Garigal National Park, with birdwatchers to be on the lookout for lorikeets, sulfur-crested cockatoos, glossy black cockatoos, wrens, finches, firetails, king parrots, rosellas, lorikeets, honeyeaters, laughing kookaburras, and Azure kingfishers
Bungaroo and former Bantry Bay Explosives Magazine complex are just two of the many places of historical interest that can be found at Garigal National Park. These two sites are more popular than other historical sites found at the park mainly because they serve a great role in the early establishment of Sydney. They also act as important reminders of the rich history of Sydney since colonisation.
Rich Aboriginal Heritage
Photo credit: Clytemnestra/ Wikimedia Commons
For thousands of years, the Guringai people have been the traditional custodians of the land that is now reserved as Garigal National Park. At present, evidence from the past is very much evident throughout the park.
There are over 100 Aboriginal sites, recorded to date, that are only found at Garigal. These sites display the past Aboriginal activities that took place in the area, which include shelters, cave art, rock engravings, middens, grinding grooves, and a few stone arrangements.
Thinking of ways to pass the time whilst you are at Garigal National Park? No need to think further because there are countless activities that you may freely do and enjoy at the park.
Explore the trails and tracks of Garigal by riding horses, mountain bike, or simply on foot. Get to enjoy water activities such as canoeing or boat riding from the ramp at Davidson Park. Fishing is also great at Garigal National Park especially at the Middle Harbour where you can catch flathead, flounder, mullet and bream.
Abundance of Rare Plants
Photo credit: Geoff Derrin/ Wikimedia Commons
Similar to the abundance of rare animals species that inhibit Garigal, rare plants and wildflowers also crop up along the tracks and throughout the park. Indeed, both fauna and flora are opulent at Garigal National Park.
Some of the rare plant species found at the park include: Tetratheca glandulosa, Genoplesium baueri, and Melaleuca deanei. All these plants are listed as endangered and vulnerable to extinction in New South Wales.
Officers attached to the Northern Beaches Police Area Command became aware of social media posts made in September 2025 that showed items resembling a rifle and a handgun. The images depicted objects similar in appearance to an AK-47-style rifle and a Glock-style pistol.
While the items were incapable of firing live ammunition, police initiated inquiries due to their realistic appearance. Investigators traced the origin of the images to a residential address in Belrose.
Police attended the Belrose address and located the items shown in the images. Officers confirmed the objects were plastic replicas produced using a three-dimensional printer. Further assessment determined the replicas were inert and not capable of being used as firearms.
Police established the items had been created by a teenage boy. Officers were satisfied the replicas were not produced with the intention of committing an offence. The teenager’s parents were cooperative throughout the investigation and surrendered the items to police.
Legal Context Under NSW Law
Police confirmed the replicas met the definition of imitation firearms under the NSW Firearms Act. The Act defines an imitation firearm as an object that substantially duplicates the appearance of a real firearm, regardless of its material, weight, or functionality, unless it is clearly identified as a children’s toy.
Police reiterated that possessing an imitation firearm without appropriate authorisation is an offence in NSW. This includes gel blasters, which remain illegal in the state despite being readily available for purchase online from interstate sellers.
The replica firearms were destroyed by police, and no charges were laid in relation to the incident. Police used the matter as an opportunity to remind the community that realistic replica weapons can cause significant alarm and may be treated as real firearms during any police response.
Police also cautioned that carrying or displaying imitation firearms in public can create serious safety risks, regardless of whether the items are capable of firing.
The Belrose investigation has concluded with no further action. Police have reiterated the importance of understanding imitation firearm laws and the potential consequences of creating or possessing realistic replicas, even when no criminal intent is involved.
We’ve combed Belrose, Belrose West, and Davidson 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!
Amanda M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love this restaurant. Fresh & delicious food. Warm and friendly staff. Generous servings. Marinated tofu that literally explodes and then melts in your mouth. Delicious! And their miso soup? Made in house from scratch and out of this world.
Shooly S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The sushi and sashimi were exceptionally fresh, and the presentation was artistic. The staff’s warm smiles and friendly service made me feel comfortable throughout my visit. Be sure to try the tempura; it’s a must-try. The Calamari Sizzling dish was fantastic as well. With a wide variety of desserts available, tasting them all will be a delightful experience. This is truly the most beautiful sushi restaurant in this area!
Jessica Y ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best sashimi I have had! super fresh and delicious😍 The tempura is outstanding too—crispy and beautifully prepared. If you’re a sushi and Japanese food lover, this is definitely the place to go! Highly recommended 👍
Lorraine O ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We attended for a family catch up for lunch on a Monday. The food was all delicious, served hot & freshly cooked. The Manager, Am, was polite and attentive. Couldn’t recommend the venue& food more highly.
Ian O ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Has Mothers Day lunch on the Terrace. Meals came quickly and were above the normal quality for food at a club or pub. Staff were super friendly and efficient. Great spot for a family gathering.
Claire V ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 18 people for dinner and everyone loved their meals. Excellent range of high quality options. Fast and professional service. Caring staff. Looking forward to going back!
Jill S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great lunch place hidden in a light industrial area. Mostly take away but there are a few dining tables. Food is fresh and there are lots of sandwich options. Everything is very clean and the staff all friendly and efficient.
James K ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really enjoyed the belrose special on Turkish bread and at a good price, definitely recommend for those on the road looking for a local spot to eat
J Sm ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hidden Gem! Food quality, freshness, price are top notch. The hot food are very tasty, not oily & very good quality rivalling if not better than some restaurants. The sandwiches, wraps & rolls are prepared with good balance of ingredients & good value. Tam & his wife are hard-working, keep the place clean & remember their customers. What more do you want?
Amanda K ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’ve eaten there 3 times now – twice for lunch and once for dinner. Each time ordering something new. The meals are constantly excellent. Super fresh, huge portions and delicious. They can make kale taste amazing! The sizes are generous. The bacon is extra crispy. The meals are plated nicely too. If ordering hot drink I do shears ask for extra hot as it has come out a little too cold for me. It’s that’s the only thing I can fault. Hope they make a success of it and stick around as they deserve it.
John R ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fabulous, way more than just a cafe! Unpretentious. Personal, caring and attentive service. A nice menu and really nice, fresh food. Some of us had the duck confit which was outstanding! Plus was served with generous fresh vegetables.! Yummy. Others loved the grilled Barramundi. The pasta ordered by others was praised as perfect. Plus a sensible wine list. We were a pre theatre party of 11 people and everything ran very smoothly. We will be back.
Mark T ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A fave of ours, opens early, serves great coffee & breakfast. Very high quality of service & food/drink. They also do lunch & even evening drinks, which I haven’t done yet but imagine they would be great. Highly recommend their Brekkie Burger, one of the best I’ve had.
Sharon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tried out this cafe while shopping around. Was surprised by how great the eggs Benedict was and how creamy and delicious the poached egg was with the hollandaise. I recommend getting the sourdough though definitely be prepared to struggle cutting through the bread. The haloumi add on for the egg on toast was also amazing. Would recommend.
Ben L ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy ordering, great Brekky options. Filling and tasty. – had the eggs Benedict. Coffee was also good and the staff are friendly and happy 🤙🏽
The Belrose-Terrey Hills Raiders Soccer Club‘s junior teams stormed the state finals at Valentine Sports Park, returning home to their community with two prestigious Champion of Champions trophies.
The twin triumphs at Valentine Sports Park cap off an outstanding 2025 campaign for the Terrey Hills-based club, which operates within the Manly Warringah Football Association (MWFA). Club President Samantha Cheesman expressed immense pride in both teams, highlighting their exceptional quality, consistency, and character throughout the demanding season. The club’s strong showing was further emphasised by the fact that a record five BTH junior teams represented the club in the tournament.
An Unprecedented Run of Success
The Under 15s team, guided by coaches Duncan Kerr, Nate Gray, and Luke Garrard, has officially etched its name into local football history. This Champion of Champions title is the latest addition to a 2025 season that already included winning the MWFA Premiership, the Grand Final, and the joint NSFA Cup. This success builds on their incredible 2024 season, where they achieved an unprecedented five-title sweep, securing their place as one of the most decorated junior sides in the association’s history. Ms Cheesman noted that their consistency over the past three years has been remarkable.
For the Under 17s, the championship victory was a perfect finish to their long journey together as a group. Led by coach Ben Sinclair since 2021, the team has grown together as both players and friends. Having narrowly missed out on winning the U17 State Cup final earlier in the year, the team’s triumph at the Champion of Champions was described as a fitting reward for their persistence and teamwork.
The Secret to Success: Community and Loyalty
Beyond the trophies, the club’s success is being attributed to a foundational culture of loyalty and community. Ms. Cheesman explained that the club’s key strength is the longevity of its players and coaches, which builds mateship, trust, and mutual respect over time. Many players in the dominant U15 squad have been with BTH since they were six years old, coached by Nate Gray throughout their entire journey.
This focus on developing well-rounded individuals is also shown off the pitch. This year, a dozen players completed their Duke of Edinburgh Award by mentoring younger BTH teams. This stable and nurturing environment has also proven to be an effective development pathway, with several players progressing into representative and NPL programs. One standout player now represents Australia in the Junior Matildas and has signed with Sydney FC.
For a small community club like Belrose-Terrey Hills, winning on the state’s biggest stage carries profound meaning. Ms. Cheesman stated that these results show a club does not need to be large or flashy to achieve great results, and that BTH provides a quality football experience for players capable of competing with the best in NSW.
She praised the dedicated coaching staff, managers, and the tireless committee of volunteers for creating this challenging yet supportive environment. Now in her ninth season with the club after first joining with her two children in 2017, Ms Cheesman reflected that watching these young players grow into confident athletes is like watching family succeed, making all the volunteer hours worthwhile. She described BTH as more than just a football club, but as a community where these results are the outcome of years of shared passion.
A once-overlooked general store on the border of Mona Vale and Terrey Hills has become one of Sydney’s newest dining destinations, combining local produce, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and a relaxed bushland setting.
McCarrs General Store & Restaurant sits within the Ku-ring-gai bushland, offering visitors a calm retreat just a short drive from Sydney’s CBD. Run by Tom and Claudia Eadie, the venue blends casual daytime dining with evening service, celebrating community and simple, honest food.
The restaurant operates from a white-panelled farmhouse overlooking McCarrs Creek, while the general store — a converted shipping container — serves coffee, house-made pastries, bread, and local produce daily from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It has quickly become popular among cyclists and brunch-goers.
Photo Credit: McCarrs Restaurant & General Store/Facebook
Seasonal Menu and Mediterranean Influence
McCarrs’ menu highlights local and sustainable ingredients, with herbs from its garden and contributions from nearby residents encouraged. The Eadies’ Mediterranean-style dishes feature handmade pasta, seafood, and woodfired pizza, alongside cocktails infused with Australian botanicals.
Lunch is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends, and dinner runs from 4 p.m. until late, Wednesday to Sunday.
From Berkelo Bakery to Bushland Dining
Before establishing McCarrs, Tom and Claudia founded Berkelo Bakery, known for artisanal bread and a farm-to-table ethos. They’ve brought this same philosophy to Terrey Hills, focusing on seasonal produce and supporting small local suppliers.
Photo Credit: McCarrs Restaurant & General Store/Facebook
A Community-Focused Venue
Beyond dining, McCarrs has developed into a local gathering place, offering fire pits, a spacious courtyard, and flexible event options such as aperitivo afternoons and family celebrations. The couple’s approach centres on community, sustainability, and appreciation of the surrounding natural beauty.
Since opening in 2025, McCarrs has earned recognition for its balance of simplicity, quality, and community spirit. Tucked away in the bushland of Terrey Hills, it provides a dining experience that feels far from the city — yet only minutes away.
A Belrose student, who left Kambora Public School earlier this year, has won the Bear Pit Public Speaking Competition, drawing on her former school’s looming closure to shape her speech.
On 19 September, 20 Year 5 students from public schools in the Northern Beaches addressed the theme “What does it mean to be a good friend?” in the Legislative Assembly Chamber. The winner, Sienna of Belrose Public School, delivered a speech recounting how she was uprooted from Kambora Public School at Davidson earlier this year and struggled to adjust.
Despite her reluctance, she described finding warmth, empathy, and acceptance at her new school in Belrose, illustrating the kindness extended to a child in transition. The event reaffirmed the values of connection and belonging in a time of uncertainty for many families.
Just two days earlier, on 17 September, the NSW Department of Education formally announced that Kambora Public School would be placed into recess from Term 1, 2026. The decision came in response to a dramatic fall in enrolments, from around 280 students in 2018 to just 30—including only two in kindergarten—by 2025.
As students left Kambora at the end of 2024, more than 40 graduates and several transfers, the school consolidated into three mixed-age classes (K–2, 3–4, 5–6). Local families pre-empted the closure by enrolling their children elsewhere, including at Mimosa Public School just 1.2 km away, which reported 517 students in 2025.
Community voices and concerns
The transition of students like Sienna reflects more profound community unease about losing a local school. While the Education Department emphasised that nearby schools could accommodate displaced students, parents and community committee members cautioned that the impact extends beyond logistics. They argue Kambora has long been more than a campus — it has been a community node where children feel safe, known, and supported.
Lily Stewart, president of Kambora’s Parent & Community Committee, contended that the department missed repeated warnings as enrolments declined and failed to enforce local boundaries that might have stabilised the student base. As families begin the difficult task of relocating their students, she urged that support be tailored and community concerns be taken into account.
Context of closure in Sydney
The closure of a metropolitan public school in Sydney is rare. During recent budget hearings, education officials acknowledged that most school closures in NSW tend to occur in regional areas. The Kambora case thus stands out, especially as it coincides with falling enrolments across public schools in New South Wales, and growing competition from private institutions.
With heartfelt speeches, community attendance in Parliament, and the voices of displaced children now part of the narrative, the Davidson electorate is bracing for a shift in its educational fabric.
