Dover Heights: The Sydney suburb where ocean sunrises meet harbour sunsets

Named after the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Heights in Sydney’s east shares their jaw-dropping drama, although these cliffs are made of the city’s signature sandstone rather than the chalk of their English namesakes.

It’s little wonder that spectacular views top the shopping lists of home buyers – some properties boast both gunbarrel views of the bridge and panoramas of the Pacific; sunrises on one side and sunsets on the other.

This is prime real estate just nine kilometres from the CBD. It’s bounded by North Bondi, Vaucluse and Rose Bay, with easy access to the bounty they all have to offer.

NSW 2030 is one of the most affluent suburbs in Australia, according to the latest ABS census. In terms of taxable income, it regularly occupies a place in the Australian top 10.

Befitting the breathtaking clifftop location, striking properties abound, with many architects pulling out all stops.

Some of the more prominent homes are Durbach Block Jaggers’ 2004 Holman House, which sits vertiginously cantilevered over the cliff, and the curvaceous concrete Light House by Peter Stutchbury, which landed the prestigious Australian Institute of Architects’ Wilkinson Award for Residential Architecture in 2015. It sold for around $11 million two years ago.

Another lighthouse, the 1883 Macquarie Lighthouse, is a more celebrated landmark. The longest-serving beacon in Australia, it’s a stopping point along the Federation Cliff Walk.

Extending five kilometres from Watsons Bay to Bondi, this favourite weekend ramble weaves its way along boardwalks and sandstone paths with bird’s-eye views of the ocean. The equally energetic can enjoy swimming and water sports at Watsons Bay and Bondi.

While Dover Heights is no shopping mecca – its peacefulness and lack of traffic congestion add to its appeal – both Bondi Junction and Double Bay are a mere four kilometres away. The latter also provides lavish servings of five-star dining.

Corporate adviser Jason Mendoza has lived in Lancaster Road with his wife Samantha and two children, 20 and 18, since 2008.

“Dover Heights’ elevated position results in phenomenal views across the ocean and down the harbour, with lots of open space – and we have a large backyard,” he says. “It’s a stone’s throw from Bondi, Rose Bay and Watsons Bay, so it has the best of everything.”   

Mendoza commutes to the city via the Rose Bay wharf, a four-minute drive away. From there, a 10-minute ferry trip effortlessly delivers him to Circular Quay. “It’s always on time and far more relaxing than a crowded train,” he says.

Archies Cafe Co is his local go-to – “It has a foodie’s menu wth great presentation – and Mendoza regularly enjoys 10-kilometre social runs through the ‘hood.

He says they start and finish at Bake Bar in Rose Bay, which opens at 6am and is “quick and easy”, while Rocco’s in Vaucluse is a magnet for coffee.

“Dover Heights has lived up to everything we expected,” Mendoza says. “We have no plans to move on. We are locked into Lancaster Road.”

Agent lens

with Alexander Phillips from PPD Real Estate

What are on buyers’ wish-lists in Dover Heights?

Most of our clients are families, upsizing and looking for larger, level blocks, more spacious than in neighbouring North Bondi or Rose Bay, but still with easy access to those suburbs and the facilities they provide. And they ask for views, ideally on both sides, of the ocean and the CBD. Indoor-outdoor entertaining areas are on the wish-list and, of course, full automation and underfloor heating. But if a property has a lift, it opens it up to a whole new market, future-proofing it for older buyers.

For sale in Dover Heights

Auction 1 November

9 Military Road, Dover Heights NSW 2030

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View property

Glamorous Greek islands architecture was the inspiration for this handsome home, with its white plaster walls, beamed ceilings, archways and flagstone floors. But, while its earthy and organic design transports you to exotic climes, the sweeping ocean and harbour views firmly place you in the Australian landscape. Craftsmanship and attention to detail extend not just to the finishes but also to its sweeping curves, a ’70s-style sunken lounge, and custom lighting. A four-car garage and lift complete an alluring package.