Turramurra Unveiled

🗣️ Aboriginal Roots and Naming

The name "Turramurra" originates from an Aboriginal word, believed to signify "high hill," "big hill," "high place," or "small watercourse." This indigenous reference to a "high hill" historically encompassed the broader geographical range extending from Pymble to Turramurra. Prior to the formal adoption of its current name, the area was known by various descriptive monikers among early European settlers, including "Eastern Road," "Big Island," "Vanceville," "Claraville" (derived from estate names), and "Tulip Scrub," owing to the abundance of tulips or waratahs. It was also colloquially referred to as "Irish Town." The name Turramurra was officially adopted with the construction of the railway station in 1890, solidifying its identity.

🏘️ Early European Development

The establishment of the Turramurra Post Office on August 16, 1890, marked a significant step in the area's formal development. Following World War I, Turramurra experienced substantial suburban growth, driven by the expansion of the middle class. This period saw large land blocks subdivided, leading to the construction of numerous new homes that showcased a blend of California bungalow and Federation architectural styles, contributing to the suburb's evolving character. Notable early landmarks include "Ingleholme," a two-storey Federation Queen Anne residence designed by John Sulman around 1896 as his own home, which later became part of Presbyterian Ladies' College and is now heritage-listed. "Rohini," the home of Indian-born diplomat Sir Henry Braddon, was also a prominent estate.

🏨 Historic Estates and Guesthouses

The "Hillview" estate, established circa 1890 on the Pacific Highway, initially featured a modest Federation cottage. Its owner later recognized the site's commercial potential, adding a grand two-storey Federation guesthouse around 1913, capitalizing on its sweeping views. A large six-car garage with an overhead dwelling was added in 1915. This entire estate is now heritage-listed and was once leased as the Hillview Community Health Centre. Another renowned establishment was "Cooinoo," a world-famous guesthouse on Kissing Point Road, built for William James Adams of the Tattersalls fortune. Described as "the most notable guest house on the picturesque north shore line" in 1931, it accommodated about 60 guests and a large staff in its Edwardian-style brick house and exterior cottages. Cooinoo was eventually demolished in the 1970s to make way for modern residential units.

🗓️ Post-War Evolution

Further postal services were introduced with the Turramurra East Post Office opening on May 1, 1959 (closing in 1993), and the Turramurra North Post Office opening on September 1, 1953. A significant administrative change occurred on August 5, 1994, when North Turramurra and South Turramurra were formally recognized as separate suburbs, reflecting their distinct community identities and growth patterns. St Andrew's in Kissing Point Road stands as a notable example of the Federation Carpenter Gothic style, with its land for Mission Hall donated by Lewy Pattinson, founder of Soul Patts, to the Presbyterian Church in NSW in 1932.

🙏 Community Faith Centers

Turramurra hosts a diverse array of religious institutions, reflecting the multicultural fabric of its community. These centers provide spiritual guidance, community services, and gathering places for residents of various faiths.

🛒 Central Shopping Precinct

The primary commercial hub of Turramurra is strategically located along the Pacific Highway and Rohini Street, adjacent to the Turramurra railway station. This bustling shopping precinct offers a wide array of services and retail outlets, including real-estate agencies, fresh fruit markets, banking facilities, bakeries, a musical instrument store, and a petrol station. The Turramurra Arcade houses various specialty shops, and two major supermarkets, including a Coles located on Ray Street near the public library, cater to daily needs. The Turramurra Masonic Centre is also a prominent feature along the Pacific Highway.

🏘️ Local Shopping Villages

Beyond the central area, Turramurra is served by several smaller, localized shopping villages that cater to specific community needs:

• Princes Street Shops (East Turramurra): Situated at the intersection of Princes Street and Bannockburn Road, this village, near Pymble Public School, features a fine wine store, veterinary hospital, gift shop, delicatessen, butcher, and grocer. It underwent significant renovations in late 2013.
• South Turramurra Shops: Located on Kissing Point Road, this area provides essential services including a hairdresser, IGA supermarket, cafe, pizza restaurant, chemist, bakery, post office, and a BP petrol station.
• North Turramurra Shopping Village: Found on Bobbin Head Road, this village offers an IGA supermarket, bakery, post office, and newsagent, among other facilities.
• Eastern Road Shops: Between 95 and 105 Eastern Road, this strip includes an IGA supermarket, dry cleaners, BWS liquor store, bakery, butchers, greengrocer, pharmacy, florist, and an independent petrol station. A proposal for a Harris Farm market is currently underway at 105 Eastern Road, following the rejection of an Aldi supermarket rezoning proposal in 2016.^[15]

🏫 Local Schools

Turramurra and its immediate vicinity are served by several educational institutions, providing quality learning environments for students across different age groups. These schools contribute significantly to the community's family-friendly appeal and educational infrastructure.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Population Profile (2021 Census)

The 2021 Australian census provides a detailed demographic snapshot of Turramurra, revealing a mature and diverse community:

• Population: 12,850 individuals.^[26]
• Age Distribution: The median age was 43 years, notably higher than the national median of 38 years. Children under 15 constituted 19.0% of the population (national average 18.2%), while those aged 65 and over made up 19.7% (national average 17.2%), indicating an older demographic profile.
• Household Size: The average household size was 2.8 people.

🌐 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity

Turramurra exhibits a rich tapestry of cultural and linguistic backgrounds:

• Country of Birth: 58.9% of residents were born in Australia (national average 66.9%). Significant overseas birthplaces included China (excluding Special Administrative Regions and Taiwan) at 8.4%, England at 5.5%, India at 2.7%, South Africa at 2.7%, and Hong Kong at 2.1%.
• Languages Spoken at Home: English was the sole language spoken at home by 68.6% of the population. Other prominent languages included Mandarin (10.3%), Cantonese (4.0%), Korean (2.5%), Persian (1.3%), and Hindi (1.1%).

💰 Economic Landscape and Housing

The financial and housing characteristics of Turramurra reflect a generally affluent community:

• Household Income: The median household weekly income was $3,046, significantly higher than the national median of $1,746.
• Mortgage Payments: This economic distinction is further evident in housing costs, with the median monthly mortgage payment being $3,484, compared to the national median of $1,863.
• Housing Types: The majority of occupied private dwellings (68.1%) were separate houses. Flats, units, or apartments accounted for 27.2%, while semi-detached dwellings made up 4.6%. Other dwelling types constituted a minor 0.1%.

📜 References