An old and run-down house on Palmerston Avenue in Bronte has sold for a figure that surprised many in the crowd, selling for $835,000 more than its reserve price at auction last month.
The three-bedroom property at 41 Palmerston Avenue has stood empty for years, missing its front door and showing clear signs of wear. It had not been offered to market before, yet the promise of land close to Bronte Beach brought buyers in strong numbers.
Auction day saw keen interest from builders and small developers who were drawn by the property’s location on a 325-square-metre block of land within a short walk of the beach. The home’s condition clearly did not put bidders off.
Strong Bidding in Bronte
According to the agent, 12 buyers registered for the auction and six of them actively competed, most described as owner-builders or small scale developers.
Bidding began at $2.7 million and rose steadily in increments until reaching $3.6 million. From there the pace slowed as the competition pushed the final figure higher.
The property was sold for $3,835,000, compared with a reserve of $3 million, which had also been the campaign guide.
The winning bidder was described as a father ready to build a new home with his son. Ray White Eastern Beaches selling agent Angus Gorrie said the buyer was “very happy” with the result and looking forward to the project.
Broader Auction Context
The Palmerston Avenue sale came during a busy week on Sydney’s housing market, with many properties taken to auction across the city. Domain reported that out of 965 results collected by evening, the preliminary clearance rate sat at about 62 per cent, with a number of auctions withdrawn and counted as unsold.
While Bronte homes in prime condition already attract strong interest, this result highlights the ongoing appetite for land in the eastern suburbs, even where the existing house has seen better days.
For many locals, this sale will underline how tightly held real estate remains here and how quickly land close to Bronte Beach can drive competition and strong prices.
Waverley Cemetery in Bronte is set to add memorial walls for ash interments as part of a plan to address limited burial space and rising maintenance costs.
Waverley officials have proposed constructing 20 memorial walls at Waverley Cemetery in Bronte, each containing compartments for storing ashes. The initiative is designed to provide an additional revenue stream while offering more resting place options at the heritage-listed site.
Background and Context
Established in 1877, Waverley Cemetery occupies 40 acres between Bronte and Clovelly Beaches and is listed on the State Heritage Register. The cemetery contains over 50,000 graves, including significant Victorian and Edwardian monuments.
Recent reports highlight that maintenance has become increasingly costly, with annual upkeep reaching $1.5 million. Since 2022, repair work has included addressing structural issues such as collapsed vaults, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The council’s plan involves building memorial walls along Quinn Road within the cemetery, providing 720 compartments. Each compartment, measuring 19cm wide by 17cm high, would cost $8540 to reserve. The project is estimated to generate at least $6 million, assisting with ongoing upkeep of the site.
Memorial walls of this kind have been installed previously along the cemetery’s northern side and have proven popular. The new structures are designed to align with the cemetery’s heritage character and will be accompanied by minor landscaping and new seating.
Alternative Options and Council Considerations
Waverley Council explored the memorial wall proposal as part of efforts to preserve the cemetery’s future role as a final resting place for the community. The council noted that, due to the protected status of many graves and unclear records for older sites, options for reusing existing burial plots were limited.
Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil
Community Feedback on the Proposal
The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from locals. Some social media users have compared the appearance of the walls to post office boxes, while others have questioned their cost-effectiveness. The Friends of Waverley Cemetery group has expressed support, highlighting the plan’s role in helping to fund essential maintenance.
Waverley Council plans to release ash niches gradually over the next 20 years to provide steady revenue. The project follows consultation and design refinement, with construction yet to commence.
We’ve combed Bronte and Waverley 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!
Peter H ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent experience. Particular call-out to sommelier for knowledge and skill. The Moreton Bay bug sandwich and the crispy spaghetti were food highlights.
Raoul K ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food was nothing short of outstanding. The mussels were a standout: fresh, perfectly cooked, and bursting with flavor. Each bite was a reminder of how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can be absolutely extraordinary. The prawn pasta was equally impressive—Perfectly al dente, and dressed in a sauce that was both rich and balanced, showcasing true culinary craftsmanship. To top it all off, the wine selection was impeccable. Alex’s recommendation paired beautifully with the meal, elevating the entire dining experience to something truly memorable. A perfect evening from start to finish. Highly recommend!
Tom E ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Such a nice, relaxed Sunday lunch, best meal we’ve had out in a long time. Everything was amazing, particularly the scallops starter and Murray Cod main. Didn’t feel rushed once and it was such a pleasant change of pace from other Sydney venues. Staff were lovely, thank you Yasmin and Steve for looking after us!
Wendy M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bronte Road Bistro is a hidden local gem. Housed in a beautiful heritage old home, with a garden courtyard that’s perfect for summer dining. We have come here for years. Staff get to know you, then they get to know your name, then they do everything they can to accommodate your dining preferences, and fitting you in during busy periods. AND then they let me do a bougie takeaway of oysters and anchovies. The service is personal and so accommodating. The menu is consistent and consistently good. My partner loves the steak and cheese soufflé, I bounce between sometimes it’s the spatchcock, sometimes it’s two entrees, sometimes it’s a special – and it’s always enjoyable. The wine list is solid. Sophie is service with a smile and gives French authenticity while the rest of the team and their sense of humour always make us laugh.
Alexis N ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We are a local business and Stew hosted our end of year Christmas Party and it couldn’t have been more magical! The food was amazing, the service was quality, and the atmosphere was incredible! Everyone had an amazing time and it wouldn’t have been as special as it was without Stew’s fabulous vision for the night! We cannot thank you enough!
Anna ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food is amazing . We ordered spatchcock and fish – it took a while , yet was absolutely worth the wait. Prices are a little high – yet well worth it
Fiona E ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had a wonderful dinner tonight ! The Lamb Ragu Pasta was exceptional- also thank you to the young girl who served us – great service and very welcoming
Lucy C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lorraines on the top floor is a little gem. Modern glass roof space with great service and wonderful food. Free Purezza sparkling water is a nice touch. Will be back 😍
Andrew ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great atmosphere & food. Oscar, Sam & Ryan are a credit to the pub & always delivering great service. Can’t fault any of the staff as they are always friendly and hard working. Try Peter’s espresso martini’s they are amazing!
Leah M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As a group of five we had a lovely evening. We opted for share plates so we could try different meals together. Service and food were exceptional. I would recommend the Octopus tacos, duck and king oyster mushrooms. Such a great vibe. Cocktails were pretty awesome too
Anita B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bellagio is always a first choice for one of my celebrations or everyday. The food is delicious and service helpful & friendly. Food can sometimes take awhile! Thank you for being great
Quentin G ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We were delighted to see that this prime local venue that has been a breakfast & lunch place for many years was at last open for dinner. The meal was excellent and great value, the atmosphere warm and friendly. Recommend the honey-baked goats cheese salad.
Natalie C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely brilliant! We had the best night and the food was sensational. Amazing service. Nigel is a legend and hilarious! The best host. Tiramispoon was a highlight as were the pastas.
Lisa G ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thoroughly enjoyed the food at this wonderful restaurant on Bronte Road! We had the focaccia, fried zucchini flowers, mozzarella, beef pappardelle, and prawn tagliolini. The pasta and focaccia are made fresh on site, and both were absolutely delicious. I would highly recommend this spot. They also have an upstairs dining area for parties and functions, which is a great bonus.
John R ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food is classic well presented Italian; the pasta was perfect and the focaccia was even more so! The wine list is a selection of classic Italian varietals. The service was attentive and friendly. The overall experience was excellent and great value.
Bronte Surf Life Saving Club is set to undergo a significant transformation, with $5 million in funding committed to upgrading its ageing facilities and supporting its vital role in the local community.
The planned investment will help modernise the club’s infrastructure, providing safer and more inclusive spaces for its volunteers, members, and the thousands of beachgoers who visit Bronte each year. Established in 1903, the club is one of Australia’s oldest surf life saving institutions and a central part of life in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
Photo credit: Bronte Surf Life Saving Club/Google Maps
Local surf life saving representatives said the funding would allow the club to better support its lifesaving operations and community programs. They described the project as a long-awaited step forward that recognises the club’s importance not just for its members but for the broader public who rely on the beach and park facilities.
Club President Basil Scaffidi noted the club’s daily presence on the sand and in the community, saying the upgrade would ensure Bronte SLSC could continue its work for decades to come.
“A big step forward for our club, the beach, and the whole community. It is all systems go, and we will start to roll out the plan in the coming weeks,” the club announced on social media.
Photo credit: Glenn Hargreaves/Google Maps
Waverley Mayor Cr Will Nemesh also welcomed the funding, highlighting the value of the club to local families and visitors and the benefits of upgrading essential community infrastructure.
The funding is part of a broader initiative to strengthen surf life saving facilities across the region, with similar improvements also planned for neighbouring clubs.
Once complete, the club’s upgrade is expected to enhance safety, accessibility, and community engagement—ensuring that this iconic institution remains a beacon of service and connection on Sydney’s coastline.
Congratulations to Renuka Fernando and Ben Stammer, the dynamic duo behind the local social enterprise ReLove, for being recognised as a 2025 Local Hero for NSW and finalist for the Australian of the Year Award!
ReLove, a beloved local store, has made a name for itself by championing sustainable furniture and home goods. The store rescues homewares from hotels and corporate refits, promoting a circular economy and encouraging conscious consumerism.
Beyond retail, ReLove actively engages with the community through workshops, upcycling events, and partnerships with local organisations. Fernando and Stammer’s passion for sustainability extends beyond fashion.
They are committed to creating a more equitable and environmentally friendly future. Their Australian of the Year Award nomination and their award as the 2025 Local Hero for NSW highlights their dedication to social and environmental causes and their ability to inspire positive change.
The Bronte community joins in celebrating the achievements of these two remarkable individuals.
This year’s nominees represent many achievements, from journalism and activism to scientific research and youth advocacy. All 137 nominees, including Fernando and Stammer, will be celebrated at a ceremony on 13 November at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. The event will also be streamed online for those unable to attend in person.
The award recipients for NSW will then progress to the national competition, joining finalists from other states and territories. The national Australian of the Year awards will be announced in Canberra on Australia Day, 25 January 2025.
National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser praised the nominees, highlighting their ordinary backgrounds and extraordinary contributions.
ReLove’s nomination for such a distinguished award suggests a significant impact on the lives of Bronte residents and beyond.
Bronte Beach has been hit with a bluebottle jellyfish invasion this week. Swimmers and beachgoers have been warned to exercise caution as hundreds of bluebottles have washed up on the shore.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has put swimmers at risk of painful stings from the venomous creatures. Bronte Beach, located just south of the world-famous Bondi Beach and north of Coogee Beach, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
In a statement, Waverley Council, the local government authority responsible for the beach, said that it would be conducting clean-up operations throughout Thursday night to address the issue.
“Bluebottles come ashore frequently in the warmer months when there are prevailing onshore winds and are deposited on the beach at high tide,” the council spokesman said. “This has been particularly noticeable this week at the southern end of Bronte Beach which is exposed to north-easterly winds.”
Bluebottles, also known as the Portuguese man-of-war, are not deadly to humans, but their sting can be extremely painful. According to researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the bluebottle’s long, trailing tentacles are designed to sting prey and any creatures they feel threatened by, including humans.
The bluebottle swarm at Bronte Beach comes just days after a similar incident at nearby Coogee Beach, where hundreds of mysterious black balls were discovered washed up on the shore. Randwick Council, the local authority responsible for Coogee Beach, closed the beach while it investigated the material, ultimately concluding that the balls were a hydrocarbon-based pollutant “consistent with the makeup of tar balls.”
Bronte Beach and several other eastern beaches have reopened just a day after closing due to mysterious black debris washing ashore, though questions remain about the origins of the peculiar substance.
The incident happened last week when beach authorities first spotted tennis ball-sized black spheres at Coogee Beach, prompting immediate closure. The debris quickly spread to neighbouring beaches, including Bondi, Bronte, Tamarama, Clovelly, and parts of Maroubra, leading to temporary closures across Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
“No remaining evidence of the reported debris can be located on Bondi, Bronte, and Tamarama beaches,” Waverley Council announced on October 18, giving the all-clear for beachgoers to return to the water. The swift reopening comes as a relief to locals and tourists alike, particularly with the popular Sculpture by the Sea exhibition proceeding as planned.
The New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has taken charge of the investigation into the strange debris, which varied in size from tennis balls to marbles. Early observations suggest the spheres might be “tar balls” – a phenomenon that occurs when oil spills coagulate into spherical shapes over time.
The EPA indicated that preliminary findings suggest the material appears to be hydrocarbon or oil-based in nature, leading them to assess the threat level as relatively low. However, the agency continues to exercise caution, conducting extensive testing on collected samples to determine the exact composition and origin of the material.
Ongoing Precautions
Despite the beaches reopening, authorities maintain a cautious approach. The EPA has advised the public to avoid contact with any remaining debris they might encounter. “While we understand initial Randwick City Council testing suggests the presence of hydrocarbon, at this stage EPA tests cannot confirm the contents,” EPA stated.
Ocean pools throughout the affected areas remain open for swimming, providing a safe alternative for those still concerned about entering the ocean waters.
There is a secluded inlet between Sydney’s iconic Bondi and Tamarama beaches where, almost overnight, a rocky cove can transform into a sandy beach. This elusive phenomenon occurs at Mackenzies Bay, a spot known for its fleeting beauty.
While normally a rocky haven for surfers and sunbathers, Mackenzies Bay occasionally becomes a proper beach, a change that has fascinated locals for decades.
A Beach That Defies Predictability
Mackenzies Bay is not your typical beach. Its formation is erratic, with no set pattern for when or how long it will remain a sandy shore. Some years, Mackenzies turns into a full-fledged beach with a wide stretch of sand, while in other years, no sand appears at all, leaving it as a rocky inlet.
Local myths suggest that the beach emerges every seven years, but the reality is far less predictable. For example, in 1997, the beach appeared with so much sand that at low tide, it was nearly possible to walk between Tamarama and South Bondi.
What makes Mackenzies Beach so special is its unpredictability. The beach can last for just a few months before disappearing due to a strong storm or high tides. A major east coast cyclone in 1997 swept away the sand overnight, and the beach didn’t reappear until 2007. That year, Mackenzies reappeared dramatically, with locals recalling the beach as being the widest and deepest in over 50 years. However, just a few months later, it was gone again, illustrating the fleeting nature of this unique spot.
The tiny, temporary beach had only re-emerged last summer, but its sandy shoreline vanished following two large storms that hit the coast. According to experts, the sand was washed away by waves as high as nine metres during the storm events. Coastal geomorphologist Ana Vila-Concejo explained that the storms came with just the right strength and from the right direction to remove all the sand that had accumulated over the last year.
Despite its short-lived presence, the beach has been a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. Mackenzies Bay is known for its “pop-up” nature, turning from a rocky inlet into a sandy beach every few years. Its unpredictable appearance and subsequent disappearance have long fascinated the local community.
Andrew Quilty, a celebrated Australian photojournalist, had been documenting the beach daily before its recent vanishing, creating a visual archive of the beach’s various moods and transformations.
Mackenzies Beach’s formation is tied to specific seasonal and oceanic conditions. Coastal experts explain that the beach forms when there is a combination of low-pressure swells and offshore winds. Greg Skilbeck, a sedimentary geologist from the University of Technology Sydney, stated that increased wave energy during winter can sweep sand onto the shore from nearby sandbars. This results in the occasional appearance of a sandy beach where there is usually only rock.
Dr. Rob Brander, a coastal geomorphologist from the University of New South Wales, believes that broader climate patterns also influence Mackenzies’ transformation. He notes that La Niña phases tend to bring more storms and larger waves, which erode the beaches. On the other hand, during El Niño phases, there are fewer storms and calmer conditions, which allow sand to accumulate.
Despite its unpredictability, Mackenzies Bay holds a special place in the hearts of many Sydneysiders. When the beach does appear, it becomes a local favourite, offering a serene alternative to the busier Bondi and Tamarama beaches.
Although dogs are not officially allowed on Waverley’s beaches, the absence of lifeguards and the secluded nature of Mackenzies Bay make it a de facto dog-friendly spot. This has earned it the nickname “dog beach” among locals.
The area is also rich in history. The bay and its surrounding point are named after the Mackenzie family, who ran Waverley Dairy from the 1860s to the 1920s. Their cows once grazed on the cliffs above the bay, an area now known as Marks Park.
The luxury property, owned by commercial property developer Andrew Podgornik and his wife Chloe, was sold after being listed for more than $30 million in late 2022. The couple purchased the site for $7.55 million in 2008 and commissioned a pavilion-style home designed by Neeson Murcutt Architects, which was completed in 2017.
The house, located on Gardyne Street, Bronte, won the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Residential Architecture Award in 2018 and national recognition for its landscape design by 360 Degree Landscape.
Despite the earlier price hopes, a well-placed source indicated that the sale was finalised at approximately $25 million. The sale was facilitated by agents Alexander Phillips from PPD and Brad Pillinger of Pillinger.
Photo Credit: realestate.com.au
Local Buyer and Design
The new owner, Nadia Jacob, is a well-known interior designer and property developer with a history of buying and flipping properties in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Jacob, who recently sold her Bondi Beach home for around $9 million, has been active in the real estate market for over 20 years, focusing on beachside homes in Bronte and Tamarama.
The Bronte home is widely admired for its unique design, which blends concrete, timber, and stone materials and incorporates large timber doors and windows that open to expansive ocean views. It sits on a rare 1156-square-metre block, with a garden that includes a swimming pool and an inbuilt trampoline for children.
Photo Credit: realestate.com.au
Market and Price Adjustments
The sale of the Bronte beachfront home comes after the property was on the market for a year. Despite earlier expectations of securing a higher price, the final deal reflects a softening in the ultra-luxury property market.
Real estate insiders believe the extended time on the market contributed to the eventual price drop. Bronte’s record sale of nearly $30 million earlier in 2023 further underscores the high demand for properties in the area, though the Podgorniks’ sale fell slightly short of breaking that record.
The sale highlights Bronte’s continued desirability as a residential hub for high-net-worth individuals. Local property experts note that while demand for beachfront properties remains strong, fluctuating market conditions and rising interest rates may have impacted the final sale price.
Nonetheless, the transaction solidifies Bronte’s standing as one of Sydney’s most sought-after coastal communities for luxury homes, offering both natural beauty and architectural distinction.
A seemingly calm Saturday evening in Bronte Beach transformed into a desperate struggle for survival. Four swimmers, caught in the grip of a fierce rip current, found themselves fighting against the powerful forces of nature.
The drama unfolded around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, 13 January 2024. What started as a peaceful day for beachgoers quickly escalated into a life-threatening situation. The swimmers, unable to overcome the strong current, were seen struggling in the water.
A lifeguard, officially off duty but ever vigilant, noticed the distressing scene. Alongside him, local surfers, well-versed in the ocean’s temperaments, did not hesitate. They plunged into the water, battling the fierce current to reach the struggling swimmers.
The rescue was fraught with challenges. Battling the rip current required strength, skill, and determination. The rescuers worked in unison, each move critical in ensuring the safety of the swimmers.
Their efforts were not in vain. The swimmers, exhausted but alive, were brought back to the safety of the shore. Emergency services, which had been called to the scene, provided immediate medical assistance. The swimmers were then transported to the hospital, where they began their recovery.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of rip currents.
A rip current, often called a rip tide, is a strong, localised, and narrow current of water which moves directly away from the shore, cutting through the lines of breaking waves. These currents can be hazardous to swimmers who get caught in them because they can drag swimmers away from the shore.
To escape a rip current, it’s important not to swim against it, as this can lead to exhaustion. Instead, try to remain calm and float or tread water to conserve energy. Signal for help if you can.
The key is to swim parallel to the shore to escape the current’s pull. Once out of the current, swim at an angle away from the current and towards the shore. Remember, rip currents are typically narrow, so swimming parallel to the shore helps you exit the current more quickly.
Meanwhile, beachgoers are advised to stay alert, swim in patrolled areas, and understand how to safely extricate themselves from a rip current: by swimming parallel to the shore and conservatively conserving energy until they can safely reach the beach.
