Living in Willoughby
Willoughby is a suburb on the Lower North Shore of Sydney, located 8 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the City of Willoughby. The City of Willoughby takes its name from the suburb but its administrative centre is located in the adjacent suburb of Chatswood, which is the local area's major commercial centre.
History
Some historians believe it was named after a parish, while others believe that Surveyor-General Sir Thomas Mitchell decided to commemorate Sir James Willoughby Gordon whom he had served during the Peninsular War and was the quartermaster-general in England when the First Fleet sailed to Botany Bay.
Transport Links
Willoughby is well serviced by Sydney Buses, with a number of bus routes that cover the area. It is close to St Leonards, Artarmon and Chatswood railway stations. The Gore Hill Freeway, a route into the Sydney CBD, runs along the southern border of Willoughby providing good road links.
Shopping and Recreation
The suburb has a good range of shops ranging from cafes and restaurants to homewares and supermarkets. The huge shopping area of Chatswood is just a few minutes away. Willoughby is home to the impressive Bicentennial Park, with gym, an eight-lane pool, spa and sauna.
Schools
Willoughby is home to the respected St Aloysius College, as well as a selection of other private and public schools.