Seven things I love about living in Randwick

Even Blind Freddy could see that Randwick is an awesome place to hang out.

He should know. According to one theory, the original Blind Freddy was Sir Frederick Pottinger, an enthusiastic but occasionally bumbling policeman who once misplaced the bushranger Ben Hall. Pottinger is buried in a pretty little cemetery behind St Jude’s Anglican Church on Avoca Street in Randwick.

For those who have not yet shuffled off this mortal coil, there is also plenty to love about the suburb …

Location! Location!

About six kilometres south-east of the CBD, Randwick is – by Sydney standards at least – easily accessible. It’s close to Coogee, Clovelly and Bronte beaches, yet without the parking woes of the beachfront suburbs. It’s a quick drive to the airport, a brisk stroll to Centennial Park and a short bus ride to the city. If all goes to plan, it will be even more accessible by 2020, when the South East Light Rail is completed.

Pod of dolphins between the coast and Wedding Cake Island. Photo: Getty Images

Church bells

Simeon Pearce was a colonial mover and shaker whose sheer bloody-mindedness and occasionally questionable dealings led to the proclamation of Randwick as a municipality in 1859. He wanted to build the district in the image of his hometown of Randwick in Gloucestershire. Part of that was the construction of a Victorian Gothic church – St Jude’s – that essentially reproduced St John’s Church in Randwick, England. The eight bells of St Jude’s still ring out at practice each Tuesday night, while on Sunday mornings Randwick’s other beautiful old churches give the bellringers of St Jude’s a run for their money.

The views

Built on a sandy coastal ridgeline, Randwick has views of the sparkling waters of Coogee Bay and Wedding Cake Island to the east. To the west, you can see the city skyline. On hot days, the ocean breeze cools things down. Some quiet, still nights, you can even hear the sound of the waves crashing. Bliss.

The horsiness

I’m no betting woman but Randwick Racecourse adds a certain frisson to the suburb. On race days, witness the fashionable young colts and fillies heading to the track. Fast forward to about 4pm and you can see them – stilettos in hand, suit jackets draped chivalrously around girlfriends’ shoulders – making their wobbly way up Alison Road to the nearest kebab shop. I prefer the more genteel surrounds of Inglis Newmarket Stables in Young Street. Amid superbly kept grounds, country folk gather to trade horses, while passers-by can see the magnificent beasts up close.

Black Caviar being cheered by the crowd. Photo: Getty Images

The hospitals

At the risk of sounding like a hypochondriac, I love living near a hospital. Especially at midnight when you have a screaming baby who hasn’t slept for days and the GP missed the tell-tale red spots of hand, foot and mouth disease. Randwick’s sprawling health precinct includes the Prince of Wales Hospital, the Royal Hospital for Women and Sydney Children’s Hospital. The world-class medical and research facilities are a far cry from the Randwick Asylum for Destitute Children, which first opened its doors to Sydney’s waifs and strays on the same site in 1858.

Fred Hollows Reserve

Between Alison Road and Clovelly Road is a little sliver of serenity known as the Fred Hollows Reserve. The shady gully is home to birds, lizards, frogs and plants including banksias, maidenhair ferns, lilly pilly and Sydney peppermint. It takes about half an hour to walk along the boardwalk and there are viewing platforms and picnic areas along the way. The reserve was named in honour of celebrated ophthalmologist Fred Hollows, who lived up the road.

Randwick Ritz

You won’t find waiter service, Vmax screens or fully reclining armchairs at The Ritz. You will find one of Sydney’s only remaining art deco cinemas, with exquisite original interiors, plush red velvet upholstery and bargain ticket prices. The boysenberry choc-tops are pretty special, too. Step outside onto St Pauls Street and you’re at The Spot. With its cafes, restaurants and small bars, this is Randwick’s hipster heartland

Inside the Ritz. Photo: Ritz Cinema