The North Sydney development that’s a 'peaceful oasis' on the city’s doorstep

With the last of the unpacking behind her, Evelyn Cummins is settling into life in her brand-new luxury two-bedroom apartment in North Sydney.

The practice manager of an inner-city law firm bought an off-the-plan apartment at AURA by Aqualand two years ago and says she and her husband have fallen in love with their new home.

The iconic Sydney Harbour view sealed the deal for her. “I thought for the first time in my life, I’d like to be able to look out the window and see the Sydney Harbour every day,” Cummins says. “When I’m home, I feel like I’m cocooned in a beautifully quiet part of the world, enjoying panoramic views.” 

It’s the little things that have made the apartment feel like home, like the TV screens in the gym being just the right height for a workout, and the beautiful fittings throughout the apartment.

“It’s clear that the architects and design team have thought carefully about details that perhaps you wouldn’t notice on the plan, but they make a huge difference to the comfort of the home at the end of the day,” she says.

Cummins says the morning sun cascades into her living room as she watches the boats go by, adding: “ Watching the ferries crossing the harbour is like a private show.”

She intends to use the apartment’s pool and gymnasium regularly.

From her corner of the world, it’s quiet apart from the gentle hum of the city. “It feels like I’m part of a living, breathing, exciting city and yet still get to come home to a peaceful oasis,” Cummins says.

With Australia’s biggest public transport project, Sydney Metro, on the doorstep, it’s less than 15 minutes to work and back each day. 

Although still settling into the new precinct, Cummins has her eye on the building’s buzzy restaurants. “I’m looking forward to getting along to this gorgeous little Japanese restaurant, Genzo, that I’ve walked past on the ground floor that has good vibes,” she says.

Cummins also loves entertaining, so the option to head up a few floors to use the private residents’ Skydeck, complete with kitchen and private dining room, appeals to her. “I’ve lived in a few apartments now, and I know the sense of having arrived home in a space that looks good on the outside, while inside provides functionality, elevated simplicity and style in everyday living,” she says.  

A new era for North Sydney

Cummins is one of several new residents moving into AURA by Aqualand, which sets a new precedent for luxury harbourside living, says head of sales and marketing Alex Adams. 

The project was completed in June, spearheading a multibillion-dollar transformation of North Sydney into a new CBD precinct that will provide new transport options, more green spaces and exciting chapters in the evolving cultural ecosystem of the area. 

Sydneysiders looking for a new lease on life have been settling into the residences at AURA over recent months. “It’s always the most fulfilling milestone in the delivery of any project as they see their trust in us has well and truly come to fruition,” Adams says. 

“We’re seeing the residents are already forming a vibrant community, and, as most buyers are owner-occupiers, this is only going to strengthen over time. They’re making the most of their brand-new five-star amenities and are enjoying sharing them with family and friends.” 

He says both professionals and families with children of all ages are buying at AURA, with the world-class hospitality venues on the podium level attracting the broader community, further integrating AURA into the North Sydney precinct.

The demographic of the buyers has varied over the time the project has been in the market. Downsizers led the launch sales, but recently, more young professionals and families have been choosing the two—and three-bedroom apartments. 

“As residences are now complete and ready to move in, it’s been important for us to provide new buyers the opportunity to experience the quality of the build, luxury materials, and meticulous attention to detail we’ve become renowned for firsthand,” Adams says.

“We’re seeing purchasers choosing to ‘rightsize’ into all our types of residences. The connectivity and convenient location of AURA is an attractive drawcard especially since the completion of the Victoria Cross metro station next to door and the new Reddam House vertical school across the street quickly taking shape.”

Aura by Aqualand

168 Walker Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060

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