New South Wales location profile
Duffys Forest NSW 2084
Duffys Forest is a semi-rural, acreage suburb on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, prized for its tranquil bushland setting and equestrian lifestyle. It offers privacy, large properties, and immediate access to national parks while relying on nearby hubs for most retail and services.
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Why families consider Duffys Forest
Low-density, affluent, family-oriented community with many horse enthusiasts and outdoor-focused residents; skewed to families and mature couples seeking space, quiet, and proximity to nature.
Amenities & services
- Terrey Hills Village shops (groceries, cafes, services)
- St Ives Shopping Village
- Belrose Super Centre
- Forestway Shopping Centre (Frenchs Forest)
- Mona Vale Village
- Northern Beaches Hospital (Frenchs Forest)
- Mona Vale Hospital
- GPs and specialists in Terrey Hills and St Ives
- Restaurants and cafes in Terrey Hills, St Ives and Mona Vale
- Terrey Hills Tavern
- Terrey Hills Library – Yulong Avenue, Terrey Hills
- St Ives Library – Memorial Avenue, St Ives
- Forestville Library – Darley Street, Forestville
Transport & connectivity
- No train station in suburb; nearest at Gordon, Pymble and Turramurra (North Shore Line)
- Local and regional bus services via Terrey Hills with connections to Mona Vale, St Ives, Chatswood and Macquarie University
- Connections to B-Line services at Mona Vale for rapid CBD access
- Major roads: Mona Vale Road (A3), McCarrs Creek Road, Booralie Road
Lifestyle & recreation
- Bushwalking, trail running and mountain biking in Ku-ring-gai Chase and Garigal National Parks
- Equestrian centres, riding schools and horse trails
- St Ives Showground (equestrian and community events)
- Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club (nearby)
- Terrey Hills Oval and sports fields
- Waratah Park (historic site) and surrounding bush tracks
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
- Garigal National Park
- Waratah Park
- Terrey Hills Oval and Reserve
- Cascades Track (Garigal National Park)
Education context
Limited within Duffys Forest; broader choice in nearby Terrey Hills, St Ives and Belrose with long day care, preschools and family day care (moderate waitlists).
- Macquarie University – North Ryde
- University of Sydney – Camperdown/Darlington
- UNSW Sydney – Kensington
- Australian Catholic University – North Sydney