Cherrybrook Suburb Guide 2025
Cherrybrook (车里布鲁克) is a well-established residential suburb in Northern Sydney, located approx. 29.7km from the Sydney CBD. According to ABS Census 2021, the suburb has a total population of 19,082, with 25.3% of residents identifying as being of Chinese ancestry — placing it in the top 5% of Sydney suburbs for Chinese population, well above the Sydney average of approximately 5%. The median house price sits at approx. $2.5M, while the crime rate is just 1,195 per 100,000 (BOCSAR 2025), making it one of the safest suburbs in New South Wales. Cherrybrook is home to two secondary schools, including Cherrybrook Technology High School with an AU Guide Score of 88.93/100. The suburb gained a significant transport upgrade with the opening of Cherrybrook Station on the Sydney Metro Northwest line, connecting residents to the broader rail network.
Cherrybrook — Key Facts
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 19,082 (ABS 2021) |
| Chinese Population | 25.3% (4,837 residents) |
| Median House Price | Approx. $2.5M |
| Median Unit Price | Approx. $1.6M |
| Crime Rate | 1,195 per 100K (BOCSAR 2025) |
| Distance to CBD | Approx. 29.7km |
Schools at a glance:
- Cherrybrook Technology High School — AU Guide Score: 88.93/100
- Tangara School for Girls — AU Guide Score: 75.30/100
Community and Demographics
Cherrybrook is a large, family-oriented suburb spanning approx. 8.26 square kilometres in Sydney's Hills District. With a total population of 19,082 (ABS Census 2021), it has a population density of approximately 2,310 people per square kilometre — reflecting its predominantly low-density, house-dominated character with wide streets and generous block sizes.
The suburb has one of the highest concentrations of Chinese-Australian residents in Sydney. According to ABS Census 2021, 25.3% of the population (approximately 4,837 residents) are of Chinese ancestry. This places Cherrybrook in the top 5% of Sydney suburbs for Chinese population share, significantly above the citywide average of approximately 5%. This strong Chinese community presence is reflected in the local dining options, grocery stores, and tutoring centres that cater to Chinese-Australian families along the suburb's commercial strips.
Cherrybrook is characterised by established family homes built predominantly from the 1980s onward. The suburb attracts families who prioritise education, safety, and community connection. Its location within the Hornsby Shire local government area gives residents access to well-maintained parks, walking trails, and community facilities. The nearby Cherrybrook Village shopping area and surrounding retail centres provide everyday amenities, while larger shopping destinations such as Castle Towers in neighbouring Castle Hill offer more extensive retail options.
The community has a strong focus on education, with many families choosing to live in Cherrybrook specifically for its school catchment areas. Weekend language schools and cultural activities further support the bilingual upbringing many Chinese-Australian families seek for their children.
Cherrybrook's age profile skews towards established families — the suburb has a higher-than-average proportion of school-age children and residents in the 35-54 age bracket. This demographic pattern reinforces the suburb's reputation as a place where families put down long-term roots. Many residents have lived in Cherrybrook for over a decade, contributing to a stable and cohesive community. The local area also benefits from proximity to several bushland reserves and green spaces, offering recreational opportunities for families who value outdoor activities alongside academic pursuits.
Schools and Education
Cherrybrook is widely regarded as one of Sydney's strongest suburban education precincts. The suburb is home to two notable secondary schools that consistently perform well in the HSC, making it a prime destination for education-focused families. For a comprehensive view of school performance across the state, see the AU Guide NSW School Rankings.
Cherrybrook Technology High School
- Type: Government co-educational school, Year 7–12
- Enrolment: Approx. 2,100 students
- 2025 HSC: DA 391 students, All-Round Achievers 17 students, Top Achievers 8 students
- DA Ratio: 1.13
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- AU Guide Score: 88.93/100 (scoring method)
Cherrybrook Technology High School is one of the highest-performing government schools in NSW. With 391 students achieving a Distinguished Achiever result (HSC mark of 90 or above) in the 2025 HSC, the school demonstrates strong academic performance across a large student cohort. The school's 17 All-Round Achievers (students scoring 90+ in 10 or more units) and 8 Top Achievers further highlight its capacity to develop top-tier academic talent. As a comprehensive government school, it offers a technology-focused curriculum alongside traditional academic pathways, and its AU Guide Score of 88.93/100 places it firmly among the top government schools in the state.
- Type: Independent girls' school, K–12
- Enrolment: Approx. 800 students
- 2025 HSC: DA 60 students, All-Round Achievers 3 students, Top Achievers 1 student, First in Course 1 student
- DA Ratio: 1.13
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- AU Guide Score: 75.30/100 (scoring method)
Tangara School for Girls is an independent school offering education from Kindergarten through to Year 12. In the 2025 HSC, 60 students achieved Distinguished Achiever results, with 3 All-Round Achievers, 1 Top Achiever, and 1 First in Course — a notable distinction for a school of its size. With an AU Guide Score of 75.30/100, Tangara delivers good academic performance in a smaller, single-sex learning environment. Families seeking an independent girls' education with a faith-based ethos may find Tangara a strong fit.
Education Landscape
Having two secondary schools within the suburb is a significant advantage for Cherrybrook families. Cherrybrook Technology High School is consistently among the top government schools in NSW, removing the need for families to seek expensive private education to access strong HSC results. The school's comprehensive government status means it serves the local catchment, and living within the zone is a key factor driving property demand in the suburb. Tangara School for Girls provides an alternative pathway for families seeking single-sex education in a smaller school setting. Between the two schools, Cherrybrook covers government co-ed, and independent girls' education — families seeking boys-only or selective school options would need to look at neighbouring areas.
School Comparison
| School | Type | AU Guide Score | DA Count | All-Rounders | Top Achievers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherrybrook Technology High School | Government, Co-ed | 88.93 | 391 | 17 | 8 |
| Tangara School for Girls | Independent, Girls | 75.30 | 60 | 3 | 1 |
Property Market
Cherrybrook's property market reflects its status as a premium family suburb in Northern Sydney. The median house price currently sits at approx. $2.5M, which is significantly above the Sydney-wide median of approximately $1.5M — placing Cherrybrook in the upper tier of Sydney property markets (top 18% by house price rank). The median unit price is approx. $1.6M, which ranks in the top 2% of Sydney suburbs for unit prices, reflecting the limited supply and high demand for even apartment-style dwellings in this area.
Property Price Summary
| Property Type | Cherrybrook Median | Sydney Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | Approx. $2.5M | Approx. $1.5M | +67% |
| Unit | Approx. $1.6M | — | — |
The suburb's housing stock is dominated by detached houses on medium to large blocks, many built in the 1980s and 1990s. Newer developments and renovated properties command a premium. The high proportion of owner-occupied homes contributes to stable property values and a well-maintained streetscape throughout the suburb.
The premium pricing reflects several converging factors: the suburb's strong school catchment (particularly for Cherrybrook Technology High School), its very low crime rate, the sizeable and established Chinese-Australian community, and the relatively recent addition of Cherrybrook Metro Station. Families purchasing in Cherrybrook are typically prioritising education outcomes and long-term residential stability over proximity to the CBD.
For buyers comparing options in the broader Hills District and Northern Sydney, Cherrybrook's house prices are comparable to other well-regarded family suburbs in the region, though its unit prices are notably high given the limited apartment supply.
Property Landscape
The housing stock in Cherrybrook is predominantly detached three- to five-bedroom homes on blocks typically ranging from 600 to 900 square metres. Older properties from the 1980s and early 1990s are often purchased for renovation or knockdown-rebuild projects, while original homes in good condition offer a more affordable entry point relative to new builds. The limited supply of apartments or townhouses means that unit transactions are less frequent, and the high median unit price of approx. $1.6M reflects this scarcity rather than a broad market of available stock.
The suburb's property market dynamics are closely tied to school demand. Properties within the Cherrybrook Technology High School catchment zone tend to attract competitive interest from families planning for their children's secondary education. This catchment premium is a well-known factor in the local market and is consistent with patterns observed across Sydney's top school zones.
Rental data for Cherrybrook is currently unavailable. The limited rental market is consistent with the suburb's high owner-occupancy rate — most families in Cherrybrook are owner-occupiers who have purchased for long-term residence. Families considering renting in the broader area may find more rental stock in neighbouring suburbs with higher-density housing.
Safety and Transport
Cherrybrook is one of the safest suburbs in NSW. According to BOCSAR 2025 data, the suburb records a crime rate of just 1,195 incidents per 100,000 population. This is approximately 82% below the NSW state average of 6,635 per 100,000 — less than one-fifth of the average rate. With a safety rank in the top 4% of NSW suburbs, Cherrybrook earns a very safe assessment. The low crime rate is consistent with the suburb's residential character, high owner-occupancy rates, and family-oriented community.
Transport
The opening of Cherrybrook Station on the Sydney Metro Northwest line has been a transformative addition to the suburb's transport infrastructure. Residents now have direct metro access linking Cherrybrook to Chatswood, Macquarie Park, and the Sydney CBD via interchange.
- Drive to CBD: Approx. 32 minutes
- Public transit to CBD: Approx. 63 minutes
- Distance to CBD: Approx. 29.7km
- Train station: Cherrybrook Station (Sydney Metro Northwest)
While the driving time to the CBD is moderate, the metro connection provides a reliable alternative, particularly for commuters heading to employment hubs in Macquarie Park and North Sydney. Bus services supplement the metro, connecting Cherrybrook to surrounding suburbs and transport interchanges.
For school commutes, the metro provides convenient access to Epping and Chatswood, where students can interchange for further connections. The suburb's internal road network is well-maintained, with most streets featuring footpaths suitable for walking and cycling. Parking is generally straightforward throughout Cherrybrook, with most homes having off-street parking and the Cherrybrook Village shopping area offering dedicated parking facilities.
Summary: Who Is This Suburb For?
Cherrybrook is well suited for:
- Education-focused families who want access to a top-performing government high school (AU Guide Score 88.93) and an independent girls' school, both within the suburb.
- Chinese-Australian families seeking a suburb with an established community (25.3% Chinese population) and supporting cultural infrastructure.
- Safety-conscious buyers who prioritise a very safe neighbourhood — Cherrybrook's crime rate is 82% below the NSW average.
- Families wanting space who prefer detached houses on generous blocks in a quiet, suburban environment.
Cherrybrook may be less suited for:
- CBD workers seeking a short commute — at approx. 63 minutes by public transit and 32 minutes by car, it is not a close-to-city suburb.
- Budget-conscious buyers — with a median house price of approx. $2.5M and units at approx. $1.6M, entry costs are well above the Sydney median.
- Those seeking urban vibrancy — Cherrybrook is a quiet, residential suburb without a major commercial or entertainment hub.
In summary, Cherrybrook is a premium Northern Sydney suburb that combines strong schools, a large Chinese-Australian community, exceptional safety, and family-friendly living — at a price point that reflects these advantages.
Comparison with Nearby Suburbs
Families considering Cherrybrook often compare it to neighbouring suburbs such as Castle Hill, West Pennant Hills, and Thornleigh. Castle Hill, as a larger commercial hub, offers more retail and dining options but with a different community character. West Pennant Hills shares a similar family-oriented profile but with different school catchments. Thornleigh, being on the T1 North Shore Line rather than the Metro Northwest, offers a different transport dynamic. Cherrybrook's combination of two strong local schools, metro access, and very low crime rate distinguishes it within this group. The suburb's larger land area (8.26 sq km) compared to many neighbouring suburbs also means a wider choice of residential streets and housing styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median house price in Cherrybrook?
The median house price in Cherrybrook is approx. $2.5M, which is approximately 67% above the Sydney-wide median of $1.5M. The median unit price is approx. $1.6M. Cherrybrook's property prices reflect its strong school catchment, low crime rate, and established community.
Is Cherrybrook a safe suburb?
Cherrybrook is one of the safest suburbs in NSW. According to BOCSAR 2025 data, the crime rate is 1,195 per 100,000 population — approximately 82% below the NSW state average of 6,635. This places it in the top 4% of NSW suburbs for safety.
What schools are in Cherrybrook?
Cherrybrook has two notable secondary schools: Cherrybrook Technology High School (Government, AU Guide Score 88.93/100, 391 DA students in 2025 HSC) and Tangara School for Girls (Independent, AU Guide Score 75.30/100, 60 DA students). Both are accessible within the suburb.
What is the Chinese population in Cherrybrook?
According to ABS Census 2021, 25.3% of Cherrybrook's population (approximately 4,837 residents) are of Chinese ancestry. This places the suburb in the top 5% of Sydney suburbs for Chinese population share, significantly above the Sydney average of approximately 5%.
How far is Cherrybrook from the Sydney CBD?
Cherrybrook is approx. 29.7km from the Sydney CBD. The drive takes approx. 32 minutes, while public transit (via Cherrybrook Metro Station on the Sydney Metro Northwest line) takes approx. 63 minutes. The metro provides a direct connection toward Chatswood and the CBD.
Does Cherrybrook have a train station?
Yes. Cherrybrook Station is on the Sydney Metro Northwest line, which opened as part of Sydney's newest metro infrastructure. The station connects Cherrybrook to Macquarie Park, Chatswood, and the wider Sydney rail network, significantly improving public transport access for the suburb.
Is there rental property available in Cherrybrook?
Rental data for Cherrybrook is currently unavailable, which reflects the suburb's high owner-occupancy rate. Most homes in Cherrybrook are occupied by families who have purchased for long-term residence. Families interested in renting in the area may find more options in neighbouring suburbs with higher-density apartment stock.
What is the population density in Cherrybrook?
Cherrybrook has a population density of approximately 2,310 people per square kilometre across its 8.26 sq km area. This is relatively low for a Sydney suburb, reflecting its character as a predominantly detached-house neighbourhood with spacious blocks and quiet residential streets.
Data Sources and References
- Australian Bureau of Statistics — Census 2021 (population and demographics data)
- NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) — Crime data September 2025
- NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) — 2025 HSC results
- Domain.com.au — Property price data
- AU Guide HSC Scoring Methodology