Wollstonecraft Suburb Guide 2025
Wollstonecraft (沃尔斯通克拉夫特) is a compact, leafy suburb on Sydney's Lower North Shore, located approximately 7.6km from the CBD in the Northern Sydney region. According to ABS Census 2021, the suburb has a total population of 8,115 across just 1.2 square kilometres, resulting in a population density of approximately 6,747 residents per km². Chinese-ancestry residents make up 13.3% of the population (approx. 1,076 people), well above the Sydney average of approximately 5%. The median house price sits at approx. $3.4M, while units come in at approx. $1.2M. With a crime rate of just 1,540 per 100,000 residents (BOCSAR 2025) — less than a quarter of the NSW average of 6,635 — Wollstonecraft is one of the safest suburbs in the state. While there are no secondary schools within the suburb itself, families benefit from proximity to some of NSW's highest-performing schools, including North Sydney Boys High School with an AU Guide score of 94.87/100.
Wollstonecraft — Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | 8,115 (ABS Census 2021), density approx. 6,747/km² |
| Chinese Community | 13.3% (approx. 1,076 residents), well above Sydney avg (~5%) |
| Median House Price | Approx. $3.4M (top 6% in NSW) |
| Median Unit Price | Approx. $1.2M (top 13% in NSW) |
| Crime Rate | 1,540 per 100K (BOCSAR 2025) — NSW avg: 6,635 |
| CBD Commute | Approx. 17 min drive / 28 min public transit, has train station |
Nearby Schools at a Glance:
- North Sydney Boys High School — Selective, AU Guide Score: 94.87/100
- North Sydney Girls High School — Selective, AU Guide Score: 94.42/100
- Wenona School — Independent, AU Guide Score: 91.65/100
- SHORE - Sydney Church of England Grammar School — Independent, AU Guide Score: 90.97/100
- Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College — Independent, AU Guide Score: 82.62/100
- Cammeraygal High School — Government, AU Guide Score: 81.71/100
Community and Demographics
Wollstonecraft is a densely populated, predominantly apartment-based suburb that attracts a mix of young professionals, downsizers, and families drawn to the Lower North Shore lifestyle. With a total population of 8,115 packed into just 1.2 square kilometres (ABS Census 2021), the suburb has a notably urban character, with high-rise and mid-rise apartment living being the norm rather than the exception.
The Chinese community is a significant presence in Wollstonecraft, with 13.3% of residents identifying as having Chinese ancestry (approx. 1,076 people) according to ABS Census 2021. This places the suburb well above the Sydney-wide average of approximately 5%, reflecting the broader North Shore's appeal to Chinese-Australian families. The suburb's Chinese population percentile rank of 0.85 indicates it sits in the top 15% of NSW suburbs by Chinese population share.
Wollstonecraft benefits from its position between the commercial hubs of Crows Nest and North Sydney. Residents have convenient access to a range of dining options, cafes, and everyday retail along the nearby commercial strips. The suburb itself has a quieter, more residential feel, with tree-lined streets and pockets of green space offering respite from the density. The harbour foreshore is accessible on foot, providing walking trails with views.
The population density of approximately 6,747 people per square kilometre speaks to the apartment-dominated housing stock. This is a suburb where community life tends to centre around local cafes, parks, and the train station precinct rather than large detached-home neighbourhoods. For families who value walkability, transit access, and proximity to elite schools without needing a large house, Wollstonecraft presents a compelling option on the Lower North Shore.
Schools and Education
Wollstonecraft itself does not contain any secondary schools, but its location on the Lower North Shore places it within easy reach of some of the most academically accomplished schools in NSW. The neighbouring suburbs of Crows Nest and North Sydney are home to a cluster of selective and independent schools that consistently rank among the state's best. All school data below is based on 2025 HSC results. For the full statewide comparison, see the AU Guide NSW School Rankings.
North Sydney Boys High School (Crows Nest)
- Type: Selective boys' school
- 2025 HSC: DA 663 students
- AU Guide Score: 94.87/100 (scoring method)
- Note: Entry requires passing a selective school entrance exam
North Sydney Girls High School (Crows Nest)
- Type: Selective girls' school
- 2025 HSC: DA 549 students
- AU Guide Score: 94.42/100 (scoring method)
- Note: Entry requires passing a selective school entrance exam
Wenona School (North Sydney)
- Type: Independent girls' school
- 2025 HSC: DA 322 students
- AU Guide Score: 91.65/100 (scoring method)
SHORE - Sydney Church of England Grammar School (North Sydney)
- Type: Independent boys' school
- 2025 HSC: DA 465 students
- AU Guide Score: 90.97/100 (scoring method)
Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College (North Sydney)
- Type: Independent girls' school
- 2025 HSC: DA 260 students
- AU Guide Score: 82.62/100 (scoring method)
Cammeraygal High School (Crows Nest)
- Type: Government co-ed school
- 2025 HSC: DA 142 students
- AU Guide Score: 81.71/100 (scoring method)
Marist Catholic College North Shore (North Sydney)
- Type: Catholic co-ed school
- 2025 HSC: DA 123 students
Bradfield College (St Leonards)
- Type: Government co-ed school
- 2025 HSC: DA 24 students
The concentration of high-performing schools in the surrounding area is remarkable. Six of the eight nearby schools hold AU Guide scores above 80/100, indicating strong academic performance. The two selective schools — North Sydney Boys and North Sydney Girls — are among the highest-ranked in the entire state and are popular choices for academically gifted students. Families considering these selective schools should be aware that entry is competitive and requires sitting the NSW Selective High School Placement Test.
Property and Rental Market
Wollstonecraft sits at the premium end of the Sydney property market, reflecting its Lower North Shore location, harbour proximity, and access to elite schools. The suburb's housing stock is predominantly apartments and units, with a relatively small number of detached houses.
The median house price in Wollstonecraft is approx. $3.4M, placing the suburb in the top 6% of NSW by house price (price rank: 0.94). This is more than double the Sydney-wide median of approximately $1.5M, underscoring the premium attached to this pocket of the North Shore. The median unit price is approx. $1.2M, in the top 13% statewide (price rank: 0.87).
Property Price Snapshot
| Property Type | Median Price | Comparison to Sydney Median |
|---|---|---|
| House | Approx. $3.4M | More than double Sydney median (~$1.5M) |
| Unit / Apartment | Approx. $1.2M | Above Sydney median |
The rental market in Wollstonecraft reflects the suburb's desirability among professionals and families. Weekly rents vary by property type and size:
Weekly Rental Prices
| Property Type | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|
| Unit / Apartment | Approx. $900/wk | Approx. $1,230/wk |
| House | Approx. $968/wk | Approx. $1,500/wk |
For renters, units offer the most accessible entry point into the suburb. A 2-bedroom unit at approx. $900 per week is competitive for the Lower North Shore, particularly given the train access and school catchment advantages. Three-bedroom houses at approx. $1,500 per week represent the top end of the rental market and are typically sought by families who need more space.
Given the apartment-dominated character of the suburb, units are the primary purchase option for most buyers. The approx. $1.2M median unit price, while high in absolute terms, offers a more accessible pathway to living in one of Sydney's most desirable school catchment areas compared to the approx. $3.4M required for a house.
Safety and Transport
Wollstonecraft is one of the safest suburbs in NSW. According to BOCSAR 2025 data, the crime rate is just 1,540 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is less than a quarter of the NSW state average of 6,635 per 100,000, placing the suburb firmly in the "very safe" category. The safety rank of 0.07 (where lower is safer) confirms that Wollstonecraft sits in the top 7% of safest suburbs in the state.
Transport connectivity is a major strength. Wollstonecraft has its own train station on the North Shore Line, providing direct access to the CBD. The commute to the city takes approximately 28 minutes by public transit or approximately 17 minutes by car. The distance to the CBD is approximately 7.6km, making it one of the closer North Shore suburbs to the city centre.
The train station is the primary transport hub, and the suburb's walkability is generally good given its compact size. Residents can access North Sydney station (one stop south) for additional bus connections. The combination of low crime and strong public transport makes Wollstonecraft particularly appealing to families who value both safety and convenience.
Summary: Who Is This Suburb For?
Well-suited for:
- Education-focused families who want proximity to North Sydney Boys, North Sydney Girls, and other top-tier schools without living directly in the busier North Sydney CBD area
- Professional couples and downsizers seeking apartment living on the Lower North Shore with a short train commute to the city
- Chinese-Australian families looking for a suburb with an established Chinese community (13.3%) and access to elite selective schools
- Safety-conscious buyers who prioritise low crime — Wollstonecraft's rate is among the lowest in NSW
Less suited for:
- Budget-conscious buyers — with houses at approx. $3.4M and units at approx. $1.2M, this is a premium-priced suburb
- Families needing a large house with a backyard — the suburb is apartment-dominated, and detached houses are scarce and expensive
- Those seeking vibrant nightlife or extensive retail — Wollstonecraft is primarily residential, though Crows Nest and North Sydney are nearby
Wollstonecraft is a quiet, safe, and well-connected Lower North Shore suburb that offers some of the best school access in Sydney, albeit at a premium price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median house price in Wollstonecraft?
The median house price in Wollstonecraft is approx. $3.4M, placing it in the top 6% of NSW suburbs by house price. This is more than double the Sydney-wide median of approximately $1.5M. Units are more affordable at approx. $1.2M median, which is the more common property type in this apartment-dominated suburb.
Is Wollstonecraft safe?
Wollstonecraft is very safe. According to BOCSAR 2025 data, the crime rate is 1,540 per 100,000 residents, which is less than a quarter of the NSW state average of 6,635. The suburb's safety rank places it in the top 7% of safest suburbs in NSW, making it one of the most secure places to live in Greater Sydney.
What schools are near Wollstonecraft?
While there are no secondary schools within Wollstonecraft itself, the neighbouring suburbs of Crows Nest and North Sydney offer outstanding options. These include the selective North Sydney Boys High School (AU Guide Score: 94.87/100) and North Sydney Girls High School (94.42/100), plus independent schools such as Wenona School (91.65/100) and SHORE (90.97/100).
What is the Chinese population in Wollstonecraft?
According to ABS Census 2021, 13.3% of Wollstonecraft residents are of Chinese ancestry, totalling approximately 1,076 people. This is well above the Sydney-wide average of approximately 5%, placing the suburb in the top 15% of NSW suburbs by Chinese population share. The established Chinese community is part of the broader Lower North Shore's appeal to Chinese-Australian families.
How much is rent in Wollstonecraft?
Weekly rents in Wollstonecraft vary by property type. A 2-bedroom unit is approx. $900/wk, a 3-bedroom unit approx. $1,230/wk, a 2-bedroom house approx. $968/wk, and a 3-bedroom house approx. $1,500/wk. Units offer the most accessible rental entry point into this premium Lower North Shore location.
How far is Wollstonecraft from Sydney CBD?
Wollstonecraft is approximately 7.6km from the Sydney CBD. The commute takes approximately 17 minutes by car or approximately 28 minutes by public transit. The suburb has its own train station on the North Shore Line, providing direct rail access to the city without needing to change trains.
Is Wollstonecraft good for families?
Wollstonecraft is an excellent choice for education-focused families, particularly those targeting the selective North Sydney Boys or North Sydney Girls high schools. The suburb offers very low crime, strong public transport, and an established Chinese community (13.3%). The main trade-off is that housing is predominantly apartments, and prices are at the premium end of the market (houses approx. $3.4M, units approx. $1.2M).