Maroubra has tied for first in a national ranking of pet-loving suburbs, showing that city living doesn’t stop locals from making dogs and cats part of the family.
A July 2025 report using national insurance data reveals unexpected trends in pet ownership across Australia. Petsy’s analysis shows that inner-city suburbs like Maroubra and Rosebery are leading in pet insurance uptake, challenging the idea that pets are mostly found in homes with backyards.
All top-ranking NSW suburbs are in metropolitan Sydney, suggesting apartment living isn’t stopping people from owning pets. The findings reflect a wider national pattern, with nearly 70% of Australian households now having at least one pet.
How Maroubra Stands Out
Maroubra’s high ranking shows its growth into one of Sydney’s most pet-friendly suburbs. With a mix of apartments and houses, locals continue to show strong care for their animals, supported by access to parks, vet clinics, and pet-friendly venues.
Petsy’s data also highlights other apartment-heavy areas like Alexandria and Macquarie Park, pointing to wider changes in attitudes towards pets in units. Since New South Wales ended blanket pet bans in 2021, more Sydney residents in strata housing have been welcoming pets into their homes.
National Snapshot: Beyond the Big Backyards
Outside New South Wales, the trends shift across states. Victoria’s top suburbs included Melbourne CBD and Berwick, while Queensland’s list was dominated by Gold Coast areas like Pimpama and Southport, suggesting pet ownership is strong even in urban settings.
In contrast, South Australia and Western Australia favoured more traditional suburbs with larger homes, such as Woodcroft in Adelaide and Baldivis in Perth. Across the board, the rise in pet insurance signals a growing emotional and financial commitment to pets nationwide.
A Community That Loves Its Pets
In pet-loving suburbs like Maroubra, everyday life often revolves around four-legged companions. Morning walks by the beach, bowls of water outside cafés, and apartment buildings that welcome pets are all part of the local rhythm.
As urban living shifts, Maroubra proves that a backyard isn’t essential, what matters is attitude, access, and design. It’s a suburb rewriting the rules of what pet-friendly really means.
A spear fisher diving off Maroubra’s coastline has had an unexpected and tense encounter with a great white shark, with the dramatic moment caught entirely on his GoPro.
The close encounter happened off Maroubra, a beachside suburb in Sydney’s east, as spear fisher Dean was diving for salmon. A 2.5-metre great white shark circled him for over three minutes, captured on his GoPro. Dean said he remained calm and still, keeping the shark in view during what he called a “staring contest.”
The shark edged closer with each pass but eventually swam away without incident. Authorities later confirmed the shark had been tagged and detected near Maroubra just 10 minutes earlier, after migrating from Stanwell Park.
Speargun Used as Protective Barrier
As the shark came within arm’s reach, Dean used his speargun as a barrier, slowly raising it between himself and the animal. At one point, he nudged the shark’s nose to maintain distance. The shark responded by swimming broadside and eventually drifting away, but not before making another pass.
Dean said the most stressful part was when he briefly lost sight of the shark, not knowing where it had gone. He remained underwater until he felt it was safe to return to the surface. His GoPro recorded the entire sequence.
Wildlife Experts Track Shark Behaviour
Officials confirmed that the same shark had triggered tracking beacons placed along the coast. The NSW government’s shark monitoring system, which uses acoustic tags to study shark movements, logged the great white off Maroubra just before Dean’s dive began.
Marine experts said the shark’s behaviour appeared to be investigative rather than aggressive. These kinds of close encounters are uncommon but not unheard of in Sydney waters, particularly during salmon runs when sharks follow food sources closer to shore.
A Story That’s Staying With the Community
Dean returned to shore safely, shaken but unharmed, and plans to share the footage with researchers studying shark movements. Despite the encounter, he kept the salmon he’d caught and joked it would be lunch.
Locals who viewed the footage online responded with both admiration and concern. Many praised Dean’s calm response, while others were uneasy about diving in shark-prone waters. The incident serves as a reminder to the Maroubra community of the marine life just beyond the shoreline.
A Maroubra surfer has etched his name in the record books by becoming the first person to hydrofoil 92 kilometres across open ocean from Bali to East Java, capturing the spirit of his local surf community far from the familiar breaks of Sydney’s eastern beaches.
On 27 June 2025, Josh Ku, who grew up riding the waves at Maroubra, crossed the treacherous Bali Strait on a hydrofoil board, setting off from Uluwatu in Bali and landing at the legendary surf break G-Land in Java. The daring journey took four and a half hours and pushed him through rough seas, strong currents and the same dangerous waters where a ferry tragedy claimed lives just days later.
Crossing the Bali Strait
Ku shared that he had dreamt of tackling the crossing for over a year, inspired by surf pioneers who explored both Uluwatu and G-Land in the 1970s. He called the Bali Strait the most difficult body of water he had ever faced, comparing it to his past Molokai to Oahu crossing in Hawaii, which he now says felt mild in comparison.
Paddling out of Maroubra as a young surfer gave him the grit for such feats. Known for braving heavy reefs on a standard surfboard, Ku had already made long coastal foiling trips at home, including a run from Maroubra to Wollongong that covered 60 kilometres. The Bali–Java mission was the next step in pushing the limits of what’s possible on a hydrofoil.
A Community Effort
He credited his success to his wife, local sponsors and the mates who supported him when the idea sounded near impossible. California-based filmmaker Dane Wilson followed Ku’s preparation and crossing, with plans to release a film about the journey later this year. Ku said the crossing was more than a personal goal — it was about trusting instinct, skill and the lessons learned growing up with Maroubra’s close-knit surf community.
The magnitude of his achievement struck home when news broke of a ferry sinking in the same strait, a grim reminder of the region’s powerful currents and unpredictable weather. Ku extended his condolences to families affected and stressed that such waters deserve respect.
Home Break, Big Waves
Despite his adventures abroad, Ku keeps returning to Maroubra’s waves, sharing his biggest local rides on social media and reminding followers that his roots are firmly in Sydney’s surf culture. His recent posts show him charging large swells at Maroubra, proving that for all the record-breaking crossings, the local break still feels like home.
The documentary about his Bali–Java crossing is expected to premiere in September at an international watersports event in Oregon, shining a light on an Australian surfer whose ambition was forged in the surf of Maroubra and carried across oceans.
Lifesavers and locals will soon benefit from a major refresh of the Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club, with plans underway for a modern building complete with gym, meeting spaces, and a café-style barista window. Now over a century old, the club is also set to receive upgraded storage for lifesaving gear, new training areas, improved public showers, and terraced seating right by the beach.
Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club, founded in 1906, is one of Australia’s earliest surf clubs. The club provides volunteer patrols at Maroubra Beach, complementing lifeguard services, and offers surf sports, water safety training, and education for the community.
It currently has 1,410 members and plays a key role in supporting local beach safety and youth development initiatives.
The planned redevelopment follows over 18 months of consultation with club members. The proposed design features a larger gym, upgraded amenities, and new spaces for members. It includes function and meeting rooms, a kitchen, a bar, an outdoor terrace, and improved storage for lifesaving equipment.
Public features will include beach access improvements, showers, a barista window, landscaped seating areas, and weather-protected decks. The new building aims to reflect the club’s cultural heritage while addressing future needs, using sustainable materials, natural ventilation, and solar panels to enhance environmental performance.
Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil
Project Funding and Timeline
The redevelopment is funded by all three levels of government. Randwick City Council is contributing $10.5 million, the Federal Government is providing $3.5 million, and the State Government is contributing $1 million. Construction is expected to begin in 2027–28, subject to consultation outcomes, design refinements, and future budget allocations.
Community Feedback and Sentiment
Public consultation is open, with feedback invited through the official website. Comments on social media reflect both support and queries from residents. Some have praised the upgrade as long overdue, while others have raised concerns about the lack of provision for boardrider clubs and other daily ocean users. There were also suggestions about the design, including calls for more community-oriented features.
The project team is gathering community feedback until 25 July 2025. The final design will be refined based on input received during the consultation period before progressing to the next stage.
We’ve combed Maroubra, Maroubra South, and Pagewood for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Susan Chen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This Japanese restaurant is a hidden gem located in eastern suburbs. Really good quality food for a reasonable price. We love their sashimi plates and sushi. Very fresh and delicious! Plenty of parking on the street, will definitely come back in the future!
Sherry Z ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Always bustling! Melt-in-your-mouth teriyaki beef and fresh tuna-scallop sushi dazzled us. Miso eggplant—unexpectedly divine! Celebrated a birthday; every dish impressed. Friendly staff, lively vibe, plus a kids’ play area. A must-visit Japanese gem. Will return! 🍣🔥
David ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a hidden gem! The sushi is incredibly fresh, and the ramen is rich and flavorful. The service is friendly, and the cozy atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a family meal. Highly recommend the salmon sashimi. Will definitely be back! 🍣🍜
James Hourn ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The pork ribs and souvlaki platter were amazing, Ribs were so perfect, great flavour, and melted off the bone, cant wait to return. Loved the greek salad also, thanks for a wonderful meal.
Patricia Zuccon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’m sitting here at the Tradewinds Restaurant Maroubra, feeling happy content and completely satisfied. We started with grilled Halloumi and tomatoes, followed by the softest most beautiful calamari. Our main was the meat platter for two – WOW! Our cocktails were incredible. Guys…this is the best place in Maroubra!!! Thanks Mo for the sensational cocktails and Erica for a wonderful dining experience.
Atti ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cannot speak more highly of Tradewinds. Have always had an awesome dining experience here. The food is amazing, Erica and her team consistently deliver friendly and efficient service. I highly recommend the ribs, my personal favourite from the menu.
Queen B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had dinner at Marenellos Maroubra food was delicious. Big serves at a reasonable price. All staff are friendly. Plenty of parking and wheel chair access. You can dine inside or outside it’s your choice.
Zondy Wu ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This Italian food restaurant located in Maroubra Sidney, on the front side of the Pasific Square. Serving delicious Italian food, such pasta, pizza, ravioli, etc., and they also have salad, wine, coffee. The interior space is a bit tight so when its crowded & busy, people speak louder, you will hardly hear the music. Anyways, its still a nice place to hangout with friends of family while enjoying delicious Italian food.
Lynne Lee ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Popular with the locals for their generous servings and great value. Wine list prices are reasonable. We always start with the garlic pizza crust. Tonight we had the tortellini, spaghetti & meatballs, steak and caesar salad.
J W ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Service was great, with a smile. Coffee was ripper strong. Food was reasonably priced – big breakfast was actually big and tasty. Sweet potato fries were awesome, super crunchy, but not overcooked. I would go back.
Оксана Свинаренко ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The most amazing place! Exceptional service, delicious food, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The portions are generous, and the ambiance makes you want to come back again and again. Highly recommended for everyone to visit. Wishing your establishment great success!❤️
Antonia Indrodjojo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best coffee comes with delicious brownie. Big breakfast can be shared between two and pancakes was yummy.
Cristina Loddo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We ate 2 schnitzel with chips, salad and beers 🍻. Food and drinks were very good and the service was so fast! We enjoyed the atmosphere. Plus, the price was correct for the quality. As italian it was funny to find the shrimps on top of the meat, but they were good as well!
Denis C (DC) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic value, taste sensation meals at very affordable prices in a busy, happy, venue with family friendly values. Also boasts a great bar with ocean views, very friendly management and smiling efficient staff catering for all age groups – teens through to seniors. I’m there at least twice a week, once at least with family during the week and on weekends with my friends – we all love it! Spring 2022…An expanded alfresco dining area alongside the McKeon St traffic free Plaza is a great addition! Summer 2023…balmy alfresco evenings are even better, so relaxed, decent people enjoying good food and each other’s company. Autumn 2023…ditto, great food, extensive choice of beverages and quality food still abounds with the sounds of the beach close by and pounding surf a reminder of how well situated we are her at Maroubra Beach.
Leeanne A ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food although a bit pricey was delicious and huge servings. Worth the cost. The service was friendly and fast. Definitely a great place to have a mid week lunch.
Maroubra residents now have around-the-clock access to postal services thanks to a major upgrade of their local post office, which includes a secure 24/7 lobby and modernised facilities designed to meet the growing demand for parcel convenience.
Located at 936 Anzac Parade, the newly renovated Maroubra Post Office offers a streamlined and centralised experience, combining postal services, parcel collection, PO Boxes, and retail items all in one spot.
“The relocation to the new premise ensures that our Post Office, parcel collection, and PO boxes are conveniently available to customers in one central location,” said Sarah Coe, General Manager of Retail Operations North at Australia Post.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Among the key new features is a 24/7 lobby equipped with free Parcel Lockers, offering locals secure access to their online orders and deliveries at any time. The lockers also support return parcels, giving customers added flexibility for their eCommerce needs.
“We recognise that many customers work from 9 to 5 and may not be able to access our services during regular business hours. Our secure 24/7 lobby at the new Maroubra Post Office will allow customers to access postal products through a vending machine and collect and send parcels at a time that suits their busy schedule,” she added.
Photo Credit: Supplied
This upgrade comes in response to a sharp rise in online shopping across the country. According to Australia Post’s 2024 eCommerce Industry Report, over 9.5 million Australian households shopped online last year, with 82% of homes making at least one purchase.
To manage this growth, the Maroubra branch includes an upgraded back-of-house area designed to handle larger volumes of parcels more efficiently, particularly during busy seasons such as Christmas and Black Friday.
The redesign also accommodates customers seeking traditional services. Locals can still access in-person financial services through Bank\@Post, identity verification, and purchase business supplies and stationery — all supported by a team of staff members available during regular trading hours.
“We are continuing to invest in our network to deliver the services customers want and need, this includes having our team available in the Post Office to support our customers,” Ms. Coe said.
“We know our customers want choice, flexibility and simplicity in how they receive their deliveries – this includes both when and where,” she added.
Australia Post also considered community needs and feedback in the planning process, with a focus on providing flexibility and accessibility for residents juggling busy schedules.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The Maroubra renovation was officially launched on Thursday, 26 June, with The Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite, Member for Kingsford Smith, in attendance to help mark the occasion.
The Maroubra Post Office is open during regular business hours for staffed services, while the 24/7 lobby allows customers to use Parcel Lockers and a vending machine at any time.
While there are no formal announcements yet, Australia Post confirmed that similar upgrades may be considered across other Sydney suburbs, depending on demand and customer needs.
“Australia Post continues to review its network of Post Offices to align with customer demand. Where we find an opportunity to improve the service for our customers and communities, we will do so,” Ms. Coe explained.
Did you know that Matraville and Maroubra town centres are set for major facelifts this year, as part of a roll out of streetscape upgrades aimed at improving walkability, shade and comfort across both suburbs?
Works along the western side of Bunnerong Road, from Perry Street to Daunt Avenue, will begin in late July 2025 and finish by December, weather permitting. old concrete footpaths will be replaced with new asphalt and paver edging. New seating, bins, trees and native plants will be added to improve comfort and shade.
Minor repairs to public infrastructure are also planned. These upgrades follow earlier improvements and form part of the Matraville Public Domain Masterplan to make the area safer and more accessible. Some parking and bus stops will be temporarily relocated, with traffic management in place during construction.
What It Means for the Community
The upgrades aim to make Matraville more walkable, family-friendly and comfortable for everyday visits. Improved footpaths, more seating and extra shade will support activities like shopping and school runs. Community feedback from earlier consultations called for better lighting, wider paths and greener spaces.
This second stage builds on upgrades completed in 2024 to meet those requests. Local businesses will stay open during construction, with staff on-site to assist with pedestrian access. Residents were informed earlier this year through letterbox drops and public notices.
A Broader Push Across the Area
Matraville’s streetscape upgrade is part of a broader set of projects across Randwick. Similar works will begin in Maroubra Junction around the same time, focusing on paving, landscaping, lighting and street furniture along Anzac Parade.
At its June meeting, Council also advanced plans for a new BMX pump park in Malabar and early design work for Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club. These projects reflect a wider effort to improve public spaces across the area. The focus remains on boosting access, safety and comfort for residents of all ages.
What’s Next for Residents
Construction will run during the day and at night, with louder works limited after hours to reduce disruption. Most activity will happen during standard hours, though some low-impact tasks may occur overnight.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated through Randwick Council’s website and social media. Major traffic or access changes will be announced in advance. While there may be short-term inconvenience, the goal is a safer and more connected Matraville town centre.
A commemorative bench overlooking the bay in Maroubra has unintentionally confused residents due to a significant error in the engraved birth year of Julie Savage, a long-time local who passed away in 2024.
The plaque, placed by a friend, includes a message celebrating Ms Savage’s connection to the Maroubra coastline, her love of swimming, and her respect for the land. However, instead of listing her birth year as 1947, the plaque states it as 2047—creating a timeline inconsistency that has puzzled the community.
Caption: The plaque in honour of Ms Savage sits on a bench overlooking Maroubra Bay. Photo Credit: Google Maps
Background on the Tribute
Julie Savage died on 29 April 2024. The bench and plaque were installed as a tribute from a close friend named Cat, who praised Ms Savage’s regular walks, ocean swims, and appreciation for the natural and cultural significance of Maroubra’s headland.
The plaque, placed in a prominent public location with Randwick City Council’s logo, reflects sentiments of remembrance and local heritage. The inclusion of a mistaken birth year has, however, shifted attention away from the intended message.
Community Reactions and Council Response
Residents expressed confusion after an image of the plaque was posted to a local Maroubra Facebook page. The post noted the inconsistency between Ms Savage’s birth and death years, prompting widespread engagement.
One resident questioned how such an oversight was not caught earlier in the process, citing the number of people typically involved in preparing and installing public plaques. Comments ranged from humorous to sympathetic, with multiple locals noting the tribute’s intention despite the error.
A friend of the late Ms Savage confirmed that the plaque’s author had been informed of the error and praised the tribute’s message. Randwick City official Dylan Parker later confirmed that the mistake was acknowledged and would be corrected promptly.
Randwick City Council has committed to addressing the error on the plaque at Maroubra. The tribute remains in place while the correction is arranged, with no timeline yet announced for its replacement. The situation has prompted renewed attention to quality control in public memorials.
Sydney Airport has launched its 2025 lost property auction, offering over 2,000 unclaimed items for bidding, with all proceeds supporting free swimming lessons for children from families under financial strain.
Sydney Airport’s annual lost property auction has returned for 2025, with more than 2,000 unclaimed items now up for sale. Run by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers, the auction has raised over $1.9 million since 2013, supporting various community and charity initiatives.
The 2025 auction is divided into five themed online sales, covering categories such as technology, jewellery, fashion, accessories, and household goods. Bidding for each item starts at $10. Closing times for the auctions are as follows:
Participants must register online to bid and can view item catalogues via the Theodore Bruce website. All items are sold as-is, without guarantees on condition or authenticity. Items may display signs of prior use or transit damage.
Photo Credit: Sydney Airport/Facebook
Swim Program for Local Families
Funds raised will be directed to swimming and water safety programs delivered by the Inner West Council Aquatics team. Sydney Airport has committed $100,000 upfront and aims to raise an additional $200,000 through auction proceeds. In total, the initiative seeks to provide 12,000 free swimming lessons to children from families experiencing financial pressure.
The Royal Life Saving Society, a program partner, has reported that nearly half of Year 6 students in Australia are unable to swim 50 metres. This initiative aims to expand access to swim education for children in areas surrounding Sydney Airport.
Photo Credit: Sydney Airport/Facebook
Participation and Collection
Bidders are encouraged to read item descriptions thoroughly and consider collection or delivery options. Items can be picked up from Theodore Bruce’s Stanmore rooms, with limited weekday parking available. Delivery within metropolitan areas starts at $25.
Successful bidders will be invoiced after the auction and must finalise payment within two business days. Bids can be adjusted or cancelled through user accounts up to two hours before closing. Lots close sequentially in 30-second intervals, with a 5-minute extension if a bid is placed during the final 30 seconds.
A proposal has been unveiled to transform the La Perouse Museum and its surrounding headland into a First Nations Cultural Precinct, developed with leadership from the local Aboriginal community.
The proposed La Perouse First Nations Cultural Precinct aims to restore the 130-year-old museum and repurpose the surrounding headland as a site dedicated to Aboriginal culture. The redevelopment is a joint initiative between Randwick City officials and the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council.
The project incorporates guidance from the NSW Heritage Council and follows “Designing with Country” design principles, aiming to highlight the cultural and historical importance of the La Perouse Aboriginal community at a national level.
The La Perouse Aboriginal community is recognised as Sydney’s oldest continuously operating and only formally established Aboriginal settlement. Many families who have lived in the region for generations continue to maintain cultural ties to the coastal area around Botany Bay. Historical estimates suggest around 1500 Aboriginal people lived between Broken Bay and Botany Bay at the time of British arrival in 1788.
Scope, Investment and Economic Impact
An initial feasibility assessment indicates that approximately $99 million will be needed for the redevelopment. This will cover restoration of the heritage-listed museum, creation of 900m² of climate-controlled exhibition space, and development of a broader 2,340m² new building footprint. The site-wide masterplan recognises the cultural, environmental, and social value of the location.
Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil
The existing museum facilities fall short of modern accessibility and exhibition standards. The updated precinct will support the return of cultural objects from both national and international collections and is expected to create 230 direct construction jobs and 150 supply chain roles, contributing to the local economy.
The project also includes a Bushtucker restaurant, dedicated spaces for 20 market stalls, and infrastructure to support large outdoor festivals and cultural events, reinforcing its role as a destination for cultural tourism and public engagement.
Public Reception and Infrastructure Concerns
Public comments on online forums reflect broad support for the precinct and its cultural significance. Some residents raised concerns about existing transport limitations, particularly the lack of direct city links and reduced bus services outside peak periods. Suggestions included light rail extensions, a B-line service, and better connectivity to Eastgardens and Bondi Junction.
Discussions also touched on the need for improved maintenance of public spaces, especially around fishing areas, with calls for stronger community cooperation in managing litter and vandalism near the coast.
The upcoming phase will involve formalising governance structures and pursuing funding commitments from both the State and Federal governments. Public engagement and consultation will continue as part of the planning and delivery process.
