Catherine Hill Bay 2281
Median house price $880,000
Median rental price $790/week*
*Source: realestate.com.au
Located within the southern coastal fringes of Lake Macquarie, Catherine Hill Bay, or ‘Catho’ is fast becoming a sought-after suburb.
Once a sleepy mining town named after the schooner that ran aground on its shores in 1867, Catho remains home to a large coal-loading jetty that now features in many local photographer’s collection.
In fact, because of its heritage significance, Catherine Hill Bay became one of two former mining villages to be listed as a cultural precinct on the State Heritage Register in July 2010.
During the past twelve months the median house price in the town with a population of little more than 200, has risen by $315,000 (was $565,000 in February 2021).
Surrounded by national parks and boasting pristine beaches, The Boys Ray White real estate agent Troy McLennan says it won’t be long before the charming village is rediscovered.
“There are two parts to Catherine Hill Bay,” he says.
“There’s the old Catho that has a sleepy cottage feel and is full of old charm, then there’s the new Catho where the homes all have a modern style and have an almost holiday retreat feel.
“I think even as the area attracts new buyers there will hopefully always be that balance between the two.”
Mr McLennan says the pandemic has played a major part in the transformation of Catherine Hill Bay.
“Pre-Covid we’d struggle to get $950,000 for a five-bedroom home when that same property will now fetch $1.7 million,” he says.
“Catho’s only an hour and a half drive to Sydney, which means it’s literally half-way between Sydney and Newcastle.
“That’s very appealing to buyers who were paying huge amounts of money to live in a concrete jungle when they can now work from home and be walking distance to the beach, surrounded by walking tracks and a protected beach.”
Currently home to just one pub and one coffee shop, Catherine Hill Bay looks prime for development.
“There’s a second land release coming soon and there’s also plans for shops,” says Mr McLennan.
“Building is happening fast.
“Catho is becoming a space to watch over the next decade.
“I think we’re going to look back on it and say: ‘remember when it was just one street?’.
“I just hope we don’t lose what makes it special.”
eat and drink
The heritage-listed Catho Pub on Clarke Street has become an iconic watering hole for locals and visitors alike since it was established in 1875. Originally known as the Wallarah Hotel, it now offers bistro meals, live music, a beer garden and a play area for kids.
Coastal Haze Café on Montefiore Street, the only other eatery within the township, is attracting attention for its cool, new vibe.
Hot Property
SOLD
3 Sunnyspot Boulevard, Catherine Hill Bay
7 bed 3 bath 2 car
Agent: Troy McLennan & Ty Zink, Ray White The Boys
Sold: 1st March 2022
Price approx $1,600,000
SOLD
95 Surfside Drive, Catherine Hill Bay
5 bed 2 bath 4 car
Agent: Shanti Page, One Agency
Sold: 24 Feb 2022
Price: $2,350,000
SOLD
9 Silkstone Circuit, Catherine Hill Bay
Residential land
Agent: Troy McLennan & Ty Zink, Ray White The Boys
Sold: 20 Dec 2021
Price: $807, 500
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