R&H Suburb Profile EASTWOOD

Eastwood is in Sydney's northern suburbs, 17km north-west of the CBD, in the local government areas of the City of Ryde and the City of Parramatta. The population of this large urban centre (now more than 14,000) has become increasingly multicultural.

To the north, Eastwood is bounded by the transport hub of Epping. Eastwood is predominantly residential, with the commercial area near the railway line, between Rowe and Rutledge streets.

Eastwood Shopping Centre includes major retailers and opens on to the Eastwood Plaza. The Plaza features several cafes with outdoor seating. Eastwood is becoming well known as an Asian shopping precinct, with specialty stores and supermarkets. The ethnic background of the area has created a hub of mainly Chinese, Vietnamese, Cantonese and Korean restaurants.

Housing comprises many Californian bungalow and Federation homes, especially in streets near the station. There are more post-World War II homes to the north of Terry Road. While most of Eastwood is residential, with one or two-storey detached houses and villas, areas surrounding the town centre have buildings up to seven storeys high.

Eastwood is relatively well served by public transport. Eastwood Railway Station is on the Northern Line, with the trip to Central Station taking about 35 - 40 minutes. There are intercity services between Central, Newcastle and the Central Coast region. Numerous bus services operate from the interchange outside the station.

Eastwood has several houses of worship including the Christ Evangelical Centre of Australia (CECA), Eastwood Baptist Church, Exclusive Brethren Church, Lakeside Road Uniting Church (former Methodist Church), Macquarie Chapel, St Andrew's Uniting Church (former Presbyterian Church), St Kevin's Catholic Church and St Phillip's Anglican Church.

Schools include Eastwood Heights Public School, Eastwood Public School, Marist College Eastwood (boys’ Catholic secondary school) and St Kevin’s Eastwood (Catholic primary school). Major hospitals are nearby.

Eastwood is known as the place where the Granny Smith apple was first grown. The Granny Smith Festival is held each October, attracting more than 60,000.