South Turramurra

Back in the day we’d swear the suburb ran on two things: native birdsong and whatever came out of Vertical Espresso’s grinder. There aren’t any recent write-ups in our files, so we’re leaning on older notes — which suits South Turramurra, because it likes to take its time.

Morning here looks like this: we’d amble down to 217A Kissing Point Road — Broadsheet used to call Vertical Espresso the local hero — a converted butcher’s shop with an industrial‑rustic fit-out, an outdoor area and a family‑friendly menu. As Broadsheet noted, owner Grant Andronicus was obsessed with single‑origin beans that rotated every three weeks and a deliberately limited food menu. The cafe sat cheekily next to a park, so you could watch prams and dog walkers conduct their slow, suburban pageant while clutching something excellent in a takeaway cup. Broadsheet even had the hours: open daily 6am–5:30pm — which is comforting in a nostalgic way.

We live here for the green. Sitchu’s profile is not exaggerating: South Turramurra borders national parks, and our multi‑use green spaces funnel properly outdoorsy people onto the Lane Cove River Walk and the trails out to Bobbin Head. Hikers, dog walkers and those who think a weekend consists of a long walk and a longer picnic will nod approvingly. For years the local parenting scene plugged into Playgroup NSW — there’s always been someone organising age‑specific playgroups and making sure the tiny ones have somewhere to wreak tasteful, supervised havoc.

Who would hate it here? People who need flashing lights, nightclub queues or a weekly dose of city fumes. We’re quietly proud of our manicured streets and intimate shopping village vibe — it’s not for the kinetic or the chronically impatient.

Who would love it? Families, walkers, people who find theatre in a well‑kept path or a café that used to change its beans every three weeks. If you like green silence, a converted butcher’s‑shop cafe with a stubbornly good coffee story, and neighbours who wave at the right times, South Turramurra will roll out the lawn for you. We’ll be there, tea towel over one shoulder, smugly correct about the best walking loop.