History
Forest Lodge sits on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people. The suburb was named after a villa built in 1836 by Ambrose Foss. Most of the streets were developed in the late 1800s and still feature Victorian terraces and cottages. A major change happened in the early 2010s when the old Harold Park racecourse was redeveloped into a residential precinct with new apartments, parkland, and access to the Tramsheds.
Known For
Forest Lodge is a small Inner West suburb known for its heritage terraces, quiet streets, and proximity to the University of Sydney. It borders Glebe and Annandale and sits just a few kilometres from the CBD. The suburb attracts students, young professionals, and first home buyers looking for a mix of charm and convenience. Buyers agents often recommend Forest Lodge for its balance of lifestyle, and location.
Stats
Around 66.7% of homes in Forest Lodge are apartments, 27.3% are townhouses or terraces, and 5.6% are separate houses. Approximately 15.3% of homes are owned outright, 19.5% with a mortgage, and 62.7% are rented. The median age of residents is 31, and 39.4% of households are family homes.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
What Locals Love
Locals love the Tramsheds for its food and local shops, and the Harold Park development is seen as a well-designed complex suited to first home buyers, investors, and downsizers. The suburb’s access to the light rail makes getting around easy, and many enjoy that Forest Lodge feels quieter and more tucked away than some of the busier Inner West suburbs. It's a walkable, convenient spot that still holds onto its character.