Petersham sits on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.
The suburb began to grow in the mid-1800s as large estates were subdivided and houses, shops and public buildings were built. Many of the Victorian and Federation-style homes still found in the area date from this period. Petersham has long been linked with Portuguese culture, with families, cafés and small businesses shaping part of the suburb’s identity from the mid 1900's to today.
Petersham is known for its Portuguese restaurants, cafés, bakeries and small local shops. It has a mix of older terraces, freestanding homes and Art Deco apartments, along with wide, leafy streets. The suburb has good train and bus connections and sits close to neighbouring hubs such as Leichhardt, Marrickville and Stanmore. It attracts families, young professionals and downsizers who like being close to the city while still having a quieter, residential feel.
Around 43.5% of homes are apartments, 33.3% are semi-detached or terraces, and 23.1% are separate houses
About 29.8% of homes are owned outright, 27.5% with a mortgage, and 42.6% are rented
Median age: 36
54.3% of households are family homes
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Locals like Petersham for its easy access to the city, character properties, and its relaxed, residential feel. People enjoy the mix of cafés, pubs and the outdoors inc. Petersham Park, bowling club and acquatic centre. Parks, schools and quiet streets add to the appeal for families. Being close to several busier Inner West suburbs also means you can enjoy nearby activity without living right in the middle of it.