A narrow neck of land knows as Yurulbin (long nose point) from the aboriginal word meaning swift running waters, the point was not included in the grant of 12 hectares given to Dr Balmain because Governor Macquarie had already given it to George Whitfield. 

Changing hands several times, Lieutenant John Birch bought it in 1812 and the original home built by him in 1810 from locally quarried stone was demolished in 1967 for units, despite efforts by locals to save the classic Georgian property.

In 1886 Frenchman Didier Numa Joubert laid the foundations for the first subdivisions, and Birchgrove began as the suburb it is today. 

In 1902 the mud flats of Snails Bay were reclaimed by fill from Cockatoo Island and turned into Birchgrove Park and Oval, now the picturesque centre of neighbourhood sporting activities. 

It is also the birthplace of Rugby League in NSW.

The dress circle location with city skyline and harbour bridge views, old boathouses and fashionable houses, has made it one of Sydney's most expensive places to live.

There are a number of other small reserves, a church, primary school and hotels. 

Transport is serviced by private and public ferry services and RTA buses.