The area of contemporary Bellevue Hill was originally part of the lands of the Cadigal people.

Governor Lachlan Macquarie took great exception to this and decided to name the suburb Bellevue Hill, the belle vue meaning beautiful view.

[3] From the mid-19th century, land along the ridges was released, leading to the construction of the first houses, such as Ginahgulla, owned by the Fairfax family, and Cranbrook.

[3] The lack of public transport but preponderance of scenic views led to the area being aimed at those without the need for the former but with the appreciation for the latter.

[3] Further land was released along the heights and the western side of the hill overlooking Double Bay in the early 20th century.

[3] The extension of the tram line began mass suburban development, with most housing ending up owner-occupied and built between 1910 and 1930, with later waves of redevelopment especially in the 1990s.

The most common other countries of birth were England 5.8%, South Africa 4.9%, New Zealand 2.2%, China 1.6% and United States of America 1.2%.

[9] Actress Toni Collette sold her Bellevue Hill home in August 2009 for $6.4 million.

The house, El Mio, had been the base for Collette and her husband, musician David Galafassi, since they bought it in 2004 for $5 million.

[10] Bellevue Hill has a number of heritage-listed sites, including: The following buildings are on the (now defunct) Register of the National Estate.