North Willoughby was possibly named by Surveyor-General Sir Thomas Mitchell after James Willoughby Gordon, who served as general officer of the British Army during the Peninsular War.

North Willoughby Post Office opened on 1 September 1871 and closed in 1891.

[2] A small group of shops and cafes is located on Penshurst Street and includes the Willoughby Hotel, a local landmark building.

Another landmark is Rosewall, a two-storey home in the Georgian style, made of sandstone.

The High Street Markets in High Street include various local shops including Harris Farm Markets,[4] cafes, takeaway food and restaurants.