Think you’ve seen Sydney? Check out these 8 suburbs for something new
There’s more to Sydney than its CBD. Explore new tastes, sights & sounds in these suburbs.
Just like there’s more to Auckland than the Sky Tower, there’s more to the NSW capital than the Sydney Opera House. While we won’t deny the allure of this iconic harbour city, there’s much more to Sydney than the city itself. Kiwi travellers keen to escape for the weekend will discover so much in the surrounding suburbs, from gorgeous beaches to delicious international flavours.
Here are 8 suburbs to explore on your next Sydney getaway.
1. Chatswood
Foodies rejoice, this might just be the closest you’ll get to authentic Asian eats until the rest of the world opens up. Over the bridge on Sydney’s North Shore about half an hour by train from the CBD, you’ll find this hub of multicultural cuisine. Chatswood’s large Chinese population means there’s an abundance of authentic Hong Kong, Cantonese, Shanghainese, Taiwanese, Northern and Western-Chinese dining options. You’ll also find great Korean, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian food here.
Join the locals for a weekend yum cha feast or follow your nose to Hawker Lane in Westfield Chatswood, a tantalising marketplace inspired by Asia’s vibrant street food markets.
2. Manly
Hop on the iconic Manly Ferry at Circular Quay and half an hour later you’ll find yourself in this laidback suburb that’s the gateway to Sydney’s Northern Beaches. It’s the perfect place to both chill out and get active. Sun, sand and surf define every aspect of life here, so get involved in some surfing, sunshine, skateboarding, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, hiking or beach volleyball.
When you’ve spent your energy, finish up your day at one of the tiny dive bars or explore the neverending sprawl of cafes and pubs.
3. Campbelltown
The Campbelltown Arts Centre hosts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with exhibitions, dance, music, live art, performance and other practices on offer, as well as an immaculate Japanese garden donated by sister city Koshigaya.
Campbelltown’s multicultural atmosphere extends to its abundance of incredible eateries serving up cuisine from all over the world.
4. Rosebery
From smash metal workshops and furniture warehouses to hipster central with a real community feel, this neighbourhood just 6km south of Sydney’s CBD is filled with funky cafes, restaurants, and everything from zebra skin rugs to niche stationary brands and tie-dye workshops. Old and new collide here, as evident at the Cannery, a converted warehouse complex which has trendy cafes, delis and bars, such as Archie Rose Distillery Co., Australia’s most highly-awarded distillery offering tasting tours.
Bourke Street Bakery, Black Star Pastry and Messina are drawcards for foodies, and you can even learn to make your own cheese with the folks from Omnom Cheese Making.
5. Paddington
This inner eastern city suburb is defined by its heritage and fashion. High-end boutique shops are hemmed by rows of Victorian-era houses, many of which are heritage listed.
Pubs, restaurants and cafes along Oxford Street give Paddington a thriving nightlife and brunch scene, while the Paddington Markets every Saturday are a great opportunity to pick up some quality crafts and food. Book ahead for Saint Peter, one of Australia’s best and awarded restaurants and home to a sustainable fish butcher.
6. Surry Hills
Positioned in walking distance of the CBD, this is one of Sydney’s trendiest suburbs, a result of several decades of gentrification. Dog watch in one of the many parks, sip a coffee made by some of the city’s best baristas, sample a rich mix of cuisines from
Middle Eastern to American barbeque, and mingle with locals at one of Crown Street’s many streetside cafes or pubs.
7. Liverpool
Liverpool is a suburb in Sydney’s west, and is a haven of diversity and multiculturalism. Seen as a gateway for migrants coming into Australia, the area regularly showcases up and coming artists of colour. The community’s ethnic diversity is evident in the range of local cuisine options on offer, from Iraqi, Indian and Vietnamese to Turkish, Chilean, Macedonian, Lebanese and many more. Take a tour with Taste Food Tour, a social enterprise where local guides show you the best places to eat and shop.
8. Marrickville
Marrickville is an inner west suburb just 20 minutes by train from the CBD, and it boasts plenty of character. Here you’ll find some of the best Vietnamese food on offer, including exquisite banh mi on Illawarra Rd, as well as a growing brewery scene with more than six breweries all within a few blocks of each other.
It’s not just about the food; there’s an awardwinning architecturally-designed library and regular live music at after-hour haunts in the neighbourhood. Public parks and waterfront walks add some tranquil public spaces to this vibrant urban area.
These suburbs are just a taste of the diverse cultures, tastes, sights and sounds of Sydney.
For more information for your trip to Sydney or to book a flight flying non-stop from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Queenstown, visit: airnewzealand.co.nz/destination-sydney.