Surry Hills
Surry Hills has everything you want for a great day, and night, out. Start your day in this inner Sydney neighbourhood with great coffee, have a lazy brunch, visit one of the intriguing galleries, go for a pub lunch, take in acclaimed theatre, dine at award-winning restaurants then finish the evening at a hip bar.
Things to do
Belvoir Street Theatre is one of Australia’s most respected theatres, with Cate Blanchett and other stars gracing its stages. For over 30 years, this much-loved venue has engaged prominent and promising playwrights, actors and directors for an evocative annual artistic program.
You’ll find wonderful galleries, too. Visit the Brett Whiteley Studio, where one of Australia’s most notable contemporary painters worked and lived until his death in 1992. The Ann Snell Gallery specialises is indigenous art and the Badger and Fox Gallery is in a convict-built terrace house.
For shopping, browse the collectable homeware pieces of Vampt Vintage and the quirky shelves of Zoo Emporium. Other attractions include the Surry Hills Markets, held on the first Saturday of every month. The annual Surry Hills Festival in September celebrates the neighbourhood’s local music, food, arts and culture.
Eat and drink
Another drawcard are the restaurants and cafes, and bars and pubs along Crown Street and the narrow backstreets, many of which are featured in the national Good Food Guide, including the Dolphin Hotel Dining Room, Porteno and Firedoor.
Small bars such as Vasco and Button Bar are popular, plus pubs such as the Keg and Brew Hotel and Dove & Olive which pour craft beer. Poly specialises in natural wine and The Winery is more conventional. The Soda Factory creates flavoursome cocktails and offers live performances, from bands to international DJs.
There are coffee shops aplenty. Single Origin is the go-to, but other popular spots include Reuben Hills, Sample, Artificer and Paramount Coffee Project, in the heritage listed Paramount Pictures building. This is where you’ll find Golden Age Cinema & Bar in the basement and the boutique Paramount House Hotel.
