East Coast Australia Road Trip Pt.2
Sydney, NSW
Surry Hills, Sydney
Basking in the southern outskirts of the city, a few steps from the shadows of the immense Sydney skyline, you can discover the inner-city suburb of Surry Hills.
Wandering down Crown Street, straight from the south of the city, Surry Hills is bursting at the seams with creative expression through fashion, art, independent coffee shops and a captivating food scene. The kind of place you would run into a very well dressed “chef’s night out”.
Surry Hills is often described as the ‘Notting Hill’ of Sydney, but this isn’t all that accurate. Although the streets are alive with fanciful architecture and colour palettes, Surry Hills, in my opinion, portrays much more effortless confidence and a heightened sense of cultural ownership that would be more accurately compared to Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
The area is primarily made up of old terraces that feature detailed cast-iron ornamentation and a style that was inspired by London, Parisian and American influence. This style of architecture came a year later to Sydney but was maintained and expanded during the population boom. The contrast of this somewhat traditional architecture alongside contemporary minimalism is yet another reason why living here is so understandably desirable.
Busy with both locals and tourists, the area maintains a laid back and spacious feel, which makes strolling through the streets with a coffee, pizza slice and 4 pines pale ale, ‘heaps good’.
You can find everything from the APC store to independent coffee roasters, sushi, wine bars and Middle Eastern spots. The interweaving cultural influence that is the fabric of the city centre, spills over into these suburbs where you can find a much less commercial and more localised version of Syndey. In Surry Hills, there is a clear feeling that amongst the traditional architecture, both new and old cultural influences are naturally represented.
Crown Street is a long stretch with an abundance of eateries and street-side tables. As the evening draws in the unmissable bar scene emerges so it’s recommended to take your time here and spend a late afternoon working your way down the streets enjoying small plates and cocktails.
It is also important to note that this neighbourhood also serves some of the best brunch menus you could wish for and waves the flag for the highly decorated Sydney brunch scene.
Local Spots;
