Surry Hills

Things to do

Belvoir St 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 to offer an evocative annual artistic program.

Uncover a treasure trove of wonderful art galleries. Visit the Brett Whiteley Studio to admire a selection of one of Australia’s most notable contemporary painters’ works. Visit M2 Gallery for a mix of artworks by painters, sculptors and photographers, while Badger and Fox Gallery showcases art across all genres and is located in a convict-built terrace house.

Belvoir St Theatre, Surry Hills

For shopping, browse for collectable homewares at Vampt Vintage, and funky fashions at Zoo Emporium and C’s Flashback. Afterwards, catch a film at Sydney's only underground movie theatre, Golden Age Cinema & Bar.

Other attractions include tours of Surry Hills’ distilleries such as Brix Distillers, an urban rum producer, and gin lab Four Pillars Laboratory. Or, for something seriously unique, learn to paint while sipping on wine with Cork & Chroma.

Cork and Chroma, Surry Hills

Eat & drink

A culinary adventure awaits in Surry Hills, with some of Sydney’s best cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants found along Crown Street, around The Hollywood Quarter precinct and in the narrow leafy backstreets. Many of which are featured in the national Good Food Guide, including Nomad, Porteno, Poly, Arthur, Nour and Firedoor.

For more casual eats, there are just as many delicious choices. Try Butter for perfectly cooked fried chicken, Pellegrino 2000 and Giuls for excellent Italian, The Dolphin Hotel for delicious pub fare, Spice I Am for Thai, Don’t Tell Aunty for Indian and El Loco for Mexican.

Nour, Surry Hills

There’s also an impressive line-up of bars, pubs and live music venues to enjoy. Small bars such as Vasco, Rosie Campbell's, Tio's and Tokyo Bird are popular, as is The Winery, Goros and Soda Factory, which offers elaborate cocktails and live performances. There’s also no shortage of a-grade pubs such as the Keg & Brew, The Beresford and Dove & Olive.

Embrace the neighbourhood's coffee culture. Single O is the go-to, but other popular spots include Reuben Hills, Sample Coffee Roasters, Artificer and Paramount Coffee Project, found in the heritage-listed Paramount Pictures building. 

The Beresford, Surry Hills

Getting there

Surry Hills is a 10-minute walk from Central Station, and a number of buses stop at Crown Street, Taylor Square and Riley Street. The light rail also has a stop at both Surry Hills and Central.