Chatswood

Things to do

The North Shore's cultural hub is The Concourse, a sprawling complex that encompasses a concert hall, theatre and rehearsal space for live performances and popular entertainment. Its outdoor Urban Screen is a free public programme that spans everything from digital art to live broadcasts of sold-out shows.

The Concourse, Chatswood

Its little laneways are one of Chatswood's main attractions, colourfully decorated with attention-grabbing street art. The public sculptures and urban art projects on display are an initiative of the local council and transform traditional commuter spaces into drawcards that embrace the whole community. You can also find fun indoor activities aplenty, from bowling, karaoke, escape rooms and laser tag at Strike Bowling to putt putt at Holey Moley.

Strike Bowling Chatswood, Chatswood - Credit: Strike Bowling Chatswood

During the Lunar New Year, Chatswood comes alive with dragon dances, art installations and food stalls. In September, catch the annuall Chatswood Streetfair, when the main streets are closed off to host more than 120 stalls, a community parade and eneertainment. 

Chatswood Lunar New Year Celebrations

Feast on international fare

Chatswood Mall Market transforms Victoria Avenue into a bustling street food market on Thursdays and Fridays. Stalls span cuisines from every corner of the globe – try everything from African goat burgers to Turkish gozleme and Teppanyaki-style squid noodles with Szechuan sauce.

The Asian food in Chatswood is some of the best you can find in Sydney, with one-third of the population having Chinese roots, and reason alone to visit. Check out Chatswood BBQ Kitchen or Tim's Barbecue Kitchen (takeaway only) for roasted duck; Chinese Noodle Restaurant for hand-pulled noodles; and Mama Mulan or New Shanghai for dumplings and pork buns.

Mama Mulan, Chatswood - Credit: Jake Roden

Of course, the diverse foodie scene stretches beyond Chinese fare. Head to Khao Pla for authentic Thai curries, Manpuku for excellent ramen, Mamak for award-winning Malaysian flavours (an outpost of the popular Chinatown restaurant, minus the queues), DoDee Paidang for its renowned tom yum soup and The Yook for Korean BBQ.

There are also food courts aplenty, from the sprawling Chatswood Chase to smaller shopping arcades such as Mandarin Centre and Lemon Grove. Meanwhile, Hawker Lane is a hawker-inspired food court on the lower level of Westfield, serving signature dishes such as the skewers at Lamb & Cumin and char kway teow at Jim's Malaysia. For a casual drink, stop by for The Bavarian.

Mamak Malaysian restaurant, Chatswood - Credit: Alana Dimou