Darlinghurst

Mardi Gras & nightlife

A suburb steeped in history, Darlinghurst traditionally hosts the famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, usually held in March on Oxford Street. Since beginning as a civil rights march in 1978, the Mardi Gras has become one of Sydney’s biggest and brightest events. Oxford Street is also the heart of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ nightlife, and where you’ll find legendary clubs Universal Sydney and Stonewall Hotel. 

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, Oxford Street Sydney - Credit: Steven Yee

Whatever your persuasion, you’ll discover that Oxford Street makes for a great night out. Oxford Art Factory is known as an edgy live music venue, while the Burdekin Hotel puts on everything from techno and indie to comedy and drag nights. For something more relaxed, enjoy craft beers at Bitter Phew, and for late-night Italian fare, drinks and hip hop tunes, make your way to Big Poppa’s.

Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst

Things to do

Throughout Darlinghurst, you’ll find an eclectic range of boutique shopping and speciality stores. Blue Spinach on Liverpool Street is a boutique that specialises in recycled luxury fashion, while Zink and Sons is a go-to for bespoke tailoring.

Taylor Square, Darlinghurst

The Griffin Theatre Company has its headquarters at the historic SBW Stables Theatre, where Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett has graced the intimate stage. The heritage-listed Eternity Playhouse, on Burton Street, is home to the Darlinghurst Theatre Company. Check out the events calendar to see what’s on. 

Other fascinating attractions include the Sydney Jewish Museum, where you can take a free guided tour to explore Jewish history from Biblical to modern times. Hidden behind a sandstone wall, the former convict-built Darlinghurst Gaol houses the National Art School, which has a great gallery you can visit.

Want to delve deeper into Australia's LGBTQIA+ capital? Join the fabulous Wonder Mama on a walking tour of Oxford Street to get an insider's look at the area's venues, shops and fascinating history. Or drop into Qtopia, the largest museum and cultural centre for queer history and culture in the world, housed in the heritage-listed former Darlinghurst Police Station.

Wonder Mumma Walking Tour in Oxford St, Sydney

Eat & drink

Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find something to suit along Victoria, Oxford and Stanley streets, home to a delicious range of restaurants and cafes. Some local favourites include Buffalo Dining Club, which serves pasta from a cheese wheel; Govindas for an Indian buffet and movie nights; and Wings and Tins, which as the name suggests specialises in buffalo wings and beer cans.

For Japanese cuisine with a French influence, try Gaku Robata Grill. While Chaco Ramen has some of the best ramen in town and its sister restaurant, Chaco Bar, serves yakitori in an industrial-chic setting. For dessert, you can’t go past the original Gelato Messina. The Bunker is a popular coffee spot or take your brunch up a level with caviar and truffle at The Mayflower.

Chaco Ramen in Darlinghurst - Credit: Chaco Ramen

Darlinghurst’s laneways are where you’ll find fabulous small bars such as speakeasy Shady Pines Saloon. Intimate wine bar Love, Tilly Devine is named after an infamous Darlinghurst madam who fronted one of the area’s notorious 1920s razor gangs. Black Bottle is another great local wine bar, while The Taphouse dishes up pub grub and craft beers over three levels, including an open-air rooftop. For more views, head to Slims Rooftop at Hyde Park House.

Love Tilly Devine, Darlinghurst - Credit: Daniel Boud; Destination NSW