Sydney Culture Trails: Chippendale & surrounds

Highlights

White Rabbit Gallery

White Rabbit Gallery is one of the city’s most distinct and engaging galleries. Established by philanthropist Judith Neilson, the gallery, which is free to enter, showcases one of the world’s most significant collections of Chinese contemporary art, documenting China’s change this century. After you’ve explored the gallery, enjoy a restorative cuppa in the White Rabbit Tea House.

Chinese contemporary art at White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale

Harrington Street Gallery

Just two minutes away from White Rabbit you’ll find Harrington Street Gallery, another free-entry gallery. Established in 1973 by artist John Ogburn in Harrington Street, The Rocks, this artist cooperative moved to its Chippendale location in 1986. Conceived as an independent way to showcase work by both established and up-and-coming artists, the gallery remains a beloved destination for local art enthusiasts.

Harrington Street Gallery, Chippendale

Fuel stop:

Replicating the bustling, casual atmosphere of a Southeast Asian hawker market, Spice Alley is one of the few inner-city spots for genuine street food. Nab a plate of dumplings, a smoky char kway teow (Malaysian rice noodle stir-fry), a roti with curry or a hearty ramen and explore the hollowed-out old Kensington Street homes and the alleys in between for a fun spot to eat.

Spice Alley, Chippendale

Central Park

Stretch out on the grass at Chippendale Green for a moment’s pause before you hit the next stop. Overhead you’ll see Jennifer Turpin and Michaelie Crawford’s Halo, a sculpture that moves with the wind, and the towering One Central Park building, an award-winning architectural development that displays the tallest vertical garden in the world.

Chippendale Green in Central Park, Chippendale

Phoenix Central Park

The gorgeous architecture and design of Phoenix Central Park alone makes it worth a visit, if you can get in. The one-of-a-kind live music space is so exclusive all tickets are released in a ballot. Check their program for a line-up of cutting-edge artists including everything from classic to experimental soundscapes.

Live music at Phoenix Central Park, Chippendale - Credit: Jordan Munns | Phoenix Central Park

Fuel stop:

Chippendale has an enviable collection of award-winning, high-end restaurants. Try Longshore on Kensington Street for sustainable seafood creatively prepared and presented by the former Hartsyard owners. Or head a few blocks in the opposite direction for the lauded Ester, a modern Australian restaurant and natural wine bar not afraid of big flavours. Make sure you book ahead.

Chau Chak Wing Museum

One of Sydney’s lesser-known galleries, Chau Chak Wing Museum, has won awards for both its design and exhibitions. Nestled on the grounds of the University of Sydney, the free-entry museum houses collections from the university’s vaults encompassing anything from mummies and other antiquities to a LEGO model of Pompei.

The Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney. Image Credit: The University of Sydney Chau Chak Wing Museum

Fuel stop:

From student haunts with a history of grungy late-night dance floors to natural wines and charcuterie boards, the Chippendale area has a pub for everyone. The Abercrombie is the fresh new pick (a former dive bar recently renewed), a multi-level venue with a pub downstairs, rooftop cocktail bar and bar-restaurant for a good wine and a plate of antipasti. The Lord Gladstone has American cheeseburgers, local beers and a late-night party scene with DJs and occasional live bands. The Lansdowne Hotel is another late-night option but with a grungier history and a penchant for guitar and drum genres over dance music. And, The Duck Inn Pub and Kitchen is great spot for a board game, a relaxed beer in a sunny courtyard and a Sunday roast.

In the dog-friendly sunny courtyard at The Duck Inn Pub and Kitchen - Credit: The Duck Inn Pub and Kitchen

Carriageworks

With a history dating back to 1800, it’s doubtful the thousands of people who once worked at this former railway workshop would have imagined it being transformed into a multi-arts cultural precinct known for turning the spotlight on ambitious and profound talent. Apart from hosting shows, exhibitions, events, and fairs, you’ll also find the weekly farmers market every Saturday, where you can grab a coffee, snack on a pastry and peruse goods from local, artisan producers.

Art exhibition at Carriageworks, Eveleigh

VANDAL

Vandal is a creative studio in the backstreets of Redfern. Their gallery by the same name is, in their own words, a commitment to progressive art, culture and creativity, which translates to a wide array of mediums, disciplines and styles. The exhibitions, all free of charge, change all the time so check their pages for what’s on.

VANDAL. Image Credit: VANDAL

Fuel stop:

The Redfern and Eveleigh area is dotted with great bars. The Barrie is an old-fashioned bar offering a return to the service style and cocktail recipes of the past. Check its socials for seats at its comedy nights. Sneaky Possum riffs off Australiana imagery while serving up natural wines and tinned beers in a relaxed setting. Hidden behind a garage door, you’ll find an arty small bar by the name of Knox Bar – come for the cocktail wheel of fortune, DJs and live music. And The Old Clare Hotel’s design (transforming a famous student lounge into a slick small bar) blends relaxed pub drinking with a modern hotel bar cocktail service.

The Old Clare Hotel, Chippendale

Fortress Sydney

When Fortress Sydney opened in early 2023, it set a record for being the biggest gaming venue in Sydney, by far. This isn’t just a net cafe either, the multi-level venue has a dedicated eSports arena with stadium-like spectator seating, a fantasy themed tavern, a sci-fi bar, an old school arcade and booths for board gaming or console games.

Fortress Sydney, Sydney’s biggest gaming venue - Credit: Fortress Sydney

Fuel stop:

Chippendale is a legendary area for casual dining, particularly for noodles. Look at Biang Biang and Duoway for the thick, wide noodles of Xi’an; drop into Malacca Straits for a laksa; get a thick tonkotsu ramen at Ippudo; or try Grain Gallery Chinese Cuisine or Mr Yu’s for Wuhan-style hot and dry noodles.

Accommodation

The Old Clare Hotel is a stylish choice with abstract arty touches, a rooftop pool and high-end amenities situated right in the centre of Chippendale’s food precinct; Veriu Suites Camperdown has serviced apartments for families; Mercure delivers 4-stars and extreme convenience being right on the edge of Central Station; and Four Points by Sheraton Sydney is just behind One Central Park and its hanging gardens and is a great option for couples.