Newtown Hotel, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales © City of Sydney/Katherine Griffiths
Australia's coolest neighbourhoods
From bohemian vibes in Fitzroy to the historic waterfront marina in Hobart, we have the coolest Australian neighbourhoods for you to explore.
Fitzroy, just a 10-minute tram or taxi ride north of Melbourne's city centre, is an alternative haven full of street art, retro clothing and live music. Walk along Brunswick Street, Fitzroy's main artery, or head to Gertrude Street for local fashion designers. Discover bars such as Bad Frankie, which specialises in Australian spirits, or survey the whole 'hood' from the rooftop bar at Naked for Satan. Don't forget to shop at Rose Street Artists' Market and pick up a pastry from Lune Croissanterie.
Newtown, in Sydney’s inner west, is a LGBTQIA+ friendly neighbourhood with a distinct aesthetic thanks to its vintage clothing shops, record stores, cheap eats, craft breweries and cocktail bars. Start at the north end at The Marlborough Hotel and make your way down King Street, popping into the local brewer Young Henry's for some of Newtown's finest beer. Local favourite Earl's Juke Joint is another great watering hole, and many a night in the suburb ends dancing to live music at The Vanguard.
Fortitude Valley, in Brisbane's inner city, has long been known as one of Australia's first entertainment districts, but in recent years there has been less grunge and more style as the area has become progressively gentrified. It is still the best place to sample Brisbane's live music scene, and is home to the annual music industry conference Bigsound, at which hundreds of bands take to various stages. Hop from swanky rooftop bars to laid-back breweries and sample the works of talented musicians, spotting innovative street art along the way.
Canberra's inner city suburb of Braddon is one of the most happening spots in Australia's capital. With pop-up design stores, retro op shops (charity shops) and local homewares stores to rummage through, there's plenty of choice for shopaholics. It's also a foodie's dream, with excellent coffee shops like Barrio, as well as an array of lunch and dinner spots, from food vans like Tikka Stand to fine dining restaurants like Corella.
Henley Beach is Adelaide’s coolest beachside hub, brimming with summery cocktail venues and golden sand. On the weekends, you’ll find the shoreline dotted with locals picnicking, swimming and playing beach cricket. Mia Margarita is the suburb’s most Instagrammable haunt for lunch and dinner, with bold pops of colour and ultra-cool décor. SeaSalt Society is the place to go for a laidback beer beneath brightly coloured umbrellas, complete with uninterrupted ocean views.
The Perth suburb of Northbridge, just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, is a cosmopolitan area with so many good restaurants that it has inspired foodie walking tours. Get a taste of Indian street food, such as the signature twice-cooked lamb ribs at Sauma, or try some Mediterranean bites at the Italian-inspired wine bar No Mafia. Don’t miss the show-stopping beef brisket tacos and tamarind margaritas at crowd-pleasing La Cholita.
In Hobart’s waterfront precinct, you can stay in one of the city's oldest warehouses, now home to the stylish Henry Jones Art Hotel. The hotel epitomises the unique mix of history and luxury that is drawing travellers to the city. Pay a visit to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), which celebrates local culture and artists. On the other side of the harbour from Henry Jones is Salamanca Place, with its historic sandstone buildings and the weekly Salamanca Market, creating a charming artsy vibe.
Lined with terraces and sporting a pub on almost every corner, Sydney’s Surry Hills exudes youthful flair. On any given evening, you’ll find bustling restaurants and bars with tables of people spilling onto the streets, creating an infectiously fun atmosphere. During the day, pop into Bills to sample ricotta hotcakes from their famous brunch menu and wander through Brett Whiteley’s former studio, now a museum dedicated to the artist’s celebrated creations. In the evening, grab a schooner from the locally-loved Clock Hotel, or sip refreshing gin potions at the Four Pillars Laboratory.
Burleigh Heads is the Gold Coast’s answer to Byron Bay, with surfer-meets-hippie vibes, seaside dining venues and boutique stores. You’ll find dozens of local vendors to browse at the famous Village Markets, where many a successful Aussie brand has begun. Asian bar and diner Light Years is one of many great food stops, with innovative share plates on offer, while The Tropic and Burleigh Surf Club both make ideal places for a cocktail in the sun.
