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East Sydney & Darlinghurst

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Named after NSW Governor Ralph Darling, cosmopolitan Darlinghurst, or ‘Darlo’, is the heart of Sydney’s gay scene and the home of the Mardi Gras. In the early days, however, Darlinghurst was more famous for its 1841 gaol, now the National Art School, and the Darlinghurst Court House, built in 1835.

Nestled between William and Oxford Streets, tiny East Sydney was once a dairy farm and market garden. Nowadays this diverse Conservation Area is best known for its pubs, fantastic Stanley Street ‘Little Italy’ restaurants, and the Australian Museum.

Leisure

Parks & Open spaces

To book a City park or open space:
Tel: 02 9265 9550 / 9265 9946 / 9246 7805
Email: openspacebookings@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Cook + Phillip Park

Providing a wonderful green space in the heart of the city, this park features 3.4 hectares of open space with more than 400 trees, grassed terraces, flowering gardens and the superb forecourt to St Mary’s Cathedral.

Green Park

Opposite St Vincent's Hospital, this Victorian park contains the Victor Chang Memorial and the Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorial. The central rotunda has been converted into a delightful café.

Cycling

Over 200 bicycle parking rings have been installed on to the City's ‘Smartpole’ street lighting system – locations include Liverpool and College Streets. A limited number of longer-term bike lockers are available in the Domain Parking Station free of charge, and U-rail parking is available at:

Cook + Phillip Park – adjacent to the Aquatic and Fitness Centre

Swimming pools

The closest City of Sydney pool is:

Cook + Phillip Park Aquatic and Fitness Centre, Sydney
Tel: 02 9326 0444
Email: info@cookandphillip.com.au
Fax: 02 9326 0599

4 College Street, Corner William Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Monday to Friday: 6am to 10pm
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: 7am to 8pm

The centre is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
More Info >>

Gyms

The closest City of Sydney gym is:

Tennis

The closest tennis courts are:

Rushcutters Bay Park Tennis Courts
Tel: 02 9357 1675
Email: tennisman@unwired.com.au

Waratah Avenue
Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011
More Info >>

Sports

City of Sydney PCYC
51 Cathedral St, Woolloomooloo
Tel: 02 9360 5835
E: cityofsydney@pcycnsw.org.au

Entertainment

Museums, Galleries & Attractions

Movies

Palace Academy Cinemas

Theatres and performance venues

SBW Stables Theatre

Shopping

The area’s main shopping strip is Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, stretching from Hyde Park to South Dowling Street. Here you’ll find everything from alternative clothing boutiques, late-night book shops and music stores to supermarkets, gourmet food stores, homeware outlets and gift shops. This happening street, alive day and night and the location of many pubs, clubs and bars, is also a great place for people watching! And if you are interested in purchasing artworks, there are several excellent galleries scattered throughout East Sydney.

Web: www.sydney-shopping.com.au

Dining

Oxford Street is known for its low-priced ethnic restaurants, including Thai, Indian and Spanish, or head to nearby Stanley and Crown Streets for a great selection of Italian cafes and restaurants, from basic to upmarket.

Another good option is buzzing Victoria Street, Darlinghurst – this area is famous for its coffee and Italian-style cafes, but there are also some good Indian, Thai and other restaurants. And there are yet more places to eat on neighbouring Darlinghurst Road and Liverpool Street.

Web: www.eatstreetsatnight.com.au

Did You Know?

Darlinghurst was formerly known as Eastern Hill.

There were 16 Jewish convicts on the First Fleet. Discover more about Jewish-Australian history at the excellent Sydney Jewish Museum on Darlinghurst Road.

More Information

For more information on local businesses, attractions, transport, history and maps visit Web: www.kingscrossonline.com.au

Last Updated: Tuesday 6 November, 2007

Please Note:
While care is taken to ensure accuracy, the City of Sydney cannot guarantee that information expressed here is correct and recommends that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. The City of Sydney makes no warranty or undertaking, whether expressed or implied, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect.