INNER WEST
One of the largest suburbs of Sydney, Inner West stretches from the western edge of the CBD all the way through to and including Sydney Olympic Park. With the University, Glebe, Marrickville, Camperdown, Newtown, and Ashfield are just a few areas to name in the Inner West; it’s an area of Sydney full of vibrant and diverse eateries, fantastic suburban streets with overhanging trees, and some of the best pubs in the city.
Many Sydney-siders are drawn to the Inner West due to the distinctive personalities of each suburb. From quaint family-owned Italian bakeries in Leichardt to authentic Korean street food in Strathfield, Australia’s multiculturalism really comes to life in the Inner West. Therefore, it’s no surprise as to why many up-and-coming food spots in Sydney are likely to be found west. Some notable eateries around include Marrickville Pork Roll in Marrickville, which has successfully drawn in customers from all sides of Sydney allowing the franchise to open in Haymarket and The Rocks! You can also find a plethora of Asian dining spots in Burwood Chinatown (link Fae’s article here?). The neon precinct is especially worth a trip during Lunar New Year as it is complete with food stalls, music and lion dances.
It’s also worth noting that the Inner West prides itself on its nightlife. Scattered through the area, there are approximately 27 pubs that are set to be heritage listed and 31 that already are. The protection of these ornate historical pubs will transport you back in time, truly allowing you to immerse yourself in the venue. Some notable visits include Vic on the Park in Marrickville and the Enmore Hotel in Enmore. Nevertheless, the Inner West is also home to new and aspiring bars serving up innovative cocktails and timeless classics - it’s safe to say that due to the celebration of diversity in the Inner West, there is something here for everyone!
DISCOVER
Whilst being a foodie haven, the Inner West is also paradise for shoppers alike. Be sure to head into the maze of tents at the iconic Glebe Markets before they shut down indefinitely in 2023 to support local vendors who sell everything from vintage garments to handmade jewellry and soap. There are also some delectable bites to be had from food trucks and stalls after you finish browsing. For a more permanent thrifting spot, check out the various op-shops along King Street in Newtown, with the current economy, the thrifting culture of the Inner West has been a lifesaver for many!
You can easily lose track of time bouncing around Newtown’s vintage stores and pubs, or kicking back in Camperdown Memorial Park until after sunset. It’s a different vibe to what you might feel being on the beach, and although the thought of being inland somewhere like Sydney may seem crazy, Inner West is not to be overlooked and is an absolute must in the city. However, if you insist on sticking close to a swimming hotspot, the Inner West can also provide as it encompasses the outskirts of the Parramatta River. Within Balmain, you can take a dip at the Dawn Fraser Baths which sit right on the water, allowing you to cool off without trekking all the way to the northern or eastern beaches. Parallel to the baths is Water Street Reserve, a popular swimming and sunbathing spot where you and your friends can jump into the harbour and splash around in relatively calm waters. For local Inner West residents, this is a well established summer spot and defiantly worth a visit.
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Stroll through Glebe Markets on a Saturday, and walk on through to the CBD via Barangaroo Reserve
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Grab a pint at The Courthouse, a true Sydney establishment just off Camperdown Memorial Park
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Head to Marrickville for some fantastic food - our advice is keep an eye out for some Bahn Mi
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Head up to the Newtown Festival for some live music in the heart of the city
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Stroll down King Street on a Saturday arvo for some shopping and strolling
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Make your way over to Balmain for some fantastic views of the CBD from another perspective
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Get your rug out and kick back on the waterfront grass in Glebe
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Trying some famous Young Henrys Newtowner Pale Ale at their Newtown HQ
OUR HIGHLIGHTS
Inner West is one of the best-connected areas of the city, with a variety of train, lightrail and bus services running depending on which area you are making travel into the city reliable and seamless. In comparison to areas such as the Eastern Suburbs, the layout of the Inner West is much flatter making the area extremely pedestrian-friendly. Therefore, it is normal for locals to walk between certain suburbs as a form of commute and recreation.
Lightrail:
Starting at Central Station, the L-1 lightrail line runs all the way to Dulwich Hill. Along the journey, you will be able to get off at inner-city stops such as Pyrmont and the Fish Market but if you keep riding, you will eventually reach Lilyfield, Leichardt and Dulwich Hill. Whilst the Lightrail does take you right to these particular suburbs that are tricky to get to without a car, the L-1 does often see its fair share of delays, and cancellations due to mechanical issues and weather, and can move quite slowly. Therefore, it is not the preferred transport choice of most Sydney-siders but can be convenient for a one-off trip to the Inner West from the CBD.
Train:
There are a few suburbs in the Inner West that can be accessed by train. Newtown, Petersham, Burwood and Strathfield are just a few spots that can be reached on the Inner-West and Leppington line. This route operates regularly from major train hubs such as Central Station and also passes through Town Hall and Wynyard. Therefore, the Inner West is yet another area that is well connected to the city through the train.
Bus:
For suburbs such as Balmain and Rozelle that do not sit on train or lightrail lines, the bus is a popular option for those who need to commute to and from the Inner West. The 433 will take you from Glebe to the city whilst the 442 can take you from Balmain East to the city. These are just two of the many bus routes present through the Inner West.
Ferry:
Whilst not an extremely popular choice for most Inner West residents, there is in fact a ferry wharf at Balmain East. If you are travelling from Circular Quay and wish to check out the various boutiques and cafes of Balmain, the ferry can be a relaxing albeit slow ride compared to the other choices.