A Perfect Day in Hyde Park and Surry Hills

Here we are again with another one of our Sydney City guides to bring you the perfect day in Sydney. This time we explore Hyde Park and Surry Hills, one of our core areas and favourite precincts of Sydney.

If you haven’t yet, take a look at our other guides to the perfect day in Circular Quay, The Rocks and Millers Point, and Barangaroo to King Street Wharf.

The Itinerary

9am: Grab your caffeine fix at Jardin St James

Located at 173 King Street near the corner of Macquarie and King Streets and close to St James station, Jardin St James is positioned in the forecourt of Sydney’s oldest church. Inspired by French cafe culture and cuisine, they’ve taken that certain 'je ne sais quoi' and combined it with everything Sydney-siders know and love about their coffee. Open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Friday and the coffee cart opens from 7am five days a week.

Jardin St James – 173 King Street, Sydney

9.30am to 11.30am: Explore the highlights of Hyde Park

Hyde Park’s boundaries lie at Elizabeth, Collage, Liverpool Streets and Price Albert Road. We suggest starting at the northern end after your coffee and making your way south towards Liverpool Street.

Considered Australia’s oldest park, Hyde Park has a rich history and has had many uses since the 1800s. It was used as a common for gathering firewood and grazing animals until its proclamation by Governor Macquarie in 1810 who named it after the park in London. Hyde Park’s first use was as a course for horse racing and by the 1820s it had become a popular venue for cricket matches and children’s games.

At the northern end of the park, there is a lot to explore including the Archibald Fountain, which was completed and installed in 1932, the Nagoya Gardens, and the giant chess board installed in 1972. On the eastern border of the park sits the glorious St Mary’s Cathedral, a destination in itself, and worth a close-up look.

The southern end of Hyde Park is equally beautiful with interesting attractions, including luxury real estate flanking the park. You can’t miss the Anzac Memorial and Pool of Reflection which Australia’s World War I soldiers opened in 1934.

Take in the park fronting real estate from ‘The Residence’ on College Street to ‘The Connaught’, ‘The Hyde’, ‘130 Hyde Park’ on Liverpool Street.

11.30am to 1.30pm: Venture up Oxford Street and over the Surry Hills border

Follow the path through Hyde Park and head to the southeast corner where you will meet Oxford Street. This strip of Oxford Street used to be the heart of Sydney’s nightlife in the 80s and has particular importance to the LGBTQIA+ community as it is home to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.

Soak in the colourful nature of the area and meander the shops heading east towards Paddington, turn right when you reach Crown Street, one of Surry Hills’ most known and iconic streets, lined by cafes, bars, and boutique shops.

1.30pm to 3.30pm: Enjoy a glass of wine and lunch in the sun at The Winery

The Winery is a beautifully quirky urban wine bar with a leafy laneway and terrace for enjoying a beverage in the sunshine, and a bar & restaurant for dining under the fairy lights. Their expansive wine list offers over 30 wines by the glass and a euro-inspired menu for romantic and relaxed dining.

The Winery, Surry Hills – 285a Crown Street, Surry Hills

3.30pm to 5pm: Wander the streets and laneways of Surry Hills

Surry Hills is another area that is full of history and interesting things to see. The area is abundant with terrace houses which were originally built as worker’s cottages in the 1850s.

Surry Hills was originally a working-class suburb inhabited mostly by Irish immigrants and was notorious for crime. Since its gentrification, it has become known for its fashion, bars, restaurants, and garment design.

In terms of real estate, Surry Hills is one of the most in-demand inner city suburbs in Sydney - a trendy address offering proximity to the CBD, vibey nightlife, and world-class dining. Get lost in the laneways and explore the op shops, boutiques, eclectic mix of architecture, and a plethora of hipster cafes. If time allows, we highly recommend checking out the Golden Age Cinema and treating yourself to an afternoon cult movie, this place is like stepping back in time, you won’t be disappointed.

Golden Age Cinema – Lower Ground, Paramount House, 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills

5pm onwards: Bask in the nightlife and foodie culture of Surry Hills

You won’t be short of options when it comes to drinks and dinner in Surry Hills. We suggest heading to a small pocket on the border of the city near the corner of Wentworth and Goulburn Streets.

There are several new and exciting hip restaurants and bars to choose from such as Pellegrino 2000, Poly, Alberto’s Lounge, Chin Chin, and The Golden Age Bar. The night is yours and there is plenty on offer in this area, be sure to make a booking in advance for dinner.

We are for apartments.

If you are considering buying or selling your apartment in Sydney city, Hyde Park, Surry Hills or its surrounds, we would love to help you. Ayre Real Estate are specialists in apartment living and ready to help find your ideal property. Talk with us today to find out more.