Explore the Heart of Surry Hills
Surry Hills is one of Sydney’s most interesting villages, well known for its strong community culture and creativity below we showcase all the things that make this vibrant inner Sydney city community so special. We encourage you to visit next time you are looking to get off the beaten track in Sydney.
From fine dining to old school pubs, the streets of Surry Hills are home to some of the most interesting bars, cafes and restaurants in the country and we want to help you to discover (or rediscover) all the local favourites.
We are going to begin our exploration at Taylor’s Square and ending at Central Station, this walk is relatively short, but there are plenty of stops along the way to fill a long afternoon and evening.
Eat and Drink in Surry Hills
1. Brix Distillers
If you have not yet visited Brix Distillers, it’s time to right that wrong. Along with great bar snacks and delicious rum, you can take a tour of the distillery or book a Rum School class.
Ninety minute distillery tours are offered Thursdays and Fridays at 6pm and cost $40 per person. Along with learning how the rum is produced you will enjoy a tasting session and get $10 off any bottle your purchase.
If you’re more interested in creating your own flavours join one of their cocktail making classes and learn how to mix the perfect rum cocktails. Your 2 hour class includes a welcome drink, tour, two cocktails and some food.
Where: 350 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
2. Eileen’s Bar, at Four Pillars Laboratory
The very stylish Eileen’s Bar in the Four Pillars Laboratory serves a fantasic array of gin based cocktails. To help soak up some of the spirits order yourself one of their Prosciutto caprese jaffles.
They also have a range of non alcoholic spirits that are some of the best I have every had.
Where: 410 Crown St Surry Hills
3. The Dove and Olive
Award winning pub the Dove and Olive is a local favourite for good reason. They have a huge craft beer range and one of the best pub menus around. Their Sunday roast dinners are legendary!
They also have Trivia two nights a week and a number of weekly specials.
Where: 156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills
4. Little Darling
Li’l Darlin Bar is a Surry Hills institution and popular hot spot. Join one of their monthly cocktail classes or hit up Taco Tuesday for $6 tacos and $12 margaritas.
Where: 420 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills
Learn more about Surry Hills on a walking tour
For those of you who like a little more structure in your plans or if you are travelling solo, these tours are a great way to explore the deep dark past of Surry Hills with a small group.
Discover the history of the streets of Surry Hills with one of two great walking tour options
Murders Most Foul
Local historian Elliot Lindsay, offers a number of walking tours that are a great way to learn about the lesser known but equally fascinating years of Surry Hills (between 1880 and 1930).
Starting from Central Station, you walk dingy alleys and lanes as Elliot shares the fascinating tales of Surry Hills in its dark days. Your tour include
There are two tours offered, a two hour Saturday tour and a 3 hour tour on Sunday afternoons. If these don’t suit, I suggest you check out Elliot’s full range of tours on his website.
Local Sauce
It’s well known by our regular readers that we are big fans of Local Sauce Tours. Their guides are fantastic and they offer a great variety of experiences.
On Saturday evenings they offer a 3-4 hour bar tour.
Hang out with the community
Surry Hills Market Day
The Surry Hill monthly market is a real community event and if you can time your visit for one of the market days I highly recommend it. The markets roots are in recycled, second-hand or handmade goods and it’s not often I don’t leave with at least one purchase!
The market features about 60 stalls and is held in Shannon Reserve from 8am to 4pm on the first Saturday of every month. Find out more on their Facebook page.
Before you go…
For a quick bite you can’t go past Bourke Street Bakery. Try the famous Pork & Fennel Sausage Roll, or a Ginger Brulee tart.
Explore more of inner Sydney by taking our walk around Elizabeth Bay and Potts Point or discovering the Sydney’s most iconic buildings.
Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.
