Neighbourhood Guide: Marrickville

Concrete Playground
May 26, 2021

Not only is Marrickville one of Sydney's most multicultural inner city suburbs, but it has also become one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the inner west.

From its top-notch Vietnamese and Filipino restaurants and grocers to its thriving craft brewery and pub scene, this suburb has a lot to offer its locals. Apart from its many hospitality options, there are walks around the Cooks River Foreshore and sunny hangs in the beautiful Enmore, Marrickville and Henson Parks to look forward to.

Not only is Marrickville one of Sydney's most multicultural inner city suburbs, but it has also become one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the inner west.

DID YOU KNOW

The suburb was founded by Thomas Chalder in 1855, who named his 24-hectare estate ‘Marrick’ after his hometown in Yorkshire, England. William Dean, the publican of the Marrick Hotel (now the site of much-loved pub The Henson) completed the name, calling it Marrickville when the neighbourhood was officially gazetted in 1861.

GETTING AROUND

The neighbourhood’s two train stations, Marrickville and Sydenham, both offer direct access to the CBD, as well as transport west to Bankstown and south to the Illawarra region. To hop around within the inner west, a wide range of bus lines run to and from Marrickville, with direct access to the neighbouring suburbs of Newtown and Enmore.

PROPERTY PRICES

If you’re looking to buy in Marrickville, median property prices range from around $750,000 for units and around $1.4-million for houses. The area has seen considerable growth in recent years, too, with the five-year sale growth rate currently at 3.1-percent for houses and 2.9-percent for units. Check out NAB’s Property Report to learn more, then use its handy Home Loan Calculator to find out how much you can borrow. Or, book an appointment here.

LOCALS LOVE

With seven craft breweries calling Marrickville home (and many more within walking distance), a brewery crawl is a great way to spend a day with mates. Apart from all of the breweries, the suburb also boasts some of the most authentic Vietnamese food in the city, so you’ll have plenty of top-notch options for eating and drinking out.

Living in Marrickville

Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.

Cafes

We'll take your smashed avo and raise you a spicy cod roe melt, crème brûlée brioche and Cuban-style pork stew.

1. Matinee Coffee

Marrickville's bold NYC-inspired cafe heroes local producers and big flavours.

2. Stix - CLOSED

A farm-to-table cafe inside a Marrickville loading dock.

3. Ona Marrickville

The award-winning Canberra coffee roaster has opened its first Sydney cafe in the inner west.

4. Kurumac

A Marrickville Japanese cafe selling comfort food for breakfast and lunch.

5. Two Chaps

This Marrickville haunt serves up exciting breakfast fare by day and vegetarian pasta by night.

Restaurants

Cheap and cheerful takeaway? Or an all-out, wear-your-stretchy-pants feast? Either way, you're sorted.

1. Marrickville Pork Roll

A Sydney stalwart with some of the best bánh mì in the city.

2. Pepito's

You'll find pisco cocktails and Peruvian street food at this Illawarra Road restaurant.

3. Barzaari

Enjoy a modern Mediterranean feast at this Addison Road eatery.

4. Hello Auntie

This Marrickville family member does a mean bánh xèo (crispy coconut and turmeric crepe).

5. Pizza Madre

A cosy vegetarian pizzeria from the crew behind Two Chaps.

Watering Holes

It may be lauded for its craft breweries — but Marrickville also boasts refurbished pubs, cosy wine bars and more.

1. Where's Nick

Try natural wines from around the world at this cosy Marrickville bar.

2. Wildflower Brewing & Blending

Pay a visit to Marrickville's barrel-aged wild beer brewery and bar.

3. Henson Park Hotel

Marrickville's beloved home of rugby league and beer garden bevs.

4. Poor Toms Gin Hall

The boutique distillery has a public bar in its inner west warehouse.

5. The Marrickville Hotel

A former Smart Dollar shop is now home to Aussie beers, disco balls and good times.

Shops

Looking for a really specific item? You'll probably find it at one of Marrickville's many specialty shops and warehouses.

1. Bucket Boys Craft Beer Co.

The comprehensive art gallery of Sydney bottle shops.

2. Whole Beast Butchery

Where cuts of meat are carved before your eyes — and you can buy Sydney's best pâté.

3. Paesanella Food Emporium

A Marrickville deli selling mozzarella and ricotta that’s been perfected over 60 years.

4. Hypmotive Hub

A go-to for locally designed gifts, creative workshops and art exhibitions.

5. Plantgirl

A haven for indoor greenery specialising in easy-to-keep-alive plants and brightly coloured ceramic pots.

Leisure and Outdoors

Brewing masterclasses, wheel throwing and ample reading material — downtime is a little different here.

After-Dark Action

Is Marrickville almost single-handedly responsible for keeping Sydney's live music scene thriving?

Living in Marrickville

Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.

CP's Picks

These are our favourite things to do in the area.

Brewery Crawl

Locals love to spend a Saturday arvo hopping around this craft beer haven. Start with a limited-edition international brew at Bucket Boys' loft bar, then pop into Batch, Sauce and Philter. Wildflower is a must for its funky fermented brews then, for a non-beer option, check out Poor Toms Gin Hall. And that's not even the lot of them.
Two Chaps

By day, it's pumping out artisanal baked goods and vegetarian brunches. By night (Thursday to Saturday), it dishes up a $60 set menu featuring handmade pasta. Oh, and it's BYO.
Grocery Shopping

Eating well in Marrickville isn't just about eating out. Specialty stores like Paesanella Cheese, Faros Seafood and Two Providores will up the ante at home, too.
LazyBones Lounge

If you've missed live music in the past year, you can get your fix at this much-loved haunt every night of the week.
Plantgirl

At this quirky nursery, you can mix-and-match any combo of plant and pot to make an excellent gift for someone (or yourself).