Overview
Hidden Sydney is Concrete Playground's personal tour of Sydney by the locals we trust. After all, true locals know. They just know.
On our latest trip to the other side of our city, we asked street artist Numskull to mark 'X' on five spots on his map of Sydney. Numskull works out of Higher Ground Studio in Annandale ("It's a private studio, but if you ask nice, we accept visitors"), and his Sydney is a mix of old and new Inner West hangouts - the kinds of places where you can grab lunch for a fiver, stock up on recycled art supplies or discover the work of a new young artist.
1. The Tate Gallery
My brother Marty Routledge and Chris Loutfy run this gallery in Glebe above the Toxteth Hotel. They show a great mix of both established and emerging artists in Sydney, in a relaxed and friendly environment. Photo courtesy of Strobed Sydney
2. Redfern Skatepark
Aka 'Russel Crowe' or 'Skate Sculptures', this is my favourite place to skate in the whole of Sydney. It's situated right next to the Waterloo football oval and basketball courts inside Waterloo Park. The most relaxing place for me to skate terribly but still enjoy myself. Highlights for me would be landing a heelflip, then sitting down to watch with a cold Carlton Draught longneck. Inner city paradise.
3. Marrickville Pork Roll
This is one of my favourite spots to get food in the Inner West. It's cheap and without a doubt one of the tastiest pork rolls in Sydney. Whilst there, walk around and check out all the old shop signs in the area. Marrickville has the best collection of vintage sign-painting styles in Sydney. Make sure you look up when you're on Illawarra Road. There's a giant sculpture of a banana dude chilling in a hammock.
4. The Bower
After I finish off my pork roll I normally roll past Reverse Garbage to visit The Bower in Marrickville. Or more specifically, the back area of The Bower. They have a great collection of salvaged tools and wood. I always walk away with at least one bit of wood.
5. Johnny Wong's Dumpling Bar
Just on Taylor Square, between Kinselas and Lo-Fi. This spot is fairly new, but is definitely one place I'll be visiting quite a bit. Also known as the Wong-Tang Clan.