Concrete Playground
August 03, 2020

The stomping ground for those who like both coastal and urban living, the eastern suburbs of Sydney boast heritage homes, coastal walks, intimate wine bars and pubs that exude the Aussie laidback lifestyle.

The tree-lined streets are easier to stroll down than the hustle and bustle of the CBD, and with beaches and parks aplenty, and there is always somewhere to grab a coffee and a breath of fresh air after a hectic week.

American Express is helping us collect the best local businesses that keep the eastern suburbs brimming with positive vibes, so you can shop small at these places with your Amex Card, whether you’re buying a book or a pint.

GETTING AROUND

Surry Hills is perched on the doorstep of Central Station, so take the Elizabeth Street exit and you’ll be in the thick of things. For Paddington, hopping on the bus from Central is always the best bet — exit the station at Eddy Avenue and jump on the 440. If you stay on, you’ll be deposited in the heart of Bondi Junction.

DON’T MISS

The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is a must-do for visitors and locals alike. Grab a coffee and a bite to eat from one of the beachfront cafes to energize yourself for the walk. Complete the round trip and you can spend the afternoon exploring some of Bondi’s fashion boutiques and kitsch homewares stores.

HIGH STREETS

Crown Street is the epitome of the bohemian vibe Surry Hills is famous for. Check out the compact store Title for records and books, or duck in to one of the many vintage stores expertly upcycling discarded clothing. Oxford Street is a household name for Sydneysiders. It has a vibrant art scene, and is well known for being the heart of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ scene — there is never a dull moment here.

LOCALS LOVE

Sydney’s east comes alive most on weekends. At The Intersection Paddington, grab a coffee at one of the nearby cafes filled with stylish locals — and dogs. After, you can get your fashion fix at any number of boutique shops (many of which are Australian labels) or head to the subterranean Paddington Reservoir Gardens.

THE SHOPPING LISTS

Explore five of the eastern suburbs' thriving shopping precincts.

Diogo from Tuga Pastries
The Localist: Clovelly
Coming Soon
Kayde from Bondi Clay
The Localist: Bondi
Coming Soon
Kenny from Sáng by Mabasa
The Localist: Surry Hills
Coming Soon
Vera and Katia from Nimble Activewear
The Localist: Bondi
Coming Soon

Your Eastern Suburbs Hit List

Looking for fresh produce, funky cheese or a one-of-a-kind gift? Find what you're looking for here.
List
Map
  • Restaurant

    Raw Bar

    136 Warners Avenue, Bondi

    Bondi's Raw Bar is the classic light, summery Japanese joint everyone wishes was in their 'hood.

  • Restaurant

    Tequila Mockingbird

    6 Heeley Street, Paddington

    A Paddington terrace filled with tequila and tasty Latin American morsels.

  • Bar

    The Roosevelt

    32 Orwell Street, Potts Point

    A refined NYC-inspired bar sending you back to the 1950s with champagne, plenty of cocktails and oysters.

  • Bar

    The Rover

    77 Campbell Street, Surry Hills

    The revamped neighbourhood bar has returned to provide casual tipples and refined seafood dishes to Surry Hills.

  • Restaurant

    Saint Peter

    362 Oxford Street, Paddington

    Josh Niland's nose-to-tail seafood restaurant is a must-visit.

  • Restaurant

    Zushi

    Shop 2A, 285A Crown Street, Surry Hills

    Sushi as it should be, and so much more.

  • Bar

    Tokyo Bird

    Shop 2, 226-228 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills

    Tokyo Bird is ruling the roost with a focus on hot-right-now Japanese whisky and yakitori sticks.

  • Shop

    The Emporium Barber (Bondi Beach)

    180 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach

    Scented towels, beard balms and face masks are all part of the premium treatment here.

  • Shop

    Koda Cutters

    180-182 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach

    For magazine-worthy style and celebrity treatment.

  • Shop

    Queen St Beauty And Hair

    158 Queen Street, Woollahra

    Come here for organic or mineral hair colours and spa treatments.

  • Shop

    Fringe on Crown

    574 Crown Street, Surry Hills

    This Surry Hills favourite specialises in extensions and balayage.

  • Restaurant

    Royal Bakery - CLOSED

    791 New South Head Road, Rose Bay

    Come for the Portuguese tarts. Stay for the wide collection of mouth-watering baked goods.

  • Restaurant

    Pita Mix

    502 Old South Head Road, Rose Bay

    This casual Israeli eatery specialises in hearty, kosher food made with fresh, local produce.

  • Restaurant

    Jezve Coffee

    Rose Bay Ferry Lyne Park , Sydney

    This waterside spot gives traditional cafe fare with a Turkish twist.

  • Shop

    Collector Store Paddington

    314–316 Oxford Street, Paddington

    Head into this Oxford Street boutique for a range of homewares and gifts.

  • Restaurant

    Sonoma Bakery Rose Bay

    779 Shop 1 New South Head Road, Rose Bay

    Rose Bay's magnificent monochrome corner bakery.

  • Shop

    Beds Australia

    503 Old South Head Road, Rose Bay

    Get a better night's sleep after a visit to this Rose Bay boutique.

  • Shop

    Rose Bay Drive-In Liquor Store

    Corner Of Old South Head Road And Wilberforce Avenue, Rose Bay

    This boutique bottle-o's vast selection and party planning services will make your next bash a hit.

  • Shop

    Albion Cycles

    302 Bronte Road, Waverley

    This Waverley bike shop has a wealth of cycling know-how.

  • Shop

    Bayswater Fine Wines

    77 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay

    Visit this multi-level bottle shop for aged wines — and for a peek at the giant champagne flute chandelier.

Find Your Playground

Eeastern Suburbs Inner West North Shore Northern Beaches Greater Western Sydney South Sydney Inner City
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