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By Concrete Playground
August 03, 2020
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By Concrete Playground
August 03, 2020
  shares

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
  • Food & Drink
    Surry Hills

    The Rover

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

  • Food & Drink
    Surry Hills

    Tokyo Bird

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

  • Design & Style
    Bondi Beach

    The Emporium Barber (Bondi Beach)

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

  • Design & Style
    Bondi Beach

    Koda Cutters

    For magazine-worthy style and celebrity treatment.

  • Design & Style
    Woollahra

    Queen St Beauty And Hair

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

  • Design & Style
    Surry Hills

    Fringe on Crown

    This Surry Hills favourite specialises in extensions and balayage.

  • Food & Drink
    Rose Bay

    Royal Bakery

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

  • Food & Drink
    Rose Bay

    Pita Mix

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

  • Food & Drink
    Sydney

    Jezve Coffee

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

  • Design & Style
    Paddington

    Collector Store Paddington

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

  • Food & Drink
    Rose Bay

    Sonoma Bakery Rose Bay

    Rose Bay's magnificent monochrome corner bakery.

  • Design & Style
    Rose Bay

    Beds Australia

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

  • Food & Drink
    Rose Bay

    Rose Bay Drive-In Liquor Store

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

  • Design & Style
    Waverley

    Albion Cycles

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

  • Food & Drink
    Rushcutters Bay

    Bayswater Fine Wines

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

  • Food & Drink
    Bondi Beach

    Field to Fork Butcher

    Go to this local butcher for the freshest meat and a chat about how best to cook it.

  • Food & Drink
    North Bondi

    Ben Buckler Cellars

    North Bondi's haven of hard-to-find wines.

  • Food & Drink
    Bellevue Hill

    Patricks on Bellevue

    Friendly service from start to end.

  • Design & Style
    Bondi Junction

    Sweetheart Florist

    For rainbow-dyed roses and sunflowers, 24 hours a day.

  • Food & Drink
    Newtown

    Acoustic Ritual by Venue 505

    The Venue 505 team's Newtown live music venue.

Find Your Playground

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