Visit Darlinghurst
Trendy Darlinghurst is located in Sydney's inner suburbs, immediately east of Hyde Park. It began life as a slum in the 1920s but, over the last 20 years, has evolved into a fashionable and cosmopolitan hotspot. Darlinghurst is a leading shopping and night-time destination, and features a fantastic string of restaurants and cafes.
Darlinghurst's main thoroughfare, Oxford Street, has a reputation as the centre of Sydney's gay community and is home to a number of gay venues. It has also become one of Sydney's main nightclub strips, attracting a large number of partygoers at night.
Witness some of Sydney's history on a visit to Darlinghurst Gaol, constructed between 1836 and 1885. This old sandstone building no longer serves as a gaol, instead housing the National Arts School, open to the public.
Tempt your taste buds on one of Darlinghurst's famous restaurant streets. Stanley Street, often referred to as Sydney's Little Italy, hosts the Italian Festival each June. There are also many Japanese and Thai restaurants along this road. Meanwhile, the more upmarket Victoria Street features plenty of al fresco cafes, and famous restaurants like Tropicana and Bar Coluzzi.
Darlinghurst also hosts Sydney's famous Mardi Gras festival. This extravagant festival culminates with a massive parade down Oxford Street, featuring floats, singers and a whole lot of dancing. It is broadcast around the nation and always attracts a large crowd of onlookers.
The Australian Museum, Australia's oldest museum, is also in Darlinghurst. First open in 1827, it specialises in the fields of natural history and indigenous research, community programs and exhibitions. Explore the extensive collection of natural science and cultural artefacts.
Relax in the open space of Green Park, which contains the Victor Chang Memorial, as well as the Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorial. The central rotunda has been converted into a cafe, offering a great pitstop after a long day exploring!
Located so close to downtown Sydney, Darlinghurst is easily accessible and worth exploring for its fine food, rich history and vibrant nightlife.
