Food

Shop

Drink

Cafe

Stay

Discover Local in Sydney - EN

Wander down a side alley in the centre of Sydney’s CBD and you may be on the right trail to find Palmer & Co., tucked away down a flight of stairs in a moody, bare-brick basement. The walls are hung with black-and-white photos and nods to Prohibition, evoking the spirit of the 1920s, and there’s often live jazz to go with it. While the charm of the setting may dominate the experience, the drinks are on point, too. Choose from a variety of creative cocktails, or the bartenders (in bootlegger uniforms) will whip up a tequila, a G&T or a glass of Champagne for you in no time at all. If you’re peckish, a menu of bar bites such as charcuterie, cheese boards and nachos is sure to satisfy.

Cocktails at Palmer & Co.

Beautifully decorated with lush plants, the space is bright and airy, with fantastic views of Sydney’s skyline from the terrace (that are even better at night). You’ll find refined seafood dishes with Mexican flair and a distinct local influence, including area-sourced fresh produce. The menu is full of sharing-style dishes that go perfectly with The Butler’s famous and ever-popular cocktails. Head here for a special dinner or a sun-soaked lunch of the highest quality. Looking for a quick bite? Juanita’s Bar is at the front of the restaurant and offers a cute and cosy spot to catch up with friends, along with a compressed version of the main menu.

Mexican seafood at The Butler, Potts Point

Once an industrial hub, the revitalised streets of Brookvale are known as brewery central, or ‘Brewvale’. There’s at least seven trendy brewpubs in one area, and a few distilleries if you fancy a break from all that beer. Try handcrafted beers from Aussie Lagers to Pale Ales, plus some hearty pub grub to go with it. Several breweries offer tours and tastings. 

Pop into Nomad Brewing Co., which also offers Argentinian BBQs. Bucketty’s Brewing Co. is popular for its live music, while Freshwater Brewing Company has a tropical vibe. Then it’s on to 7th Day Brewery, with its sprawling beer garden, and the dog-friendly Dad & Dave’s Brewing. Cap off your crawl with a visit to the cool 4 Pines Brewery and finish at the relaxed Broken Bay Brewing Co.

Be sure to check the opening hours of each one, as many only operate Thursday through Sunday, often from midday or late afternoon.

Brewery hopping in Brookvale

This beautiful place offers plenty of walking trails, with the opportunity to spot local wildlife such as echidnas (similar to hedgehogs), bandicoots and many birds. As you walk along the top of high sandstone cliffs surrounded by native bushland, lookout points offer vast views over both the ocean and the harbour. You’ll also see remnants of Sydney’s military past, such as old gun batteries, while monuments on Australia’s Memorial Walk honour soldiers from major conflicts.

Call into the Q Station, a former 1800s quarantine centre which is now a museum with fascinating history. Walking trails also lead to secluded Collins Beach and the popular Shelly Beach. North Head is reachable on foot (complete with a steep hill walk). Alternatively, take a bus or drive to the main hub of North Fort, where you’ll also find a lovely cafe, and start your walk from there.

Scenic walk for harbour views at North Head

Spice Alley is a foodie destination with all kinds of Asian cuisines, from Singaporean and Malaysian to Thai and Chinese. The vibe is relaxed, and the focus is on quick and casual street food. Sit out in the open air under hanging lanterns and glowing lights that create a charming ambiance. Located in Sydney’s trendy inner suburb of Chippendale, this popular food precinct is great for a night out with friends or a laid-back lunch. Walk down Kensington Street, which is lined with cool restaurants and bars, then follow the red lanterns and colourful wall art to Spice Alley. It’s just a five-minute walk from Central Station, and is sure to be bustling if you visit on a weekend – but that’s all part of the fun!

Asian street food at Spice Alley

From Central Station, it’s a short walk towards the UTS Business School building to the start of the walkway. Once there, notice the old rail tracks embedded into parts of the path, with information panels along the way that detail the route’s interesting history. This was an important freight line until the mid-1980s.

Alongside the walkway, grassy patches are dotted with seats, ping pong tables and kids’ play equipment, making it the perfect place to linger awhile. It’s leafy, quiet and peaceful, as well as convenient. The path takes you to Darling Harbour in just 10 minutes. From the other direction, hop on The Goods Line at the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo, or various other entry points in nearby areas, such as Chinatown.

Discover Local in Sydney - EN

Brewery hopping in Brookvale

Scenic walk for harbour views at North Head

Asian street food at Spice Alley

Peaceful city walk on The Goods Line

Mexican seafood at The Butler, Potts Point

Cocktails at Palmer & Co.