9 of Australia’s Coolest Neighbourhoods
Here the best places to hang out on your Oz adventure
Sculpture in Northbridge, Perth
Although a lot of Australia is sweeping red desert, iconic landmarks and wildlife galore, its cities have plenty of surprises and hidden corners too. Even away from the big names you’ll already know, Australia has some of the most vibrant, character-packed neighbourhoods in the Southern Hemisphere.
From bohemian beach communities to urban art enclaves to coffee-mad collectives, here are nine must-visit neighbourhoods from across Australia to check out on your trip.
1. Fitzroy, Melbourne
Fitzroy, Melbourne
Melbourne’s alternative scene lives and breathes in Fitzroy. Here, street art, antique shops, vintage boutiques and dive bars are packed with the city’s artists, students and vagabonds. It’s a magnet for free spirits, and a great place for people watching.
Coffee and Melbourne are as synonymous as butter and bread, so begin your day at Industry Beans, a former warehouse turned cafe serving every single type of coffee imaginable. Sip, shoot or savour, then head to Brunswick Street to browse record stores, second-hand book shops and boutiques packed with vintage clothing and accessories.
Lunch is served at The Vegie Bar (a vegetarian institution) or grab Neapolitan-style pizza at Ladro.
Hot afternoons are best spent at the Centre for Contemporary Photography (free entry), before heading along Gertrude Street to admire the ever-changing murals. Grab a cocktail at Black Pearl to finish the day.
2. Newtown, Sydney
Live music is never far away in Newtown
A stone’s throw from the corporate glass and steel of Sydney’s CBD, you’ll find this creative powerhouse. You’re more likely to see pink hair and piercings than suits and ties.
King Street is the neighbourhoods main artery, with thrift stores, tattoo parlours and pokey restaurants packed together. Bella Brutta does great sourdough pizza, or you can try Middle Eastern favourites at Emma’s Snack Bar.
The street art in Newtown is absolutely everywhere, to the point where there are now walking tours that uncover certain pieces and share the stories behind them. However, you can just wander and discover great art, sculpture and everything else creative with little effort required.
However, Newtown really comes to life at night. The Vanguard is something of a local institution, with love music pretty much every night, as well as cabaret and burlesque shows from time to time. For a late one, drop into the Courthouse Hotel, famous for its legendary beer garden.
Recommended Sydney Experiences from GetYourGuide
3. Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
Known locally as just ‘The Valley’, this former rough-and-ready nightlife spot has grown into a culture vulture hangout, with street art, rooftop bars and a thriving music scene keeping things interesting.
James Street is the place to shop. Make sure you visit Camilla and Bassike, two fashion labels that started life in The Valley. Drop by Harveys Bar + Bistro while you’re there.
Nightlife is still a big deal in Fortitude Valley. The Tivoli and The Zoo are two of Brisbane’s best-loved music venues, hosting both local bands as well as touring performers. However,, the sizeable Fortitude Music Hall often hosts the biggest acts. Check out each venue’s websites or socials, as you may need tickets for certain events.
4. Northbridge, Perth
Northbridge is full of quirky and interesting spots
Once upon a time, Northbridge was the place where the rough and tough would go to kick up a fuss and drink as much as possible in the process. But today, the reputation has been shaken – or gentrification has ruined it all, depending on who you ask.
Gone are the dive bars and in their place sit quirky cafes, art galleries and the usual bold but basic eateries. Tarts Cafe is a great starting point, with strong coffees and hearty breakfasts. You can easily lose a day wandering through the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Western Australian Museum.
A great quirky Northbridge activity is to visit Rooftop Movies. This entire outdoor rooftop has been converted into an open-air cinema, hosting both the latest releases and classic favourites.
When the sun sets, try Short Order Burger Co. or go for something lighter at Shadow Wine Bar. Finish off with drinks at the Mechanics Institute or Ezra Pound, a speakeasy hidden in an alleyway.
5. Salamanca & Battery Point, Hobart
Salamanca Market is a great reason to visit
Tasmania’s biggest city is famous for its colonial history, but there’s plenty hidden away in the sandstone warehouses of the former port area of Salamanca too. Here, Tasmania’s creatives are creating their own unique scene, with independent businesses and art collectives popping up almost weekly.
The week is built around Salamanca Market, where over 300 stalls packed with produce, crafts and gourmet treats pop up for most of the day. If you’re visiting over the weekend, you really shouldn’t miss it.
After you’ve picked up the souvenirs, take a stroll to Kelly’s Steps on Battery Point. The architecture and feel changes here, with cottage-lined lanes making it feel like you’ve gone back in time a century or so.
Grab a drink at Preachers, a cosy bar with a fun retro bus parked in the beer garden.
6. Adelaide Central & Peel Street Precinct
Shop produce or try street food in Adelaide Central Market
Adelaide doesn’t see the same numbers of visitors as Australia’s bigger cities, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to cool Australian neighbourhoods. The Peel Street Precinct is the standout, where narrow lanes hum with indie restaurants and chilled wine bars serving Australia’s finest grapes.
Explore Adelaide Central Market, a foodie wonderland with local cheeses, chocolate and foraged bush spices lining the stalls.
Peel St is the place to eat, with a Middle Eastern-leaning menu and tons of flavour. Now you’re fueled, it’s time for a bar crawl – but wine only. Wind your way through Apoteca, Clever Little Tailor and La Buvette, all with their unique twist and extensive global wine menus.
7. Braddon, Canberra
Just north of the city centre, Braddon has become something of a magnet for design-savvy and culture-hungry locals. Warehouses and retail units have transformed into stylish cafes, breweries and independent boutiques.
Lonsdale Street is the place to start. Barrio Collective serves top-tier speciality coffee and a great selection of breakfasts. Then, you’re in the right place to browse the shops (Assemblage Project is one to spot), grab some shade in Haig Park or discover the next talents at Canberra Contemporary Art Space.
You’re also close to the National Gallery of Australia, which is a great option if Canberra’s famous warm weather is becoming overbearing.
Don’t miss Lazy Su, an Asian fusion joint blending Japanese, Korean and American flavours.
8. Darwin Waterfront and Parap
Darwin Waterfront is one big outdoor playground for all ages
The Top End does cool in its own distinct way, and there are actually two neighbourhoods in Darwin worth checking out.
The Waterfront Precinct is Darwin’s more modern attempt at a multi-functional public space that ticks several boxes. Modern, sleek buildings blend with lush green spaces that are packed out on sunny days. Bars and restaurants, including Snapper Rocks and The Precinct, have popped up; there's even an artificial wave lagoon for cooling off after a stroll.
Darwin’s other cool neighbourhood is Para. Here, Saturday markets share the tropical produce that grows nearby, so expect fruit smoothies, laksa and hand-made goods and carvings.
9. Byron Bay Arts and Industrial Estate
Byron Bay isn’t exactly an unknown tourist destination, but five minutes down the road you’ll find one of Australia’s epicentres of art
Formerly a collection of warehouses and workshops, the empty shells have been requisitioned to create a thriving community where heavy industry has been swapped for creativity and sustainability. It has also transformed into a highly sought-after place to live and work.
Among the art galleries, you’ll find dozens of crafty corners, offering everything from hand-made candles to custom furniture made from local reclaimed wood. Vagabond is a favourite, with vintage homewares and surfing-centric items lining the shelves.
Habitat Byron Bay is the other place-to-be, with shops, cafes and restaurants lining this cutesy precinct.
Stone & Wood Brewery is also one not to miss, or you can try Luna Wine Store if red, white or pink are more your thing.
Grab a bite for lunch at Folk, a boho cafe with healthy options, as you’ll probably want to join a yoga class in the afternoon. There are several yoga and pilates studios within the estate, all offering something a little different.
Wrapping up
Now you’re armed with a selection of unmissable Australian neighbourhoods, you can enhance your trip by going beyond the typical Australian tourist spots. Whether it’s grabbing coffee in Fitzroy or gallery surfing in Northbridge, you can safely say you’ve experienced Australia like a local.
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