Guidebook for Pyrmont
Food Scene
Our top pick. We are always there for breakfast brunch and lunch. It has great food and nice atmosphere, and is truly local.
24 locals recommend
Bar Zini
78 Harris StOur top pick. We are always there for breakfast brunch and lunch. It has great food and nice atmosphere, and is truly local.
Outstanding Taiwanese restaurant, in a charcterful old church hall an easy walk from home.
14 locals recommend
Blue Eye Dragon
37 Pyrmont StOutstanding Taiwanese restaurant, in a charcterful old church hall an easy walk from home.
Finest, innovative Aussie dining in a truly beautiful modern setting. Everything about Lumi is superb. Check out their website for the menu and to see how lovely the room is. Very special.
20 locals recommend
LuMi Bar and Dining
56 Pirrama RoadFinest, innovative Aussie dining in a truly beautiful modern setting. Everything about Lumi is superb. Check out their website for the menu and to see how lovely the room is. Very special.
This is a classy local bakery that does high end delicious bread and cakes, which you can take away or eat in the shop
15 locals recommend
Pioik Bakery
176-178 Harris StThis is a classy local bakery that does high end delicious bread and cakes, which you can take away or eat in the shop
There's no way to describe Sydney's Chinatown. Just go there! It's busy, especially early evenings and weekends. It's jam packed with millions of people, and restaurants of such a huge variety you will always be wondering if this is THE one. It's hard not to have a good time here.
190 locals recommend
Chinatown Sydney
84 Dixon StThere's no way to describe Sydney's Chinatown. Just go there! It's busy, especially early evenings and weekends. It's jam packed with millions of people, and restaurants of such a huge variety you will always be wondering if this is THE one. It's hard not to have a good time here.
This refurbished industrial site is now a lively foodie's hub, with a huge range of restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and bars, jumping with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. It's urban and hip with a great vibe. You can have a drink, or a coffee or breakfast, or tapas, or a sit down meal in style. Go early evening to get a table. Easily reached on the Light Rail.
166 locals recommend
Tramsheds
1 Dalgal WyThis refurbished industrial site is now a lively foodie's hub, with a huge range of restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and bars, jumping with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. It's urban and hip with a great vibe. You can have a drink, or a coffee or breakfast, or tapas, or a sit down meal in style. Go early evening to get a table. Easily reached on the Light Rail.
A redevelopment that has come alive. Accessible by ferry, one stop from Pyrmont. Fabulous array of restaurants. Nice for a stroll on a sunny day for an ice cream. Lots of people promenading and meeting up on weekends. Adjacent to a park, with a newly opened harbour swimming pool.
46 locals recommend
Barangaroo Reserve
Hickson RoadA redevelopment that has come alive. Accessible by ferry, one stop from Pyrmont. Fabulous array of restaurants. Nice for a stroll on a sunny day for an ice cream. Lots of people promenading and meeting up on weekends. Adjacent to a park, with a newly opened harbour swimming pool.
Our preferred pub. Stylish. Great atmosphere, friendly, with excellent food. Indoor/outdoor spaces.
8 locals recommend
Terminus Hotel
61 Harris StOur preferred pub. Stylish. Great atmosphere, friendly, with excellent food. Indoor/outdoor spaces.
This Cafe is fantastic. Indoor/outdoor seating. Great breakfasts. Exceptional coffee. The bread, and other baked goods: croissants, danish, pizza, are delicious and made on the premises.
Calla
55 Harris StThis Cafe is fantastic. Indoor/outdoor seating. Great breakfasts. Exceptional coffee. The bread, and other baked goods: croissants, danish, pizza, are delicious and made on the premises.
Sala
Up market, fine dining, great location, a short walk from home.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Casino is NOT the reason I recommend this. Try instead the array of restaurants and the amazing food court, where you'll get dumplings like no others at Dai Tin Fung, ice cream that redefines the species at Messina, Macaroons and tasty sweet treats made before your eyes at Zumbo...and that's just the start. There are fine dining restaurants and bars with live music as well as the Lyric Theatre, where award winning musiclas are staged.
358 locals recommend
The Star Sydney
20-80 Pyrmont StThe Casino is NOT the reason I recommend this. Try instead the array of restaurants and the amazing food court, where you'll get dumplings like no others at Dai Tin Fung, ice cream that redefines the species at Messina, Macaroons and tasty sweet treats made before your eyes at Zumbo...and that's just the start. There are fine dining restaurants and bars with live music as well as the Lyric Theatre, where award winning musiclas are staged.
Top class jazz venue and bar just down the road, live music most nights. Book ahead if there's a big name or just wander in and take a chance.
7 locals recommend
Foundry 616
616 Harris StTop class jazz venue and bar just down the road, live music most nights. Book ahead if there's a big name or just wander in and take a chance.
Funky local wine bar, in an old sandstone building, with a courtyard. Great for all ages, busy busy after work scene on Fridays. Sit out with your beer or wine and watch the world pass at quieter times.
50 locals recommend
Gallon
117 Harris StFunky local wine bar, in an old sandstone building, with a courtyard. Great for all ages, busy busy after work scene on Fridays. Sit out with your beer or wine and watch the world pass at quieter times.
Sightseeing
It's ALIVE. It's busy and crowded and noisy and exciting, and just five minutes away. The array of fish is unbelievable. You can admire the produce then join the throng on the outdoor tables by the water, or choose sushi, or go upstairs for magnificent yum cha.It's got one of the best delis in Sydney, a great baker, a liquor store. Cross the carpark to the most glamous butcher in the world where (after admiring the meat as if it was a department store), you can have an burger from their smokehouse. If your jet lag means you're up early, this place is a must.
399 locals recommend
Sydney Fish Market
Bank StreetIt's ALIVE. It's busy and crowded and noisy and exciting, and just five minutes away. The array of fish is unbelievable. You can admire the produce then join the throng on the outdoor tables by the water, or choose sushi, or go upstairs for magnificent yum cha.It's got one of the best delis in Sydney, a great baker, a liquor store. Cross the carpark to the most glamous butcher in the world where (after admiring the meat as if it was a department store), you can have an burger from their smokehouse. If your jet lag means you're up early, this place is a must.
This is our top secret Sydney treat. Everyone knows The Bridge, and lots of visitors do Bridge Climb, but we prefer this. There's almost never anyone there, it's a bit quaint and old style. The view is intimate and comfortable. The surrounding area is very interesting with lots of sights to see. Get yourself to The Rocks (tourist Central) and find Observatory Hill. Find 'Bridge Stairs' in Cumberland St and you're on your way. Observatory Hill has a nice little art gallery with a cafe. The Observatory itself is worth a visit. You can also walk across the Harbour Bridge from here, and at the other end take a ferry back from Kirribilli if you want a round trip.
30 locals recommend
Pylon Lookout
Sydney Harbour BridgeThis is our top secret Sydney treat. Everyone knows The Bridge, and lots of visitors do Bridge Climb, but we prefer this. There's almost never anyone there, it's a bit quaint and old style. The view is intimate and comfortable. The surrounding area is very interesting with lots of sights to see. Get yourself to The Rocks (tourist Central) and find Observatory Hill. Find 'Bridge Stairs' in Cumberland St and you're on your way. Observatory Hill has a nice little art gallery with a cafe. The Observatory itself is worth a visit. You can also walk across the Harbour Bridge from here, and at the other end take a ferry back from Kirribilli if you want a round trip.
That's the proper name for Sydney Harbour. It's breathtakingly lovely and there are many was to 'do' it: but nothing is nicer than sitting on a Sydney Ferry. The Manly ferry is the classic trip. A great ride on the harbour and a destination with a whole range of sights, walks, cafes and restaurants, and the beach. Lesser known but much lovelier (we think) is the Old Cremorne Ferry. It goes in and out of sandstone coves on the Northern side of the Harbour, visiting lovely secluded spots that tourists never go to. Stay on for the round trip, or get off at Cremorne for some excellent foreshore walks. Our local Pyrmont ferry is another delightful trip. It will take you to Luna Park and Balmain East before dropping you in the heart of things at Circular Quay.
7 locals recommend
Port Jackson
That's the proper name for Sydney Harbour. It's breathtakingly lovely and there are many was to 'do' it: but nothing is nicer than sitting on a Sydney Ferry. The Manly ferry is the classic trip. A great ride on the harbour and a destination with a whole range of sights, walks, cafes and restaurants, and the beach. Lesser known but much lovelier (we think) is the Old Cremorne Ferry. It goes in and out of sandstone coves on the Northern side of the Harbour, visiting lovely secluded spots that tourists never go to. Stay on for the round trip, or get off at Cremorne for some excellent foreshore walks. Our local Pyrmont ferry is another delightful trip. It will take you to Luna Park and Balmain East before dropping you in the heart of things at Circular Quay.
Arts & Culture
It's just a walk away, and as well as the internal exhibitions also has a variety of vessels on the wharves outside.
58 locals recommend
Australian National Maritime Museum
2 Murray StIt's just a walk away, and as well as the internal exhibitions also has a variety of vessels on the wharves outside.
Top pick. Superb NSW State Art collection, in a grand building located in a scenic spot. Enjoy the art, the restaurant and cafes, and take a walk outside in the Royal Botanic Gardens, or by Woolloomooloo Bay. Quintessential Sydney.
891 locals recommend
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery RoadTop pick. Superb NSW State Art collection, in a grand building located in a scenic spot. Enjoy the art, the restaurant and cafes, and take a walk outside in the Royal Botanic Gardens, or by Woolloomooloo Bay. Quintessential Sydney.
The coolest, most interesting and enlivening gallery to hit Sydney for years. Great area for a walkaround.
329 locals recommend
White Rabbit Gallery
30 Balfour StThe coolest, most interesting and enlivening gallery to hit Sydney for years. Great area for a walkaround.
This Contemporary Art gallery is exciting, edgy and brilliantly located on the harbour shore between Circular Quay and The Rocks. It has two smart eateries as well.
829 locals recommend
Museum of Contemporary Art
140 George StThis Contemporary Art gallery is exciting, edgy and brilliantly located on the harbour shore between Circular Quay and The Rocks. It has two smart eateries as well.
MUST DO!! Go to a concert (there are all genres), a play or the Opera. If that's not your bag, focus on the building. Insider hint: Visitors with an interest in the performing arts will get a kick out of a Backstage Tour. Seeing behind the scenes is a special thing. If there's a rehearsal in progress you are allowed to watch. After the tour enjoy the ambience at one of the outdoor eateries and bars on the Concourse. At night and on weekend afternoons there's live music and the joint is jumpin'. It's also a big cocktail scene for the after-work crowd.
1998 locals recommend
Sydney Opera House
MUST DO!! Go to a concert (there are all genres), a play or the Opera. If that's not your bag, focus on the building. Insider hint: Visitors with an interest in the performing arts will get a kick out of a Backstage Tour. Seeing behind the scenes is a special thing. If there's a rehearsal in progress you are allowed to watch. After the tour enjoy the ambience at one of the outdoor eateries and bars on the Concourse. At night and on weekend afternoons there's live music and the joint is jumpin'. It's also a big cocktail scene for the after-work crowd.
Parks & Nature
It's world famous and it should be. Don't miss it, and allow a half day or more. You can catch the 389 bus from the corner of Harris St, or hitch a ride any Saturday morning with Michael, who is a dedicated ocean swimmer. If you want a dip we'll lend you towels. There's a good headland walk from Bondi heading south to the next beaches, Tamarama, Bronte and on to Coogee, but if you can swim (between the flags!) then it's a wonderful place to go from dawn to dusk any time of the year, whether there's a wave on or not. And it's as magical in the rain and wind as it is on a beautiful sunny day.
106 locals recommend
Bondi Beach
It's world famous and it should be. Don't miss it, and allow a half day or more. You can catch the 389 bus from the corner of Harris St, or hitch a ride any Saturday morning with Michael, who is a dedicated ocean swimmer. If you want a dip we'll lend you towels. There's a good headland walk from Bondi heading south to the next beaches, Tamarama, Bronte and on to Coogee, but if you can swim (between the flags!) then it's a wonderful place to go from dawn to dusk any time of the year, whether there's a wave on or not. And it's as magical in the rain and wind as it is on a beautiful sunny day.
Exceptionally lovely gardens on the shore of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), opposite the Art Gallery, adjacent to the Opera House and Circular Quay. The Gardens shop is excellent for tasteful souvenirs, and the restaurant is a great choice for a slow lunch. In Summer there's an outdoor cinema.
985 locals recommend
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Mrs Macquaries RoadExceptionally lovely gardens on the shore of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), opposite the Art Gallery, adjacent to the Opera House and Circular Quay. The Gardens shop is excellent for tasteful souvenirs, and the restaurant is a great choice for a slow lunch. In Summer there's an outdoor cinema.
It's just outside our door and is the perfect place for a walk, a jog, or just a sit in the sun. There's a coffee shop and a great children's playground. The park is the ideal spot to watch the New Year's fireworks. Explore the upper park as well, for even more expansive views over the harbour.
65 locals recommend
Pirrama Park
Pirrama RoadIt's just outside our door and is the perfect place for a walk, a jog, or just a sit in the sun. There's a coffee shop and a great children's playground. The park is the ideal spot to watch the New Year's fireworks. Explore the upper park as well, for even more expansive views over the harbour.
Getting Around
John Street Square station
Easy and regular trip into Central station.
Nothing is nicer than sitting in the sun on a Sydney Ferry. The Manly ferry is the classic trip. A great ride on the harbour and a destination with a whole range of sights, walks, cafes and restaurants, and the beach.
Lesser known but much lovelier (we think) is the Old Cremorne Ferry. It goes in and out of sandstone coves on the Northern side of the Harbour, visiting lovely secluded spots that tourists never go to. Stay on for the round trip, or get off at Cremorne for some excellent foreshore walks.
Our local Pyrmont ferry is another delightful trip. It will take you to Luna Park and Balmain East before dropping you in the heart of things at Circular Quay.
18 locals recommend
Circular Quay Wharf 3 station
Alfred StreetNothing is nicer than sitting in the sun on a Sydney Ferry. The Manly ferry is the classic trip. A great ride on the harbour and a destination with a whole range of sights, walks, cafes and restaurants, and the beach.
Lesser known but much lovelier (we think) is the Old Cremorne Ferry. It goes in and out of sandstone coves on the Northern side of the Harbour, visiting lovely secluded spots that tourists never go to. Stay on for the round trip, or get off at Cremorne for some excellent foreshore walks.
Our local Pyrmont ferry is another delightful trip. It will take you to Luna Park and Balmain East before dropping you in the heart of things at Circular Quay.
The corner of Harris and John St is your hub. Taxis are plentiful around the clock, Walk there and wait - this is much faster than calling one. Uber drivers are often not familiar with Pyrmont. The bus stop (Route 389, through the city to Bondi - a great route for tourists) and the Light Rail are there as well.
Harris Street
Harris StreetThe corner of Harris and John St is your hub. Taxis are plentiful around the clock, Walk there and wait - this is much faster than calling one. Uber drivers are often not familiar with Pyrmont. The bus stop (Route 389, through the city to Bondi - a great route for tourists) and the Light Rail are there as well.
OK, it's not the New York Hi Line, but it's a short stretch of converted railway that's developed on the same lines, and it's worth using it if you're walking up to Central station or UTS.
7 locals recommend
The Goods Line
Ultimo Pedestrian NetworkOK, it's not the New York Hi Line, but it's a short stretch of converted railway that's developed on the same lines, and it's worth using it if you're walking up to Central station or UTS.
This decommissioned 19th century swing bridge spans the mouth of Darling Harbour and it's the footway that connects us to the City. It's one of the busiest thoroughfares in the country, and you will certainly use it. Watch out for cyclists who don't obey the rules about pedestrian priority! On Sundays the bridge is opened on the hour and you can visit the old control cabin to see how it works.
25 locals recommend
Pyrmont Bridge
96 Union StThis decommissioned 19th century swing bridge spans the mouth of Darling Harbour and it's the footway that connects us to the City. It's one of the busiest thoroughfares in the country, and you will certainly use it. Watch out for cyclists who don't obey the rules about pedestrian priority! On Sundays the bridge is opened on the hour and you can visit the old control cabin to see how it works.
Entertainment & Activities
Newtown is an individual hip strip of restaurants, bars, bakeries, pubs, funky clothing, tattoo parlours, theatres and a cinema. It's a great spot for anyone to browse, but proximity to Sydney Uni has always meant students make it home. If you're a young one, get on over there,
331 locals recommend
Newtown
Newtown is an individual hip strip of restaurants, bars, bakeries, pubs, funky clothing, tattoo parlours, theatres and a cinema. It's a great spot for anyone to browse, but proximity to Sydney Uni has always meant students make it home. If you're a young one, get on over there,
Great mix of bars restaurants, kids parks, street performers, events, fireworks every Saturday night...it's just round the corner. Don't miss the Maritime Museum, and the Aquarium. King St Wharf and Cockle Bay are just over the water - MORE fun, lively precincts with great eateries and the pick up/dropoff point for tourist ferries..
892 locals recommend
Darling Harbour
Great mix of bars restaurants, kids parks, street performers, events, fireworks every Saturday night...it's just round the corner. Don't miss the Maritime Museum, and the Aquarium. King St Wharf and Cockle Bay are just over the water - MORE fun, lively precincts with great eateries and the pick up/dropoff point for tourist ferries..