Surry Hills, Sydney Region — New South Wales

Surry Hills is a suburb located within the local government area of Sydney, southeast of its central business district. The place-name was derived from Surrey Hills in England.

This suburb boasts of a significant commercial presence, particularly in fashion retail. Major shopping destinations include the Oxford Square on Oxford Street and the Surry Hills Shopping Village on Cleveland Street. Most of the suburb’s urban amenities and business establishments are concentrated on the famed Strawberry Hills.

Most of the residents here are considered affluent and in the upper middle class. Strolling along the streets of Surry Hills allow locals and visitors to gaze at and appreciate several older homes built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There are several Victorian terraced houses dotting the suburb landscape. Most of the older buildings in the area have been faithfully restored and maintained by its owners, contributing to the aesthetic appeal of Surry Hills. Some have been refurbished to become nightclubs, pubs, and restaurants. These establishments ensure that Surry Hills have a bustling nightlife similar to what most urban centers boast of.

A number of homeless shelters in area lend some unique dimension and character to the suburb. Surry Hills is considered to be the place having the largest number of displaced and homeless people in the country.

Most warehouses have also been converted into retail and residential space, like the Brett Whiteley Studio on Raper Street. Visitors are welcome to browse and tour Whiteley’s living quarters and artist studio. Several items and artworks are also for sale.

Another destination for art aficionados is the Object Gallery, located on Bourke Street. This establishment has numerous items, from furniture to furnishings and artworks, on display and for sale.

Tours are also offered and available at the Opera Australia along Elizabeth Street. This facility not only hosts theatrical performances several times in a year, it also allows visitors first-hand experiences on how the entire production of an opera is organized, from the making of costumes, to the placement of stage sets, up to the rehearsals of actors and cast members.

Every first Saturday of the month, locals and visitors converge to the corner of Collins and Crown Streets for the Surry Hills Market where bargains and good finds are sure to be had.

The main outdoor space of Surry Hills is the Prince Alfred Park along Cleveland Street. Its shady areas and well-maintained landscape ensure that locals and visitors alike will get to enjoy excellent picnic and recreation spots.

The northern end of the suburb is bordered by Darlinghurst and the Hyde Park is located nearby.

Accommodation is never a problem in Surry Hills, with a number of affordable and mid-range hostels and hotels located within. Along Elizabeth Street are two backpackers’ haven, the Big On Elizabeth and the Steve Redpack Backpackers. On Riley Street is the Brickfield Hill Bed & Breakfast Inn. Mid-range accommodations can be had at the Citigate Sebel Sydney on Albion Street, the Excelsior Hotel on Foveaux Street, and the Crown Hotel on Crown Street.