INNER WEST
NEIGHBOURHOODS
Sydney’s Inner West is a collection of diverse and character-filled neighbourhoods, each with its own unique personality. From heritage-lined streets to vibrant urban pockets, waterfront havens to cultural hubs, this part of the city offers something for everyone.
Whether you're looking for a buzzing café culture, green spaces for the kids, or easy access to the CBD, each neighbourhood tells its own story.
We see the Inner West through the lens of 7 distinct neighbourhoods, made up of 30 suburbs. Let’s take a look at what makes each one special.
ROZELLE - BALMAIN - BIRCHGROVE - BALMAIN EAST
A peninsula steeped in history and charm, these harbourside suburbs blend heritage terraces, waterfront parks, and a lively pub and café scene. Balmain’s bustling Darling Street is lined with boutiques, restaurants, and historic watering holes, offering a vibrant village atmosphere. Birchgrove, with its foreshore parks and historic homes, provides a quieter retreat, while Balmain East offers stunning waterfront views and a ferry ride straight into the CBD. Rozelle, known for its creative community, weekend markets, and charming pubs, rounds out this sought-after pocket of the Inner West.
Landmarks: The London Hotel, Dawn Fraser Baths, Mort Bay Park, White Bay Brewery, Callan Park, Balmain East Ferry
HABERFIELD - LEWISHAM - SUMMER HILL - PETERSHAM
Rich in history and culture, this area offers a mix of grand Federation homes, tree-lined streets, and a strong European influence. Haberfield, known as ‘Little Italy,’ is famous for its traditional bakeries, delis, and heritage-listed homes. Summer Hill is a charming village-style suburb with boutique shopping, great schools, and a friendly, community-driven atmosphere. Lewisham, a small but well-connected suburb, boasts excellent transport links and hidden café gems. Petersham, often called ‘Little Portugal,’ is renowned for its Portuguese tarts, authentic dining, and leafy parks.
Landmarks: La Disfida, Summer Hill Flour Mill, Petersham Bowling Club, White Cockatoo Hotel, St Davids Church, Morton Park
GLEBE - FOREST LODGE - LILYFIELD - ANNANDALE - LEICHHARDT
A seamless blend of old and new, these neighbourhoods mix grand Victorian terraces with a lively café and market culture. Glebe is a bohemian paradise with bookstores, artisan markets, and a stunning foreshore walk. Forest Lodge offers a quieter charm with boutique pubs and cafés, while Lilyfield’s leafy streets and Callan Park provide a green escape. Annandale, with its iconic Witches’ Houses, exudes historic charm and a tight-knit community feel. Leichhardt, renowned as the original heart of Sydney’s Italian culture, is packed with delis, restaurants, and traditional bakeries, making it a food lover’s dream.
Landmarks: Jubilee Park, The Italian Forum, Wentworth Park, Tramsheds, Orange Grove Markets, Mezzapica Cakes
ASHFIELD - CROYDON - ASHBURY- CROYDON PARK
This well-connected pocket of the Inner West offers a mix of heritage homes, contemporary apartments, and a strong community feel. Ashfield is a vibrant cultural hub with incredible Asian dining, excellent schools, and parklands. Croydon’s Federation-style houses and tree-lined streets provide a peaceful retreat, while Ashbury’s suburban charm makes it a great spot for families. Croydon Park, nestled along the Cooks River, offers scenic walks, diverse dining, and a slower-paced lifestyle.
Landmarks: Ashfield Park, The Strand, PLC Croydon, Croydon Park Hotel, Anar Charcoal Chicken
MARRICKVILLE - EARLWOOD - HURLSTONE PARK - DULWICH HILL
One of Sydney’s most in-demand areas, that has remarkably remained true to its roots, Marrickville leads the way with its industrial-chic vibe, craft breweries, and thriving food scene. Home to Vietnamese and Greek communities, along with an ever-increased intake of new residents, Marrickville is home to an eclectic mix of sub-neighbourhoods. Earlwood, perched on the banks of the Cooks River, offers larger blocks, a relaxed suburban feel, and scenic walking trails. Hurlstone Park, with its heritage homes and village atmosphere, remains a hidden gem. Dulwich Hill strikes a balance between historic charm and modern convenience, boasting excellent transport links, vibrant café culture, and a welcoming community.
Landmarks: Addison Road Community Centre, Batch Brewing Co., Wolli Creek Walking Track, The Henson, Athena Cake Shop
TEMPE - ST PETERS - ALEXANDRIA - SYDENHAM
A mix of old and new, this area is home to industrial conversions, boutique breweries, and a growing café culture. St Peters, with its vibrant street art and Sydney Park’s expansive green space, is a magnet for creatives. Alexandria has transformed over the past decade into a foodie's paradise, offering stylish brunch spots and converted warehouse apartments. Sydenham, with its industrial roots, has seen a wave of trendy new businesses moving in. Tempe, with its proximity to the Cooks River and larger blocks, is an increasingly popular choice for families seeking more space within easy reach of the city.
Landmarks: Sydney Park, Deus Ex Machina, The Lady Hampshire, The Grounds of Alexandria, Tempe Station, Marrickville Heritage Walking Trail
STANMORE - NEWTOWN - ENMORE - ERSKINEVILLE - CAMPERDOWN
A cultural heartbeat of the Inner West, these suburbs are known for their thriving arts scene, buzzing nightlife, and eclectic food offerings. Newtown’s famous King Street serves up everything from vintage shopping to cutting-edge dining, while Enmore’s live music scene, led by the iconic Enmore Theatre, keeps the energy high. Stanmore’s quiet, tree-lined streets provide a more relaxed village feel, while Erskineville offers charming terraces, trendy cafés, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Camperdown, home to the University of Sydney and Camperdown Park, adds a student-friendly, green touch to the mix.
Landmarks: Enmore Theatre, Camperdown Park, The Imperial Hotel, Young Henry’s, The Cyprus Club, Sixpenny
