The neighbourhood is a creative central hub, home to the Brett Whiteley Studio and Belvoir Street Theatre. Some of the city’s best organic cafés, lively pubs, fashionable wine bars, and hip boutiques can be found here. Café culture, gourmet food stores and alfresco dining share space with a large number of small businesses lining the narrow leafy streets, lanes, and back alleys.

Speak to any resident, and they will tell you how much they enjoy having Prince Alfred Park across the road. And really the park has it all: a fifty metre pool and kids splash area, off leash dog areas, basketball courts, tennis courts, fitness stations, swings and play areas, BBQs and picnic tables, park benches, running/walking paths (it’s one kilometre on the outside path), and yes, plenty of grass.

Prince Alfred Park also has a rainbow path commemorating the 2017 announcement of the marriage equality vote.

Locals love a quick bike ride or walk to the city, and can access surrounding areas by tram, bus or train. City of Sydney Council continues to improve the quality of living, developing parks, playgrounds and bike lanes. An award-winning public library sits opposite Shannon Reserve on Crown Street, and the suburb also boasts high quality childcare and educational establishments such as the new Inner Sydney High School on Chalmers Street and the Australian Institute of Music campus on Foveaux Street.

The famous open-air Surry Hills markets are held in Shannon Reserve, Crown Street on the first Saturday of every month offering second-hand fashion, homemade crafts, and vintage goods. The suburb is known for its warm and friendly spirit, and annual Surry Hills Festival, all of which contribute to the community vibe.

Locals appreciate expertly crafted coffee and gourmet food and will wait patiently in line to be seated at a number of brunch institutions, like celebrity chef Bill Granger’s restaurant on Crown Street and the Bourke Street Bakery. Foodies are never short of dining options. Laid back yet still bustling during the work week, Surry Hills really ramps up at night and on the weekends. Take your pick of award-winning eateries, multicultural cuisines, small bars, and lively pubs any night of the week.

And as for our neighbours, every man and his dog can be found strolling the streets of Surry Hills. Surry Hills is a cultural melting pot, made up of new and long-standing residents, entrepreneurs, students, professionals, and families. The neighbourhood attracts young artistically minded professionals and has a vibrant LGBTIQ+ community.