Known for its natural beauty, Sydney hasn’t always been considered the country’s cultural capital. But in my opinion, the only thing better than wandering through galleries, public art, markets, live music and market stalls is having a beautiful backdrop in which to do so.
When I decided to leave the hustle and bustle of the New York art world in 2019, to return to home to Australia. I was faced with the conundrum that many an expat before me has contemplated: Sydney or Melbourne? As I had always worked in the arts many assumed that Melbourne would be a natural fit, but what had I moved back to Australia for if it wasn’t for the sunshine, beaches and relaxed lifestyle? After five years in Sydney, I can happily say that I’ve been fulfilled in my career, interests and lifestyle, so I want to share with you some of my favourite spots in Sydney to soak up a little culture. Disclaimer: having only lived in the bubble of the Eastern suburbs, this list doesn’t even attempt to break ground on the hipsters of Newtown, the beer fiends in Marrickville or the beauty of the Northern Beaches, let alone what you find when you step outside of the city limits.
An Early Morning Walk Along the Graffiti Wall at Bondi Beach
A walk along the promenade at the iconic Bondi Beach might sound like a cliché but most tourists go for the beach, not the art. The graffiti wall has evolved since the 80s into a long line of public art murals, which are constantly changing to reflect current concerns and events. The morning is the quietest time to visit and whilst you’re there you might want to check out what’s happening at the recently renovated pavilion. There might be a yoga class, a lunchtime music concert or a life drawing class to join.
Lunch at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
Nestled into the AGNSW you’ll find Matt Moran’s concept restaurant Crafted by Matt Moran, serving up delicious food alongside floor to ceiling views of the city. One of the highlights of a visit is to browse through one of the nation’s oldest art collections. Established in 1871, the AGNSW’s permanent collection is a treasure trove of art that is often rotated throughout the galleries and free for the public to view. My personal favourite is the elegant Grand Courts galleries, which houses great historic works from 1400-1900, such as Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema’s A Juggler, Frederic Lord Leighton’s Wedded and Edouard Detaille’s imposing Vive l’Empreur!
Public Sculpture by Nigel Helyer
After a long lunch, you may need be in need of stretching of your legs. I would suggest wandering down to Woolloomooloo Bay, not only for the water views but also to see the large steel sculptures that form Dual Nature by Nigel Helyer. Referencing the maritime history of the area as well as that of nearby Garden Island, the imposing structures are semi-submerged at the water’s edge and include hidden solar-powered audio systems that broadcast the Ebb and Flow soundscape.
Potts Point, Kings Cross & Elizabeth Bay
Whilst we’re in the area, these three suburbs are worth a mention here too. Sprinkled with gorgeous Georgian, Victorian and Art Deco architecture; a stroll through the streets can be a vibrant melting pot of history and culture. You might walk by the Macleay Regis apartment building known for its Art Deco detailing, the Federation house of Heatherdene, built in 1903 or the rows of Victorian terraces on Kellett Street.
Artspace
Nearby, Artspace is an independent, not-for-profit and non-collecting contemporary art centre. It presents works for exhibitions that have been commissioned or are on loan from artists, cultural institutions, or private collections. Their program is diverse, ambitious, and collaborative, and is deeply rooted in support for and engagement with the community.
Government House
Designed in 1834 by William IV’s architect, Edward Blore, the stunning Gothic Revival building is free to visit and regularly hosts live jazz concerts in the gardens each month. An iconic part of Sydney’s history, the building has been depicted by local artists throughout the centuries and many early examples of these can be found just down the road in the State Library of NSW.
The Library Bar
Speaking of the State Library, it has a great little bar open on Wednesday-Saturday evenings. Tucked away on the rooftop, you get an open-air view of the Harbour and Sydney skyline from the top of Australia’s oldest Library.
By Madeleine Norton, Head of Decorative Arts & Art, Sydney
Top image: Exterior of Artspace in The Gunnery, featuring new commission by David M Thomas, Shapes We Haven’t Seen Before, 2024. Photo: Katherine Lu
February 2025