Guide to the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Sydney Harbour, the eastern suburbs of Sydney is a dynamic and diverse region.

Home to a line-up on one-off designers, an incredible gastronomic scene including five-star dining, cheap eats and hole-in-the-wall bars and cafes, as well as some of the country’s top beaches and coastal walks.

Whether you are looking to hang out at the backpacking meccas of Bondi and Coogee beach or wander through the leafy streets around Paddington, there is something for every traveller in eastern Sydney.

A ‘to-do’ on every traveller’s Sydney list is Bondi Beach. This Australian icon attracts all those in search of sea, sun and sand. And with powdery white sand lining stunning aqua waters, it’s easy to see why.

Watch surfers tackle the world-famous break at one of the best beaches for a surf in Sydney, swim laps at the Icebergs or take the little ones for a splash in the calmer waters of north Bondi.

Well-known for its world-class seafood offering, Watson’s Bay is a popular weekend destination for Sydney-goers in summer.

Treat yourself to a meal at Doyles on the Beach, whose menu includes barramundi, seafood paella and the classic fish and chips – if you are looking for a cheaper option, their take away menu is a little more wallet-friendly.

While over in Watson’s Bay, be sure to visit Nielson Park and take in the view from above at The Gap ocean cliff lookout. 

If you are looking to shop on your next trip to Sydney, then make a beeline for Bondi Junction which is one of Sydney’s main shopping precincts. Here you can find hundreds of retailers and food outlets to enjoy. Plus, it’s right near Bondi Junction station, making it very easy to get to via public transport. 

Another great beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is Coogee beach. A little smaller than Bondi, Coogee attracts a good mix of both locals and travellers.

This family-friendly beach is lined with parkland and pretty, historic buildings housing both upmarket restaurants and laid-back fish and chip shops.

From Coogee beach, you can start the Bondi to Coogee (or visa versa) coastal walk which offers breathtaking views of some of Sydney’s beaches, parks, cliffs, bays and rock pools.

Less busy Rose Bay is another great eastern Sydney attraction. See Sydney from a different angle and hire out a kayak to paddle through the bay or join a tour.

Rose Bay dog beach and Lyne Park make for great picnic spots – pop into Sonoma and pack your picnic basket with fresh bread and baked goods.

For something a little different, pop in for a drink at the glamorous Empire Lounge for an up-close view of the Sydney Seaplanes taking off and landing in the bay.

Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, we all know that when it comes to picking a hotel, location and value for money are key.

The ibis budget Sydney East offers affordable accommodation nestled in eastern Sydney’s bustling Darlinghurst.

Offering 115 hotel rooms which can sleep up to four people, the ibis budget Sydney East is ideal for both solo travellers as well as family and friend groups.

Enjoy a fully equipped ensuite bathroom, flat screen TV, desks and coffee/tea makers and air conditioning – some rooms even come with Sydney Harbour views.

With welcoming and helpful staff, the affordable ibis budget Sydney East can be your home away from home on your next visit to Sydney.

It's a great choice being a short stroll from some of the city’s main attractions such as Oxford Street, The Australian Museum, Art Gallery of NSW and Hyde Park.

Plus, only a hop-skip-and-a-jump from Bondi and Coogee beach as well as Watson’s Bay and Bondi Junction. With a range of drinking holes and eateries right on your doorstep, you really are spoilt for things to see, do, eat and drink nearby.

There is a great range of food and drink options across Sydney’s eastern suburbs, especially around Darlinghurst, Potts Point, and Kings Cross, near the ibis budget Sydney East hotel. 

If you are looking for a pre-dinner tipple, then head to Dulcie's. This sultry bar has a great atmosphere with its masterful cocktail list attracting a crowd. 

Perched high in the Potts Point skyline, Sweethearts Rooftop is another great eastern Sydney drinking hole. This fun, laid back rooftop serves all the classic drinks, including Aperol Spritz with lots of ice and a great selection of beers on tap. 

After you’ve enjoyed a drink, you don’t need to go far to find a great place to eat. In Darlinghurst, Sagra restaurant is a must-visit.

The menu here changes frequently with antipasti share plates to start followed by primi plates of handmade pasta and secondi dishes of seasonal meat and fish – finished off with delicious classic Italian deserts. 

If you enjoy a communal tables, then be sure to book into one of the two evening sittings at The Farmhouse in Rushcutters Bay. Unfussy, uncomplicated meals are scrawled across the window daily, offering four courses of produce-driven, wholesome, seasonal dishes.

If you are looking for some tasty, cheap eats to take away as you explore the neighbourhood, or after a busy day of meetings then head to Joe’s Table on Bourke St in Darlinghurst for his famous soft-shell crab sandwich with Vietnamese pickles and chilli sauce.

If you are visiting Sydney throughout October or November, then be sure to head down to Bondi beach for the annual Sculptures by the Sea exhibit.

The world’s largest free public sculpture exhibition, Sculptures by the Sea Bondi stretches from Bondi Beach all the way to Tamarama with over 100 unique and innovative sculptures scattered along the way for both local and international artists.

Attracting over 500,000 visitors each year, this public exhibition captures the imagination of Sydney and its visitors for three delightful weeks. 

Another great annual event in Sydney's eastern suburbs is the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade.

Each March the streets of central Sydney come alive with a rainbow of colour thanks to the annual Sydney Mardi Gras Parade.

A celebration of the LGBTQI+ community, this parade showcases 8,500 participants who march, dance and ride their way along Sydney’s Oxford Street. It’s a Sydney celebration to not be missed.

Sydney’s eastern suburbs are well serviced by public transport, making it a great holiday base in Sydney.

Buses run extensively throughout the eastern suburbs with most originating from Circular Quay in the city, offering great views as they wind throughout the leafy eastern suburbs.

There are three main bus routes which service the area: ANZAC Parade (to Clovelly, Randwick, Coogee, Maroubra and La Perouse), Oxford Street (to Bondi Junction, Bondi Beach, Bronte Beach) and William Street (to Rose Bay, Double Bay, Vaucluse, Watsons Bay).

If you have a little more time on your hands then there is a sightseeing hop-on-hop-off bus which runs throughout the eastern suburbs. Stopping off at along the southern shore of the harbour to south head, this bus makes stops at Double Bay, Watsons Bay, South Head, Bondi Beach, the city – some say the journey can be better than the destination.

If you prefer taking the train, the Eastern Suburbs line runs to Kings Cross, Edgecliff and Bondi Junction and is a speedier choice for getting around the city and avoiding peak hour on the roads. There is a whole range of Sydney transport apps you can download to help you plan your travel around Sydney.