Why it's worth knowing about
Redfern and Chippendale, tucked between Central Station and Newtown, have undergone one of the more significant reinventions of any inner-Sydney neighbourhood over the past two decades — former warehouses and terrace houses now house laneway bars, design studios, and one of the city's best concentrations of street art, alongside Redfern's longstanding significance as a centre of Aboriginal community and activism in Sydney.
It's a genuinely walkable, increasingly interesting base close to Central Station, though it's worth approaching with the same general awareness as any inner-city neighbourhood still in the middle of gentrification — parts feel thoroughly transformed, others retain more of their older character.
Getting oriented
Redfern Street and the area around Chippendale's Central Park development form the two main hubs, an easy 10–15 minute walk apart, both within a similarly short walk of Central Station.
🎨 Local tip
Chippendale's laneways, particularly around Kensington Street, hold one of the best concentrations of large-scale street art and murals in the city — genuinely worth a dedicated wander, and considerably less crowded than the better-known Newtown murals.
What to do while you're here
- Walk Kensington Street's laneways for street art and a concentration of small, independent bars and restaurants in restored terrace buildings.
- Visit the Australian Design Centre or one of the area's smaller galleries, reflecting Chippendale's growing design and arts scene.
- Learn about Redfern's significance to Sydney's Aboriginal community, including The Block, a site of longstanding cultural and political significance — approach with genuine interest and respect for the area's history rather than as a passing curiosity.
- Browse Redfern Street's increasingly good café and small-bar scene, generally more relaxed and less expensive than equivalent options in Surry Hills.
Where it gets crowded
Rarely to a significant degree — this remains a comparatively quiet neighbourhood by inner-Sydney standards, even as its bar and restaurant scene has grown.
Getting here
Redfern station sits directly in the neighbourhood, one stop from Central on most Sydney Trains lines — genuinely one of the most convenient inner-city areas to reach.
