The Iglu Guide | Blog
Student’s guide to Glebe
A suburb that thrives on creativity and inclusion, Glebe easily blends historical charm with a modern edge. Situated on the fringe of the CBD in Sydney’s uber cool inner west, the area has a rich historical story to share and is well known for its artistic flair, intellectual ideas and progressive attitudes. The suburb has long had a unique aura of bohemia and Zen, and what was once a gritty working-class neighbourhood has seen a wave of gentrification wash over the area, now attracting a mix of young professionals, families and students alike. It is home to a close-knit local community that reflects Sydney’s multicultural population and merging social classes, all of which further reinforces its place in the city index as a haven of inclusion and acceptance. Today, Glebe remains a well-loved place.
Whether it’s the heritage buildings, the vintage markets or the thriving arts and culture scene, there’s no complaints on file about this particular city village. Here’s what every student needs to know about this stylish Sydney neighbourhood.
Location
Glebe is incredibly well connected at just 3km west of the CBD, but it could be a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of inner-city living. And with Sydney’s excellent network of public transport options available, the suburb is well-serviced by buses and the Light Rail ensuring excellent accessibility to key city destinations. Situated just 15 minutes’ walk from Iglu Broadway, 25 minutes’ walk from Iglu Redfern, and a 25 minute bus ride from Iglu Summer Hill, it’s never been easier to enjoy everything the city has to offer. And with Central Station just 1.5km away, visiting Glebe has never been more possible.
The prestigious University of Sydney, UTS and Notre Dame’s Chippendale campus are all just a stone’s throw away, which means there’s always plenty of students in the social mix. And with the cost of living still taking a decent bite of the budget, Glebe is the perfect student-friendly place with plenty of pedestrian and bike-friendly streets.
Glebe Point Road
Glebe Point Road is widely considered the main artery of the suburb and it buzzes with action all day long, and well into the night. It runs from Broadway all the way up to Rozelle Bay. Known as one of the first multicultural dining spots, on any given day there will be a string of restaurants dishing up mouth-watering cuisines from Europe, Asia, Africa and beyond. Think delicious ramen from Ramen Goku, sizzling fajitas from Flying Fajita Sisters, plant-based burgers from Soul Burger Glebe, or Despana’s traditional Spanish tapas. Hungry students looking for a cheap bite will not go home disappointed.
If you’re after somewhere to perch for a drink, The Little Guy punches well above its weight and is dedicated to supporting local providers. Try the Toxteth Hotel – locally known as The Tocky – if you prefer a more traditional watering hole. This decades-long Glebe staple today attracts an eclectic crowd from professionals to students, all happily co-existing in the way that Glebe has come to expect.
Stepping back out onto the street, take your time to browse the unique boutiques, peruse second-hand books or sip on coffee. Don’t miss Sappho Books Café & Wine Bar, a vintage style bookshop that comes alive by night serving wine and tapas, or the organic cafés, art galleries and weekly markets. Gleebooks is another student’s favourite, hosting book launches, literary events and more.
And if you’re not on Glebe Point Road to eat, shop or drink, head into one of the heritage buildings and absorb the history of the area through bricks and mortar. Architect Edmund Blackett built his family home ‘Bidura’ in Glebe, after designing Sydney University and St Andrews Cathedral. Don’t miss the striking Valhalla building, a one-time art deco cinema that sadly lost out to larger cinema chains, and is now apartments.
Glebe Markets
A regular fixture in the weekend calendar, the popular Glebe Markets have been running for over 30 years and are held every Saturday at Glebe Public School. With over 200 stalls to browse and shop, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Think local fashion, handmade jewellery, artisan goods, vintage finds and pre-loved fashion. That’s not to mention the delicious street food and fresh produce wafting through the grounds in the shape of gozleme, dumplings, fancy doughnuts, chicken wraps and more. Bargain hunters should head to the smaller section off Derby Lane at the back, as it’s a quieter place to search through and try things on. And if it couldn’t get any better, the markets feature live performances by local musicians that enhance the ambience, making it the perfect spot to just hang out, enjoy, and unwind with friends.
Out and about in Glebe
In addition to the many bars and restaurants available on Glebe Point Road, The Tramsheds has become a Sydney go-to destination in recent times. Renovated back in 2016, this historic tram depot has been beautifully restored and now houses a variety of gourmet eateries, specialty shops and local produce providers. From Japanese and Vietnamese to Middle Eastern and Italian, the choice is endless and the surroundings unique. Less than a 3km walk from Iglu Central, it’s the perfect distance to happily digest your after-dinner gelato. If cafés are more your thing, there are plenty that come highly recommended such as Dirty Red and The Dispensary. Coffee addicts should head straight to Chunoma 109 Coffee Shop without delay. And if you’ve had enough of Glebe, there’s plenty of opportunity to head to neighbouring Chippendale or Newtown, Glebe’s bigger sister.
Outdoor spaces
There’s plenty of green spaces to enjoy in Glebe, such as the many foreshore parks that locals fought hard to save from development. The Glebe Foreshore Walk links over 27 hectares of open space and takes you from Bicentennial Park through to the Sydney Fish Markets, with open access to Rozelle Bay and Blackwattle Bay. Enjoy stunning views of the Sydney skyline and the ever-impressive Anzac Bridge along the way, pack a picnic and relax by the water as you enjoy the beautiful Sydney weather. Jubilee Park is another great spot to spend a sunny day, with sporting facilities, expansive lawns and picnic areas.
Enjoy the streetscape
Glebe is home to many historic buildings that are definitely worth a visit. Built back in 1880, Glebe Town Hall is an impressive example of Victorian Italianate architecture and features distinctive stone carvings. It remains at the centre of Glebe’s political, cultural, and social life. Next door is the landscaped grounds of Foley Park, complete with the historic bandstand. St John’s Anglican Church is a significant architectural landmark and is located just off Glebe Point Road. This church is an example of gothic revival architecture, and is characterised by pointed arches, intricate stone carvings and stained-glass windows. With a majestic bell tower, it remains a vibrant part of the Glebe community and still holds regular services.
Don’t walk by the Sze Yup Temple, a heritage-listed Chinese and Taoist temple just off Jubilee Park, without popping in to visit. Built in 1898 on land sloping down to the bay with feng shui in mind, it remains one of the oldest temples in New South Wales, and remains a haven for peaceful contemplation.
