The Iglu Guide | Blog
Student’s guide to Newtown
Conveniently nestled in the heart of Sydney’s very cool inner west, Newtown is a suburb that has always danced to its own tune. A melting pot of community subcultures, this vibrant neighbourhood is where students, hipsters and indie thinkers all happily collide to call home. Well connected, individual and unapologetic, Newtown is an expert at setting the cultural tone. It has never claimed the natural beauty of Bondi or Manly, or the glitz and glamour of the high street mall experience. Instead, it centres very much around the people and the place, focusing on its rich and varied heritage as a working-class suburb. Today, Newtown still trades on that eclectic vibe, entertaining the masses and springing to life after dark. Here’s what every student needs to know about this lively Sydney neighbourhood.
Location
Situated just 8 minutes from Iglu Redfern, 15 minutes from Iglu Summer Hill and 20 minutes from Iglu Broadway, Newtown is easily accessible by public transport for students living in and around the city. At just a 10-minute drive from Central Station or Broadway, it’s a quick trip from the city centre making it a popular location for shopping, eating, entertainment and more. And with Sydney’s excellent network of public transport options available, getting to the heart of the Newtown action has never been easier. On any given day, you’ll find plenty of students milling around these busy streets.
Entertainment
With the University of Sydney located just a short kilometre away, it’s no surprise that students make up a decent chunk of the local population and Newtown’s entertainment options do not disappoint. As the undisputed capital of cool and grunge, this suburb truly comes to life when the sun goes down and it makes for a slightly edgier alternative to nearby Glebe, its bohemian neighbour. King Street is the main artery that runs through the neighbourhood, and it has a mind-boggling range of experiences that will suit all tastes. Think kitsch boutiques and book arcades, to nail bars and tattoo parlours – and that’s before you get stuck into the drinking scene and authentic cuisine options. Catch a movie at the independent Dendy cinema, get thrifting in Vinnies or pick up your next read at the literary landmark that is Better Read Than Dead. Shop for retro clothing at SWOP or Route 66 or grab some mates and put your escape instincts to good use at The Cipher Room. Once you’ve had enough of being on your feet, take your pick from one of the fabulous bars or restaurants on offer and get settled in for the night ahead.
Food and drink
When the cost-of-living bites and everyone’s feeling the financial pinch, Newtown doesn’t disappoint with plenty of wallet-friendly food and drink options for students to pick from. There’s a good reason King Street is also referred to as Eat Street, but it doesn’t mean it has to tear a hole in your student budget. Try the vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant Vina and enjoy great value pho for just $12 or get authentic at Thai La-Ong where you’ll find classic dishes for under $15. Don’t wander past the Marlborough Hotel without trying out the Monday Trivia, Wednesday’s Mixtape Music Bingo or Thursday’s comedy nights. With delicious burgers available for under $20, this is a mid-week no brainer. The Newtown Hotel features regular specials, and Young Henry’s craft brewery is certainly not to be missed. Put your feet up at traditional boozer The Courthouse, known locally as The Courty, before enjoying delicious budget-friendly food that’s lovingly crafted by refugees at social enterprise outlet Parliament. This is a great reminder to check your privilege and pay it forward. And if you’re feeling a bit flush, try the tinned goods at the Continental Deli Bar Bistro. Hidden away off the beaten track, here you’ll find their famous tinned cocktails (Martini, anyone?) as well as delicious deli bites and home-canned seafood delights. It’s a true treat for the senses, and firmly in the special occasion bucket.
Green spaces
When you want to get out and about without spending a cent, head to the nearby Camperdown Memorial Park for some greenery and fresh air. Today, this one-time cemetery is a welcome oasis that sits just behind the busy shopping precinct that is King Street. It has a large, grassed area that’s perfect for ball games and picnics with friends – and it’s all completely free! If you’re feeling more energetic, take a self-guided tour of the legendary graffiti art that’s dotted around the local streets. It all began with an unauthorised mural of Martin Luther King back in 1991 that went on to become Australia’s most photographed street art. This was enough to convince the local council to launch the Perfect Match program, an initiative that connected available wall space with local artists. And the rest is history.
Live performances
The thirst for live music well and truly rages on in Newtown, exemplified by the recent opening of the Pleasure Club. Taking over a subterranean space on King Street, this venue features a curated roster of free live bands and stage entertainment, combined with the good old-fashioned hospitality that students love. Licensed to party until 4am, this is one experience absolutely not to be missed. The heritage-listed Enmore Theatre has been a live music staple since 1908, and is the city’s oldest live theatre. Previous alumni include The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Courtney Love for starters. Featuring live music, comedy and more, today the art-deco Enmore is a much-loved city staple that always delivers to promise. Indie music aficionados will also appreciate the music line-up served up at The Vanguard. This grungy yet elegant venue brings a stream of bands to the stage along with an award-winning burlesque show that’s truly a feast for your eyes. And don’t forget The Townie (Town Hall Hotel), also offering up live music acts complete with regular indie and punk nights. If you’re more a fan of the spoken word, check out The New Theatre – the oldest theatre company in continuous production in Sydney.
