Sydney, Australia’s biggest city, is known for its ideal climate, relaxed lifestyle and friendly locals. The city is surrounded by beaches on its Eastern side and the CBD is positioned on the beautiful Sydney Harbour, meaning a water view is never far away!

UNSW is located in Kensington, a short 6 kilometres from the CBD. Apart from UNSW, Kensington is mostly a residential suburb with around 11,000 residents. UNSW is located close to Sydney’s horse-racing district and is next door to the Royal Randwick Racecourse.

Eating out

You might be living in a fully-catered college, but make sure you explore the many vibrant food districts Sydney has to offer.

Some highlights nearby include:

Haymarket, Chinatown

Traditionally known as “Chinatown”, Haymarket is a mecca for Asian food outlets, stores and events.

Places to check out:

Mamak
15 Goulburn St, Haymarket

Leichhardt

The Italian Forum in Leichhardt is a key place to find (you guessed it) Italian restaurants!

Places to check out:

Apertitivo
163 Norton St, Leichhardt

Casa Messina
116 Marion St, Leichhardt

Newtown

From awesome bakeries, breakfast/brunch spots to coffee shops pumping out blends from around the world and gastropubs that take food and drink very seriously, Newtown is all things quirky and cool.

Places to check out:

Black Star Pastry
277 Australia St, Newtown

Mary’s
6 Mary St, Newtown

Marrickville

With a strong Vietnamese community, be sure to visit a local bakery for a famous banh mi or Vietnamese pork roll. Every weekend, Marrickville comes together for the Addison Road Markets, a fresh food and family event.

 


Nightlife

If you’re heading out on a Saturday night, make sure to check out some of the nightlife districts nearby:

Darlinghurst

Some of the best gelato spots can be found in Darlinghurst…perfect for an after dinner treat.

Places to check out:

Gelato Messina
241 Victoria St, Darlinghurst

RivaReno Gelato
280 Crown St, Darlinghurst

Surry Hills

If you’re after a pub, head to Surry Hills. The area has a real buzz, so whether you’re after a cold pint or a tasty pub meal, you won’t be short of options.

Places to check out:

The Forresters
336 Riley St, Surry Hills

Trinity Bar
505 Crown St, Surry Hills

Potts Point

If you’ve got money to spend on a night out, some of the classy Potts Point venues may be just what you’re looking for.

Places to check out:

The Bourbon
22 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point

The Roosevelt
32 Orwell St, Potts Point

Newtown

Newtown is, by far, the hot spot for Sydney student nightlife. The suburb is full of lively yet approachable establishments to spend your hard earned cash!

Places to check out:

Newtown Hotel
174 King St, Newtown

Courthouse Hotel
202 Australia St, Newtown


Parks & beaches

Bondi

Bondi Beach is Sydney’s best known – and it’s almost certain you’ve seen an image of this iconic beach at least a couple of times before. With pristine sand and a strong local beach culture, Bondi is perfect for people watching, parties, surfing, exercise or swimming. If the weather isn’t great, you can still soak up the Bondi atmosphere from one of the many bars and restaurants overlooking the ocean.

Coogee

The closest beach to UNSW, Coogee has a wide bay-style beach (a great swimming spot), lots of sand for games and sunbathing (with appropriate sun protection!) and a wide promenade and park overlooking the beach. In summer, expect to see lots of families, tourists and locals using the beach as a party spot - the free-access BBQs and many takeaway restaurants make this the perfect outdoor spot.

Centennial Park

Sydney’s biggest public space, Centennial Park is close to the city centre and a short 20 minute walk from UNSW. With tracks for bike riding and jogging, ponds, sports fields and more, this is a great place to get active. Centennial Park also has a café, and picnic spots abound – it’s the place to come if you don’t want to feel like you’re in a big city!