Surry Hills

Surry Hills
Name	Surry Hills
Type	suburb
City	Sydney
State	nsw
Caption	A typical streetscape in Surry Hills
Coordinates	33, 53, 15, S...
Pop	16,412
Pop year	2021
Area	1.2
Est	1790s
Lga	City of Sydney
Parish	Alexandria
Stategov	Sydney
Fedgov	Sydney
Near-nw	Darlinghurst
Near-n	Darlinghurst
Near-ne	Paddington
Near-w	Haymarket
Near-e	Moore Park
Near-sw	Redfern
Near-s	Zetland
Near-se	Waterloo

Surry Hills. A vibrant, densely populated inner-city suburb of Sydney, located immediately south-east of the Sydney central business district. Part of the City of Sydney local government area, it is renowned for its eclectic mix of Victorian-era terraces, creative industries, bustling dining scene, and significant role in the city's social history. The suburb has transformed from a working-class industrial zone to a highly sought-after residential and cultural hub.

History

The area, originally part of the traditional lands of the Cadigal people, was granted to Joseph Foveaux in the 1790s, who named it after the Surrey Hills in England. Throughout the 19th century, it became a major industrial and working-class residential area, home to tanneries, breweries like the Tooheys brewery, and garment factories. The suburb was a focal point during the Great Depression in Australia, with significant poverty and the establishment of Roosevelt Park as a relief project. Post-World War II, it experienced decline before becoming a centre for ABC studios and a nucleus for Mardi Gras activism and culture from the 1970s onward, leading to extensive gentrification.

Geography

Surry Hills is bounded roughly by Cleveland Street to the south, South Dowling Street to the east, and Oxford Street to the north. Its topography is characterised by rolling hills, with the ridge along Crown Street being a prominent feature. The suburb is part of the broader Eastern Suburbs region and sits adjacent to major green spaces like Prince Alfred Park and Moore Park. The intricate network of narrow streets, such as Foveaux Street and Bourke Street, is lined with predominantly Victorian and Federation-era architecture.

Demographics

According to the 2021 Australian census, Surry Hills had a population of 16,412 people. It is a highly educated and affluent community, with a large proportion of residents working in professional roles within the Sydney central business district. The suburb has a notably high concentration of young adults, couples without children, and a significant LGBT population. Cultural diversity is marked, with substantial numbers of residents born in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and China, contributing to its dynamic social fabric.

Culture and landmarks

Surry Hills is a major cultural and culinary destination, home to acclaimed restaurants like Porteño and Billy Kwong, and iconic pubs such as the Forbes & Burton and the Clock Hotel. It hosts the Sydney Fringe Festival and is the base for institutions like the Brett Whiteley Studio and the Australian Design Centre. Notable landmarks include the former St. Margaret's Hospital site, the Strawberry Hills Hotel, and the St. Michael's Church. The Surry Hills Library and Community Centre, designed by Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp, is an architectural highlight.

Transport

The suburb is exceptionally well-serviced by public transport. Key railway stations include Central railway station on its western border and Museum station nearby. Major bus corridors run along Oxford Street, Cleveland Street, and Elizabeth Street, connecting to the Eastern Suburbs, Bondi Junction, and the City Circle. The CBD and South East Light Rail runs along Devonshire Street and Alison Road, providing a direct link to Circular Quay and Kingsford.

Education

Surry Hills is served by Surry Hills Public School, a historic institution founded in 1880. The suburb is also proximate to several major tertiary institutions, including the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Sydney. The National Art School is located in the adjacent suburb of Darlinghurst, while the TAFE NSW Sydney Institute has a campus at Ultimo. These facilities contribute to the area's strong association with creative and professional education.

Category:Suburbs of Sydney