Millers Point & Walsh Bay Suburb Profile

Rich in culture and history, this pocket of Sydney has undergone a transformation. Living in Millers Point and Walsh Bay means experiencing modernism meeting colonialism at every turn, creating the striking contrasts characteristic of the area. On Sydney Harbour, wharves that still boast original structures have been converted into multi-purpose spaces. You’ll find commercial businesses, boutique apartments, fine dining, intimate cafés, and performing arts centres. 

Represented in this thriving arts precinct are the Sydney Theatre Company, the Sydney Dance Company, and the Sydney Philharmonia Choir, as well as smaller companies that cater to emerging artists. Each year, the Sydney Writers’ Festival takes over many of these venues to present over 300 events that focus on the written word. 

It’s a short walk from the creative scene along Hickson Road to the scientific realm of Sydney Observatory on Observatory Hill. Astronomy enthusiasts explore the wider universe in a historic building that is steeped in Australian scientific history. The National Trust Centre is nearby, occupying buildings that were used at various times as a military hospital and a school for girls. Throughout Millers Point and Walsh Bay, you will find sandstone cottages and buildings that have stood the test of time, from private residences to public watering holes to places of worship like St Brigid’s and The Garrison Church. 

Locals have their pick of fine dining establishments and cocktail bars. Some of Sydney’s best chefs create multicultural cuisines paired with enviable wine and cocktail lists. For more laid-back fare, there are pubs that dish up wholesome Aussie tucker. 

If all that wasn’t enough, the highly anticipated suburb Barangaroo is being built next door, featuring foreshore parklands that honour the area’s Indigenous and maritime history. Living in Millers Point and Walsh Bay allows residents to enjoy a vibrant community enriched by both its history and modern developments. 

Area Features

Performing Arts

The arts precinct in Hickson Road is home to some of Australia’s leading performing arts institutions, such as the Sydney Theatre Company, the Sydney Dance Company and the Sydney Philharmonia Choir.

Wine & Dine

Fine dining, wine bars, cocktail lounges and watering-holes service the local crowd, along with people from other parts of Sydney and international travellers, providing some of the city’s finest offerings.

Observatory Hill

The spot to be for budding astronomers or those wanting to enjoy the incredible harbour and city views.

Location

Bordered by Sydney Harbour, The Rocks, Sydney City and the highly anticipated Barangaroo – it is no secret that locals are spoiled for choice.

History

The local architecture reflects the area’s history from colonialism through to modern times. Back alleyways, sandstone terraces and cottages that are cut into the rocky escarpment hold echoes of a bygone era.

Curated Walks

Legends of Australian stage and theatre are honoured along Walsh Bay’s Theatre Walk with plaques set into paving stones. The Sculpture Walk along Hickson Road includes Jimmie Durham’s ‘Still Life With Stone and Car’ and Phil Price’s ‘Tri’ sculpture.