Our Neighbourhood

NEWTOWN

Long known for its culinary nightlife, alternative artistic scene and strong student community from the nearby University of Sydney, Newtown is one of Sydney’s most visited and acclaimed suburbs. Architecturally well preserved with a mix of Victorian terraces and Federation era bungalows, Newtown is conveniently placed approximately 4km south-west of the city centre and is bordered by Enmore and Stanmore to the west, Erskineville and Darlington to the east, St Peters to the south and Camperdown to the north.

Established as a residential and farming area in the early 1800s, Newtown’s name originally comes from an 1832 grocery store called ‘New Town Stores’ that sat close to where Newtown Station stands today. Although there are some exceptional early examples of architecture such as St Stephen’s, the 1876 Gothic church, Newtown’s main period of development was in the late 19th century with many farms being divided into the terrace houses that exist today.

Prosperous around the turn of the 19th century with a mix of residential and light industry, Newtown – like many inner city suburbs – suffered economically after 1910 as wealthier inhabitants chose to escape to newer and less crowded suburbs. Post World War 2, Newtown became home to a sizeable migrant community attracted by low rents and house prices.

Centred around historic King Street and branching off to Enmore Road, Newtown has Australia’s longest and most complete commercial precinct of the late Victorian era with over 600 shopfronts. With such renowned establishments as the Art Deco Enmore Theatre, Dendy Cinema and Vanguard cabaret venue, other esteemed businesses include The Italian Bowl restaurant, Barmuda café, Better Read than Dead bookshop and the world renowned Gould’s Book Arcade.

Serviced by regular buses and trains from the centrally placed Newtown Station, Newtown is known for its world class educational facilities, such as the Newtown School of Performing Arts and Sydney University. A hub for students, professional couples, artists and families alike, Newtown is one of the inner west’s finest areas.