Insider tips to help travellers embrace the local lifestyle of North Sydney.
When booking accommodation in the North Sydney area, especially for longer stays, Astra Apartments provides the perfect home base for business travellers and relocators to truly live like a local. But what does that entail? We asked John Sims, Director of Astra Apartments North Sydney, for his insider tips on embracing the local lifestyle in this vibrant, leafy suburb.
Coffee
This might sound like a funny topic to start with, but Australians love their coffee – and for many – it’s crucial in their day. Sydney boasts a thriving coffee culture, and North Sydney is no exception. With standards typically high, you’ll find a great cup of coffee at many spots.
John’s personal favourite is The Garage on Miller Street, known for its excellent coffee, breakfast, and lunch options. If you head to Denison St, be sure to try Lumos as well as Barlume. Whilst we’ve mentioned Barlume for their coffee, they could also be easily added to our restaurant category below as they do fantastic lunch, dinner and drinks menus. Additionally, keep an eye out for new coffee shops springing up around the brand-new Victoria Cross Station and Mount Street—perfect for exploring.
Groceries
When it comes to grocery shopping, North Sydney residents are spoilt for choice. The closest supermarket to Astra Apartments accommodation in the North Sydney area is Woolworths on Miller Street. Alternatively, there’s a Coles on Walker Street, an IGA in Greenwood Plaza, and an Aldi on Mount Street. All these stores are easily accessible on foot.
Shopping
Greenwood Plaza is a one-stop destination for all your shopping needs and is less than a 10-minute walk from our corporate apartments. It features clothing stores, a chemist, and both ladies’ and men’s fashion outlets. Conveniently located at the back of North Sydney Railway Station on the lower floor, it’s a must-visit for some retail therapy.
Transport
Getting around is a breeze with the brand new Victoria Cross Metro station on Miller Street now open. This state-of-the-art station can whisk you to Barangaroo in just 3 minutes and Martin Place in 5 minutes. Buses on Miller Street offer a one-stop journey to Wynyard Station in the city, and also provide routes to Manly for those wanting their beach fix. For a scenic option, hop on a ferry from North Sydney or Neutral Bay / Kirribilli and enjoy the delightful views of the city from the water.
Medical
Whilst we hope our corporate travellers won’t need it, North Sydney is well-equipped with medical facilities if they do. Here are some nearby medical centres
Restaurants
North Sydney is a culinary delight with options to suit every palate. Here are John’s top recommendations in the area:
Rafi: Modern Australian cuisine, $$$
Poetica Sydney: Upmarket bar and grill with fantastic wine and cocktail list $$$
Foys, Flying Squadron Kirribilli: Fine dining with a view, $$$
Rag and Famish: The oldest pub in North Sydney, offering good bar food and fine dining upstairs, $$
Green Moustache: Funky rooftop garden bar and restaurant $$
Treehouse Hotel: Great cocktails and modern Australian menu $$
Blue Street is lined with pubs and restaurants serving a variety of cuisines including Japanese, Thai, Indian, modern Australian, and Korean. With new eateries constantly opening around the new metro, there’s always something new to try.
Maximising your weekend leisure time
While North Sydney tends to be quieter on weekends, offering a relaxed vibe compared to the bustling weekdays, there’s no shortage of activities for corporate travellers to enjoy when staying in our North Sydney apartments for an extended period.
Markets
Check out the Northside Produce Market on Miller Street, held on the first and third Saturday of each month. It’s a great place to stock up on fresh produce to prepare later in the apartment or to savour in the wide variety of high-quality cuisines on the spot.
For something a little different, wander down the hill to Kirribilli, for their fashion or craft markets. For dates and the latest information, check out their website.
Walks
Take a leisurely 10-minute stroll from Miller Street to Kirribilli, and then walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Circular Quay—a pleasant 30-minute walk that spoils you with spectacular views. Once in the city, explore The Rocks and unwind with a drink at the Opera Bar. Not wanting to go so far? Then we highly recommend heading down the hill towards Lavender Bay where you can explore Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden. Not only are the gardens a delight to explore but from this vantage point, there are some very Instagrammable views.
Running Tracks
For those feeling a little more energetic, there are some fantastic runs to explore. Follow the same walking route as above into the city and then weave your way through the Botanic Gardens, or head down to Kiribilli, then follow the shoreline to the stunning Cremorne Point and beyond. This track extends to Manly for the ultra adventure seekers.
Waterfront Views
Enjoy the stunning views across to the Opera House and Circular Quay from the North Sydney waterfront. Don’t miss the iconic Luna Park and the soon-to-reopen North Sydney Pool after its refurbishment.
Whether you’re staying for business or you are in the process of relocating, North Sydney offers a perfect blend of convenience and local charm, ensuring your stay is both comfortable and memorable.
