Sydney's most walkable neighbourhoods
It comes as no surprise that Walk Score's list rates Sydney as the most walkable large city in Australia.
The waterfront city has also been deemed the second most transit-friendly in the country behind Brisbane and in-front of Melbourne. Sydney provides a wide range of transport with ferries, trains, metro and the recently welcomed light rail amongst the many options available.
Opportunities to cycle have also risen as the city's biking infrastructure has improved in recent years. Significantly more councils have bike lanes with stationless shared bikes located and accessible across the city.
Mobike and LimeBike operate in multiple suburbs and can be tracked and paid on their website and app. LimeBike have, since late 2018, provided electric assisted bikes which has helped encourage more users.
Sydney is also diverse, home to nearly 200 nationalities, and offers a unique cultural experience with its range of cuisine, museums, galleries, and beaches.
These are all of metrics Walk Score takes into account when deciding the rankings for each of Sydney's neighbourhoods. Without further ado, here are the top neighbourhoods.
1. Haymarket
Walk Score: 99 | Population: 5,365
"Haymarket is a Walker's Paradise", states Walk Score. "Daily errands do not require a car in Haymarket Sydney."
Adjacent to Darling Harbour, Haymarket includes much of Sydney's Chinatown, Thaitown and Railway Square localities.
Amongst the neighbourhood's many perks, the proximity of restaurants, bars and coffee shops is highly regarded. There are about eight restaurants, bars and coffee shops, and people in the area can walk to an average of two restaurants, bars and coffee shops in five minutes.
Source: WalkScore
2. The Rocks
Walk Score: 98 | Population: 683
This neighbourhood of historic laneways in the shadow of Sydney Harbour Bridge, has a diverse cluster of people. Interaction mainly takes place at the open-air Rocks Market where street food and handmade items are sold.
Source: TimeOut
The Rocks is home to Sydney's oldest pubs and many upscale harbour-view restaurants.
This hub of culture is an urban stage of buskers who perform live along the harbour front promenade. The Museum of Contemporary Art offers local and international exhibits.
Source: WalkScore
3. Sydney
Walk Score: 98 | Population: 14,287
Source: WalkScore
4. Ultimo
Walk Score: 98 | Population: 7,106
Located in the inner-city suburb of Sydney, Ultimo is only 2 km south-west of CBD. Broadway is amongst the many attractions of the neighbourhood as well as a range of heritage listed buildings.
The corporate headquarters and Sydney studios of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) are located in Ultimo Centre which houses an auditorium and recording stood. TCS, NITV and Aurora are also located at Ultimo Centre.
Source: WalkScore
5. Surry Hills
Walk Score: 97 | Population: 15,379
A constantly evolving area, Surry Hills is notorious for its in-trend scene and cafe culture.
Hip coffee joints, fashion boutiques and global eateries can be found in terraced houses on Crown and Cleveland streets.
Source: Surry Hills Cat Wall
This trendy neighbourhood is home to pubs, wine bars, galleries and the Surry Hills Library.
There is a Surry Hills Market held once a month where street food and vintage goods can be found.
Source: WalkScore
6. Chippendale
Walk Score: 97 | Population: 4,069
Source: WalkScore
Following shortly behind are the following:
7. Millers Point
Walk Score: 96 | Population: 1,742
8. Darlinghurst
Walk Score: 96 | Population: 10,096
9. Newtown
Walk Score: 95 | 14,142
10. Rushcutters Bay
Walk Score: 94 | Population: 2,378