Daniel Pollock

No Australian suburb has captured the nation’s imagination quite like Darlinghurst: from Tilly Devine’s infamous razor gangs of the 1920’s and Kenneth Slessor’s colourful suite of poems “Darlinghurst Nights”, up to Paul Kelly’s immortal line in this review’s title, the mystique and mythology embedded in this historic suburb is second to none.

And though Darlinghurst has changed over the years and it may not hurt so much anymore, darling, relics of those bygone times can be found on every lively, terrace-lined street. From the East Village Hotel, formerly notorious criminal hangout the Tradesman’s Arms, to the foreboding sandstone walls of the National Art School (née Darlinghurst Gaol), the storied history of Darlinghurst is deeply embedded within the heart of the suburb.

But maybe you’re not a history buff, and you’re here for the nightlife. If that’s the case, Oxford Street has still got it, with Bitter Phew, Big Poppa’s and Shady Pines being my watering holes of choice. You can also swing over to Stanley Street, and visit their intimate collection of restaurants and small bars. I’d say check out Brick Lane for excellent Indian fusion cuisine, then visit The Long Goodbye, a cocktail bar without a menu - tell them your mood and they’ll invent you a drink! And of course, Kings Cross is only a short stumble away.

Or if you fancy a day trip, get coffee and a croissant at The Rusty Rabbit and tour the many small galleries that the suburb is littered with - my personal choice is the Robin Gibson, situated in a stunning Georgian-era home on leafy Liverpool Street. Then make sure you duck around the corner to Film Club, affectionately known as “the last, best video store”. And hey, if it’s your bag, get down to the Australian Museum of Magical Arts. I don’t judge.

I’ve barely touched on everything Darlinghurst has to offer, and I should know - I’ve been here almost two years and I’m still finding new streets, adventures, venues and clues from a world long gone. I hope to see you down Darlinghurst tonight!