6 Best Emerging Neighbourhoods In Australia

Break out of your usual routine and see our neighbourhoods anew everywhere from industrial backstreets to foodie precincts.

Journey with our writers as they take you into Australia’s top 6 emerging neighbourhoods from our 100 Emerging Destinations and Experiences series.

1. A luxe edition to Sydney’s Sandstone Precinct

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

The doors have swung open to a new era for one of Sydney’s grand heritage-listed buildings. Part of the new ‘Sandstone Precinct’ just steps from Circular Quay, the Department of Education building has been reimagined as Capella Sydney after a painstaking seven-year project. The sensitive restoration honours the original 20th-century design by government architect George McRae, whose legacy also includes Town Hall and the Queen Victoria Building.

an elegant lobby interior at Capella Sydney Hotel — The lobby makes a grand entrance at Capella Sydney. (Image: Timothy Kaye)

If he were alive, the Scotsman would be well placed today swilling whisky in the hotel’s glamourous bar that bears his name. While Capella’s interiors are contemporary and eclectic, McRae’s vision of a central garden courtyard is realised in the light-filled glass-ceilinged lobby. It features a seven-metre green wall, pair of weeping fig trees, and a mesmerising kinetic floral light installation that opens and closes under streams of sunlight.

the exterior of Capella Sydney — The hotel is housed in the city’s original Department of Education building. (Image: Timothy Kaye)

Australian art adorns the walls, including those by First Nations artists Otis Carey and Judy Watson. Interpreting Sydney’s history with ancestral elements of Sydney’s Eora people, Watson’s work is framed by the original bronze directory boards of the Department of Agriculture (who occupied the southern end of the building before the educators moved in).

a bathroom with curtains opening up to city views at Capella Sydney Liberty Suite — Soak up city views from your Liberty Suite. (Image: Timothy Kaye)

Capella oozes luxury with its high-end design and palatial guest rooms, styled with premium furniture and high-tech amenities. Its refined restaurant Brasserie 1930 is an Australian take on a classic French Brasserie experience, created by renowned Bentley Group. And service is unparallel and personalised to detail.

the indoor pool area at Capella Sydney — Dip in Capella Sydney Wellness Pool. (Image: Timothy Kaye)

Capella’s culturalists, who walk the line between concierge and all-knowing friend, are tasked to curating guest experiences. Each evening they host cocktail hour, sharing the intriguing story of late Sydney street poet Arthur Stace over an aperitif.

the stunning lounge area of Capella Sydney Aperture — Dine beneath a canopy of weeping figs in Capella’s stunning lounge area, Aperture. (Image: Timothy Kaye)

Creating a strong sense of place through both tangible and experiential in line with luxury is what the hotel does so well, setting a new benchmark for luxury accommodation in Sydney.

dining interior of Capella Sydney McRae Bar — Chill out at Capella Sydney’s McRae Bar. (Image: Timothy Kaye)

2. Go beyond the bluestone in Melbourne

Travelling with: Jo Stewart

Some visitors to Melbourne might have hopped on a No. 19 tram from Flinders Street Station to Brunswick to explore Sydney Road – the longest shopping strip in the southern hemisphere. But fewer would have ventured further along the busy arterial road into Coburg. Now, the Pentridge Precinct entices visitors to stay on the tram for a few extra stops.

the old structure of Pentridge penitentiary — The former Pentridge penitentiary makes the case for a prison break. (Image: Brent Lukey)

For more than a century, no one in their right mind would want to go beyond the cold, imposing bluestone walls of Pentridge Prison. But since closing in 1997, the historic penitentiary has been transformed into a lively area that people visit for enjoyment, not internment.

a look inside the premier king bedroom at Adina Apartment Hotel in Pentridge, Melbourne — Hole up at the Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge.

In addition to the cinema, gallery, supermarket, art studios and beer hall, there’s now accommodation in the form of the 106-room Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge and The Interlude, a boutique 19-room retreat.

colourful living room interior at The Interlude — Settle in within the confines of The Interlude.

Olivine Wine Bar and North & COMMON restaurant ensure guests are catered to with good food and wine.

dim lighting at Olivine wine bar — Rock on at the Olivine.

Operated by the National Trust, Pentridge Prison Tours run day and night. Three tours share different stories from the infamous penitentiary that’s housed a who’s who of crims, including bushrangers such as Ned Kelly and Harry Power, gangsters such as Squizzy Taylor and larger-than-life local Mark ‘Chopper’ Read. If you can handle dark themes, the adults-only H Division Unlocked tour reveals the grim stories behind the brutal wing dubbed ‘Hell Division’.

In comparison to its hellish history, the Pentridge of today is pure heaven.

an underground prison at Pentridge — Unlock the secrets of the jail on a guided tour. (Image: Brent Lukey)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

3. Seeing Noosaville anew

Travelling with: Christine Aldred

Industrial areas on the outskirts of towns are having a heyday and the spacious backstreets of Noosaville are no exception. Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has been dubbed the craft beer capital of Australia, so you’ll naturally find three breweries in Noosaville (one with a distillery attached).

a hand pouring coffee into a cup — Clandestino Coffee makes a mean brew.

Healthy eaters will relish the organic market, a foodie enclave featuring fruit and veg, a butcher, bakers and a local coffee roaster. Pâtisserie legend Adriano Zumbo has joined the scene with a pop-up to please sweet tooths while Blue Plum dishes out Japanese fare and gyozas. Shoppers are spoilt for choice with a mix of retail outlets boasting homewares, fashion, locally made pottery, galleries and vintage wares. You can even get yourself a made-to-measure wetsuit from Zee Wetsuits for hitting the surf.

a hand holding a ceramic pot at Pottery For The Planet — Purchase handmade ceramics at Pottery For The Planet.

4. Experience the artisanal on the Mornington Peninsula

Travelling with: Taylah Darnell

Dromana Habitat captures the best of Victoria’s abundant Mornington Peninsula region and shares it with the world from the backstreets of an industrial estate. Those attending a workshop with one of 14 traders who call this precinct home will be welcomed by the sound of tinkering from Everwear Denim, crafting up a pair of new jeans. There’s also the unmistakable earthy aroma of hops from Australia’s first gluten-free brewery, TWØBAYS Brewing Co.

The makers at Dromana are not themselves new – in fact, many have called the precinct home for years. But their decision to connect and collaborate has resulted in a union that has catapulted the idiosyncratic artisanal collective into the spotlight. Whether it be a Sorrento Moon Cuvée Spritz masterclass with Rahona Valley Wines or a conversation with artisan cheesemaker Shaun Landman of BoatShed Cheese, you’ll leave Dromana feeling sanguine and sated.

a cheese guy at Boatshed Cheese — Meet the artisan cheesemaker behind Boatshed Cheese. (Image: Chris Mcconville)

5. Adelaide’s emerging Inner West

Travelling with: Alexis Buxton-Collins

The fragrant Afghan soul food at Parwana has long drawn Adelaideans to Torrensville and it’s still full every night of the week, even after doubling the floor space. But a spate of recent openings in the neighbourhood has provided plenty of other reasons to head west. Watch the in-house roaster in action while you get your caffeine fix at ultra-hip Elementary Coffee, then wander down to Lenny’s Records where the genial owner specialises in left-of-centre rock, folk and psychedelic music.

a soul food at Parwana Afghan Kitchen — Savour flavourful goodness at Parwana Afghan Kitchen. (Image: Josie Withers)

Head further west to Brookie P (aka Brooklyn Park), where the latest ventures from female-fronted hospitality group Sonic Yoni are about to open in the former council chambers; Yellow Matter is an inclusive brewery prioritising accessibility and So Long, Marianne is a menu-less wine bar with degustations that change daily to minimise waste.

the inside venue of Parwana Afghan Kitchen — A mix of blues occupies the interior of Parwana Afghan Kitchen. (Image: Josie Withers)

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6. The tail-end of the Tiger Lane precincts

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Executive chef Shaun Presland (ex-Saké) has adopted and adapted food and flavours from hawker centres around Asia to inform the culinary direction of the new Tiger Lane dining precinct at the Canberra Centre.

a Japanese feast at INARI — Satisfy your palate with a Japanese feast. (Image: Harry Chalker)

Expect the food and beverage options at the 12 eateries to nod to the neon-lit laneways in downtown Tokyo, the bustling riverside markets along the Mekong River and the diversity of the regional dishes of China for the final phased opening of the precinct mid-May.

bright dining interior at INARI — Snag a spot for a wine night. (Image: Ben Calvert)

Restaurants Taki and Inari opened in 2022 and trace Presland’s culinary journey back to the time the sushi master lived and worked in the Yamagata Prefecture in Japan.

waiters serving guests at INARI — Dine at INARI. (Image: Ben Calvert)

Keep reading our 100 Emerging Destinations and Experiences series for more.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery. Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda, and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines.

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk, one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines, where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala. Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie, right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk, an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park. Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast, a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery, where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm. Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal, which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores, between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch. Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong. A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery, which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen. It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

6 of the best emerging neighbourhoods in Australia

Break out of your usual routine and see our neighbourhoods anew everywhere from industrial backstreets to foodie precincts.

1. A luxe edition to Sydney’s Sandstone Precinct

2. Go beyond the bluestone in Melbourne

3. Seeing Noosaville anew

4. Experience the artisanal on the Mornington Peninsula

5. Adelaide’s emerging Inner West

6. The tail-end of the Tiger Lane precincts

Keep reading our 100 Emerging Destinations and Experiences series for more.

Something in the future.

Australia’s best coffee revealed – and it isn’t where you think it is

This off-grid Blue Mountains cabin was just crowned Airbnb’s best nature escape

What’s on around Australia in October 2025

Why winter is the best time to be on the New South Wales coast

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

Winter on the Central Coast

Winter in Wollongong

Break out of your usual routine and see our neighbourhoods anew everywhere from industrial backstreets to foodie precincts.

1. A luxe edition to Sydney’s Sandstone Precinct

2. Go beyond the bluestone in Melbourne

AI Prompt

3. Seeing Noosaville anew

4. Experience the artisanal on the Mornington Peninsula

5. Adelaide’s emerging Inner West

6. The tail-end of the Tiger Lane precincts

Keep reading our 100 Emerging Destinations and Experiences series for more.

Something in the future.

Australia’s best coffee revealed – and it isn’t where you think it is

This off-grid Blue Mountains cabin was just crowned Airbnb’s best nature escape

What’s on around Australia in October 2025

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

Winter on the Central Coast

Winter in Wollongong