Pyrmont

A peninsula shaped like a splayed hand stretching into Sydney Harbour, Pyrmont is dominated by the soaring span of Anzac Bridge and some of the best views in the city. An architect’s delight, with stylish modern buildings making the most of light and air adjacent to rows of traditional sandstone workers’ cottages, Pyrmont’s charm is outweighed only by its convenience.

From terraces to ultra-modern open-plan apartments with sweeping panoramic vistas, the peninsula offers a variety of housing – all close to one or the other of Pyrmont’s parks. Chief among them is the award-winning and scenically delightful Pirrama Park on the point, closely followed by Pyrmont Bay Park and Waterfront Park. Artisan shops and cafes line the main thoroughfare of Harris Street.

With Darling Harbour on one side, and the CBD a short walk over the pedestrian-only Pyrmont Bridge, Pyrmont is in a supremely handy location. Yet despite its city-edge proximity, the once-industrial peninsula enjoys the peace of expansive harbour scenes and open vistas.

The famously raucous Fish Market is on one edge of the surburb: a morning stroll to pick up some oysters, maybe, or the freshest of the day’s catch. The ritzy Star Casino and the modern Sydney Lyric Theatre are set in one of the Pyrmont streets lined with native fig trees.

Ease of movement as well as being just across the water from the city’s forest of skyscrapers, Pyrmont is well-served by ferries and buses, and the Light Rail circumnavigates the peninsula.

Yet the real delight of Pyrmont is walking. The foreshore esplanade – part of the 14-kilometre harbourside walk - winds around the peninsula, providing spectacular views for the casual stroller.