Potts Point Guide
The Sydney inner eastern suburb of Potts Point lies between the nightlife-oriented Kings Cross and exclusive Elizabeth Bay. Perched atop a hill not far from the harbour itself, the suburb overlooks Woolloomooloo and has great views across to the city skyline. Potts Point is rich in history, architecture and eating spots. And being close to the city it's a great base for any Sydney visitor.
Potts Point is rich in Art Deco architecture, including many magnificent apartments buildings constructed there in the 1920s. There are also many impressive terrace houses in the area, particularly on Victoria Street.
Victoria Street stretches from Darlinghurst through Kings Cross and down to Potts Point, ending not far past the McElhone Stairs which were constructed of sandstone in the 1870s to connect Potts Point with Woolloomooloo. The stairs are a famous Sydney landmark and have been the scene of crime and featured in TV and movies since they were built. They’ve been the subject of prize winning paintings, the setting for TV show Underbelly, and even feature in the Bryan Brown, Heath Ledger, Rose Byrne modern-day gangster movie Two Hands.
Macley Street is the main thoroughfare through Potts Point and leads from the end of Darlinghurst Road in Kings Cross down to near the gates of Sydney's Garden Island Naval Dockyard. The street is home to quality bistros, cafes and restaurants including the well known Macleay Street Bistro. There's also great Thai food at Arun Thai, and if you have a sweet tooth don't miss Yellow, a patisserie a little further up Macleay Street.
Jimmy Liks and Mezzaluna on Victoria Street are great inner city restaurants that feature fantastic food, and the case of Mezzaluna, a magnificent view over the city.
The brunch set should head to the Macleay Street end of Challis Avenue for hip cafes with sidewalk seating, great coffee and even better breakfast food.
Aside from restaurants, most nightlife is left to Potts Point neighbour Kings Cross. This makes Potts Point a perfect suburb to return to after a night of revelry in 'the Cross' or further afield. This is only reinforced by the fact that Kings Cross train station is within walking distance: the station is on the Eastern Suburbs line to Bondi in one direction and the Illawarra line to the city and Cronulla in the other direction.