(a suburb in Eastern Sydney) 

Guest Post by Marie Nieves

Once you get absolutely dazzled by the skyscrapers of Sydney’s central business district, you can head southward via Flinders Street and, just as you pass the vast Centennial Park, turn left to head straight to Randwick. Before you know it, you will feel as if you are not even close to any Sydney suburb – the tranquil suburban streets could have easily been somewhere inland, beyond the Blue Mountains. Yet this suburb is de facto jammed somewhere between the lush greenery of the park and the hectic Tropicana of Bondi. This is beautiful Randwick, a bona fide suburb in the Eastern Sydney.

The Suburban Phenomenon

Randwick is located around 6 kilometers south of the central business district, but it is nevertheless its own, locally governed area. How this part of the town has managed to preserve its layout and integrity against all urban development aspiration is almost a matter of alchemy, and it becomes evident as soon as the newcomer notices the sheer number of carefully preserved houses. Considering that it lies right next to the vibrant and colorful urbanity of Bondi (which is a home to the world renowned Bondi Beach), the mere fact that Randwick exists as such is mind-boggling.

Avoca Street

The Town hall on Avoca Street is a marvel itself. As a matter of fact, Avoca Street, which cuts through the very heart of this suburbia, boasts a procession of fascinating buildings. If you get a chance, just stand on the corner of Belmore Road and Avoca and savor the surroundings before you begin your stroll down this street. St Jude’s Church, Randwick Lodge and the Original Randwick Borough Chambers are only some of the captivating locations you can see on this street.

Captivating Accommodation

If you, by any chance, plan to stay in this urbanity just for a few days or a week, you have a number of gorgeous lodging to choose from. For example, Avonmore on the Park is a captivating Randwick accommodation that managed to retain the atmosphere of the “old” Sydney. It is a lavishing boutique hotel with an impeccable interior design. It has been conceived and created in the building that was originally built as far back as 1888 by the famed building contractor John Walsh. As such, it is only one of many buildings in this corner of the wider Sydney area that boasts a rich and interesting history.

Come for the History

Preserved facades on the historical buildings from the bygone century are not there only for show. They are, in fact, locations that hide resplendent historical secrets within their walls. Even buildings that are functional institutions, like the Prince of Wales Hospital, is a monument to the hectic and rich history of the New South Wales. This means that this town is a real treasure trove for a history buff, and with a few guided tours and an app on your phone you can immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of Randwick.

Racecourse Next to the Park

Of course, Randwick is not only renowned for its tranquil suburban environment and historical buildings. It is also a home to the fabulous Royal Randwick Racecourse. If you are in love with the royal sport of horse racing and you enjoy the blood pumping spectacle on the grassfield of the racecourse, this is a perfect place for you.

In fact, the Royal Randwick Racecourse is considered to be one of the hallmarks of the City of Sydney itself. It sits on the very edge of the suburban area – and it takes up a significant surface on its north-western corner, right next to the Centennial Park. The patch of greenery next to the arena is something akin to Sydney’s own “Central Park” and it is a go-to place for people who enjoy outdoor activities, picnics or simply Zen walks.

In a way, Randwick is an urban miracle – somehow, this tranquil, idyllic patch of suburbia sits in the middle of one of the greatest metropolises in the world. Through time, it has managed to retain its integrity and layout, as the abundant history of the region courses through its streets. Preserved Victorian Gothic facades give way to picture-perfect rows of houses under the wide and airy sky of the New South Wales. There is hardly a better example of an idealized suburban living than this.

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About the Author

Marie Nieves – an expat in Australia – is a lifestyle blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. On her travels she likes to read poetry and prose and surf the Internet. Her favourite writer is Tracy Chevalier and she always carries one of her books in her bag. She spends most of her free time at home walking her Labrador Retriever named Max. She is an avid lover of photography who loves to talk about her experiences. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Pinterest.