To a visitor, Sydney may appear to be a city with a singular identity and sense of cohesiveness. But, as locals know, the old town is defined more by its diverse nature, with multiple pockets across the city boasting their own distinctive flavour and individuality, all coalescing to make up the fabric of what Sydney really is.
And while the idea of the “High Street” is not as strong in Australia as it is in, say, the UK, there are nevertheless several areas which are defined by their characteristic, specific local vibes. Macleay St, Potts Point, is of course one of these precincts, as are the likes of King St, Newtown, and Oxford Street, Paddington.

But another such highly centralised neighbourhood, just a short trip from the R&W Elizabeth Bay Potts Point office, is Queen St, Woollahra. A classic straight line running from the top of Oxford St and east along to the intersection of Ocean St at Woollahra, it is not hyperbole to say that it has a classic village ambience.
It’s a place where long-standing local eateries, art galleries, jewellers and locally owned boutiques blend with high-end fashion marques and the landmark Woollahra Hotel to form a buzzing centralised pocket.

A stroll starting at the Oxford St end brings you to a number of Sydney’s best art galleries, with the always-interesting Project Gallery hosting regular revolving exhibitions by both established and emerging local artists.Further along, the acclaimed Dickerson Gallery has been a local landmark for more than three decades, presenting high-quality works from notable Australian artists, while a short stroll down the road is an annexe of the famed Olsen Gallery. Established by Tim Olsen, the Queen St space highlights curated projects and works by celebrated Australian and international contemporary artists.

There follows a range of local fashion boutiques alongside high-end labels such as Gant and MJ Bale, leading to the famed Woollahra Hotel on the corner of Moncur St. A landmark watering hole since 1880 and rebuilt in Art Deco style in 1938, it remains a much-loved local, perfect for an afternoon tipple with perhaps a bite to eat at the legendary Bistro Moncur next door.
And on a culinary note, the stretch between Moncur St and Ocean St is home to a fantastic and eclectic range of eateries certain to satisfy the most discerning diner. From the casual café scene of Zey Queen St to the sophisticated style of Queen St Italian or the more egalitarian option of Chargrill Charlies, all the bases are covered.

Nestled among a pocket of eateries on this section is the much-loved Queen St Delicatessen. A local institution since way back in 1954, it still serves as something of a community hub, serving classic deli specialties alongside a range of full meals that are a favourite among busy locals.

Managed by the friendly Nicholas Ingham for the past 13 years, it serves as a touchpoint for the local community, with regulars dropping by to pick up provisions, perhaps a quick soup, or something from the vast range of full meals, from moussaka to beef bourguignon. With its distinctive wall of photos of local pups and old-school vibes, it’s a gourmet haven.
“It’s a real local hub here, definitely,” Nicholas says. “People have a real sense of connection here and there’s a great community vibe.”
Ingham instituted the “dog photo wall” and that in itself has become a touchpoint of community. “People love it,” he says.
In the same section you can also grab a bite at the tasty Kukthai, the Queen Street Kitchen or the buzzing Taste Providore, who do a superb line in banh mi alongside an array of breads and baked goods.

With everything from acclaimed art galleries, high-end boutiques, the landmark pub and food options aplenty, it’s well worth making the trip to Woollahra for a classic “Queen Street stroll” – soaking up the ambience of a cherished street and discovering one of Sydney’s distinct “village high streets.”

Queen Street Deli info:
https://thequeenstreetdelicatessen.com/

Woollahra village info:
https://woollahravillage.com.au/

Article & Photo Courtesy of Adam Gibson