THE BROOKLYN END OF SYDNEY TOWN

WORDS: Kylie Mitchell-Smith @travellingsenorita PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Driving over the towering Sydney Harbour Bridge after a 10-hour road trip from Brisbane, all the feels come gushing back.

The city that arguably boasts the most magnificent harbour in the land, is glowing as the sun sets over the Opera House. Bouncing back after a spate of false starts, the pandemic has weighed heavily on Australia’s largest city.

There’s something about Sydney from the natural aesthetics to the rich history, we wander the familiar streets, discovering some new boroughs along the way.

As most cities across the globe awaken from the extended lockdowns and restrictions, the cracks of the empty commercial spaces and shops start to appear. But through adversity comes change or gentrification in the case of major cities like Melbourne and Sydney.

Villages like Pyrmont, adjacent to the mecca that is Darling Harbour have been quietly brewing their own vibe, from the opening of Aiden Hotel to the development of urban green spaces.

Home to a plethora of pubs, word on the street, the most per capita of any town in Sydney. The iconic Terminus circa 1841 is one of Sydney’s oldest pubs, with a past of colourful revellers, the pub called last drinks over 30 years ago. Now lovingly restored to embrace the rich history, the Terminus connects the village of Pyrmont.

Pyrmont was one of the main trading ports for the country, from wheat to rum to wool the past runs deep through the cobble stone pathways. Pyrmont has a Brooklyn style, suitably located to escape the hustle and bustle, but close enough to walk to all the action.

The recently opened Aiden Hotel has popped up in the old Breville building, previously a former wheat factory and has become the entrance statement for Pyrmont. Independently owned and marketed under the Best Western Brand, the Aiden is impressive to say the least.

Aiden Hotel has been reimagined by a seasoned traveller and local Nicolas Chen for the traveller, everything has been considered to complement the space, including hand painted Australian botanicals by emerging artist Jessica Leclerc.

Pyrmont is walking distance to Darling Harbour, the Convention Centre, and the brand spanking new Barangaroo precinct. Barangaroo is Sydney’s latest harbourside playground with eclectic eateries, boutique shopping and augmented art instillations.

Pyrmont holds its own as a unique harbourside village, steeped in history with a contemporary village feel-it’s fast becoming the Brooklyn end of Sydney town.