NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
A guide to local favorites in Redfern
- By Riley Wilson
- Photos by Brook Mitchell
As part of a focus on urban renewal, the inner-city suburb once known predominantly as a low-socioeconomic area with a history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activism is now a hub for Aboriginal culture and enterprise, and as a destination for design, coffee and gastronomy. Community plays a big role in Redfern, with an overarching energy that channels the boldness and resilience of those who call the suburb home.
Meet Riley Wilson
Riley is a native Sydneysider who grew up between Australia and America, with extensive travels throughout Europe and Asia along the way. She’s a journalist and a lover of beach volleyball, roller-skates, olives and tea.
Want to get in touch?
Email bytheway@washpost.comRead more about Riley
Redfern
Redfern Street
Walk from Redfern Station to Redfern Park via the socially and culturally diverse Redfern Street. Collect pastries and coffee at Bloc 145, check out the rolling exhibitions at 107 Projects, and better understand the suburb’s past via the street art and historical buildings dedicated to the long-established Indigenous Australian population.
Breadfern
There’s plenty of people-watching to do at this organic bakery, which sits on the corner of a four-way intersection opposite the park. The cabinets are stacked with rolls, tarts and sandwiches, but consider the banoffee pie.
Breadfern, 306-308 Chalmers St. Redfern NSW 2016, Australia
The Tin Humpy
This Indigenous-owned cafe serves dishes incorporating native ingredients (such as fragrant lemon myrtle in cheesecake and biscuits) in a small, no-fuss setting. Hung art includes a trio of dot-painted echidnas, a nod to the owner’s community, and a bedazzled guitar.
The Tin Humpy, 137 Redfern Street, Redfern 2016
Aboriginal and Pacific Art Gallery
On the border of Redfern and Waterloo, this intimate, light-filled gallery primarily celebrates the work of established Aboriginal artists from across Australia and the Pacific islands. The exhibitions change monthly, and all pieces — on consignment from remote communities — are for sale.
Aboriginal and Pacific Art Gallery, 24 Wellington St. Waterloo NSW 2017, Australia
DEA Store
The owner of this homewares store used to work in art-gallery retail — and it shows. Browse a curated selection of Australian and Japanese ceramics, Turkish linens, Australian art and jewelry, stationery and kitchenware, and then leave with a three-footed mug or a copper tube of incense made with native botanicals.
DEA Store, 146 Regent St. Redfern NSW 2016, Australia
There's more to see
Riley Wilson
Riley is a native Sydneysider who grew up between Australia and America, with extensive travels throughout Europe and Asia along the way. She’s a journalist and a lover of beach volleyball, roller-skates, olives and tea.
Brook Mitchell
Brook is a contributing photographer to The Washington Post based in Sydney.
