Redfern is a vibrant and evolving neighbourhood in the heart of Sydney, New South Wales. It is a suburb located 3 kilometres south of the Sydney central business district. As part of the City of Sydney’s local government district, it is traditionally rich in culture and boasts all the symptoms of a lively art area. Stroll its parks, lanes, and boulevards, and you can find Victorian terraces alongside modern coffee shops and designer stores. Visitors will also find that Redfern has everything a traveller desires. The offerings range from friendly residents to vibrant markets and so much more.
Redfern And Its Revolutionary History
Image Credit: J Bar for Wikimedia Commons
For thousands of years, the land now known as Redfern was a thriving Aboriginal community bound by family, culture, and a deep connection to the land. This came about during the years 1920–1960 when most of the Aboriginal people moved to Redfern for employment opportunities and also in search of a life that was not bound under the Aboriginal Protection Board, thereby forming an overdense urbanised black community. The 1960s and 1990s signified Redfern as the location of urban Aboriginal civil rights movements through establishing services to Aboriginal people and actions such as the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. This period of the nineties continued to pose problems with the activities in the drug and criminal aspects that led to the riots of 2004.
However, change has gradually been spearheaded by the community heads; the common phenomenon of drug-free family days and alcohol-free zones was observed. Nowadays, Redfern is still a place that unites activists and supports Indigenous people’s culture, evidenced by the Yabun Festival celebration.
Must Read: Queensland Museums
Must-See Attractions In Redfern
To know the southern suburb of this central business district, you must be familiar with the top places nearby.
1. Cooee Art Leven Gallery
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This gallery, headquartered in Australia, is the first gallery displaying Aboriginal fine art. That, too, has unique and special features. It is built in the magnificent building of a former custard factory in the heart of Redfern, Sydney. The gallery specialises in:
- limited edition fine art prints
- sculptures
- historically significant bark paintings
- early desert boards
- and contemporary Australian Indigenous paintings
These are sourced ethically and sold on the secondary market. Its regular exhibition schedule includes curated exhibitions of significant Indigenous art, as well as solo shows by well-known living artists. The vast stockroom at Cooee Art Leven features approximately 3000 pieces of art by more than 150 modern and traditional Australian Indigenous artists. It represents a broad spectrum of regional styles. The gift shop includes books and prints, accessories made of ethical materials only, and well-flavoured, quality artefacts from Indigenous peoples. Every painting has a Certificate of Authenticity that describes the picture’s history. If you are an art enthusiast, you wouldn’t know where your entire day vanished.
Address: 17 Thurlow St, Redfern NSW 2016, Australia
Timing: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
2. Carriageworks
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Carriageworks is a multi-art urban cultural precinct at the former Eveleigh Railway Workshops in Redfern. It hosts filmmaking, festivals, fairs, and commercial exhibitions in addition to showcasing exhibitions of modern art and performing arts. It is Australia’s largest contemporary multi-arts centre. Carriageworks is home to eight theatre, dance, and film companies, including:
- Performance Space
- Sydney Chamber Opera, and
- Moogahlin Performing Arts
- A weekly farmers’ market has also been operating there for many years.
The vision of Carriageworks is “to be recognised as a multi-arts urban cultural precinct that engages and inspires Sydney’s culturally diverse communities.” Over the years, it has presented a varied, multi-disciplinary, and multicultural programme. This attracts up to 1.32 million visitors. Carriageworks commissions Australian and international artists to create new work intersecting contemporary ideas. It also aims to reflect the community’s diversity in exhibits and performances. The centre hosts 100 projects yearly, including contemporary theatre, dance, visual arts, music, film, fashion, and corporate events.
Address: 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh, NSW 2015, Australia
Timing: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Monday and Tuesday closed)
Suggested Read: Art Gallery Of New South Wales
3. White Rabbit Gallery
Image Credit: White Rabbit Gallery for Wikimedia Commons
The White Rabbit Gallery, located in a charming area near Sydney’s Central Station, showcases the impressive White Rabbit Collection of Chinese contemporary art. Opened in 2009 by Judith Neilson, the gallery offers four floors of diverse artworks. It also has a lovely tea house on the ground floor. The exhibitions change twice a year, and entry is free. The gallery, a former Rolls-Royce showroom, also features a theatre and a peaceful tea house where visitors can relax and enjoy a wide range of high-quality Chinese teas, freshly handmade dumplings and savoury snack plates.
If you are interested in the artworks exhibited, want to meet a friend, or just have a break, the Tea House in the White Rabbit Gallery offers a selection of well-flavoured, delicious cakes.
Address: 30 Balfour St, Chippendale, NSW 2008, Australia
Timing: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
4. Glengarry Castle Hotel
Built around 1851, this Victorian gem commands the corner of Lawson and Abercrombie in Redfern, Sydney. This classic corner pub exudes charm and warmth, offering a fantastic selection of drinks and hearty pub fare. It provides comfort and a welcoming atmosphere in Redfern for those seeking a unique stay. Imagine a comfortable country house hotel in the Highlands of Scotland but with all the trappings of a city centre hotel. This part of the town is just a stone’s throw away from the CBD, universities, and businesses. The inhabitants of this district are some of the most relaxed people who enjoy the company of their friends and families together. Add a refreshing drink in one of the many bars and restaurants, and everything’s perfect.
Address: 182 Lawson St, Sydney, New South Wales
Timing: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m. (Wednesday–Saturday)
Suggested Read: Australia On A Budget
5. Greek Orthodox Cathedral Of The Annunciation Of Our Lady
Image Credit: Patrickroque01 for Wikimedia Commons
The Sydney Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady is one of the heritage buildings with historical and architectural value. Founded as an Anglican church by the architect Edmund, It was founded in 1848 and now belongs to the Greek Orthodox community. John Burcham Clamp of Wells was the architect of a rectory, so that is part of the history.
It was awarded an item listing in the State Heritage Inventory in New South Wales in a programme conducted on the 17th of April in 2012. The structure itself is neo-gothic colonial-decorated Gothic, which boasts sandstone walls, a slate-covered timber roof, and the highlight of the building, a giant square tower with an octagonal turret to go with it. Located on one of the most visible territories, the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady is one of Sydney’s most exciting and historical examples of architecture that any tourist should visit.
Address: 242 Cleveland St. Redfern, Sydney, New South Wales, 2010, Australia
Timing: Sunday, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Further Read: Queensland Travel Guide
Today, Redfern is a mix of history, culture, and contemporary society that every visitor would find interesting. Some of Redfern’s most iconic sites include the Cathedral, Carriageworks, and more. Exploring the city streets, you will find a perfect balance between the past and the present, the traditional and the modern. In short, Redfern is not just somewhere to go to but somewhere to be in and take away memories of. Therefore, grab your bags and book your trip to Australia. Be ready to experience the dynamic and developing focus of Sydney-Redfern!
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Cover Image Credit: Willi5willi5 for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Redfern
What is famous at Redfern?
Redfern has gained a reputation for transforming into an urban Aboriginal community, a tight-knit and safe area that is relatively closer to discrimination at face value.
Is Redfern worth a visit?
Redfern and Waterloo, located in inner Sydney, have become gentrified areas now considered cool due to the presence of creatives, cafes, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore farmers' markets and contemporary art spaces, picnic in the heritage-listed Redfern Park, and discover unique bars, street art, and urban grit.
What is Redfern like now?
Redfern reflects Australia in miniature. Their activism and organisations, such as Koori Radio, are preserving Redfern's rich Indigenous history. However, increasing rents and gentrification have led to a surge of young professionals, inner-city families, and affluent international students moving into the area.
What is the main street in Redfern?
The main shopping area is on Redfern Street, east of Redfern railway station. Additional commercial developments are nearby, along Regent Street and the surrounding streets.
What is the main religion in Redfern?
Catholic. In 2021, the largest religious group in Redfern was Western (Roman) Catholic, comprising 13.8% of the population. 54.7% of people identified as having no religion, and 9.4% did not answer the question on religion.
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