Bringing the farmer joe feeling to the city

The big picture

Quickly on its way to the top of the inner-city suburban love affair list, Alexandria is yet again undergoing a revolution. Known as the industrial hub of Sydney city, Alexandria is making waves with its current regeneration of social and residential bliss and is fast becoming the place to be.

Whilst maintaining its industrial roots this suburb is marrying urban funk, creating a fusion of hard yakka industry, culinary delights and an inspired new kind of urban lifestyle. Most of you will at some point have raided the shopping outlets that Alexandria is famous for but it has so much more to offer.

The best way to get to Alexandria is by car but there are two stations nearby Green Square and St. Peters, that will only require a 10-15 minute walk depending on where you’re heading.

Find out more about the history of Alexandria here. It would appear its early past may become its future. Let’s have a closer gander at what this fine suburb has in store for you.

Be bored no more

Crazy bargains to be had outlet shopping in Alexandria.. or did you forget?

So let’s get the ‘knowns’ out of the way first. Alexandria has always been at the centre of factory outlet offerings although it suffered some with the introduction of DFO in Homebush. It may have been some time since it last entered your realm of thought but the outlets in Alexandria are still kicking it, factory style. You can find some cracker bargains at Sunbeam, Reebok, Ben Sherman, Seafolly, Lacoste and other clothing and accessory outlets. Just google ‘Alexandria NSW factory outlets’ and they’ll all pop up (see Map). For the vintage or antique loving folk, Alexandria won’t disappoint on this front either, with more than a handful of options. Here’s just a few:

Mitchell Road Antique and Design Centre
Creative Vintage Centre
Lunatiques

Now, for a jumping good time or a unique way to exercise, head to Sky Zone. Seriously, it’s all kinds of fun even for adults or perhaps more so. They offer 1 hour sessions that give you free reign to jump on several courses or participate in scheduled games like Dodgeball. They also offer daily fitness classes that are unique to say the least. We had a ball jumping into the foam pit!

Bounce like an American hydraulic car..untz untz

Right next door to Sky Zone and you’re finding it out right here, right now when you need it, is In2ski. Get ready for the season of snow, ski’s and boards with some lessons. In2ski offer skiing and snowboarding lessons and before you get way too excited, although a little excitement is warranted, there is no snow here. But there is one wicked treadmill. Check it out here (Youtube).

King of the hill at Sydney Park, top of a pretty snazzy heap.

For nothing but wide open skies and a stunning view of the city, look no further than Sydney Park. Beautiful parklands and sporting ovals nestled just outside the mayhem of the city, spanning over 40 hectares. Relax on the grass atop the hill overlooking the city, kick back by the water in the landscaped gardens or grab a bite to eat at one of the cafes. Like all parks Sydney park also has the basic facilities like BBQ’s.

Eat, drink and be merry

Nothing (food wise) says ah on a sunny afternoon like some fresh fruit juice

The ambience is on the rise in Alexandria with a number of restaurants and bars popping up on random but pleasant corners. An old mainstay is the Alexandria Hotel on Henderson, for your good ole fashioned pub grub in a beer garden. For something more upmarket, visit Vicinity Dining & Bar on Bourke. The bar serves quality spirits and a great selection of modern bar food whilst their formal dining offers a little hoity toity. Open day and night Vicinity Dining & Bar oozes a sultry vibe with its urban industry décor. A popular option for locals and passers-by is The Grounds of Alexandria. Set amongst lush herb gardens amidst an industrial era gone by, The Grounds as it is affectionately known, specialise in coffee and fresh food along side their bakery and patisserie. Kids will love this little oasis too whilst they frolic with the animals at the on-site miniature farm.

A lazy lunch surrounded by lusciousness at The Grounds

Get your kids cooking your dinner with this vege prep session at The Grounds

Bread and Circus are also leading the day-time only circuit with a quirky daily menu filled with goodness. According to a bunch of reviews these guys are smashing breakfast in Alexandria. If you’re not hungry yet maybe Salt Meats Cheese will entice your buds, or make you want to cook up a storm with the freshest of fresh ingredients. Salt Meats Cheese are delivering the goods with their range of artisan products, cooking classes and the recent addition of a slicing good pizzeria.

Most of these establishments, rather than reinventing the wheel, are paving new ways to explore our love of food, bringing some dining experiences that are simply unique to Alexandria.

Hot tips

Mind your step! Folks aren’t so particular here about bagging the evidence

Don’t dilly dally. You’ll miss out on what is an amazing time for this suburb. An amazing time of growth, in culture, in lifestyle and in fame. Let’s hope our rising Alexandria doesn’t fall to the commercial market. In the meantime, enjoy its organic attraction.

Nearby
Erskinville, Mascot, Newtown

Location Map

DISCLAIMER: Suburbs of Sydney and its authors are not affiliated or associated with any of the businesses or organisations mentioned in this article nor have we been paid to mention them. We are not endorsing or promoting any of the above mentioned businesses or organisations or their products and services, unless explicitly stated within the article. We are simply mentioning them as accessible options. There are various review websites for dining and activities such as Eatability and TripAdvisor, that can assist you in researching these and other options.

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