Potts Point is compact, walkable and full of history. It was the first deliberately designed suburb in Sydney, and you can still see that in its grand houses, Art Deco apartment blocks and harbour views. Here’s a practical route through the best things to do in Potts Point and neighbouring Woolloomooloo.
1. Elizabeth Bay House
Built between 1835 and 1839 and designed by architect John Verge, Elizabeth Bay House was once considered the finest home in the colony. It is open on Sundays and Mondays, 10am to 4pm, with free entry (booking online is recommended). Check the opening details before you go.
2. Art Deco buildings on Macleay Street and Springfield Avenue
Potts Point is known for its Art Deco apartments. Look for Franconia and Macleay Regis on Macleay Street, and Carisbrooke and Carinthia on Springfield Avenue.
3. The Metro Minerva building on Orwell Street
This listed 1937 Art Deco building on Orwell Street once staged the musical Hair in 1970 and later housed the studio that made Happy Feet. It is on the same street as Olivia By Fave.
4. Tusculum
Tusculum on Manning Street is one of the original Potts Point mansions, designed by John Verge. It now houses the NSW headquarters of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, and there is an architectural bookshop at the rear.
5. McElhone Stairs
A 113-step staircase built in 1870 links Potts Point with Woolloomooloo. It is a good way to walk down to the water.
6. Finger Wharf, Woolloomooloo
Finger Wharf is a former cargo dock and one of the world’s longest timber wharves. It now has restaurants, a marina and a hotel.
7. Artspace
Artspace is a not-for-profit contemporary art gallery established in 1983, showing Australian and international work.
8. Andrew “Boy” Charlton Pool
About a 10-minute walk from the wharf, the heated 50-metre pool sits on the water’s edge, with a café and sundeck.
9. Hayes Theatre
Hayes Theatre in Potts Point is known for small-scale musicals and cabaret.
Getting there
Kings Cross station is one train stop from Martin Place. You can also walk up William Street from the city in about 15 minutes.
Details are from public tourism sources. Check opening times and tickets before you go.
Start or finish your walk at Olivia By Fave
Every good walk needs a coffee stop. Olivia By Fave is at Shop 4/5-15 Orwell Street, Potts Point, serving specialty coffee, premium matcha, brunch and pancakes, with dinner service on selected nights. Breakfast is served from 7:00am to 11:30am.
- Mon–Wed: 6:30am–3:00pm
- Thu–Fri: 6:30am–3:00pm, then 5:30pm–10:00pm
- Sat: 7:00am–10:00pm
- Sun: 7:00am–3:00pm