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Sydney's Inner West, encompassing areas such as the Inner West Council, Burwood, Strathfield, and Canada Bay, stretches up to 11 km west of the CBD. Historically, areas like Strathfield were once home to country estates for Sydney’s elite, while the inner suburbs near transport hubs and industry catered to working-class industrial workers. This dynamic has shifted dramatically, especially after the construction of the Harbour Bridge, leading to the gentrification of many parts of the Inner West by the late 20th century. Today, suburbs like Strathfield are among the most expensive in the nation, with the area’s median house prices ranking among the top 20 across Australia in 2021.
The Inner West is now known for its vibrant, multicultural communities and village-style commercial precincts. Suburbs like Leichhardt, Five Dock, and Haberfield offer "Little Italy" experiences, while Petersham is home to "Little Portugal," Strathfield boasts "Little Korea," and Ashfield offers a "Little Shanghai" atmosphere. Major shopping centres such as Westfield Burwood and Birkenhead Point offer modern retail experiences, while King Street in Newtown stands out as a nightlife and cultural hub. The area is well-served by Sydney’s public transport network, including the Sydney Trains services, ferries along the Parramatta River, and upcoming connections like the Sydney Metro West.
In contrast, the Eastern Suburbs are known for their luxury and affluence, with areas like Woollahra, Randwick, Waverley, and parts of Bayside Council being home to some of the highest real estate values in the country. Wolseley Road in Point Piper, for instance, is one of the most expensive streets in the world, with property prices reaching $20,900 per square metre in 2014. More than 75% of neighbourhoods in the area are classified among the wealthiest in Australia, making the Eastern Suburbs an elite region in both Sydney and the nation.
Prominent landmarks in the Eastern Suburbs include the world-famous Bondi Beach, added to the Australian National Heritage List in 2008, and the bustling Bondi Junction, which features a major shopping centre and a rapidly growing office district. The area also boasts cultural and medical institutions like Randwick Racecourse, Prince of Wales Hospital, and the University of New South Wales. The recent completion of the CBD and South East Light Rail in 2020 has enhanced transport options for residents, connecting these affluent suburbs with the city and beyond. Major shopping destinations such as Westfield Bondi Junction and Westfield Eastgardens cater to both locals and visitors.
Together, these two regions offer a snapshot of Sydney’s diverse character — from the rapidly evolving, multicultural Inner West to the luxurious and established Eastern Suburbs, each with its own unique identity and charm.