Sydney’s metropolitan area is officially divided into three major “cities” and five districts, according to the Greater Sydney Commission. These are the Eastern Harbour City, Central River City, and Western Parkland City, which encompass 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Additionally, the Australian Bureau of Statistics includes the Central Coast, which was formerly known as the Gosford City and Wyong Shire, as part of Greater Sydney for population data. This region contributes around 330,000 people to the city's overall population.
The inner suburbs of Sydney are where much of the city's historic and cultural wealth can be found. The central business district (CBD) extends about 3 km south from Sydney Cove and is bordered by the Royal Botanic Garden to the east and Darling Harbour to the west. Surrounding the CBD are vibrant suburbs like Woolloomooloo and Potts Point to the east, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst to the south, Pyrmont and Ultimo to the west, and Millers Point and The Rocks to the north. These areas are characterized by narrow streets, a legacy of Sydney’s early convict-era development.
Several key areas within the CBD stand out for their transport and cultural significance. Central and Circular Quay are major transport hubs, connecting ferries, trains, and buses. Darling Harbour, Chinatown, and Kings Cross are cultural and recreational hot spots, attracting tourists and locals alike. The historic Strand Arcade, opened in 1892, offers a Victorian-style shopping experience, while Westfield Sydney, located beneath the Sydney Tower, is the city's largest shopping mall by area.
Over the past few decades, Sydney’s inner suburbs have seen significant gentrification. Pyrmont, once a hub for shipping and trade, has transformed into a high-density residential and commercial area. Darlinghurst, historically known for its industrial roots and association with vice, has undergone a major makeover since the 1980s, now home to trendy cafes and restored terrace-style housing. Green Square, a former industrial area in Waterloo, is undergoing an $8 billion urban renewal project, while the historic Millers Point wharves are being redeveloped into the modern Barangaroo precinct.
Paddington, known for its charming terrace houses and the iconic Victoria Barracks, is a well-established area with a vibrant shopping scene, particularly around the Oxford Street markets. This region, with its mix of old and new, continues to shape the character of Sydney's inner suburbs as they evolve to meet the needs of a growing, dynamic population.