The first stage of Sydney’s long-awaited light rail is set to open to the public on December 14th 2019 and here’s where to eat, drink and play along the way.
It’s been years in the making and finally, Sydneysiders will be able to explore the Eastern Suburbs by a new mode of transport this summer. Couriering passengers from Circular Quay to Randwick, the first stage of Sydney’s light rail project is set to welcome passengers from December 14th. Expected to move up to 13,500 passengers an hour during peak times, the light rail will run from 5:00 am to 1:00 am every day of the week after the opening weekend. And to celebrate the launch weekend, passengers will be able to take their first voyage on the service for free.
To inspire you to get exploring, we’re curated your ultimate Light Rail Trail guide of where to eat, drink and play along the Light Rail’s first leg this weekend.
Coffee and pastries at 22 Grams Cafe, Randwick
There’s no better start to the day than a coffee and croissant. Luckily, the team at 22 Grams Cafe in Randwick has you covered. Kick-off your day with a perfectly brewed cup of specialty coffee before biting into an oh-so-flaky pastry. From decadent fruit tarts to melt-in-your-mouth almond croissants and a menu of brunch classics, this neighbourhood gem is the perfect spot to start a jam-packed day.
Find 22 Grams Cafe at 166-168 Belmore Road, Randwick, Open 6:30am to 4pm weekdays and 7am to 4pm weekends.
Explore Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park
This next spot won’t disappoint when it comes to keeping your whole crew entertained! Jump off at Entertainment Quarter to discover a playground of spots to eat, drink and play. This thriving precinct offers everything from bowling lanes at Strike Bowling to screenings of the latest blockbuster flicks at HOYTS Cinema. Plus, you won’t go hungry with a tasty selection of eats from the likes of Black Star Pastry, Fratelli Fresh, The Bavarian and newly opened El Camino Cantina, as well as top-notch vino from the crew at Urban Winery Sydney.
Lunch in Surry Hills
After all that entertainment, we’d say it’s time for lunch! Jump back on the light rail and make a stop in Surry Hills for a dose of authentic Lebanese flavours at Nour. This upscale all-day eatery is conveniently located just a short stroll from the light rail’s Surry Hills stop, making it the perfect spot to indulge in a leisurely long lunch. Sample your way through endless plates of mezze including falafel crumpets with tahini, pickled onion and soft quail egg to crudos of kingfish with tomato, parsley and cracked wheat, as well as woodfired spatchcock, Cowra farm lamb shoulder and lighter sides like fattoush salads and fried cauliflower.
Find Nour at 490 Crown Street, Surry Hills. Open for lunch Thursday to Saturday from 12pm to 2:30pm and for Sunday brunch from 10am to 2:30pm.
While you’re there, explore Crown Street’s bustling strip of local shops and boutiques. Find handmade ceramics and new season threads at Collector Store, grab a new read or record from Title Store and splurge on designer pieces from The Standard Store.
Looking for other lunch spots in Surry Hills? Why not visit:
Drinks and snacks in the city
As you make your way into the city, what better way to say cheers to the afternoon than with a glass of wine in hand? Head to the city’s favourite Romanesque arcade, the Queen Victoria Building to experience ESQUIRE Drink + Dine. This newly opened bar and restaurant takes up prime position of Level 2 of the QVB, with a decadent menu of share plates and tipples to enjoy. The best bit? Stop by any day of the week from 4pm to 7pm to enjoy their Happy Hour specials, featuring $7 beer and spirits, $8 wines and $12 cocktails (including their Georgia Julep, Bergamot Collins, Aperol Spritz, Whisky Sour and Whisky Highball).
Find ESQUIRE Drink + Dine on Level 2 of the QVB, 455 George Street Sydney (Market Street entrance). Open daily from 12pm till late.
Looking for a tipple in the city? Here’s some of our favourite spots:
Dinner at INDU
Tucked beneath the city chaos of George Street is Indu, an underground restaurant specialising in modern Sri Lankan cuisine. With quality Indian food in short supply around the CBD, Indu is the brain-child of medical doctor, philanthropist and restaurateur Sam Prince. Get ready to descend a concrete staircase and enter a dark and atmospheric basement filled with rustic furnishings and candle-lit tables.
Find INDU at the Basement Level, 350 George Street, Sydney (entry via Angel Place), Open Mon to Fri from 12pm till late and Sat from 5pm till late.
Looking for other dinner spots in the CBD? Why not try: