A few months ago, you would’ve walked past Collins Laneway without a second glance. Now you’d be hard-pressed to find a prettier street in that part of town. After a mega makeover, the forgotten and mostly dilapidated laneway looks nothing like its former self. Its otherwise drab corners have been replaced with cute coffee shops, pretty little lights and happy hues and it’s totally bewitching.
Fresh paint, new murals, plenty of lush greens and lighting have rendered the forgotten spot completely unrecognisable.
This buzzy part of town also comes with coffee shops and ample outdoor seating but it’s the bright colours and murals that steal the limelight. Collins Laneway features the colourful work of artist Alice McAuliffe which is reminiscent of Italy’s enchanting small towns. You’ll find the cosy Moshiko Café in the laneway which serves up excellent bites including bagels, salads and sandwiches. Other businesses include Meca Cuts, Vicolo Hair Studio and Body Bright.
For those who want to explore all the nooks and crannies in the vicinity, make a beeline to Percival Laneway, just a few minutes from this quaint little hood and you’ll find an equally charming spot before you. Sharon Billinge’s artwork called Beach, Bark and Banksias features in this particular neck of the woods with a nice little nod to Rose Bay’s famous dog beach and its native flora.
These upgrades were made possible thanks to funding from the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program. The program supports permanent improvements to local streets, paths and public spaces around Sydney. You can read more about it here.
This pretty spot is likely to take over Instagram soon, check it out before the crowds find it. You can find the laneway in between two shops — Made on Earth and Elitra on New South Head Road.
