Putney is a small suburb set on the Parramatta River within the local government area of Ryde. The traditional custodians of the land are the Wallumedegal People. Boasting rich history, leafy cafe-filled streets, and plenty of culture, a day spent in Putney is far from dull.
Arrive in Putney by Ferry. With services from Parramatta to Kissing Point Ferry Wharf every hour, you’ll arrive in style after spending some time travelling down the Parramatta River.
Disembarking at Kissing Point, you’ll walk around lands steeped in history - both Indigenous and European. These are the grounds where Bennelong died and was buried. He was an Aboringinal Man of the Eora People who was one of the first Indigenous Australians to connect with the early British Settlers.
In the same area, the famous Sydney brewer James Squire was also granted land in 1795.
Head up to Charles Street, the commercial centre of the town. Walking the main street transports you to a European town. With the smell of Jasmine in the air, cafes lining the streets, restaurants, boutiques and even a gallery space, there is so much to see, try, and explore!
Start your walk at the Parry and Charles Street intersection. Grab yourself a coffee from Charles Street Kitchen, before heading into one of the boutiques such as Ronza George Jewellery – a bespoke jewellery designer with a shop front and workshop out the back.
After buying a special gift or two, head down a few doors to Brenda Colahan Fine Art.
We were invited in early November 2021 for an exclusive showing of the gallery’s latest exhibition Floral Lush: Melony Kara Smirniotis
The exhibition is described as “a dance between colour, light, and texture.” You could spend hours looking at the works on show. Each work is so intricately developed and the longer you spend looking the more detail you find. Floral Lush is running between the 1st to the 21st of November 2021.
As well as the current exhibition, the gallery plays host to a range of other well-known and well-respected artists, from Archibald Prize winners to classics in Australian Photography. The Gallery also dedicates a whole section to prominent Indigenous Artists with a curation of selection of traditional and contemporary works. The range of fine quality art packs a punch and will inspire serious collectors. The Gallery rivals what's held by its’ counterparts and adds a sense of culture to the whole main street. Make sure you check out the upstairs sections after taking in the exhibition for Melony’s latest series.
After spending some time learning and exploring throughout the Gallery, head down the road for some lunch at one of the many restaurants. Dolcini Café has a wide range of Italian inspired meals serving both breakfast and lunch. Being a licenced venue, the café is always buzzing with patrons flowing onto the street to enjoy a glass of wine, spritz or beer in the sun. The European vibe is infectious! Be sure to also check out Patio @ Putney, Gringos Fresh Mexican, Zaitoune Mezza and Grill or Da Bruno Italian Restaurant.
After you finish some lunch and drinks, continue meandering the street. The local butcher, Butcher’s Boutique is something of a fusion between a fine Italian Deli and a fine Italian Butchery, and the florist, Petals of Putney, make for some great local browsing.
Putney is a quaint town and spending a day here makes you feel as if you’re one of the locals. It’s the perfect day out with so much to see and do!