Dreaming of sipping espresso in a sun-drenched Italian piazza? You don’t need to dust off your passport or endure a long-haul flight to Europe. Tucked away in one of Australia’s coastal cities lies a hidden laneway that feels straight out of the Italian Riviera—bursting with colour, charm and the scent of freshly brewed coffee.
It’s not in Venice, Cinque Terre or Positano—but it might just convince you otherwise. Since its striking transformation in March 2023, this once-grey laneway has become a must-visit spot for anyone who loves art, good coffee and a touch of European flair.
Only later do visitors realise this slice of Italy is right in Australia—Collins Lane, in the leafy eastern suburb of Rose Bay, just minutes from Sydney’s CBD.
From dull to dazzling: A council’s clever transformation
What was once a simple walkway connecting to Rose Bay beach has been reborn as a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece. The upgrade was the work of Woollahra Council, which commissioned a full artistic overhaul inspired by Burano in Venice—the island famed for its brightly painted houses and candy-coloured streets.
Local artist Alice McAuliffe reimagined the space, creating a vivid ‘Concrete Carpet’ that runs the full length of the laneway. Every shopfront now glows with bold, cheerful hues that would make any Italian nonna proud.
The result feels so authentically Mediterranean that some visitors say they struggle to believe it’s even in Australia. ‘I have never visited Europe but this is how I picture it to be like!’ one blogger said, calling Collins Lane ‘a colourful oasis lined with cute shops and cafés’.
Others on social media compared it to places in Greece and Turkey, surprised to learn the photos were taken in Sydney.
Coffee, culture and creature comforts
At the heart of the laneway sits Collins Lane Café, known for its inviting blue-and-orange façade and outdoor seating that catches the morning sun. It has quickly become a favourite brunch spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a warm atmosphere that perfectly matches the laneway’s European feel.
Locals say Moshiko, a long-standing café in the lane, has found new life since the area’s colourful transformation and remains a favourite with regulars.
In one video, blogger Maggie said the laneway looked exactly like the Europe she’d always imagined—urging viewers to visit before 3 pm, while the shops and cafés are still open.
Shopping with European flair
Made on Earth, positioned at the entrance to the lane, is a stylish homewares and gift shop that feels more Mediterranean than suburban Sydney.
What makes Collins Lane special is its sense of scale. Each business feels personal and thoughtfully chosen, creating the ambience of a tucked-away European quarter rather than a typical shopping strip.
Why it’s worth the visit
At a time when international travel can feel complicated or costly, Collins Lane offers the joy of discovery close to home. The pace is gentle, the surroundings inspiring, and the quality consistently high—from its art-covered walkway to its independent cafés.
It’s a reminder that Sydney still has places where you can wander, linger and feel transported without ever leaving the city limits.
With its sunny colours and relaxed charm, it’s easy to see why many linger over their morning coffee a little longer than planned.
Have you discovered any places in your city that remind you of Europe? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear about your favorite local spots that make you feel worlds away without leaving Australia.
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