I recommend a trip out to Balmain if you are looking to see how real people in Sydney live. It reminded me very much of Park Slope in Brooklyn. Much like the borough of Brooklyn in New York City, Balmain if part of the city but also a world apart. It is truly a village full of charm. The suburb of Balmain is easy to get to via ferry from Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. Catch the city bus, #442 when you arrive in Balmain. The bus drives up Darling Street and after about 10 minutes you will be in the center of town. Ask the driver for the stop closest to St. Andrews Church. It is opposite a cemetery and the London Hotel (look for these landmarks when you are on the bus so you know when to ring the bell). The Balmain arts and crafts market operates on Saturday morning from 7:30am-4pm. The offerings at the market are diverse. I bought a Japanese woodblock painting, a handbag from a Sydney designer, a necklace, and homemade jam. There was also a homemade food market inside the church next to the market. The town of Balmain also offers great little cafes to grab a bite to eat in and antique shops that open later in the day. I arrived early for the market (8:30am) and much of the neighborhood was still asleep. The bungalow-style architecture of the village is worth seeing. I didn't see any other part of Sydney that looked quite like Balmain.