An old alley in Sydney has been transformed into a dreamy slice of Italy for good

Those dreaming of a European escape are finding it a little closer to home than they ever imagined thanks to a secret laneway in Sydney.

Hidden in the leafy streets of the exclusive eastern suburb of Rose Bay, Collins Lane has quickly become one of the city’s most Instagrammable hot spots.

What was once a dull grey thoroughfare cutting through to Rose Bay beach has been completely transformed into a Mediterranean-inspired laneway.

The café-laden wonderland bursting with vibrant colour, quirky murals and boutique charm has been likened to Italy for very good reason.

Since its official reopening in March 2023, the popular thoroughfare has quietly become the talk of the town (and TikTok), and is just 10 minutes from Sydney‘s CBD.

The upgrade was the work of Woollahra Council, who commissioned a full artistic overhaul inspired by the famous island of Burano in Venice, which is known for its brightly painted houses and candy-coloured streets.

Artist Alice McAuliffe was brought on to reimagine the space, creating a stunning ‘Concrete Carpet’ that runs the length of the laneway, tying together the explosion of colour and character that now defines it.

Each side of the narrow street is lined with boutique shops, cafes, salons and homewares stores, with every doorway and window splashed with a different bold hue.

Those dreaming of a European escape are finding it a little closer to home thanks to a ‘secret’ laneway in Sydney‘s Eastern Suburbs

One end of the laneway opens up to Rose Bay beach, while the other invites visitors to linger among the scent of fresh coffee, pastries and flowers drifting from nearby cafés.

The Collins Lane Café, with its distinctive blue-and-orange doors and rustic alfresco tables, has become the brunch destination for those in the know.

However, locals swear by Moshiko, a long-time coffee favourite that’s been given a fresh lease on life by the laneway’s makeover.

For shoppers, Made On Earth, a stylish homewares and gift store at the entrance of the lane, is a treasure trove of chic knick-knacks and accessories.

They’re the kind of boutiques you’d expect to stumble upon in the Amalfi Coast, not suburban Sydney.

Since the revamp, visitors have been flooding social media with photos and videos, calling the lane ‘a colourful oasis’ and ‘Sydney’s best-kept secret.’

‘I have never visited Europe, but this is how I picture it to be like!’ one blogger, Maggie, gushed in an online video, urging followers to get there before 3pm when the shops and cafés are still open.

Others couldn’t believe it was even in Australia saying they thought it was Turkey or somewhere else.

Collins Lane, once a dull thoroughfare to Rose Bay beach, has been transformed into a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired laneway and one of Sydney’s most Instagrammable spot

Lining each side of the alley is a series of business and cafes. There are homewares stores, beauticians, eateries and hairdressers to visit

Visitors will never guess the vibrant hidden gem was once a unremarkable grey thoroughfare through to the nearby Rose Bay beach

‘Omg this actually looks like Greece!’ another commented on a recent TikTok video by the name of Porporrporr, which has accumulated 383,000 views in just two days.

‘How have I been in Sydney my whole life and never seen this! I must check it out,’ a NSW local posted to the Collins Lane Café Instagram account.

Other residents in the area have dubbed it a ‘hidden gem’, admitting it’s often overlooked despite sitting in the heart of Sydney’s bustling eastern suburbs.

For those heading there, locals warn it’s best to come hungry and with full pockets, claiming the food is good but ‘expensive’

For those heading there, locals warn it’s best to come hungry and with full pockets, claiming the food is good, ‘expensive but good.’

Still, few seem to mind the prices when they can sip their morning coffee surrounded by sunshine, colour and the unmistakable feel of a European summer.

With its Mediterranean charm, pastel-painted storefronts and café culture, it’s no wonder thousands are now flocking to this once-overlooked corner.