Location
Ultimo is an inner-city suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
It is located immediately southwest of the Sydney CBD, about 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Ultimo sits between Haymarket, Pyrmont, Chippendale, and Darling Harbour, and is well known for its close proximity to major institutions such as the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), TAFE NSW Ultimo, and the University of Sydney (nearby).
History
Ultimo is named after the estate of Dr John Harris, who was granted 34 acres by Governor King in 1803. The name derives from a clerical error in a legal case that prevented Harris’s court-martial, and Harris Street later commemorated his legacy.
The area remained farmland under the ownership of the Harris family until its subdivision in 1859. At that time, the present street layout was established, and the first residences were constructed by John Harris’s descendants.
Residential development intensified in the 1880s, with the Pyrmont–Ultimo population peaking at approximately 30,000 by 1900. Early 20th-century industrial expansion led to widespread housing demolition and a sustained population decline, with numbers falling to 1,800 by 1978. The area’s proximity to Darling Harbour supported warehouse development, including notable Federation-style buildings along Wattle Street, while Harris Street later housed Festival Records’ headquarters from the early 1950s until 1966.
Blogs
Students Thinking about life in Australia
As international student, I was worried about Accommodation, Living Cost, Safety, Transportation and good life balance style environment whether for Part time.
Students choosing to live Ultimo
Choosing Ultimo as residential place to live while studying at either the university of Sydney or the UTS for several reasons primarly Safety, transportation and living cost.
Explore Ultimo
Ultimo is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Sydney, located just minutes from the CBD and known for its strong student presence and creative energy. It blends education, culture, heritage, and modern city living, making it one of Sydney’s most dynamic and convenient neighbourhoods.
Place to visit as New Student
Ultimo is an ideal place for new international students, offering a lively, welcoming environment right next to Sydney’s CBD. With universities nearby, affordable food options, excellent transport, cultural attractions, and easy access to Darling Harbour and Chinatown, Shopping centers, Ultimo makes settling into student life both convenient and exciting.
