BEST CHURCH: ST STEPHENS ANGLICAN CHURCH

What’s impressive about St Stephens – a landmark in Newtown that has been running since 1849 – is the three-metre high stone wall that surrounds the three sides of the property. The border it creates around the property breathes a sense of mystique into this picturesque church that is rich with local history. What’s even more impressive is the cemetery that surrounds St Stephens – Camperdown Cemetery – which could arguably rival the one that features in Michael Jackson’s Thriller video and can only be described as a bit of a boon, really. Locals seem to be entirely comfortable with the whole “cemetery in the middle of the city” situation, which draws a significantly varied crowd. Dog walkers play fetch with their canine companions amongst the tombstones, lovers take strolls hand in hand along the graffiti-heavy bordering walls and heck, even the teenagers doing questionable things in the secluded nooks adds a certain charm to the place. There are also cemetery tours on the first Sunday of every month so it’s not just me being morbid, it’s a legitimate interest! (Donna Yan)

189 Church St, Newtown, 2042. 9557 2043, ststephens.org.au