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Melbourne is often labeled the most ‘artistic’ and cultural of all the state and territory capitals. But Sydney gives it a good run for its money. While natural features like the harbour and beaches dominate the Sydney ‘snapshots’, it’s also a home to just as many galleries as its southern sister.

If you want a taste all you need to do is take a stroll around some of Sydney’s art hubs. Apart from the ‘big Kauna’ (Art Gallery of NSW and Museum of Contemporary Art), you’ll find smaller commercial galleries sprinkled through the streets. One of the most densely populated districts is the very centrally located Darlinghurst. Here’s a ‘to do’ list to get you started:

• TAP Gallery (278 Palmer St, Darlinghurst): This is a space that provides exhibition space for emerging artists.

As a result, it’s often somewhere to see some of the most exciting and innovative work on the market.

• Urban Uprising (90 Fitzroy St, Surry Hills): If TAP gallery is innovative… Urban Uprising is groundbreaking. This new gallery has a mission to bring street art from around the world to audiences in Australia. This fresh approach to graffiti challenges the divide between high and low art. We’re talking big names like Banksy, Insect, Beejoir, Faile, Gee Vaucher, Jamie Reid, James Cauty, Shepard Fairey, Blak Le Rat and Nick Walter. If you are a street art fan you’ll be weak at the knees by now. If you’re new to the genre, do yourself a favour and make a beeline to this gallery.

• King Street Gallery (177 William Street, Darlinghurst): Here you’ll find a number of Australia’s most prominent paintbrush wielders including Elisabeth Cummings, Idris Murphy, Jenny Sages and Wendy Sharpe. It also throws a line to emerging artists, who often exhibit some of the best work.

• The Artery Contemporary Aboriginal