It is situated immediately east of the Sydney central business district, adjacent to Hyde Park.
The locality is of predominantly residential and also includes education, media, commercial, and significant cafes and restaurants.
It contains a number of institutions of significance including the Australian Museum, Sydney Grammar School and a residence of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
The locality has a distinctive history, transitioning through periods of high regard to ill-repute.
The locality is contained within the Office of Environment & Heritage's East Sydney and Darlinghurst Conservation Area.