The sex industry has moved beyond the neon lights of Kings Cross to the city's sprawling suburbs, with clusters of brothels in Parramatta, Willoughby, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown.

The inner city remains the epicentre of the sex industry, with 39 brothels operating within the City of Sydney - mostly in the eastern half including Potts Point, Darlinghurst, Woolloomooloo, Surry Hills as well as the city centre. There are also 40 other sex industry businesses such as "restricted premises" and strip clubs.

Legal brothels in Sydney are spread out across the suburbs, such as this establishment in Artarmon. Credit:Louie Douvis

There are 25 brothels in the neighbouring Inner West council, 19 in Parramatta and eight in both Liverpool City Council and in the City of Canterbury Bankstown.

In Sydney’s lower north shore, there are 10 approved brothels in Willoughby Council, mainly located in Artarmon, and another four in North Sydney.