 East Village Shopping Center in Darlinghurst has transformed its rooftop area into a glowing, pink, winter garden. Inspired by European winter markets, keep warm beneath the soft fairy lights and enjoy some of the warming food and drinks on offer. Grab some currywurst, coq-au-vin, or fondue, and wash it down with any one of the winter speciality cocktails. The Pink Winter Garden is open from 5pm-11pm every day except Mondays, all the way until the end of August. It’s free entry, but it’d be a good idea to book ahead, which you can do here.  Escape reality and the cold. Sydney is getting a life-size pac-man maze, for two days only in August. Dodge ghosts, collect fruit, and solve coded puzzles in this larger-than-life immersive activity. There’s also an 80s themed bar to relax in with some good tunes and cocktails once you’re done. The activity is great for all ages (kids under 4 enter free), but there are also adults-only sessions run from 6pm-11pm. Get your tickets before they sell out.  Retro popups seem to be the flavour of the season in Sydney. The Tower Eye is hosting ‘Sydney’s Highest Playground’ on the observation decks, every day from 9am to 9pm, though til the end of August. Dress up in your favourite 80s and 90s outfits, and enjoy the giant versions of games like Jenga and Connect Four, and glow in the dark hula hoops. Embrace your inner-child with some decadent dessert cocktails. - Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences.
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Ever wondered what to do in Surry Hills? It’s known for being one of the hippest suburbs in Sydney, but it helps to have a little guidance. We’ve put together a loose guide for you to get the most out of the area, even if you only spend the one day there.  Start your day off right with some specialty coffee and absurdly good food. We recommend you check out Paramount Coffee Project. PCP was named Cafe of the year in 2017, and it’s easy to see why. Their dedication to every part of the coffee process is proudly on display, and the menu features inventive brunch dishes with an Asian twist. Now that you’re fed and caffeinated, explore the vintage goods on offer up and down Crown St. Surry Hills has among the best vintage shops in Sydney full of lovingly curated clothing from the last 50-odd years.  Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Single O to find options to keep everyone happy. If you’re feeling something healthy, the Mothership Bowl will nourish you. If you’re after something a little more indulgent, their Briske Roll with coffee-spiced brisket and wasabi mayo will hit the spot. They stop serving food at 2:30 and close at 3, so if you’d like to eat a little later, grab a hearty sandwich at vegan deli Shift Eatery, or check out Toko or Mille Vini for incredible Japanese or Italian respectively.  Let your lunch settle as you take a relaxed stroll around one (or two) of the boutique galleries scattered around the area. White Rabbit Gallery features provocative contemporary art across their 4 levels - the building used to be a Rolls-Royce Showroom, if you want something more traditional, check out the Brett Whitely Studio to see where the famous artist both lived and worked in his lifetime. Wind down your day at the Carrington Hotel with a beer or wine. They’re pet-friendly and even have a doggie menu, so it’s a great place to hang out with your pet, enjoy the evening air, and people (or pet) watch.
- Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences.  July 11th - 14th sees Circular Quay transformed into a sight for sore eyes for French expats. Bastille Festival promises art, wine tastings, and authentic food without the jetlag. They use the wintery weather to full advantage, with a Christmas Village and Ski village in The Rocks. There’s also a cinema screening family favourites and French classics, and a Carousel Kids Village to keep the young ones entertained. Check out the street performances and sample the wines, beers, ciders, and produce at your leisure. Alternatively, go for one of the more structured wine and cheese pairings with options ranging from $39 to $89.  Head to St Mary’s Cathedral and embrace the cold with some ice skating. The rink will be available from June 28th through til July 10th, as well as ice slides, a jumping castle, a bar, and food vendors. Tuesdays are date nights, and they’ll be pumping old school RnB on Thursdays. The rink is fully accessible for wheelchair users too.  Want more ice skating adventures? Disney On Ice Celebrates Mickey and Friends is touring Sydney this July (17th - 21st). The exciting, interactive show is a celebration of 90 years of Disney, and will feature all your kids’ favourites: Moana, Dory, the Toy Story cast, Elsa and Anna, and more!  Warm up with a decadent Italian-style hot chocolate at RivaReno Darlinghurst. Made with Valrhona single origin Grand Cru ‘Manjari’ (aka one of the best chocolates in the world), the rich cup will transport you straight to Madagascar. Pair it with some fresh hot crepes, or perhaps a scoop of a zesty gelato to balance out the sweetness.  If you prefer your winter warmers alcoholic Since I Left You is the perfect city-spot to get cosy beneath some fairy lights. Grab a potent Negroni or a glass of their house-made mulled wine and enjoy some live music. (Check their website to see what’s on.)
- Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences. Try something a little different for your next date night. Sydney has a variety of unique activities on offer, but it can be hard to find them if you don’t know where to look! We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourites, to help you step outside the box and have an exciting, memorable evening.  Forget being forgettable. Holey Moley is a brand new concept - mini golf in a bar. Each venue is decorated floor to ceiling with unique, pop-culture based mini golf courses. It’s enough to shake off anyone's inhibitions - but the music and drinks sure don’t hurt!  This is one for the alcohol connoisseurs. Head to Archie Rose Distillery in Rosebery. You can your their grounds and see how they make their gin and whiskey (tasting included). If you feel like getting more hands-on, they also offer a cocktail masterclass, and blend-your-own gin and whiskey classes.  It’s a movie date - upgraded. Stepping into the Golden Age Cinema and Bar is like stepping back in time. The Art Deco building has been painstakingly refurbished with lush vintage decor throughout. Their independent program features a mix of old and new, classics, documentaries, and arthouse films you won’t find anywhere else. Dess up, grab a cocktail, and enjoy.  Satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie with a ride on a Sydney Sea Plane. They have a range of options, depending on your scenic preference, and they’re only too happy to accommodate if you want to make your date extra romantic. - Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences.
Whether you’re after a way to entertain the children, or you’re looking for new ways to embrace your inner child, Sydney has an impressive selection of indoor adventure activities. Perfect for the wintery weather, burn some energy at one (or all) of these great venues.  Kids bouncing off the walls? Take them to Skyzone and let them do exactly that, literally. In fact, why not join them on any of the 100+ interconnected trampolines? Skyzone is more than just trampolines though! Perfect your backflip (or try it for the first time) safely into the foam pit, test your skills on their newly added Enduro ninja course, or attempt any of their 30 rock climbing walls. The perfect range of activities for active kids and big-kids.  Timezone has an impressive dedication to constantly bringing in new entertainment. Find everything here from old-school arcade type games to cutting edge virtual and augmented reality options. Spend a day here as a family, or get a babysitter and embrace your inner child on date night.  If you’re looking for a truly unique date night (or any night) experience, Sydney’s latest offering is Archie Brothers Cirque Electric. Imagine an old school carnival, modernised, and adapted for adults. Arcade games, dodgem cars, bowling, even a 3D interactive theatre ride. (Whatever that is.) All of this making you hungry? The on-site Dazzler’s Diner has a variety of upgraded burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, and shakes (alcoholic or regular). The candy-themed cocktails are enticing, and there are vegetarian options too!
- Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences.  Australia: A country with architecture as unique as its environment. The Sydney Opera House, perched on the tip of Circular Quay, alongside the Sydney Harbour Bridge, is one of the most well-known and iconic images of Sydney. Did you know that the creative design was the result of a competition? Back in 1956, The Hon. Joe Cahill (the NSW Premier at the time) ran a worldwide design competition for an opera house. Little-known Danish architect Jørn Utzon’s design was selected from over 200 entries.  However, when it came time to start planning, his curved design (radically different from the more common cubes and squares) stumped engineers for years. Eventually, Utzon himself came up with an idea: basing the curved shells on the face of an imaginary sphere.  Construction began in March 1959, and Utzon and his family moved to Australia shortly after. However, in 1965, Minister of Works Davis Hughes questioned Utzon’s grand designs for the interiors, particularly their schedules and costs. Despite huge protests throughout Sydney, Utzon was forced to step down from the project in 1966. That year, architect Peter Hall took over the project, bringing the iconic building to its completion. The Utzon family left Australia, never to return. However, in 1999, Utzon was engaged to create a set of Design Principles to guide any future changes, thereby ensuring his impact on the Australian cityscape to live on.  Now, the Sydney Opera House regularly hosts all types of events: opera, modern dance, comedy, burlesque, music, art, and children's’ event.
Not to mention all the postcards and photos! - Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences. Sydney in June means Winter is settling in properly. Don’t worry though, the city definitely steps up to make sure there’s plenty of entertainment available that doesn’t rely on the weather!  Sydney Film Festival is running from June 5- 16th and is the perfect excuse to get comfortable and escape the weather. The lineup includes a variety of strange and exciting films that are pushing boundaries around the world.  The International Convention Center down in Darling Harbour will be playing host to the Good Food and Wine Show from the 21st to the 23rd of June. Expect to see culinary celebrities likes Maggie Beer and Kylie Kwong wandering around, in amongst the numerous tastings, masterclasses, demonstrations, and stalls.  Head down to Marrickville Town Hall on Saturday, June 1st for the Round She Goes Fashion Market. $2 entry will get you access to 60 hand-curated fashion stalls. Expect to see brands like Gorman and Sass and Bide, as well as the occasional Ferragamo or Carla Zampatti.  Experience something out of the ordinary with a Ghostly Garden walking tour through the Royal Botanical Gardens. You’ll meet your guide at 5:30, who’ll take you through the quiet, shadowy paths (the gardens are closed to the public from 6:30) and tell you all about historical figures and spooky spectres said to hang around the parks. Suitable for children ages 8 and up.
- Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences. The iconic Sydney Fish Markets are a must-visit. The bustle of a busy market, and the excitement of seeing such a variety of exotic sea creatures - dead and alive, is an experience truly unique to Sydney. The markets boast a variety of eateries and shops, but there’s more to do there than just eat!  If you’re fascinated by the inner workings of the fish market, why not check out one of their behind-the-scenes tours? You’ll learn all about the history of the fish markets, how the Dutch auction system works, and about sashimi and live seafood products. You’ll also get to see the auction floor (with over 100 species of ocean animal), see some live oyster shucking This is one for the early birds though, as the tours kick off at 6:40 am sharp, and go for 1.5 - 2hours.  If you’re not quite prepared to get up that early, but having a guide through the madness of the markets is appealing, they’ve recently started offering Boutique Brunch Tours as well. The brunch tours start at 10 am Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and include a crash course on how to select the finest seafood (even in species you’ve never seen before), and an explanation of the Dutch system. You’ll still get to view the auction grounds, however, it won’t be in the full rush of the morning sale. You’ll get to see oyster shuckers and expert filleters. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, your guide will help you choose and order a sumptuous seafood brunch. Feeling inspired by the incredible variety of sea life on offer? Learn how to prepare a delicious seafood meal with a cooking class! You can choose a two, three, or four-hour class, and afterwards, you’ll get to enjoy a seafood meal with wine tasting. All the tours and classes are small groups and tend to fill up - so make sure you book ahead!
- Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences. May is a glorious time to be in Sydney. While the weather may or may not decide to cool down, the events which were simmering all Summer long now being to emerge.  Eat First of all, for the foodies. Mould: A Cheese Festival was held for the first time last year to roaring approval from locals. This year, the 2-day festival is held at Carriageworks (May 24th-25th) and will feature over 60 different fine cheeses. Sip on some beer, wine, or sake, grab some raclette and enjoy the live cooking demonstration.  If the thought of all that cheese is a little overwhelming, turn to Sparkling Sydney for something a little lighter. Kicking off on May 19th, this festival celebrates all things sparkling. Expect over 60 varietals of Australian and international wines, plus artisan beer and cider, as well as a variety of paired gourmet food options. You can wander around Pirrama Park and check out the stalls for free, and tasting packages start at $20.  Do Sydney Writers’ Festival is running from April 29 - May 5. Their program includes everything local and international writers, screenwriters, cutting edge non-fiction, and leading journalists and scientists. It’s a celebration of writing, an exploration of ideas, and their impressive program is definitely worth browsing. Give your brain a break with some shows from Sydney Comedy Festival, running April 22 - May 19.  See Give your eyes a rest from the concrete jungle, and check out the renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. Visiting directly from the Natural History Museum in London, you can catch this spectacular show from March 7 - August 25. Tickets also include access to everything else in the museum, including a 3D cinema and different play areas and activities for the kids.  If you see only one thing in Sydney this May, make it Vivid. The festival of lights and culture kicks off May 25, and the light shows run between 6 and 11 pm every night. While the art installations are spectacular, don’t forget to check out what else is on: there’s a little bit of everything including talks, parties, pop up bars and restaurants, and interactive activities. Check out the full program here.
- Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences. When you think about things to do in Sydney, it’s usually something outdoors that springs to mind. It makes perfect sense. Sydney is known for its great weather and stunning natural scenery. Take advantage of the gorgeous parks and waterfront views (and delicious food) available by packing up a picnic and heading to one of these spots for a perfectly relaxing day.  Blackwattle Bay Park hugs the shore all the way to Annandale, but we recommend exploring the shops and cafes in Glebe, grabbing some fresh food, then walking down to the park for uninterrupted views of the Anzac Bridge. Watch the city light up at dusk, and make sure to look up too - dozens of bats flock to the top of the Anzac Bridge at night.  The Royal Botanical Gardens are an ample oasis of greenery smack bang in the middle of the city. Perfect for some quiet time with your favourite book, even more perfect for a lush, romantic picnic. Immerse yourself in the exotic plants and flowers on show, as well as the incredible harbour views from Mrs Macquarie’s Point.  Robertson Park is tucked right next to Watson’s Bay, and is perfect for a relaxed day outdoors with the family. There are plenty of picnic tables, a fenced playground, and great views. Take the scenic walk, grab some fish and chips and gelato for lunch.  Wendy’s Secret Garden isn’t much of a secret anymore, but it’s still a spectacular spot and worth checking out. Wendy Whitely created the garden while she was mourning the passing of her husband, famous Australian artist Brett Whitely. Expect expansive views of the harbour and the North Shore, and lovingly curated flowers, ferns, and sculptures. True romance.
- Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences. |
AuthorLiv- Tender L Creative and Deb - a long term resident of Sydney. Archives
July 2019
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