 Sydney loves to put on a festival. Any excuse will do, and the Chinese New Year is no different! Running for 10 days in February, the festival includes a variety of markets and shopping, traditional delicacies, art installations, performances, and family activities.  If you like seafood, you can’t miss the one-night-only Chinese New Year Night Market held at the fishmarkets in Pyrmont on Feb 8th. Parking is free after 4pm, so head down and feast on the freshest oysters and seafood in Sydney, as well as burgers, fresh fruit, and desserts. Make sure you’re there between 6:30 and 7:30 to see the lion dancers!  If you’re after a different kind of market, the regular weekly markets in The Rocks (Friday-Sunday) have expanded for the lunar new year, and are staying open until 10pm. They’ll be selling locally made clothing, jewellery, crafts, all under the glow of traditional red lanterns. While you’re in the area, keep an eye out for the huge animal lanterns floating around. Each one has been designed by an Australian-Chinese artist and represents an animal of the zodiac.  There will also be Lunar New Year celebrations at World Square and Cabramatta which will be great to check out with the whole family. World Square will have adorable piglets to meet, Korean fan dancing, a lion dance, and a special art installation from 11am-2pm and 4pm-7pm which will have everyone dancing. Cabramatta is a little more food-focused, and will also have exciting activities for all age groups, firecrackers, and other performances.  On February 9th and 10th, there will be dragon-boat racing in Darling Harbour. The spectacularly carved and painted boats, as well as the competition and sportsmanship, draws thousands of spectators every year. In case all the celebrations had you hungry (again), wind up your evening at Sydney Tower Eye, where there is an all you can eat dumpling pop up. The sessions are priced at $45, and run for 45 minutes each from 5-7pm.
- Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences.
0 Comments
 Click here to If you’re in Sydney during April, you absolutely can’t miss a visit to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. This year, it’s running from April 12th - 23rd, and they have a range of ticket options available, starting at $22 for children and $37 for adults - including return train fare to the Olympic Park Showgrounds.
Get up close and personal with Australia's agriculture - the kids will love seeing some of the huge cows and horses, not to mention the puppy, rabbit, and goat shows. The gourmand won’t want to miss the honey competition (daily, 9:30 am- 10:30 am), and the athleticism and strength displayed at the woodchopping competition make it a crowd favourite every year.  Once you’ve had your cultural fix with the food, art, and animals, indulge the children (or your inner child, why not) with some rides and show bags. The selection of world-class attractions brought in will get your adrenaline pumping, and the selection of show bags always provide a value-filled shopping experience. The Easter Show isn’t the only thing to do in Sydney during April though!  With the slightly cooler weather, Easter is a fantastic time for outdoor activities. The Bondi to Bronte walk is as beautiful, and much less crowded this time of year, or check out the jaw-dropping South Head Heritage Trail starting from Watson’s Bay - or for something a little different, why not try out horseriding in Centennial Park?  Other fantastic events include the Easter Parade (April 22nd), the Championships Races (first and second Saturday of April every year), or even an Easter Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour!
- Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences.  The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade (March 2nd, 7pm) is a one of a kind event. The vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community draws hundreds of thousands of people from all over Australia and the world. The parade itself snakes from Hyde Park in the CBD down Oxford St, ending up in Moore Park. You can settle in pretty much anywhere along the streets to see the parade, but it does tend to get full so it’s worth getting in early to make sure you have a good view. The floats, dancers, and extravagant costumes are worth it!  Some things to remember:
 Due to road closures, getting around the city can be a bit tricky, so check out Mardi Gras’ parade transport guide, as well as their accessibility viewing options. But did you know it’s not just about the parade day?  Every year, Mardi Gras is accompanied by a festival showcasing the incredible talent within the LGBTQ+ community. The festival program covers every aspect of entertainment, including music, parties, sports, talks and workshops, and performing and visual arts. This year, the festival is running from February 15th until March 3rd, so you’ve got plenty of time to explore. Fair Day (Sunday February 17th) is a good place to start. Held in Victoria Park, the fun kicks off at 10 am. There are rides and stalls, games in the Sports Village, and the wildly popular Doggywood (yep, Fair Day is family and pet-friendly). When you’ve worked up an appetite, stretch out on a warm patch of grass with your BYO picnic, or grab something from Sydney’s finest food trucks. There’ll also be a mix of current LGBTQ+ artists performing at the main stage so go and have a dance.  - Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences.
January is the perfect time to be in Sydney. The weather is great (most of the time), and the locals are on their summer holidays, which means the vibrant city is packed with activities, workshops, and family-friendly entertainment. While the kids might not be sick of the beach and Luna Park, don’t miss the chance to expose them to some less common, stimulating entertainment.  The Australian Wildlife Show (January 15th). Australia is known for having some of the most unique wildlife in the world, but they can be a bit hard to spot! Give your kids (and yourself, why not!) the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the unusual animals that call Australia home - get some memorable photos while you’re at it. If you prefer your animals a little less realistic, head down to Vaucluse House for The Jungle Book: The Next Chapter (January 10th - 27th). The interactive show is set several years later, with all the favourite characters from Jungle Book reuniting to embark on some fresh adventures. If your kids are all about things that go bump in the night, The Howling might be just the ticket. You can choose between the 4-day Short Film Course (January 14th-17th, or 21st -24th), or a single day Scream Class (January 18th or 25th). The course covers scriptwriting, acting, editing, and filming, while the scream class provides tips and tricks from professional thriller actors - including how to handle big emotional scenes, and audition techniques.  Of course, you might prefer something a little more lighthearted. In which case, you might prefer to check out So Frenchy So Chic (January 19th). This year’s lineup is packed with fabulous female artists, and there will, of course, be wine and cheese available. There’ll be plenty of entertainment for the kids, including face painting, drumming classes, lawn games, and bubble artists - and children under 12 enter free. - Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences.
 If you’re going to be in Sydney during January, it’s absolutely essential you check out Sydney Festival. Sydney Festival first ran back in 1977, and has since then developed into a diverse showcase of the incredible local (and international) talent. The festival will run from January 9th - 27th 2019, and features a little bit of everything; from contemporary music and theatre, free workshops and art installations, comedy, cabaret, and more. This year, the festival honours the 50th anniversary since the moon landing with an underlying lunar theme. Check out our top picks, and remember to plan ahead - you don’t want to miss out! There’s a whole lot of family-friendly fun on. Head over to Prince Alfred Square to check out Heliosphere - an aerialist suspended from a giant helium balloon 20 metres above the audience. If you prefer something that’ll help burn some of the kids’ energy, Moon Drops (below) should definitely be on your list. The free, interactive art installation is basically giant water droplets for the kids (and you) to jump and bounce around on - allowing you to feel the weightlessness of zero gravity. There are also flying trapeze workshops and Aerialize workshops for kids as young as 4, including an accessible workshop for kids with disability.  There’s plenty for the adults too. Allow Marcia Hines to transport you to a glamorous Parisian neighbourhood with Pigalle, or lose yourself in South African songstress Nakhane’s emotive, fragile vocals. Carriageworks is also hosting Nick Cave’s immersive installation Nick Cave: Until Later, with various musicians and DJs bringing it to life after hours. We tried to show you a bit of a spread, but there’s so much on we couldn’t possibly do it justice in a blog. Check out the Sydney Festival website or view the full programme here for more!
Which shows will you be heading to? - Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences.  It’s not hard to find ways to pass the time in Sydney in Summer. But what about on Christmas Day? Some things are open, some are closed, some are only open specific times. Christmas Day in Sydney should be relaxing and fun- and with a little planning, it will be.  Of course, there’s the classic option: spend the day at the beach. Grab all the supplies you’ll need beforehand, grill some seafood at home, have a refreshing ocean swim, then head home to enjoy a glass of rosé. If you’d rather not cook, why not go for a Yum Cha experience in Chinatown - take advantage of it being less crowded than usual. Palace Chinese Restaurant is open from 10:30, and Marigold will be open from 10am. If you prefer some more Western food, the Sofitel in Darling Harbour hosts sumptuous Christmas day buffet lunches and dinners, and The Sailmaker at Hyatt Regency will have live carving stations and a special visit from Santa. Public transport will be running all day- why not take the ferry over to Barangaroo and enjoy a modern Turkish lunch at Anason? You’ll also be able to grab a drink at vegan bar and restaurant Alibi in Woolloomooloo, or The Bavarian in Bondi if you prefer not to wander too far from the beach.  Taronga Zoo gives gifts to the monkeys! Of course, there are other things to do on Christmas day aside from eating and drinking. Taronga Zoo is open every single day of the year, as is Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum.
Get planning! - Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences.  You might be content spending your days laying on the beach and sipping on cocktails, but chances are the kids will want a little more action over their holiday. There are plenty of family-friendly activities available, so read on and get planning!  Christmas Wonderland at Sydney Showground If you fancy getting the kids out of the hot sun for a day, why not check out the Christmas Wonderland at Sydney Showground? Earlybird tickets are $24 (or $40 afterwards- kids under 3 enter free) and include a 3-hour session with access to a variety of carnival rides, unlimited ice skating, and an Enchanted Christmas Village. Calm down after all the excitement with some relaxing crafts at the Santa’s Workshop, before heading over to catch the unforgettable penguin’s parade.  Christmas Lights At St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney loves putting on a light show. This one is on every evening from December 5th through December 25th (including Christmas Day) and kicks off with choirs at 7:30 pm. At 8:30, when it’s good and dark, the light show kicks off. First, the grand face of St Mary’s Cathedral will transform into a Christmas-themed kaleidoscope. Next, there’ll be a heartwarming story written and narrated by actor Simon Pryce. Finally, the visuals will shift into more traditional Christmas imagery. Bar Coco will be providing sweet treats and coffee, but you’re also welcome to bring along your own picnic for the evening (no alcohol allowed). If you loved that, you can also check out the Christmas Tree in Martin Place. There’ll be choirs from 6 pm - 8 pm and the light show is on the hour every hour from 6pm til midnight (no music though). Satisfy your sweet tooth at the GPO Grand’s Dessert Bar.  The Grounds x Disney's The Nutcracker Christmas The Grounds Of Alexandra always go the extra mile, and this Christmas is no different. They’ve partnered with Disney to transform their lush venue into a Christmas wonderland complete with artificial snow and Santa. Their laneways have been transformed into the Lands of Snowflakes, Flowers, and Sweets, and some of their special events include dinner table styling, cake decorating masterclasses, and a whole range for the kids including cookie decorating and honey making! Do you like the idea of a Summery festive season, or are you a fan of the traditional White Christmas?
- Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences.  It’s no secret Sydney-siders like to take things outside where possible (check out the post on outdoor markets here). So it makes sense that Sydney has a plethora of outdoor cinemas on offer. Imagine sitting on the grass amidst warm coastal evening breezes as you watch the latest movie on a full-size screen. Perfect for date night, perfect for the whole family. Here are a few options that are closer to Bondi!  Flickerfest Held in Bondi Pavilion, this annual short film festival features the most innovative and entertaining short films from around the world. Their program consists of 100 films selected from over 2500 entries. Stroll down from your Ruby’s Residence, and don’t worry about finding a parking spot. Don’t forget to head to the Flickerfest Bar for some pre-film drinks. The Bar is open every day for the duration of the festival and overlooks the famous Bondi Beach. Bondi Pavilion January 11th- 20th.  Mov’in Bed Open Air Cinema This one features extra-large super-comfy beds for you while you watch the movie. Book one for yourself and your partner for an extra cozy date night, or get a second one for the kids to snuggle up on. Once you get on one of these beds, you won’t want to get off. The good news is you won't have to - you can order food and drink straight to your bed. Entertainment Quarter November 20th - February 17th.  Moonlight Cinema You can choose from a mix of new release and classic films, and opt to rent a bean bag or bring your own cushions and blankets. While they do have on-site caterers, you’re most welcome to BYO food, alcohol, and dog (though all dogs must be kept on a short leash at all times). Centennial Park November 29th - March 31st.  An honourable mention goes to the St George Open Air Cinema. It may not be Bondi, but when dusk settles in and the three-story-tall screen rises from the harbour, it is truly spectacular. Enjoy one of the gourmet food and beverage offerings as the sun sets over the cityscape, then settle in for the movie.
Sydney Harbour January 8th - February 16th. - Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences.  Photo by Alicia Zinn from Pexels. Summer in Sydney is glorious. Locals and tourists alike love to take advantage of the weather as often as possible - including when it’s time to shop. As a result, Sydney boasts a variety of markets - some all year round, some just for Christmas time.
What could be better spending some time in one of the many markets on offer, browsing the gourmet food, handmade gifts, unique clothing, and organic produce? There are many Sydney markets, but if you're only in Sydney for a short time, we’ve listed our top 3 to get a taste! Bondi Markets What better place to start than in your own backyard? Saturdays are Farmers’ Markets, so drop in to pick up fresh produce. The Sunday markets are a little more varied, with everything from fresh food, vintage clothing and records, to locally designed clothing and jewellery. The back section is more like a ‘garage sale’ section and is worth checking out for designer goods on the cheap. When: Saturdays & Sundays, 9am-4pm. Where: Bondi Beach Public School. The Big Design Market This 3-day celebration of art, design, and fashion is held at the Entertainment Centre in Moore Park - a short drive from Bondi Junction. The market will host over 200 designers showing off their handmade and local goods. There’ll be something for everyone: fashion and jewellery, craft beer, Dutch bikes, plenty of food, and free craft for the kids. Entry is $2 (children under 12 enter free), and you’ll also get to see the huge art installation by artist and author Marc Martin. Where: Moore Park When: December 7, 10am-8pm. December 8, 10am-7pm. December 9, 10am-5pm Glebe Markets These iconic markets showcase a range of up and coming fashion and design. Expect artists, sculptors, graphic artists, and more - it changes every weeK! Grab some food and a fresh juice and head over to the grassy lawn to enjoy the free live music between 12-3pm. Where: Glebe Public School When: Saturdays 10am-4pm Happy shopping! - Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences.  Photo by Pier Scarpa Whether you’re here for a short while or a longer while, you’ll want to take maximum advantage of your temporary beach house. If you’re an early riser, Bondi offers a range of enjoyable ways to pass that quiet time before everybody else gets up. Go for a walk, swim, or grab a quiet coffee from one of the many early morning cafes.
Sunrise at Ben Buckler Make your way across the rocks at North Bondi. Once you see the stairs to Ray O’Keefe Reserve, climb up and enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the watery horizon. Early Morning Surf Lesson Are you really a Bondi local if you haven’t at least tried to surf? Let’s Go Surfing offers lessons starting at 6:30am so you can enjoy falling off your board with relatively few witnesses. Icebergs Pool and Sauna The views from the Bondi Icebergs Sauna sweep out directly over the ocean. Sweat it out then jump into the crisp ocean pool for a revitalising start to the day. It can get crowded, but at 6am on a weekday you’ll have plenty of space. Moore Park Driving Range Fancy playing a few holes to clear your head in the morning? Moore Park Driving Range is open from 6am and offers a variety of options for play and practise. Iggy’s Bread While not strictly in Bondi, if you love your bread hot and fresh, it’s worth the quick drive over to Bronte to get your hands on a loaf of the famous Iggy’s Bread. The earlier the better - there’s always a line! - Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences. |
AuthorLiv- Tender L Creative and Deb - a long term resident of Sydney. Archives
February 2019
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed