July 5, 2009
Glebe has long been considered Sydney’s bohemian hub thanks to the youthful spirit of the nearby Sydney Uni, its unique bookstores and cafes, and the weekly institution of the Saturday markets. This is what keeps creative types of all ages coming back for more.
First there’s the book trail, stores which delight literary buffs searching for hard-to-find books and tomes that are just a little left of centre. Gleebooks is a must see for its diverse range of new and second-hand books, and the brilliant children’s outlet. It also attracts some notable authors for its regular book signing. Then there’s Sappho Books and Café, a veritable trove of second-hand treasures. Upstairs you’ll also find Da Capo, which houses an amazing collection of sheet music and scores. Glebe is also home to the appropriately named Florilegium, which specialises in books about gardening and horticulture, and The Cornstalk, a must-see destination if you’re chasing a rare or out-of-print Aussie book.
Then there’s the art. Glebe is home to many small galleries, many of which are operated by the artists themselves. You can get discover new and established Aboriginal artists at the Honey Ant Gallery or see an eclectic mix of jewellery, ceramics, paintings, and sketches at the two-storey Gallery Adagio. Then there’s the Glass Artist Gallery, one of the city’s few galleries dedicated to the amazing art created using glass. While you’re out make sure you keep your eyes peeled for Hilik Mirankar’s sculptures on Queen Street. He has an ever-changing display of timber and reclaimed material sculptures right in the heart of the suburb.
If you see all that you’re bound to get hungry. Thankfully Glebe has plenty of cool cafes to keep you satisfied. You could grab a bite while you’re at Sappho Books, or enjoy the breads and pastries at Sonoma Café. Badde Manors is a local institution with its vegetarian fare, gelato, and tasty Hungarian cakes. If you’re looking for something else to indulge your sweet tooth, stop in at San Churro. Their long Spanish donuts dipped in ooey, gooey chocolate are to die for.
Image source: Avlxyz @ Flickr
July 4, 2009
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If you’re looking to get arty in Sydney there are plenty of places to do it, from the biggies like the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Gallery of New South Wales to smaller spaces like the always cool Blender Gallery and Pine Street Creative Arts Centre. But if you’d rather get off the beaten track, you need to travel down the Hawkesbury Arts Artisans and Crafters Trail.
The Hawkesbury offers a gorgeous range of galleries, housed in historic buildings set in stunning rural surrounds. You’ll find them as far as Vineyard in the south, St Albans in the north, and Bowen Mountain in the west. Some have cafes for a quick bite, while other run visitors tours to give you the greatest insights into the art works.
Many of the artisan’s studios are attached to their galleries, and you can often sneak a peek at these at specific times or by appointment. Some of the artists also teach in their studios, offering you a real insight into the creative process and allowing you to take home your own masterpieces. And there’s nothing like buying art direct from the gallery, after speaking with the artist about your prized piece’s inspiration.
Visit the Hawkesbury Arts Artisans and Crafters Trail website to learn more about the treasure trove of creativity hidden in this beautiful part of Sydney. Open weekends are scheduled regularly, with the next taking place on August 16 and 17. But if you can’t wait that long, many of the galleries are also open at regular times or by appointment.
Image source: Jorge Vicente @ Stock.xchng
July 3, 2009
I don’t think it’ll matter how many times I see a shot of Sydney Harbour; the dramatic sails of the Sydney Opera House and the mechanical marvel of the Sydney Harbour Bridge will always blow me away. What I love most is when I see it from a different point of view, as I do here in this photo. The sunset makes the sky glow, launching the buildings into silhouette which makes them look even more striking. Is Sydney an amazing city of what?
Image source: Snapper’s Pics @ Flickr
July 2, 2009
 I certainly appreciate chocolate. I appreciate the way it warms me up in this cold weather, the way it teases my nose, and the way that it always helps when I’m in a bad mood. But apparently there’s more to chocolate appreciation than that, and there’s a free class happening at St Mary’s to clue us in.
The class will teach you about the history of chocolate, the way it’s made, specialty blends, and of course help you indulge your sweet tooth. That’s all I need to know!
The class is the yummiest part of the Ropes Crossing Winter Festival, which features plenty of free and informative events dealing with everything from gardening and real estate to the environment and travel. Personally, I think the chocolate class sounds like the most tempting option!
Date: Sunday 5 July
Time: 10:30 am to 1 pm
Location: SIC Café
Address: Ropes Crossing Boulevard, Ropes Crossing, St Marys
Public transport: Catch a train to St Marys station. There is a regular bus travelling from the station to Ropes Crossing
Parking: There is plenty of parking near the café
Cost: Free, but booking are essential. RSVP by 3 July by calling 1800 182 211
Website: http://www.ropescrossing.com.au
Image source: Alessandro Paiva @ Stock.xchng
July 1, 2009
The art of Australian-born photographer Russell James will be on show at the Customs House Square forecourt next week.
The outdoor exhibition is sure to be an eclectic one considering the internationally renowned snapper’s background. He’s famous for his fashion works for Vogue and Victoria’s Secret, as well as personal pieces focused on Australia’s indigenous population. That’s some mix!
Catch this exciting photographic show for just two days next week!
Dates: 7 and 8 July
Time: 7 am to 4 pm
Location: Customs House Square forecourt
Address: 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay
Public transport: Customs House is a short walk from Circular Quay train station and ferry wharf
Parking: The closest parking stations are located behind the Gateway building (In Underwood St, off Pitt St, opposite of the Marriott Hotel), the Sir Stamford Hotel Car park (Albert Street, off Macquarie St) and Sydney Opera House Car Park.
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.studiorusselljames.com/
Image source: Teodora Vlaicu @ Stock.xchng
June 30, 2009
Next week Sydney will celebrate all things indigenous with the annual NAIDOC Week. This year’s theme is Honouring our Elders, Nurturing our Youth, an idea which encourages communities to acknowledge the role of elders as leaders and mentors for young people.
But it’s about much more than those big ideas. The week is also full of free entertainment, from three-on-three basketball games to film nights, family tree workshops, and children’s story times.
“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate our Indigenous heritage and contemporary culture,” explained Lord Mayor Clover Moore. “I invite all members of our community to participate in the many events being held across the city.”
Visit the City of Sydney website to see a full program of all the activities.
Image source: TysonA @ Flickr
June 29, 2009
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Sydney parents looking for something special for their brood should get down to Mathilda’s Market on Sunday.
The Lane Cove markets are a new niche shopping experience offering handmade and small production line goodies for babies and children. You’ll find gorgeous clothes and pyjamas, colourful linens, unique gifts and birthday cards, personalised jewellery and purses, wooden toys, artworks, and much more.
Most of the retailers don’t have their own stores, so you’re guaranteed to find a few special things you won’t see anywhere else.
Date: Sunday 5 July
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Location: St Ignatius’ College
Address: Tambourine Bay Road, Lane Cove
Public transport: Catch a train to St Leonards station, then the #266 or #267 bus to Lane Cove
Parking: There is a car park on site
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.mathildasmarket.com.au/
Image source: Mathilda’s Market website
June 28, 2009
 Eco-conscious Sydneysiders can now borrow a Power-Mate from one of Sydney’s libraries. The device measures the electricity, greenhouse gases, and costs of running regular home appliances.
“These devices give people the ability to see for themselves exactly how much that TV, clothes dryer or microwave is costing each year,” explained Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
“The Power-Mates will empower residents with knowledge about their consumption habits and encourage changes that will result in consuming less energy, producing fewer carbon emissions and saving money.”
Power-Mates are available for loan from Customs House (Circular Quay), Glebe, Surry Hills, Haymarket, Kings Cross, Newtown, Waterloo and Ultimo libraries. As they’re sure to be popular, there may be a waiting list to borrow the eco-friendly gadgets.
Image source: Sydney Media
June 27, 2009
Local Aboriginal personality Vic Simms will visit La Perouse Museum tomorrow to talk about life for indigenous folk around Botany Bay.
Mr Simms, who comes from the Bidjigal tribe, has been a resident of La Perouse his entire life. He’ll reflect about the experiences of Aboriginal people in the area, both before and after the arrival of European explorers. He’ll also share tales of his childhood, speak of the arts and crafts made by his people, and tell guests about Aboriginal languages.
There are several talks tomorrow, so make sure you check one out.
Date: Sunday 28 June
Times: Talks at 11 am and 1:30 pm
Location: La Perouse Museum
Address: Anzac Parade, Pa Perouse
Public transport: Catch the #394, #L94 or #X94 from Circular Quay
Parking: There is a car park on site
Cost: Museum entry is $5.50 for adults and $3.30 for concessions
Image source: Tim in Sydney @ Flickr
June 26, 2009
I found this photo while browsing through Flickr, and I couldn’t resist sharing it with you. I really wish I knew where in Sydney it was taken, and I’d love if anyone out there can shed some light on that! At any rate, this is the sort of shot that I love because it seems so far removed from the traffic and chaos of the busy city. That’s a part of Sydney too, but the contrast between that hubbub and the quiet of this photo is stunning.
Image source: 1Happysnapper @ Flickr
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Sydney, AUSTRALIA