On a Sunday in Sydney, you might find yourself torn between grabbing a pastry at the local farmer’s market, catching a wave during sunrise or perhaps visiting the latest art exhibition in your neighbourhood. Laid back but not least exciting, Sydney is brimming with things for you to discover and explore.
SHOPPING
Carriageworks Farmers Market
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The Carriageworks Farmers Market is no mere farmers’ market. Consider visiting it a sacred ritual for health-conscious fashion lovers every Saturday. The dog-friendly marketplace is ripe with biodynamic produce, artisan bread, boutique wines, single-origin coffee and fresh flowers. When the weather is right (when is it not in Sydney?), it’s hard to find a better people-watching spot than the outdoor seats of this bustling market.
245 Wilson Street Eveleigh NSW 2015, Australia
The Rocks Market
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Take a stroll through the diverse stalls of The Rocks Market featuring jewellery makers, local artists, photographers, bakers and more. Food is undoubtedly a market staple, and this one offers homemade plant-based cookies and delicious Vietnamese bánh mì amongst its array of diverse food options. Depending on the roster, expect to discover a new favourite band or relax in a child’s pose during one of their free yoga lessons. Afterwards, lay back and soak in the sunshine at Dawes Point Park, which is located next to the market.
George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Queen Victoria Building
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It would be remiss not to mention one of Sydney’s most iconic shopping destinations — the historic Queen Victoria Building. Housed under its Byzantine copper domes are more than 140 fashion boutiques, jewellery shops, cafes and restaurants of utmost quality. On a lucky day, music wafts through the gorgeous five-story building as shoppers tickle the ivories of the baby grand piano on the top floor.
455 George Street Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Studio A
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This social enterprise supports artists with intellectual disabilities to pursue an art career providing a working studio, specialist materials and support-staff. At their online shop, you can purchase prints, jewellery, tea towels, ceramics and other items created by Studio A’s talented artists. If you happen to be in Sydney during one of their exhibitions, you are in for a treat.
Level 11, 601 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065, Australia
DINING
Bennelong
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When you dine beneath the sails of Australia’s most iconic landmark, expect to embark on a distinctively Australian gastronomic experience. Almost everything from the menu is Australian-grown or produced, ranging from Western Australian maroon finger lime to King George Whiting endemic to the continent. The kitchen is helmed by celebrated Australian chef Peter Gilmore who has worked his magic at Quay since 2001 and steered it towards being one of the most awarded restaurants in Australia.
Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Saint Peter
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Chef Josh Nilad makes an artform out of fish dinner. Yes, we are talking about fin-to-scale pescetarian dining. Feeling duty-bound to leave no part of the fish to waste, Niland has conjured some pretty off-the-wall dishes. Think Earl Grey fish-eye ice cream and 16-day dry-aged swordfish rolled in swordfish belly bacon. In the intimate 22-seater restaurant, these dishes are prepared right before your eyes, a testament to their quality ingredients, fish butchery skills and respectable devotion to maximising their ingredients.
362 Oxford St, Paddington, NSW 2021, Australia
Brickfields
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Certain scents stimulate serotonin release, and I’m convinced that the mouth-watering scent of buttery pastries ranks high on the list (scientifically proven, of course). The artisanal bakery is a go-to for Chippendale locals seeking quality loaves and pastries. Thinking about ordering a croissant? Please, go for it. The ham and cheese option is popular in its own right but indulge in a strawberry jam croissant if you’re ready to brave days of flaky cravings. For those in a rush, online orders can be placed on their website where ingredients are detailed for every item on the menu.
206 Cleveland St, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia ; 2 Sydney St, Marrickville NSW 2204, Australia
Mimis
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Treat yourself to a meal at Mimi’s where the furnishings are exquisite but the feast is even more visually arresting. Any order of black caviar will be wheeled to the table on a cart and scooped to the back of your hands with a mother-of-pearl spoon. The salt-baked mudcrab from Northern Queensland is served table-side as the salt crust is cracked apart, revealing a layer of kombu that encases the fleshy crab. If your mouth isn’t watering yet, how about their seasonal aperitifs trolley to get the ball rolling?
130a Beach St, Coogee NSW 2034, Australia
Baba’s Place
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The restaurant’s warehouse space will take you back to your grandmother’s kitchen. Only this time, she’s working her magic on something Lebanese with a dash of Italian flavours mixed with Chinese ingredients. The menu is a nod to Marrickville’s cultural diversity, and it certainly celebrates an array of cultures with bursting flavours and sumptuous dishes. Take your taste buds on an adventure with their king prawns with charcoaled tomato vinegar and burnt butter, or try their rump cam with bagna butter, blood plum ketchup and house mustard. Oh, and if no one’s told you recently, Baba’s Place will: “Baba loves you xoxo”.
20 Sloane St, Marrickville NSW 2204, Australia
Spice I Am
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Every option on this menu is a force to be reckoned with. As the name suggests, the dishes are not for the faint of heart, but if you want absolutely heavenly Thai food, there’s no better place to go. The stir-fried crispy pork belly with Spice I Am chilli jam will make your mouth water, and it would be simply sinful to pass up on the tom yum gai. Since all good things take time, do expect to wait for a table at this humble award-winning Thai restaurant.
90 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
SIGHTSEEING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Moonlight Cinema
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Sunset, movie, picnic and pups: this dream scenario is made reality at Moonlight Cinema which holds outdoor movie sessions regularly at Centennial Park, also known as “the lungs of the city”. Guests are free to bring their own food and drinks, but if you’re not one for cooking, rest assured that drinks, snacks and lighter meals are also available at their onsite kitchen and bar.
Centennial Park, Belvedere Amphitheatre, Broome Ave, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia
APY Gallery Sydney
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On the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation sits APY Gallery, an art centre celebrating contemporary Aboriginal art. Entirely owned and governed by Indigenous people, this art collective has been running for more than 70 years to ensure that every person has culturally affirming employment and an independent income. Works by artists range from paintings and ceramics to boomerangs. Visitors are always welcome to support artists by purchasing their works during their visit to the gallery.
45 Burton St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
White Rabbit Gallery
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In the verdant backstreet of Sydney’s inner-city suburb, a contemporary Chinese art gallery showcases globally significant works of art. The white-walled three-storey space hosts exhibitions bi-annually, with a curatorial focus on cutting-edge artworks and controversial themes. On the ground floor sits the White Rabbit Teahouse which offers a space for visitors to relax, chat and enjoy a cup of Chinese or Taiwanese tea along with dumplings and snacks.
30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia
Barangaroo Reserve
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If you want to marvel at Sydney’s natural beauty without having to venture far from the CBD, head over to Barangaroo Reserve. One of Sydney’s oldest industrial sites, the former concrete container terminal has been transformed into a six-hectare open space replete with 75,000 native trees, shrubs and grassland. If you fancy a dip in the water, the Marrinawi Cove is the perfect sheltered spot for a comfortable harbourside swim.
Hickson Rd Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia
Luna Park
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First opened in 1937, Luna Park has brought thrill and fun to generations of locals and tourists. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the iconic Mr Moon entryway flanked by towers of Art Deco style from the 1930s. Throughout the years, the park has continued to improve and expand, notably installing 9 new rides in 2021. Adrenaline junkies will be happy to hear that Luna Park is home to the world’s first double-launch single rail coaster and the “Big Dipper”, Australia’s tallest and fastest multi-launch coaster. You know what they say, life is a roller coaster, so enjoy the ride.
1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061, Australia
Editor
Karrie LamCredit
Lead Image: Christopher Wong