From Trey Ratcliff from Stuck in Customs.
All posts in Sydney
Crazy Algae Bloom in Australia
The waters off Sydney have been turned blood red by an Algae bloom. Very interesting!
What Sydney Opera House Could Have Looked Like
This is the second place winner of the design contest that was held to decide what design the new Sydney Opera House should have been. Quite a stark difference to what they actually chose!
Video: Australia’s Hidden Gems – Sydney by Peter Greenberg
See the hidden gems of Australia you’ll never find in the guidebooks. Peter Greenburg tells you how you can get on stage at the Sydney Opera House and brings you to the Taronga Zoo for a personal meeting with koalas and kangaroos.
Guest Post: A clubbing guide to Sydney
Known as one of the hottest nightlife capitals in the world, Sydney is home to hundreds of exciting bars and nightclubs. Whether you’re into drum and bass or disco, emo or electronica, your next big night out is probably only a short walk away – even if you are wearing killer heels. Here’s a guide to some of Sydney’s most exciting hotspots.
The Cross
At the heart of Sydney’s nightlife scene is the infamous King’s Cross. Beautiful drag queens swap makeup tips with leggy blondes as traffic whizzes by on Oxford Street, the epicentre of this fast-paced and fabulous scene.
At Candy’s Apartment, you’ll find a vibrant mix of both live music and some of the hottest local and international DJs on the scene. A typical night at Candy’s kicks off with live bands early in the evening, followed by a few sets from a buzzed-about local DJ, and rounded off with a killer set of tunes from an international music producer.
The club’s laid-back vibe as well as its various hidden hallways and quiet corners make for an unforgettable night out.
Head next door to Le Panic and you’ll find a distinctly funky vibe, replete with plush couches to lounge on and quirky cocktails to drink. The music ranges from electro to hip-hop, with soulful house music also bouncing off the psychedelic wallpaper. More intimate than Candy’s, Le Panic is the perfect place to take someone you met on a dating website such as Jazzed Australia on a first date.
Sydney CBD/Darling Harbour
Sydney’s main business drag is awash with bars and nightclubs that turn the mood from professional to pumping as soon as evening falls on a Friday night. Overlooking the world famous Darling Harbour, Home the Venue is one of Sydney’s biggest and most unique nightclubs.
Featuring three levels, with a capacity of 2,100 people, this extraordinary venue is home to some of Sydney’s largest music events. Its state-of-the-art sound system delivers a truly awesome music experience, and whether you’re at a gig with a thousand other revellers or at an intimate cocktail event, you’re sure to enjoy a killer night out.
If you’re looking for something with more of an underground feel, look no further than Chinese Laundry, situated in the heart of the CBD. Worried about spilling a fancy cocktail on your best shirt? Fear not – there’s a washing machine in the main area of the bar.
Begin the evening with a drink on the terrace at Garden Bar before heading down to the Laundry for a night that promises to be anything other than squeaky clean.
If you’re into star-spotting and dressing up, you simply can’t go past the exclusive Ivy. Decked out like a playground, complete with fake grass and lounge chairs, this sophisticated venue is most certainly NOT for the kids. Come dressed in your finest threads to ensure entry, or better yet, arrive on the arm of one of the many celebs that frequent this expensive but always exciting hotspot.
Guest Post: Top 5 Markets in Sydney, Australia
When one thinks of travel or a holiday in a foreign country, the common woe-list we can all relate to usually goes along the lines of:
- What kind of money should I bring, and how much?
- Should I pack some snacks/instant food just in case there’s nothing available for me to eat there?
- Where’s my passport (and did I forget to renew it)?
- Do I need a visa?
- What language do they all speak? Am I going to need help from a translation agency?
- What’s the weather like?
While most of the border agencies at airport control areas usually scan you for potential ‘weapons of mass destruction’, fuss about anything on you that’s metallic, liquid, aerosol or gas (being more than 100ml) before you board…
However, the Australians will thoroughly scrutinise you and every single one of your bags (including the ones you have had on the airplane) before you are literally allowed to set foot on Australian soil. Mud on your shoes? Clean them off. Half-eaten chocolate? Where are these bottles of water and packets of instant soup from? Bin them all here, please. What’s that wooden chopstick you have in your hair? (It’s a fashion accessory, you argue!) Sorry, but you’re going to have to leave it here too.
If you are already fluent or proficient in speaking and writing in English, or have sorted yourself out with language translation services, then other than the rather odd security procedures, there really are no grounds for further misunderstanding. And there is a very good reason why the Australian border security is as such. And yes last but not the least, do make sure your immigration documents go through the procedure of certified translation for successfully completing the security checks.
We may not be aware of what Australia is really very protective about until we do experience it for ourselves – and this, is their agricultural industry. Being one of the world’s most efficient agricultural producers, about two-thirds of Australia’s yearly production is exported. From outside the country, this may be not as clear to us, but even in the impressive urban-esque city of Sydney, you will notice that there are many marketplaces that you can explore, ranging from the promotion of fresh products to arts and crafts. Yup – you won’t be starving, that’s for certain!
Eveleigh Farmers Markets (8am to 1pm every Saturday – Wilson Street, Darlington, near Redfern Station)
Clearly as the name states, this is a local farmers’ marketplace with over 70 regular stallholders selling a large variety of farm fresh products: seasonal, organic fruits and vegetables, dairy, meats, artisan bread, boutique wine, and all sorts of gourmet fare.
Eveleigh Artisans’ Markets (10am to 3pm every first Sunday of the month – Wilson Street, Darlington, near Redfern Station)
On different dates and held in the heritage blacksmith’s workshop, over 75 stallholders at this boutique market offer original and highly creative handmade products: sustainable designs, fashion, art, ceramics, home wares, textiles jewellery and accessories, just to name some.
Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers and Fine Food Markets (8am to 12pm every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month – Carrington Road Castle Hill)
Part of a local effort in highlighting their major role in Sydney’s local and dynamic food and wine culture, this is a gathering of over 70 stalls filled with products from genuine farmers and producers. Taste, buy and learn… Put it this way – every agricultural product you can name, from A-Z is there, from simply Apples and Lavender, to all sorts of Mushrooms and Yoghurt!
Parramatta Farmers Market (every Saturday from 8am – Church Street Mall, Parramatta, 2 minutes walk from Parramatta Station)
Established around 1791, it is one of Australia’s original marketplace that offers a taste of the region’s best fresh produce, cheeses and pate, smoked seafood, honey and flowers, arts and crafts, jewellery and accessories, fashion and home wares.
Heritage Craft Fair / St Ives Handmade Markets (every first Sunday of the month, 9am to 3pm – St Ives Showground, Sydney)
With craft stalls that showcase the many forms of arts and crafts (from leatherwork to body care products) not forgotten are the growers and fresh foods and food stalls to promote local and international cuisines. There are also some entertainment and attractions, such as free music in the park, animal farm, balloon artists and various craft demonstrations, for adults and children alike!
These are just 5 of many around Sydney that can be found – be certain that there are many more all over Australia with its own character and popularity or history with the locals. Whether you are a shopaholic or not, who wants to be abroad to come back with souvenirs from retail stores that are the same as what you have back home? (Oh and yes, don’t worry about taking Australian goodies past the border security. After all, they say kangaroos will not reverse or walk/hop backwards!)
Written By Azelea Bakrie
