Ex p l o r e
GOLDEN AGE CINEMA Don’t just waste a night at any old cinema when you can luxe it up in this intimate cinema, the original screening room of the heritage-listed Paramount Pictures building. No need to stop anywhere for a pre-movie drink as there is a bar and snacks offered before, during and after the screening of an award-winning independent program of lm classics, the cults, the weird and wonderful, and the best releases of the year. ourgoldenage.com.au
WHITE RABBIT GALLERY This privately-owned gallery is housed in a heritage building which was once a Rolls-royce service depot. It showcases 21st-century contemporary Chinese art at its best. Stop by for lunch and start your sensory journey with dumplings at the ground- oor teahouse. whiterabbitcollection.org
GORDON’S BAY, CLOVELLY Take your snorkel or sign up for a scuba-diving course to witness the marine park and underwater nature trail. The trail is like a bushwalking track in the wilderness, only it’s under water. It takes about 40 minutes to dive the 600-metre trail, or on a clear day you can snorkel the underwater trail from the surface. Concrete- lled drums about 20 metres apart linked by a chain form the trail with information displayed on steel plaques. But it’s just as satisfying if you want to lounge around on the rocks and delve into the turquoise waters or watch out for the resident fairy wrens.
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN Spend a few hours wandering the garden: start at the Art Gallery and plan to nish at the Opera House. Viewing Sydney from these beautiful grounds of specimen trees, lakes, glasshouses and garden beds is special, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge offering the ultimate backdrop to the 200-year-old garden. Once you reach the harbour, pop into the Opera Bar for snacks and drinks on dusk. rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au CARRIAGEWORKS FARMERS MARKET Housed in the 19th-century Eveleigh rail yards where the former carriage and blacksmith workshops have been retained, today it supports the largest multi-arts centre in Australia. There’s always a fabulous exhibition on at Anna Schwartz Gallery. Go on a Saturday to coincide with the farmers market – try Billy Kwong’s famous pancake. carriageworks.com.au
VAUCLUSE HOUSE A 19th-century mansion with original gardens and wooded grounds and beautifully restored interiors, my favourite being the kitchen and staff quarters. The kitchen garden has been lovingly restored with heirloom produce and has its very own bees. Have high tea in the tearooms, where produce from the garden is used, then wander down to Nielsen Park for a cooling afternoon swim. sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/vaucluse-house
BONDI TO BRONTE WALK Start with a coffee to-go from Icebergs Terrace and nish with a steam and ocean dip in Icebergs pool or a mid-walk swim at one of the pools on Bronte Beach. I never tire of this as the sea changes with each new day and weather pattern. You can make this magni cent coastal walk as energetic or leisurely as you desire but take your camera and your bathers. I like to go before 7am to avoid the heat and the crowds.
PADDINGTON ART CIRCUIT Sydney has a fabulous contemporary art scene and you can map a walking tour to get a taste of what’s on offer in the beautiful leafy suburb of Paddington. Start at Saint Cloche then head down the historic streets to Arthouse, Dominik Mersch, Martin Browne Contemporary, Sarah Cottier, Roslyn Oxley9 and up the hill to nish at Olsen Gallery for an afternoon well spent.