February 3, 2012

As one of the best, and most noted beach areas in Sydney, Coogee has a lot going for it. Although it’s only half an hour by bus to Sydney’s central business district and the airport, Coogee feels like a world away. A gorgeous expanse of shoreline awaits where you can soak up some sun, go surfing or give snorkeling and scuba diving a go. As the sun’s setting you can enjoy an idyllic long walk on the beach.

photo credit: Fiona Bradley

Diving, Swimming and Sunning at Coogee

Whether you’re just learning or an experienced diver, Pro Dive is Coogee’s hotspot for underwater fun. Snorkeling tours, diving classes and every other water sport you can think of are all in Coogee and this company is a great way to get you exploring the waters at any budget.

If you prefer to keep your head above water, try Wylie’s Baths. Their sea bathes are cordoned off sections of the ocean that have been made into a pool. It’s a great natural alternative to chlorinated pools where you can take time out to swim or sunbathe and enjoy the best view in town.

The Coogee to Lurline Bay Walk nearby is great for a lazy wander down the 3.5 kilometer pathway. To speed up the trek and burn some energy, hire a pair of rollerblades to glide along in. When the weather permits the scenic Wedding Cake Island can be viewed just off the coast.

Shopping and Dining at Coogee

Coogee is a great spot for picking up souvenirs and locally crafted jewelry and trinkets. Restaurants and cafés are everywhere, so you should have no problems finding exactly what you’re looking for, from traditional fish and chips to the Churrasco Brazilian Style BBQ restaurant.

Out of the Blue on Clovelly Road and Moo Gourmet on Coogee Bay Road both have great burgers, and you can find Eastern choices at Taste of Thai, Aseana Food Village and May Kwai Chinese. Make sure to visit the French bakery Sweet Spot Patisserie for some of the best ice cream Sydney has to offer, perfect after a day in the sun.

Along the beach, several grassy areas have public access BBQs and tables, perfect for a picnic dinner that caters to all budgets! Spread a blanket out under a tree and watch the clouds go by as you enjoy your own culinary creations.

Apartments and Beach Houses at Coogee

Students and vacationers will love their stay at Coogee Beach in Sydney, especially with a fully furnished apartment or beach house. Whether you’re traveling with one friend or with several, Furnished Property has the rentals you’re looking for. Modern facilities with appliances make your kitchen and lounge just like home, and you will have plenty of privacy for yourself in a spacious bedroom, as well.

If you’d prefer to meet new people or are traveling alone, you may want to check into shared housing options. Your private twin room will have its own flat screen television with DVD player, and shared laundry and kitchen facilities are on site.

January 27, 2012

The Randwick suburb of Sydney is best known as Australia’s home of horse racing and the one of the countries greatest universities, University of New South Wales. UNSW offers almost 300 undergraduate programs along with several postgraduate programs in a broad number of disciplines. If you’re considering attending this school, make sure to schedule a tour of campus while you’re in town.

photo credit: Jeff Kubina

Off to the Races

Whether you love the thrill of betting on the horses or just enjoy watching the sport, going to the races will get your heart pumping and provide a full day’s worth of fun. The Royal Randwick Racecourse is known world-wide and is one of the premier attractions that Sydney has to offer. Locals and tourists alike flood the Betting Auditorium most Wednesdays and Saturdays.

While you’re there, you can also get in on other sports betting activities and enjoy dressing up in your finest races-worthy attire. If the hussle bussle of race day becomes too much for you, you can always hang out in the bar or grab a bite in Argy’s Café.

Shopping and Sightseeing at Randwick

Shopping fanatics will want to plan a trip into Randwick’s central business district for the Royal Randwick Shopping Centre. Here’s you’ll find tons of bargain-friendly boutiques and stores, including the Best & Less, Ella Bache and Millennium Babe.

While you’re there, you can grab a quick bite at one of the many restaurants inside the centre. Outside, in the surrounding area, you can choose cuisine from nearly any nation or culture. The Pinto Thong Thai restaurant has a great selection, and you can’t beat the menu at Little Istanbul Turkish.

For seafood with a whimsical bent, try Chish N Fips on Arden Street. The atmosphere here is laid back and fun, and the staff will have you laughing before you’ve finished ordering.

Randwick Indoor or Outdoor

No matter how you like to have fun and relax you’ll be able to keep busy in Randwick. If you’re a fan of the outdoors you can grab an early bus for a day at Bondi Beach or Coogee Beach. Sampling the fresh, local seafood is a must out here; try Fishmongers on Hall Street or the Skinny Dip just down the road. For a great coffee and snack menu Gertrude and Alice has you sorted.

Those who prefer to stay inside can catch a flick at the local cinema or enjoy a few games of ten-pin bowling. If you feel like splurging on a romantic meal, try the Montparnasse Café on St. Paul’s Street. To keep to your budget BYO wine can make a great meal out more affordable, and sometimes more special too. Keep in mind that ordering from the lunch menu will cost much less, so why not head out for an afternoon meal.

Furnished Apartments at Randwick

If you’re planning on staying in the Randwick area of Sydney, make sure to check out Furnished Property before you finalize your plans. You will be able to grab a great two-bedroom apartment for your trip, complete with a full bath. The properties for rent here are fully furnished with modern facilities in the kitchen and lounge. They are also located near public transportation, making it easy for you to get around the city.

January 25, 2012

The Newtown district of Sydney is one of the city’s oldest suburbs. It’s also one of the most popular for students, artists and younger tourists, especially those with a more alternative bent. With King Street – also known as ”Eat Street” - running down the centre of the area, there are no shortages of food, shopping and entertainment.

photo credit: Rob_Wood

Newtown Eat Street

King Street picked up its nickname because of the many bars, cafés, restaurants and venues that line the strip. Cultural fare including Turkish, Pakistani, Indian, Thai and Vietnamese selections are nestled among the many, much loved traditional coffee houses, pizza parlours, burger joints and diners, creating a selection that truly caters for all tastes.

The pubs in this area include historical establishments and themed sports bars, again providing enough choices to suit everyone traveling in your group. Drop by Kelly’s On King, the Marlborough Hotel and the Union Hotel, all of which are on the strip, for great pub grub, like parmas, steak or fish and chips.

Must-See Sightseeing at Newtown

You can’t make the journey to Newtown in Sydney without checking out the local landmarks. The Trocadero Dance Hall is one of the biggest architectural renovations in the area. Throughout its life it has functioned as a cinema, theatre, restaurant and used furniture store. You’ll also want to visit Burland Hall and the Hub Theatre, both of which have a fascinating history.

The Newtown area is best known to the locals for its live music venues and indie artists. Plan to spend at least one evening partying at the Sandringham; be sure to ask for a schedule of upcoming events because there’s always a stream of fantastic bands coming through. It’s hard to go wrong at the much-loved Sando, so there’s little reason to skip an unknown name on the billboard, they may well be the next big thing!

If you’re into more theatrical live performances, you’re in luck; Newtown is home to a number of independent theatres where you can catch local performance artists. The New Theatre has the longest history, but the Newtown and Enmore Theatres also host their share of greatly praised performances.

Festivals and Sporting Events at Newtown

The Newtown Festival is an annual community event with lots of live music, workshops and vendors on the independent music scene. You’ll find it in the Camperdown Memorial Park each November. If you’re visiting in September, you just might stumble upon the Under the Blue Moon Festival. With music, street performers, and other entertainment options, this is the heart of the alterative culture in Sydney.

For a more sophisticated option, try Feastability, the food and wine festival organized by the Marrickville Council. Typically held on the last Sunday in September, Feastibility offers vendor stalls and live entertainment suitable for kids and adults alike.

Sports fans may want to get familiar with the local rugby team, the Newtown Jets. The team plays in nearby Marrickville but matches are often televised and shown to keen, loud crowds at bars and pubs.

Newtown is definitely one of the more alternative, trendy, and always friendly suburbs of Sydney, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience it on a budget. Look for student housing or share a flat for great bargain lodging. By shopping Furnished Property, you can save a ton without sacrificing on entertainment value.

January 20, 2012

The Paddington section of Sydney is well known by the locals as a shopper’s paradise. Just east of Darlinghurst, the suburb is filled with terrace apartments. Tree-lined streets overlooked by wrought iron balconies lend a touch of romance to the district, and the Victorian architecture complements the atmosphere perfectly.

Antiquing in Paddington

You’ll love wading through the many antique shops in Paddington, especially McLeods Antiques on South Dowling Street and the Vintage Times just down the way. Stop into Domain Collectables on Oxford and make sure you ask the staff to show you their favorite pieces in stock.

You’ll also find several art galleries in this district, featuring work by local artists and others from around the globe. The Five Ways section, made up of three streets that cross Glenmore Road, exudes an old-world vibe with its sidewalk cafés and decorative shops.

Paddington Markets

Every weekend, the Paddington Bazaar is in full swing next to the Paddington Village Uniting Church. You’ll see booths and street vendors with wares from designer clothing to souvenirs, and be sure to try some of the delicious local food and drinks for sale here.

Centennial Park

If you’re keen to enjoy the great outdoors Centennial Park doesn’t disappoint with its formal gardens, horse-drawn carriage rides and historical statues. Rent bicycles or skates for a trip along the leafy paths, and be prepared to encounter families and individuals of all ages; this is a very kid-friendly location.

Centennial Park is also a great place to bring your friends and picnic, or just find a quiet spot to enjoy a take-out sandwich and a book. Frisbee and horseback riding are also a great way to enjoy this area.

Cheap Eats and Entertainment

If you’re visiting or staying in the Paddington area you must visit the Wine Library, a Mediterranean wine bar on Oxford Street. And to indulge your sweet tooth make sure you add the Max Brenner Chocolate Bar to your to-do list.

The Ampersand Café and Bookstore is an interesting place to grab brunch with friends, as is the Book Lounge Café. If you’re looking for great seafood, A Fish Called Paddo is your best choice in this area and they’re open for lunch and dinner. Remember to bring your own bottle of wine and watch the crowds pass by.

Paddington is a great starting spot for your pub-crawl to the city, and buses are available to get you back home after your evening out. Check out the Captain Cook Hotel, also great for pub food, and the Fringe Bar on your trip down Oxford Street.

Home Away From Home

Instead of dropping hundreds on a hotel, check out Furnished Property for shared accommodations or a studio apartment of your own. If you’re planning on being in Sydney for a month or longer, this is definitely the best bet for value.

Your lodging will include televisions and DVD players, tastefully modern furnishings and laundry facilities on site for your convenience. Staying in Paddington can give you the full Sydney experience without breaking your budget, as long as you do a little research and planning before you go.

January 18, 2012

The Surry Hills region of Sydney, accessible via tram, bus or rail from downtown Sydney and surrounds, offers an interesting view of the city for young, urban visitors. Long known as the centre of wholesale fashion for the area, Surry Hills is a shopping mecca for those looking to score great deals on trendy attire and celeb-spot in stylish boutiques.

Shopping at Surry Hills

Crown Street will be your primary target if you’re going shopping in Surry Hills. This urban street glitters with an intoxicating mix of casual cafés, eclectic homeware stores and modern fashion boutiques. You will also want to check out Cleveland Street for a run through the Surry Hills Shopping Village. Next, skip over to Oxford Street and browse Oxford Square. The Surry Hills Markets hold great appeal for locals, and tourists alike, who know how to spot a shopping opportunity when it strikes.

If you’re near Mary Street, take the time to browse in Kyotap. This is the boutique of designer Fiona Buckingham, featuring clothing made with natural materials and an Eastern flavour. The Candy Store, on Bourke St, is also a must-see destination to marvel at the season’s best couture picks.

The Zoo Emporium on Campbell Street offers retro and recycled picks for the best in amazing budget buys. With a fun, frantic atmosphere and laid back prices, Zoo is a stand-out alternative to paying full price, and you’ll end up with something far more special.

Entertainment and Eateries at Surry Hills

Surrey Hills has quite possibly the highest concentration of restaurants in Sydney, ensuring cultural fare for nearly any type of cuisine desired. Along with the traditional restaurants, you’ll also love visiting the seemingly endless pubs that populate the shopping district. If you’re looking for a great pub to while away a few hours, drop by the White Horse Hotel on Crown Street or the Clarendon Hotel on Devonshire. From Art Deco to Victorian to ultra-modern, there’s a match every outfit and desired decore, all within a few city blocks.

If you prefer casual dining, make time to visit Bird Cow Fish on Crown Street- their espresso bar is well worth the visit. For cocktails or a gourmet meal out, the C-ique Design Bar is an awesome choice; call in advance to see if you can organise a booking to coincide with one of their cult film nights.

For great meals on the cheap, try the Bourke Street Bakery, offering blissful breakfast and brunch, or the Shakespeare Hotel on Devonshire Street. If you prefer a French bent to your morning feasts, the Lumierre Cafe & Patisserie on Bourke Street has a selection of affordable breakfast and brunch offerings.

Tourist Spots at Surry Hills

Sydney and the Surry Hills area in particular, are well known for its great diversity in cultures, and the incredible Churches are no exception. Make sure to visit the historic locations of the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, the St. Michaels Anglican Church and St. Peters Catholic Church.

Take a box lunch to Prince Alfred Park or Harmony Park for a peaceful outing, and be sure to visit the Surry Hills Library to enjoy the plentiful works by Sydney-dwelling authors.

Now that you’re in love with the area, drop by Furnished Property and find a great flat of your own. You may be surprised to see how well you can live on a lower budget, especially with shared or student accommodations.

October 28, 2011

Newtown is the alternative and bohemian centre of Sydney. Along Newtown’s busy King Street is where you’ll see the greatest mix of Newtown’s residents, including university students, young professionals and older hippies, sipping fair trade coffees and ordering organic foods at the many popular cafes.

There are great cafes all along Newtown’s King Street, and just off it, offering all day big breakfasts, sweet treats and unique settings. Here are just a few of the fantastic cafes you should visit this weekend for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and everything in between!

• A Coffee & A Yarn – 413 King St – One of the more unique cafes in Newtown, A Coffee & A Yarn is a knitting cafe where you can enjoy a great cup of coffee while you knit and crochet to your heart’s content. A Coffee & A Yarn also offer knitting lessons, which are a fun way to learn to knit with friends.
• Buzzzbar Cafe – 349 King St – Buzzzbar offer a fantastic menu for breakfast, brunch and lunch. If you have a sweet tooth, check out their dessert menu because you’ll have trouble deciding on only one.
• Cafe Martini – 529A King St – A popular cafe for breakfast and brunch amongst the locals, head to Cafe Martini for an affordable and filling meal. There’s a nice courtyard out the back of the cafe which is a great place to enjoy the sun during summer.
• Corelli’s – 352 King St – If you’re after some cheap meals early in the morning to late at night, then try Corelli’s. The tables outside the cafe are great for people watching.
• Funky Brewsters – 343 King St – Funky Brewsters brews great coffee, the best in Newtown some say. For coffee lovers, you’ll just have to try it out to see if it lives up to the hype.
• Pastizzi Cafe – 523 King St – If you want the best pastizzis in Sydney, head to Newtown’s Pastizzi Cafe for a delicious range of sweet and savoury pastizzis. They even sell packs of frozen ones which you can take home and enjoy whenever you want.
• Satellite Cafe – 8/80 Wilson St – Just off King St is the Satellite Cafe. While it’s not big, the coffee and food is both fresh and delicious. Well worth venturing off King St for some quiet and a great menu.

October 21, 2011

This weekend is set to bright and sunny, so what a better way to spend it than at Bondi Beach? Bondi Beach is the most popular beach in Sydney and is rightly known as one of the best beaches in the world. Spend a day playing in the surf, relaxing on the sand, then start the night with drinks at one of Bondi’s many pubs.

Bondi Beach is the destination of choice for many Sydney-siders whenever the sun is shining. Getting to Bondi Beach is easy on public transport. Catch one of the Sydney Buses routes 380 or 333 from Sydney city to be dropped off right next to the beach. Or catch the train to Bondi Junction then get on a bus for a quick ride to the beach.

View of Bondi Beach from Bondi Icebergs

Sun, Surf and Sand on Bondi Beach

Once you’ve got your feet in the sand on Bondi Beach, roll out your beach towel and enjoy the sun – just make sure you’ve put on SPF 30+ sunscreen because you don’t want to ruin your day by getting sunburnt! If you plan on swimming remember to swim between the yellow and red flags, these areas have gentler surf and are constantly patrolled by lifesavers.

Bondi’s famous surfers are found at the southern end of the beach, so grab your surfboard and ride some waves with the locals. If you want to learn to surf, head to the Bondi Pavilion where you’ll be able to get more information on lessons.

Bondi Markets and Shopping

Bondi Markets are open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm located at Bondi Beach Public School on Campbell Parade, just across the road from Bondi Beach. The Bondi Markets are a great place to buy locally crafted fashion and jewellery as well as vintage and antique homewares and more.

If you want to peruse some shops before or after going to the beach, the majority of stores are along Campbell Parade and Bondi Road. As you’re in Bondi, you’ll find many surf stores as well as shops selling the latest fashion, gifts, music, books and local art.

Bondi Beach Pubs and Hotels

After a day soaking up the sun on Bondi Beach, head to some of these great pubs and hotels to unwind over a drink with friends.

• BB’s Bar Bondi – 78 Campbell Pde – BB’s offers a relaxed atmosphere with live music, good food and a popular place for drinks amongst locals.
• Beach Road Hotel – 71 Beach Rd – Beach Road Hotel offers the best live music in Bondi with live music from established and up and coming Australian bands playing almost every night of the week.
• Bondi Icebergs – 1 Notts Ave – Icebergs is famous for the Bondi Baths, a 50 metre saltwater pool, set against the Bondi waves, but it is also a great place to go for a drink at the Unsinkable Bar  which offers a breathtaking view of Bondi Beach.
• Hotel Bondi – 178 Campbell Pde – Close to the beach and offers many bars and good pub food.
• Ravesi’s – 118 Campbell Pde – Ravesi’s is known as the place to be seen in Bondi, so head to Ravesi’s if you’re after a stylish drink amongst the beautiful people.

Stay at a Furnished Property furnished apartment in Bondi Beach this summer to enjoy the sand, surf and fun right at your doorstep.

Bondi Beach Lifeguard Tower

September 22, 2011

Sydney has many different clubs to tempt any musical taste. Whether you like R’n'B, dance or a good old fashioned piano bar then Sydney has you covered. Here are a few clubs to try that not only deliver on the music but some offer free entry and drinks specials too!

1. The Retro on Sussex Street is a no frills kind of club. There are 5 levels at The Retro each playing different types of music. The floors play general dance and chart tracks, some of the classics, dance and urban, and all you lovers of the 1980s have a dedicated level which is usually the busiest floor by the end of the night! $5 drinks on a Friday 5-7pm and from 7pm until 9pm The Retro has games and complimentary canapes to give you dancing fuel. Check out their website as they often have themed nights and competitions.
2. If you want to be seen, then The Ivy is a natural choice. This decadent club is home to some of the best DJs, and celebrities and socialites head here when they are in town. No drink specials here, if you have to ask the price of something this won’t be the club for you. But if you enjoy getting glammed up to hit the town for some serious dance music then $20 will get you in. The Ivy should be your home on a Saturday night!
3. Bungalow 8 is a fun place to go to get your groove on. Popular with younger crowds, this place offers great dance music and $5 house drinks on a Friday 5pm-7pm with free entry before 10pm. They serve great food here too, so enjoy an early dinner and happy hour drinks before you dance the night away.
4. Looking to experience the full cultural diversity of Sydney? Then head to Darlinghurst and the Gaslight Inn. This is a sticky floor kind of place but a really great atmosphere with every type of person coming together to have a good time. There’s a dance floor where you can dance like nobody’s watching and you won’t get sneered at. A great place to feel comfortable in your own skin.
5. Minsky’s is the place to go when everywhere else is shut and you want to keep on dancing. Above the Cremorne Hotel is a strange, dark little place called Minsky’s. It has John the Piano Man cranking out tunes from Elton John to the Australian classics. If you’re the type of person who loves to get sing along to the classics then this is place for you.

What are you waiting for, get your glad rags on and hit Sydney’s clubs. If you want to be close to the action, search Furnished Property for furnished apartments in Sydney now!

September 16, 2011

The weather forecast for Sydney this weekend is looking great! With sunshine and warm weather signalling the beginning of spring, what a better way to take in the sights of Sydney than with a walk?

With so much to do in the city sometimes it’s nice to just take a long walk to switch off, relax and take in the natural beauty of Sydney and its surrounding areas. If you’re looking to take a nice afternoon or Sunday walk here are five picks for a great day and tired legs!

1. Bondi to Coogee walk is one of the more famous walks in Sydney and has been in place since the 1930s. This walk will take you about two hours and you will get to see not only the world famous Bondi Beach but stunning, windswept cliff tops, Aboriginal rock carvings, the Bondi Baths and Waverley cemetery which is the final resting place for many famous Australians. Coogee is a great final stop where you can rest your weary legs in one of the many cafes.
2. The Spit to Manly walk is a great way to take in all that Sydney’s north shore has to offer. You will see glamorous million dollar homes, stunning beaches, Aboriginal paintings, hidden abandoned fisherman’s huts and plenty of wildlife, flora and fauna. Take plenty of water and don’t worry as there are plenty of kiosks and places to rest along the way!
3. Bradleys Head is the place to head if you want an hour long bushwalk. Just enough to get the heart rate going but nothing too strenuous. Here at Bradleys Head you can take in a wonderful bushwalk while Sydney Harbour waters lap at the cliffs. There are often families fishing here and a great little tea house and lawn to take in the panoramic city skyline and have a coffee or a picnic.
4. The Blue Mountains is a fair way out of the city but every visitor should make their way to the stunning national park. It’s easy to get to by train and not very expensive. Here you will find many different walking tracks for any kind of fitness level. A whole day can be easily spent here and it’s worth the trip to see the famous Three Sisters. Just pick a clear day as fog and mist can often obscure the view and shut off some of the walks.
5. Explore Sydney city itself with a free walking tour around the city and its famous landmarks. They work on a tips basis so the walk will suit any budget and you also get a free map with pointers on what there is to do for free in Sydney! This is a great little tour if you want to see all the sights but aren’t too good with directions or finding your own way around from your Sydney furnished apartment.

Whether you want bush, coast or architecture, then you will certainly find a walk to suit you in Sydney!

August 12, 2011

Australia has a very high quality of food and what visitors to Sydney know is that this city is the place to hunt out a great steak dinner. Succulent, juicy steaks to satisfy the biggest of appetites are all available here! Here are five places to have a steak in Sydney from a fantastic pub meal to something a bit more special..

1. Hurricanes in Darling Harbour if a favourite amongst locals for delicious steaks. If you are craving a Fred Flintstone size dino steak then this is the place to come! The menu contains steaks from small to gigantic, mixed with chicken and ribs. For a big appetite why not try the half rack of ribs with a steak? You won’t need to eat for a day or two after coming here! The atmosphere is buzzing and the constant queues outside for tables lets you know the food is good. Bookings are essential if you don’t want to wait until 9 p.m. to eat. A meal is approximately $30-$35 for a main.
2. Want something a little more formal? Then head to Kingsleys Steak & Crabhouse which is a great restaurant with wonderful views of the harbour. Here you can enjoy the finest cuts from rib eye to New York strip and if money is no object you can send your tastebuds to heaven with the Wagyu rib on the bone. For those that don’t like steak, these guys are the crab masters serving up Alaskan, king and mud crab as well.
3. For some good old Australian pub steak head to the Hotel Mosman which has been serving up its famous porterhouse steak with mash for years at a great price. You can choose from a range of sauces but the indulgent bearnaise sauce which goes great with the smooth creamy mash.
4. The Buena Vista Hotel also in Mosman, has great steak choices usually between $25-$30. If you’re picky about how your steak is done, you can cook it yourself or get the chefs to do it for you. The portions are large and the steak is tender, what more could you ask for?
5. The iconic hotel, The Oaks, in Neutral Bay has its own steakhouse. You can choose your own steak (they even serve up kangaroo steaks) and cook it on the BBQs with a beer in hand like a true Aussie. This place gets busy on a Friday night and even busier in summer so get in early if you want a table! Steak meals start at about $25.

Part of the fun is seeking out the restaurant or pub to find the best steak.The best thing about staying at Furnished Property furnished apartments in Sydney is that you’ll always be close enough to explore Sydney’s best steak restaurants and pubs.