Sydney Clubs & Night Life

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!

Sydney Walking Tours

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!

Best Steaks 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.

A Sunday in Sydney

June 24, 2011

Sundays are a great day to relax, unwind and take in all that Sydney has to offer. Whether you want to take it easy or get some exercise in, you can do it all right here in Sydney. So if you’re at a loose end, these ideas may inspire you!

Sunday Markets in Sydney

Sunday markets are big in Sydney. In any major town there will be a market on whether it’s a farmers market where you can pick up some great Australian produce, or a trash and treasure where you can pick up a great vintage item and rummage through old books to your heart’s content. There are also the main tourist markets such as Paddy’s Market or The Rocks Market where you can buy all your souvenirs and Australiana to send to loved ones back home.  Check out our favourite Sydney markets for a greater list of Sydney’s markets.

Sunday Brunch in Sydney

Breakfast or brunch is a fantastic way to unwind with friends and watch the world go by. A real treat is to sit outside with a hearty or healthy breakfast and enjoy a great cup of coffee. It’s also a good opportunity to try out different cafes and take a leisurely wander around different areas of Sydney afterwards.

Centennial Park

Centennial Park is a great Sunday spot. Here you can walk the whole way around the park, have a picnic or invite friends to meet and have a BBQ. There is Sunday league soccer played there most Sundays during the season and many joggers, walkers and even the odd rollerblader can be spotted at the park. You can hire out bikes to take a tour, or take a horse for a ride and there is a cafe and restaurant to re-fuel and rest your tired legs afterwards. Take care around Kippax Lake as the swans are nesting throughout June, so keep your distance and see a little wildlife!

Yum Cha

Yum Cha on a Sunday is a great way to experience Sydney’s Chinatown. Head to Dixon Street and enjoy sampling all kinds of dishes from pork buns to squid and stuffed eggplant. Wash it all down with some Jasmine tea and you’ll be surprised at how reasonable the bill is when it arrives! Afterwards take a stroll around Haymarket and do some shopping, before heading back to your furnished apartment in the city.

There are so many things to do in Sydney on a Sunday, most of them for free. Whether you keep it local or head into the city you will never be bored on a Sunday while you’re here!

Cheap Beers in Sydney

June 15, 2011

If you’re coming to Australia from Europe, Asia or America you might feel that the price of a pint (or schooner) can seem a little pricey. You should be able to hit the town once in a while and enjoy yourself with your mates, but maybe you feel that you need to curb your spending?

Well, you don’t need to sacrifice too much as most hotels and bars have great deals during the week if you hunt them out. Don’t worry either, it doesn’t mean your big night out needs to be on a Monday! Friday night is big on the Sydney social scene, particularly with the after-work crowd and tourists in the city; so many establishments are looking to bring in the most customers with some great deals.

Here are just five pubs in and around Sydney offering some great deals on eating and drinking!

  1. The Crows Nest Hotel – 1 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest – or “The Crowie” is an icon of the North Shore and Friday nights are jumping with live bands and dance music. It’s a relaxed, unpretentious pub where you can relax and have a great night. Fridays offer $5 Sol beers from 5pm until 8pm and Wednesday night is student night with $10 beer jugs and monthly themed nights.
  2. P.J. O’Brien’s – 57 King St, Sydney – in the city is the place to go if you’re missing the Emerald Isle and in need of a Guinness and traditional roast dinner. On Friday nights, beers and spirits are $5 and if you get there early enough you can score some complimentary free nibbles before they run out.
  3. The Cheers Bar – 561 George St, Sydney – on George Street is a non-pretentious pub and a great place to catch up on some sport on the TV screens.  RnB and dance music is the go on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with $3.50 drink specials.
  4. Jacksons on George – 176 George St, Sydney – on The Rocks end of George Street has several bars so you will be sure to find one to suit your tastes. There is happy hour every day between 5pm and 7pm where you can get a cocktail jug for $10 and beer jugs for $9.50. Sundays offer $4 giant pints and you can play a game of pool for $1.
  5. The Kirribilli Hotel - 37 Broughton St, Milsons Point – is a popular after work pub which serves great food to boot. Every Friday “The Billi” offers $5 selected beers and wines and you can enter to win a $50 bar tab which should see you through a couple of rounds!

These are just a few of the deals on offer near Furnished Property’s great locations across Sydney. When you stay at Furnished Property’s furnished apartments, you’ll have plenty of dollars at the end of the week to have a great night out that won’t leave your wallet empty the morning after!

A Day Out at Sydney’s Markets

June 8, 2011

There’s no shortage of cool shopping precincts in Sydney, but the places to find the really unique clothes, jewellery and interesting knick-knacks for your furnished apartment is at the markets – and no two are the same.

Sydney’s Paddy’s Markets

The most famous market in Sydney is Paddy’s Markets in Haymarket. With hundreds of stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to cheap clothes, souvenirs and electronic accessories, Paddy’s Markets has great last minute gift ideas and inexpensive essentials for parties. Need a crazy wig or a sequined cowboy hat for fancy dress? You’ll find it at Paddy’s. The great thing is once you’re done shopping, you can feast on some delicious Chinese food at any of the authentic restaurants in Chinatown.

Paddy’s Market Haymarket – Market City, Ground Level, 9-13 Hay St, Haymarket. Open Wednesday-Sunday 9am-5pm.

Bondi Markets

Emerging designers are the real attraction at Bondi Markets, with many Australian designers starting out with stalls every Sunday on the grounds of Bondi Beach Public School, before moving onto greater success, such as the fashion label Lover which is now stocked in exclusive boutiques across the world. As well as getting your fashion fix, Bondi Markets are also great for some star spotting as local and visiting celebrities are also frequently seen at these markets.

Bondi Markets – Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach. Open Sunday 10am-4pm.

Paddington Markets

Paddington Markets also has a focus on emerging Australian designers. You’ll find great women’s and men’s fashion and accessories amongst stalls selling vintage and antique wares. Not to be missed though is the amazing food on offer – gorge yourself on delicious cakes, homemade jams, traditional Aussie BBQ snags and more! If you’re feeling a little guilty afterwards, just walk off that food baby by checking out all the shops on Paddington’s famous Oxford Street.

Paddington Markets – Paddington Uniting Church, 395 Oxford St, Paddington. Open Saturday 10am-5pm.

Glebe Markets

Want something a bit grungier? On Saturdays, Glebe is the place to be. The quirkier designers will be out in force but you’ll also get a decent array of vintage and second-hand goods, such as clothes, books and records. When you get peckish at the markets, there’s nothing better than the gozleme. Freshly made gozleme at Glebe Markets will soon become a Saturday morning tradition.

Glebe Markets – Glebe Public School, cnr Derby Pl and Glebe Point Rd, Glebe. Open Saturday 10am-4pm.

The Rocks Market

The Rocks Markets is also one of Sydney’s most famous and popular markets. Located in the historic Rocks area, the beautiful location alone makes The Rocks Markets a must see. The Rocks Markets is on every weekend, rain or shine, and stalls offer a great mix of uniquely Australian souvenirs, trinkets and art.

The Rocks Markets – George St, The Rocks. Open Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm.

Eveleigh Artisans’ Market

On the first Sunday of every month you’ll find the Eveleigh Artisans’ Market where you can find independent artists selling everything from ceramics to textiles underneath the heritage-listed Blacksmith Workshop. Limited to 75 stalls with each artist handpicked for their innovative design or artistic products, you won’t get overwhelmed with masses of products – and you won’t find the item you’ve just bought selling for a cheaper price at the next stall!

Eveleigh Artisans’ Market – Blacksmith’s Workshop, 243 Wilson St, Darlington. Open first Sunday of each month 10am-3pm.

Living in the Sydney’s city centre or eastern suburbs means these markets are easy to get to, and living in furnished apartments like those at Furnished Property, means it’s easy to plan a day out at the markets with your mates.

Get out of your furnished apartment! Sydney walks…

July 30, 2010

When you’re living in Sydney in a fully furnished apartment, well serviced by public transport and with internet access, sometimes it can be hard to find an excuse to do some exercise. Well, how does taking in some of the world’s most beautiful coastline sound? There are multiple coastal walks to choose from around Sydney, and this website can tell you about all of them!


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Tenant talk: Furnished Property residents, speak up!

July 30, 2010

Hey there! Now that our new blog is well and truly up and running, we want to know what YOU want! What do you want to read about? What do you want to say? Posting comments on this blog or our facebook page, tweeting us, or emailing me (georgia@furnishedproperty.com.au) are all perfect ways to share your Sydney experience with people just like you! So jump on and tell us what you think!

World Cup withdrawls? Take your flatmates to the Sydney Festival of Football!

July 22, 2010

Have you been struggling to get your football fix since the world cup decider? Fear not – The Sydney Festival of Football is here! Watch as 3 international giants take on Australia’s own premier league champions – Sydney FC. Games start 25th July, book through ticketek or visit the festival website.

Midnight Snack in Kings Cross with your Furnished Property flatmates

July 8, 2010

Midnight Snack in Kings Cross

ANY CHARACTER HERE

If you and your flatmates love going out in the cross, you’ll know that after the clock strikes 10, the majority of food options available are less than appetizing. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the yummiest, cheapest food joints open late around Kings Cross.

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SPANISH SNACKS: CAFÉ HERNANDEZ

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