Or how about getting one of Sydney’s best harbour views whilst training with some of the world’s leading dance instructors? The world-famous Sydney Dance Company located at beautiful Walsh Bay (near The Rocks) holds classes for all skill levels, and if you get a 10 class pass, classes are just $14 each for an hour and a half. And don’t worry – it’s not all ballet and broadway. If you’ve watched So You Think You Can Dance, or this year’s series of Australia’s Got Talent, then any style of dance you saw there, you can learn at the SDC, including popping and locking, hip hop and break dancing. So get along, get a good work out, and learn some moves for the club!

Maybe you’re someone who likes to be motivated by other people and work in groups? Then maybe you should try commenting on this blog post! If everyone looking for a running/walking/gym/dance/exercise partner comments here with their suburb and preferred form of exercise, then everyone should be able to find an exercise partner!

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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!

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• Things to do in Sydney with your Furnished Property flatmates this Winter: WINTER FESTIVALS

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.

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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.

SPANISH SNACKS: CAFÉ HERNANDEZ

This place is a treat! It’s literally been open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including public holidays ever since it opened in 1972. What an effort! And they’ve clearly spent all of those opening hours perfecting their menu, with a host of options on offer to suit whatever cravings you may have. As you may have guessed from the name, the café is Spanish, and highlights of the menu include tortillas and churros. But, if you’re not feeling too adventurous, they also have plenty of sandwiches and other café essentials. And, of course, they have brilliant coffee, with what is probably the widest selection of beans and blends to choose from in Sydney. So if nothing else is open and you still want good quality for cheap, don’t worry – this place will ALWAYS be there.

Opening hours: All day, every day!
Specialties: Spanish food, world coffees
Location: 60 Kings Cross rd, Potts Point
Website: http://www.cafehernandez.com.au/

JUST DESSERTS: WOWCOW

Weird name, hey? This place is a funky little frozen yoghurt bar. It may not seem like the season for frozen treats, but once you’ve tried this stuff you won’t be able to resist! The Americans have fully embraced frozen yoghurt bars, but they’re only just getting off the ground here, and to my knowledge this one is the original and best. Choose from four yummy flavours of yoghurt (there’ll be different flavours each time) and a buffet of extra toppings, including everything from berries to biscuits. If you’re not in the frozen yoghurt mood, they also have some warmer sweets.

Opening Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 12 midday – 11pm
Friday – Saturday: 12 midday – 12 midnight
Specialties: Frozen yoghurt
Location: Shop 2/304-308 Victoria st, Darlinghurst
Website: http://www.wowcow.com.au/

REVOLUTIONARY TASTE: COCO CUBANO

Now I’m the first to admit that this place is a bit on the expensive side, but you certainly get your value’s worth. Hearty staples of Cuban cuisine go hand in hand with great coffee and other standard café fare, and the atmosphere is at once friendly and sophisticated. If you’re planning on being there for a while, they’ve also got plenty of books to take a look at. If not though, duck in and out or even just grab some take-away.

Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 6am – 12 midnight
Friday – Saturday: 6am – 2am
Specialties: Coffee and Cuban snacks
Location: 97 Darlinghurst rd, Kings Cross
Website: http://www.cococubano.com/

DELICIOUS DINNER: GUZMAN Y GOMEZ

This place is only open late Fridays and Saturdays, but hey – that’s the only time to be in the Cross anyway, right? Guzman y Gomez has been widely praised for bringing real Mexican food to the people of Sydney – not the greasy, heavy stuff you can get at any old nachos stand, but real, fresh, healthy and filling taste sensations made from true Mexican ingredients and recipes – and all at very reasonable prices. ¡Buen apetito!

Opening Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 10pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 4am
Specialties: Mexican
Location: Cnr Bayswater rd and Pennys ln, Kings Cross
Website: http://www.guzmanygomez.com/

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SYDNEY’S WINTER WONDERLAND

Feeling homesick for a cooler climate? Fancy a spot of ice-skating and frosty fun? Sydney’s weather at the moment isn’t exactly warm, but with the winter festival kicking off in Sydney and Bondi, now you can make your Sydney winter experience complete.

Two very similar festivals are about to kick off in Sydney – the Alpine Winter festival in Bondi and the city, and the Winterland festival at Carriageworks in Eveleigh, just near Newtown. Both festivals boast ice-skating rinks (the one at Bondi is on the beach!), tasty alpine cuisine and warm drinks in cosy settings. Plus, the Winterland Festival at Eveleigh has a bucketload of other cool stuff going on, including live music, markets and karaoke!

Here are all the details you need – and get in quick – tickets to the ice rinks run out fast!

THE ALPINE WINTER FESTIVAL

City
Dates: 24th June (that’s today!) – 4th July
Venue: St Mary’s Cathedral Forecourt
Activities: Ice skating rink, alpine ski hut and food market
Website: http://www.winterfestival.com.au
Prices: Starting at $22 + booking fee for just the ice rink and skate hire, up to $49 for a ski hut deluxe package. There are heaps of different packages at different prices, so check out the website.

Bondi
Dates: 16th July – 25th July
Venue: Bondi Beach (as in on the beach!)
Activities: Ice skating rink, alpine ski hut and food market
Website: http://www.winterfestival.com.au
Prices: Starting at $22 + booking fee for just the ice rink and skate hire, up to $49 for a ski hut deluxe package. There are heaps of different packages at different prices, so check out the website.

WINTERLAND FESTIVAL, CARRIAGEWORKS

Dates: 3rd July – 31st July
Venue: CarriageWorks Arts Centre, Eveleigh
Activities: Ice rink, alpine cuisine, markets and live music. The music is different depending on which days you go – check the website for details.
Website: www.winterland.com.au
Prices: Entry to the Winterland Festival is free! Ice skating sessions cost between $12.50 and $16.50, depending on when you go, and the amount you spend on food, market items and so on is up to you!

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CAFÉ REVIEW – San Churro

Shop 5/84 Campbell Parade,
Bondi Beach

OR

47 Glebe Point Road,
Glebe

Ever had churros? If not, you’re missing out. And the best place to get them in Sydney is chain store San Churro.

Prices: A little bit on the expensive side, but still one of the cheapest chocolate cafes in Sydney. A hot chocolate will set you back about $6, and a plate of churros for one costs about $8

Food: A churro is a Spanish fried dough stick – it’s kind of like their version of a doughnut. But in stick form. Anyway, you dip them in melted chocolate, and the result is pure bliss. San Churro also serve other chocolate-based food including fondue and brownies, as well as offering every kind of hot chocolate under the sun, their speciality being Spanish hot chocolates, which are more or less just melted chocolate in a cup. Be prepared for cocoa overload!

Service: Food arrives quickly and staff are nice.

Atmosphere: Pretty excellent. The room is full of dark wood and the lighting is dim, giving the impression of a Spanish taberna. It’s usually pretty busy – especially late at night – but never feels too crowded.

Take Away: Yes
Close to: Bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants on Glebe Pt Road; shops, cafes and the beach at Bondi
Public transport: Both are serviced by buses.

RATING: 8/10

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LIVE PUBLIC BROADCASTS
3 massive screens will be floating on Cockle Bay, with a 4th mounted in Tumbalong park. Games will be broadcast live on the screens, and anyone can go! Take some mates and enjoy the games.

STREET SOCCER
Some of Australia’s best street soccer players will be taking to the pitch – on water! There’ll be a floating soccer pitch on Cockle Bay and, once again, it’s free to watch the games.

ENTERTAINMENT
If that wasn’t enough, the Fan Fest website assures us that there will be a “dynamic entertainment programme” to be announced. To keep up to date with what’s happening and when, check out the FIFA Fan Fest website:
http://www.sydneyfifafanfest.com.au/

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So, let’s kick things off!

RESTAURANT REVIEW – The Italian Bowl

255 King St
Newtown

Prices: Great considering the large serving sizes. $10 for basic pastas, up to $15 for veal and chicken main dishes.

Food: Serving sizes are generous, and food is always fresh and delicious.

Service: Speedy and very friendly.

Atmosphere: Awesome. There are tables for groups, as well as a bench with stools if you come alone or with a friend. The bench looks into the kitchen which is completely exposed to the restaurant, and the chefs are always talkative, funny and very friendly. In addition, the walls are covered with the signatures of the celebrities that have eaten at the restaurant.

Take Away: Yes
EFTPOS: Yes
Close to: Bars, pubs, cafes – it’s right in the middle of Newtown’s lively King St.
Public transport: Bus stop just outside the restaurant, or Newtown train station 150m down the road

RATING: 9/10

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One thing you may not know yet is that Sydney has great music. Whether you and your flatmates like your music live and loud or soft and sultry, there’s a show out there for you. And usually it’s pretty cheap! Prices for quality live music shows and club nights in Sydney usually start as low as $10. So whip out your diaries – here are the details of some of the best musical nights out on offer in the coming months…

INDIE ROCK: Dappled Cities @ Manning Bar

THE BAND: Dappled Cities are one of Sydney’s best indie-rock exports. They’ve toured Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US extensively, and they’ve helped to make the Sydney indie scene what it is today.

If you haven’t already heard these guys, check out the sound (and their awesome video clip!) here:

THE VENUE: Manning Bar is one of the student bars at the University of Sydney, but luckily you don’t have to be a student to enjoy the great entertainment and cheap food and drink on offer.

THE DETAILS:
- Saturday 5th June, 8pm
- $18 + booking fee
- For more details and bookings:
http://www.manningbar.com/Whats_On/Dappled_Cities.aspx?t=7&d=3716

80s REVIVAL: No Life Til Leather @ Hermann’s Bar

THE SHOW: Feather your mullets and get ready to whip out your tightest pants – Bon Jovi are back! No Life Til Leather is a rock revival club night, and the next show on the line up features remastered editions of some of Bon Jovi’s greatest hits.

THE VENUE: Hermann’s Bar is another great venue at the University of Sydney. It’s also close to King St, Newtown, so when you’re done with the show you can head out to some of Sydney’s best pubs, restaurants and late-night cafes.

THE DETAILS:
- Friday 2nd July, 9pm
- $10 at the door only
- For more details and bookings:
http://www.hermannsbar.com/Whats_On/No_Life_Til_Leather_6.aspx?t=7&d=4022

CLUB/ RAVE: Saturday nights @ The Gaff

THE MUSIC: Yes, we know that “club” and “rave” aren’t the same thing, but if you want madness and mayhem with your music, this is where you want to be.

THE VENUE: The Gaff on Oxford Street in Darlinghurst prides itself on being off-the-chain crazy, and Saturdays are the craziest night of all. You can expect a lineup of Sydney’s freshest DJs, some awesome people, an electric atmosphere and a great time.

THE DETAILS:
- Every Saturday night
- Prices vary – often you’ll get in for free or cheap if you turn up before 9pm, but check the website
- More details: http://www.thegaff.com.au/

FOLK, JAZZ AND BLUES: The Vanguard

THE MUSIC: The Vanguard does not have any regular programs or nights – you’ll get something completely different every time.

Here’s a video of Aussie folk-soul duo Angus and Julia Stone performing at The Vanguard

THE VENUE: The Vanguard was rated by UK newspaper The Independent on Sunday as one of the top 10 venues in the world for live music, along with Madison Square Garden. They market themselves as a live music venue in general, but most days you’ll find some form of folk, jazz, blues, soul or funk. The venue has a 1920s feel, and patrons can eat a wholesome, soulful meal whilst they watch the show.

THE DETAILS:
- Tuesday – Sunday every week, 7pm – Midnight
- Around $18 for general admission, with higher set prices for show & meal.
- For more details and bookings: http://www.thevanguard.com.au/

Hopefully, at least one of these options will have caught your fancy. If not though, don’t despair! This is just the tip of the iceberg of Sydney’s music scene. If you’re looking for music in Sydney – or really anything to do at all, then let me introduce you to your new best friend:

http://www.whatsonsydney.com/

This site will let you know what’s happening on any day of the week in Sydney. From music to food and free events, they’ve got it covered.

Now you’ve got this information, there’s no excuse – get out there and into Sydney’s music scene! And remember – if you find more great music in Sydney, don’t keep it to yourself – comment on the blog and let us know!

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photo credit: Orin Zebest

The word on the street, however, can go completely one way or the other depending on the person you ask. And, when the website lists crab racing and all you can eat pizza as some of its activities for the week, you can see why!

• Monday: Crab Racing
• Tuesday: Mix Pool Competition
• Wednesday: Live Music
• Friday/Saturday: All You Can Eat $10 Pizza & Live DJs
• Sunday: Free Pool

I took a look at eatability.com and found some interesting reviews for Scubar:

• So much fun, had a cracker of a night at this bar, load of travellers so good mix of people.
• Not a good pickup joint cause it’s incredibly noisy and by the time you can eventually buy someone a drink, their visa will have expired.
• The Scubar has bred in me a love for all things foreign! Believe me, if you’re looking for a solid time in Sydney head down, all the way down to the Scubar.
• It’s a crappy tourist bar full of seedy backpackers. It’s about the size of a beer can and they cram about 300 sweaty guys onto a dance floor where the only thing worse than the music is the girls. But hey Monday night.. cheap jugs…

What do you think, Furnished Property tenants? Is Scubar the best backpackers bar in Sydney, or does it leave you with nothing but a headache and empty pockets?

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