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!
July 22, 2010
Hey folks! It’s Georgia, the blogger for the Furnished Property website. I’ve just come back from a week in Melbourne, and I had an absolute blast! So I thought I’d let you guys know where are the best places to go with some friends, flatmates, or that special someone to have a great time.
WARNING: This article is super-long, but chock-full of great tips. Stay with us!
July 8, 2010
Midnight Snack in Kings Cross
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
June 24, 2010
If you and your flatmates get bored of huddling up at home in your Sydney furnished apartment this winter, don’t despair! There are some amazing Winter Festivals coming up in the city and at Bondi. Here’s some more info…
SYDNEY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
June 4, 2010
If your furnished apartment is in Glebe or Bondi, and you and your flatmates are chocolate lovers, then we have the place for you! San Churro is the perfect café to chill with your housemates and get some great Spanish chocolate treats.
CAFÉ REVIEW – San Churro
Shop 5/84 Campbell Parade,
Bondi Beach
OR
47 Glebe Point Road,
Glebe
May 28, 2010
If you and your flatmates are looking for somewhere to eat in Sydney and want to do it on a small budget, then you’ve come to the right place! We’ll have a series of reviews of cheap and affordable cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs around Sydney coming up in the next few weeks.
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
May 28, 2010
Are you new to your Furnished Apartment in Sydney?
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:
June 8, 2009
As part of celebrating another year in my life, I was taken to the Hunter Valley last weekend for some wine and fun with some friends. Even though it rained off and on, the Hunter Valley was still a beautiful place to visit that I would recommend to any visitor around Australia.
The Budget Way
Did you know the Hunter Valley area has a YHA? That’s perfect for travelers looking to take advantage of the famous wine region while also staying in a place where you can meet other travelers. Getting there shouldn’t be a problem since you can catch a bus there from Sydney (arranging the transport through the hostel of course).
Once in the Hunter, you can coordinate a small shuttle service to take a tour of some of the amazing wineries in the area.
The Not-So-Budget Way
If you want more freedom during your trip to Hunter Valley, you can always take a car, or rent one, for the journey. With this option, definitely make sure you have a designated driver along for the ride – you know, someone actually willing to spit the wine out after tasting. Drinking and driving is something to NOT mess around with. Also, be aware that many shuttle services are around if you’re wanting to partake in many tastings and not have to spit.
Hunter Valley is swarming with accommodation options, some very romantic and luxurious. Or, if you have a group of people, renting your own private cottage is a great idea! You’ll find that a simple Google search will result in more than enough options to keep you busy.
What To Do
No matter how you get there, and how you decide to spend your nights, there are plenty of day activities that everyone can partake in.
1) Wineries – Since there are so many to hit up, it is probably best to get recommendations from people who have been before.
2) Cheese – What goes better with wine than some great cheese? Be sure to stop by the Smelly Cheese Shop to taste a few!
3) Breweries – There’s not just wine in the Hunter. Take a stop at the Potters Hotel & Brewery for a nice tour.
4) Pubs – A pub lunch may be in order, so take a look at Harrigans Irish Pub.
5) Kangaroos – Watch out! There are so many kangaroos, you will need to keep an eye out while driving!
6) Zoo – If all the wild kangaroos weren’t enough, check out the Hunter Valley Zoo.
7) Chocolate – If you love chocolate, then stop by the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company while you’re around.
You might be surprised to know just how much there is to do and see in Hunter Valley. I could have spent many more days wandering around the vineyards last weekend, even in the light rain. It is a wonderful getaway from Sydney City.
May 31, 2009
Since we are no longer in wonderful, sunny summer in the southern hemisphere, the weather is starting to make finding activities a bit more on a limited scale. Rain seems to be falling a little bit every other day making those outdoor events a thing of the past. In light of this, finding some fun shouldn’t be too difficult, and I decided to help out by making a list of indoor activities good for any season!
photo credit: smoodysarah
Galleries and Museums: I know this isn’t tops on everybody’s list, but there are some great galleries/museums around that should be checked out. And, better yet, you can get by without spending much money in the process.
Bowling: Bowling is not cheap around these parts, but if you know when to go, you can get a decent deal and have a great time. Any AMF Bowling center offers $8 games on Thursdays. I have also been finding some coupons for AMF Bowling on the backs of my Cole’s receipts, so make sure you check ‘em before you chuck ‘em.
Movies: Yet again, movies are not the cheapest thing to do around Sydney, especially if you consider the price of adding on a soft drink and popcorn. However, I have heard recently about a restaurant and movie theater in Darlinghurst called Govinda’s where you can eat a buffet dinner and then proceed to watch a movie while lying down on couches! There is a dinner and movie package, or just make your way to the movie alone, and it doesn’t seem too pricey for Sydney.
Coffee: Cafes are a dime a dozen around Sydney, so why not grab a nice book and a nice cup and sit down for a while when the rain is falling?
And there you have just a few activities to keep you occupied on some rainy days. If you have any other tidbits, please leave us a comment and let us know where to go!
May 11, 2009
Being from America where they don’t really exist, I always found myself being quite confused when traveling and meeting Aussies pining away for their beloved meat pies. I was always left wondering just what the heck they were talking about.
Finally, after my arrival down under I can understand what all those Aussie backpackers were craving and raving about. Meet the meat pie (taken with my phone camera):
The picture is obviously not doing it justice. This meat pie was in fact 10 times tastier than it looks above, and I immediately felt like I could relate to those many comments from months before. I became a huge fan, and now, in my mind, the meat pie is like the ultimate food item – versatile, cheap, tasty, and diverse. Here’s why:
1 – The meat pie is versatile. If you’re wanting a snack, or a full meal, the meat pie is up for the challenge. Meat pies are handy, meaning you can grab one and eat it on the go. Better yet, eating them without utensils is easier than thought because the gravy-like filling has a surprisingly thick consistency maintaining order and shape during the eating process.
If looking for more than a simple snack, add some mash to your order and it becomes closer to a full-sized meal.
2 – Meat pies are cheap. My delicious meat pie from Harry’s Cafe de Wheels cost me around $3.50, and around $4.50 when I added some mash. Other places may sell them for cheaper. Are you traveling on a budget and looking for ways to save a buck? Make sure you grab a meat pie for lunch!
3 – Meat pies are tasty. Did I not mention that already? In case I didn’t make it clear enough, meat pies are quite tasty all the way from its crispy pie crust to its juicy filling.
4 – Meat pies are diverse. Not only can you use them for a snack or a meal, but they also come in a wide range of flavors. Beef, veggie, and curry are all tastes to choose from so there’s never a dull moment. And definitely don’t miss The Tiger!
If meat pies are new to you, too, I suggest you try one of your own. If around Sydney City, there’s a Harry’s over on Haymarket where you can snag some pie goodness. Be sure to check their website as they actually have many locations around the area. If you do stop by, let us all know what you got and how good it was!
