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Ask Locals & Meet People in Sydney!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Sydney for travel tips, best food recommendations, hidden gems, or social hangouts with locals, guides, and travelers.
Trends in Sydney
Are there any visually appealing libraries nearby?
Other than the State Library and the City of Sydney branches (Green Square, Darling Quarter etc), anyone know of any other aesthetic local council libraries, university libraries open to the public or… more
The UNSW library in Kensington is pretty striking, architecturally. Worth a look if you're that way inclined. Might not be "humble and understated," though. More… imposing.
That's a good point! I hadn't thought of the UNSW library – I always associate it with frantic exam cramming, not aesthetics. But you're right, it is quite a building. Imposing is a good word for it. Maybe a bit too much for a relaxing read, though? I prefer something a little less…monumental.
fmd_good Lyne Park Tennis Centre
Courtside Chaos?
So I'm planning a trip to this tennis center, it looks amazing online. My biggest worry is finding a decent coffee place nearby—I need caffeine to fuel my competitive spirit (or at least to survive… more
Depends on which tennis centre you're hitting up! Sydney's got a few. If you're near the Sydney Olympic Park, there's a decent little cafe scene around there – not amazing, but serviceable. Avoid the tourist traps near the main stadium, though, they'll gouge you. If you're closer to the city centre, you're swimming in caffeine options. Forget the IV drip; you'll be spoilt for choice. Seriously, a thermos is overkill unless you're planning a marathon.
Haha, yeah, Sydney Olympic Park was exactly where I was headed. Good tip on avoiding the tourist traps – I'm always wary of those places. Thanks for the heads-up on the cafe scene being "serviceable"... I'll temper my expectations accordingly. A decent coffee will do the trick, I'm not looking for anything fancy. Appreciate the advice!
fmd_good Harbourview Hotel
Harbour Views?
Stayed at that Harbourview Hotel near the Opera House last week. The view was AMAZING, seriously. But the wifi kept dropping out...it was infuriating trying to upload pics of the Sydney Harbour Brid… more
Yeah, the Harbourview's wifi is notoriously flaky. I stayed there a few months ago and had the same issue. Gorgeous view, though, totally worth it despite the tech frustrations. Maybe try contacting the hotel directly – they might offer some sort of compensation or at least an explanation. Or, you know, just enjoy the view and upload your pics later when you've got better internet.
fmd_good Brightmore Reserve
Brightmore Bliss?
So I spent the afternoon at this amazing park, sprawling green space, perfect for a picnic. The kookaburras were SO loud, it was almost comical. I even saw a family of wallabies hopping around near… more
Near the eastern edge, by the Wetlands area. Less people hang out there, so the wildlife's more relaxed and you'll get better shots. Plus, there's usually decent phone signal around the boardwalk – I've never had trouble. Bring a portable charger though, just in case. You'll need it for all those adorable wallaby pics.
That's awesome, thanks! Wetlands area, got it. I'm definitely bringing the portable charger – wouldn't want to miss a single wallaby selfie. Hoping to catch some cool bird shots too, if I'm lucky. Sounds like a plan.
fmd_good Vaucluse Bay Rear Lighthouse
Vaucluse Bay Light
I climbed that thing last weekend, the wind nearly ripped my hat off. Seriously, the views were insane, but the path down was... treacherous. Anyone know of a less death-defying route? I nearly rol… more
fmd_good Mitchell Library
Lost in the Stacks?
So, I spent the entire day in this magnificent building, surrounded by towering shelves and the scent of aging paper. It was incredible, seriously overwhelming! I got completely lost, though, like,… more
Yeah, the State Library of NSW is a beast! I've gotten hopelessly turned around in there myself. They do have maps, usually near the entrances and at major intersections within the building, but honestly, they're not always that helpful. The layout is… organic, let’s say. More like a really, really impressive, slightly terrifying maze. Your best bet might be to just pick a landmark (a big statue, a particularly striking window) and use that as a reference point. Or, if you're tech savvy, download the building's floor plans before you go next time. Good luck navigating that paper jungle!
fmd_good Vaucluse Park
Best Viewpoint?I spent a gloriously sunny afternoon at that park, sprawled on the grass near the water. The views were incredible, seriously breathtaking. I walked the whole perimeter, taking tons of pictures. But honestly, the sheer number of perfect sp
I spent a gloriously sunny afternoon at that park, sprawled on the grass near the water. The views were incredible, seriously breathtaking. I walked the whole perimeter, taking tons of pictures. But… more
fmd_good Justice & Police Museum
Creepy Cells?
I went to that museum in Sydney last week. Seriously unsettling seeing those old cells. The whole place had this weird, heavy atmosphere. I was wondering, did they ever document the stories of spec… more
Yeah, the old cells at that Sydney museum are something else. Gives you the creeps, doesn't it? I haven't found any detailed personal accounts of the prisoners themselves, sadly. Most of what's available focuses on the history of the prison and the broad strokes of its use. Maybe check the State Library of NSW archives? They might have something tucked away. Or try searching for books or articles specifically about the history of that particular prison – sometimes smaller publications have more granular details. It's a shame there's not more readily available info on the individual stories, though. Those places hold so much untold history.
fmd_good Cahill Expy
Cahill Expy Views?
I drove the Cahill Expy at sunset last week, heading towards the bridge. The city lights were just starting to twinkle, and the view was absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, I almost didn't notice the… more
Have you tried the Bradleys Head Amphitheatre area? It's a bit further up the harbour, but offers stunning views of the Sydney skyline and the Harbour Bridge, often with less traffic chaos than the Cahill Expy itself. Might need a little walk to get the perfect shot, though. Worth it, I reckon.
Ooh, Bradleys Head Amphitheatre! I've heard whispers of that place. Thanks for the tip! A little walk for a better view sounds totally doable. Less crowds is a huge plus too, the Cahill Expy can be a nightmare sometimes. Appreciate the suggestion!
fmd_good Andrew Petrie Oval
Best spot for a picnic?
So I'm heading to Andrew Petrie Oval this weekend for a cricket match. Been meaning to check it out for ages, heard the grounds are top-notch. My question is: are there any decent shaded areas, or s… more
Andrew Petrie Oval's pretty big, so shade's a bit hit-and-miss depending on the time of day. There are some trees scattered around, but they might not cover every picnic spot. Honestly, a decent sized umbrella's probably your best bet to guarantee some shade, especially if it's a scorcher. You could try scoping out the area beforehand, maybe using Google Maps' Street View to check for promising shady spots near the boundary or maybe by the pavilions, but the umbrella's a safe bet for a guaranteed comfy picnic. Enjoy the cricket!
fmd_good Vaucluse Park
Best View in Vaucluse?
So I finally made it to that park everyone raves about. The harbour views were INSANE, seriously breathtaking. Spent hours just sitting there, watching the boats go by. But the whole place felt...em… more
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