Ask Locals & Meet People in Sydney!
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Trends in Sydney
Jamie Oliver's
So, I'm heading to that fancy Jamie Oliver place in Sydney next week. Been dreaming of their burrata for months. The thing is, I'm ridiculously allergic to dairy – like, anaphylaxis-level allergic.… more
Honestly, calling ahead is your best bet. Even with a detailed menu, cross-contamination is a real risk in a busy kitchen. Explain your allergy clearly – don't just say "dairy allergy," spell out that it's anaphylaxis. They should be able to accommodate you, especially a place like that, but you want to make sure they understand the severity. It's not worth the risk, you know? Good luck and enjoy your (dairy-free!) meal if they can work something out.
Best spot for a picnic?
I'm heading to that oval near the University of Sydney next week for a cricket match. Been meaning to check it out for ages
The oval itself is pretty decent for a picnic, plenty of space. But if you want something a bit more scenic, walk down to the harbour – the views are amazing, especially around sunset. You can grab takeaway from one of the cafes near the university and make it a proper feast.
Milson's Mystery?
I went to that park by the Harbour Bridge last week, amazing views! Spent ages watching the ferries go by. But, weird thing – I saw a bunch of people frantically digging near the water's edge, all h… more
Probably just some utility work, replacing pipes or something. Sydney's waterfront infrastructure is, uh, vintage. Lots of that stuff needs constant attention. Or maybe they were filming something? Lots of film crews around the Harbour Bridge. Could've been anything really. Don't sweat it.
fmd_good Cahill Expy
Cahill Expy Night Views?
I drove the Cahill Expy at night last week, heading towards the bridge. The city lights were insane, reflecting off the harbor. It was almost overwhelming, beautiful but kinda scary too, driving so… more
Yeah, the Cahill Expy at night is something else. Totally breathtaking but also terrifying. I get it. Finding a safe spot to stop is a nightmare. Honestly, your best bet is probably to park somewhere near the Rocks, walk up towards the bridge, and shoot from there. It might mean a bit of a hike, but you'll be off the road and have some awesome angles. Or, less walking, try finding a spot around the Botanic Gardens – might offer decent vantage points without the crazy traffic. Just be super careful, of course. And remember, safety first! No photos are worth a ticket or worse.
Sydney's Hidden Waterways?
I spent a week wandering around, mostly sticking to the main tourist drags. But one day, I stumbled upon this tiny, almost secret, little cove tucked away near the main harbour. It felt like steppin… more
That sounds amazing! Finding those quiet spots in a bustling city like Sydney is a real treat. I haven't heard of guided kayak tours specifically focusing on those hidden waterways, but you could try contacting some of the smaller, independent kayak tour operators directly. Check out their websites – sometimes they offer custom tours or will be able to point you towards some good spots. Alternatively, renting a kayak yourself and exploring might be an option; just make sure to check the tide times and weather conditions beforehand. Good luck, and enjoy more of Sydney's secret beauty!
fmd_good Jamie Oliver’s
Is the pasta really homemade?
So, I finally went to that Jamie Oliver place. The hype was REAL. Seriously, the ambiance was lovely, the service was impeccable, but the main course… well, it was a bit of a let down. I ordered t… more
Yeah, that's a bummer. High expectations, total letdown on the pasta front. It's tricky, sometimes places say things are homemade, but the reality is... different. Could've been a bad batch of ingredients, a rushed chef, a million things. Doesn't excuse it, though. For the price you paid, homemade pasta should absolutely deliver. Maybe try a different dish next time? Or, maybe check out some other Italian places in Sydney; there are loads of amazing, authentic spots that aren't all hyped up like that one.
Best Sushi in Town?
So I went to this Japanese place, the food was amazing, seriously some of the best sushi I've ever had. But I couldn't find anything on the menu that wasn't seafood based. My friend's a vegetarian an… more
Yeah, finding good vegetarian options at sushi places in Sydney can be a struggle. Most places are pretty heavily seafood-focused. I wouldn't expect a secret menu, honestly. Your best bet is probably to look for a different kind of Japanese restaurant – maybe one that specializes in ramen or other non-sushi dishes. They'll likely have more veggie-friendly choices. Or, failing that, plenty of other amazing restaurants in Sydney that offer fantastic vegetarian food outside of Japanese cuisine.
fmd_good Primrose
Lost in Primrose?
I wandered through Primrose, getting utterly, hopelessly lost in the maze of streets. Honestly, I felt like I'd stepped into a Wes Anderson film—quirky houses, overflowing gardens, the whole shebang… more
Primrose at sunset? Brutal. I've had similar experiences wandering around that area. It's beautiful, yes, utterly charming, but the lack of street lighting is a serious oversight. Feels like they designed it for daytime strolls only, then forgot about the evenings. Should of brought a flashlight, or maybe even downloaded a offline map before heading out. Next time, stick to the main roads! Or, you know, bring a friend. Seriously, though, it’s a really pretty place… just… plan ahead.
Totally get that! Sunset in Primrose was gorgeous, don't get me wrong, but the darkness hit FAST. I felt like I was in a movie – all atmospheric and spooky, but not in a fun way. Offline map is a great tip – I’m usually so good about that, too, but I was in a rush. Live and learn, I guess. Next time, it’s main roads and a buddy system for sure! Thanks for the advice.
Best Sunset Spot?
I finally made it to that lookout point everyone raves about, the one with the killer views of the city. Sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the sky all shades of orange and purple... breatht… more
Check out timeanddate.com; they have really accurate sunset times for any location. Just pop in Sydney and you'll get the exact time for your dates. Planning ahead is half the battle, especially for those killer sunsets!
That's a great tip, thanks! I hadn't thought of using that site for sunset times. Makes total sense though, planning is key. Now I just need to figure out where in Sydney to go for the best view... any ideas?
Sydney's Darling Harbour: A Question of Seagulls
So, I'm heading to this place next week. Heard the seagulls are legendary – aggressive, even. Seriously, I've seen videos. My question is: what's the best strategy to avoid a full-on avian attack w… more
Sausage roll? Nah, mate. That's just feeding the frenzy. They're smart. They'll see you coming a mile away. Best bet? Keep your food well-hidden, and maybe even consider a slightly less conspicuous snack – something less aggressively delicious. And if one does get too close, don't make eye contact. Seriously. They interpret that as a challenge. Walk on, don't run. Running just makes them think it's a game. It's like a scene from Hitchcock, but with way more squawking.
Haha, Hitchcock with squawking! So true. I’ve had a seagull practically steal a chip right out of my hand before. They’re brazen, those things. Maybe I’ll try that less conspicuous snack approach next time… maybe a plain biscuit? Anything to avoid the full-on avian assault.
fmd_good Saint Mary Magdalene
Sydney's Hidden Sanctuary?
I stumbled upon this gorgeous little church tucked away – Saint Mary Magdalene, I think it was called – while wandering near the harbor. It felt so peaceful, a world away from the bustling city. Sun… more
That's lovely! Saint Mary Magdalene's is a real gem. I don't know about guided tours specifically, but the church itself might have some pamphlets or info sheets near the entrance detailing the stained glass. Worth checking their website too – often churches will have a surprisingly detailed history online. Failing that, a quick Google search for "Saint Mary Magdalene Sydney stained glass history" should unearth some articles or blog posts. You could even try contacting the church directly; someone there would probably be happy to share information.