Sometimes all a girl needs is a bit of time away from real life with her bestie in tow. So I grabbed mine and skipped across the ditch for a much-needed weekend escape.
1 Vivid
“Bright lights, big city” doesn’t ring any truer than in May and June when the Vivid festival engulfs the place. I’m talking the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House flooded in light, and the Botanical Gardens becoming a glowing wonderland. Even Taronga Zoo gets involved with illuminated animal sculptures. Our first stop was Circular Quay on the waterfront, where the atmosphere was electric – 2.3 million people checked out the festival this year – and watching all the kids stumble about in awe just proved what a family-friendly gig this is. We parked up at a restaurant to take in the spectacular view and people-watch with a wine in hand. Bliss!
2 Exhibitions
I wouldn’t normally rave on about a museum of applied arts and sciences, but put some fashion heavyweights in it and I’m there. The Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo has two such exhibitions, both running until the end of August. Collette Dinnigan: Unlaced showcases the Aussie designer’s collections from the past 25 years, including frocks worn by A-listers like Taylor Swift and Cameron Diaz. Then on the wackier end of the style spectrum is Isabella Blow: A Fashionable Life. Step inside the over-the-top world of the late magazine editor and stylist by perusing her personal wardrobe of Manolo Blahnik heels, Philip Treacy hats and outrageous gowns.
Sumatran tiger on the prowl! A Vivid display brings the zoo to life after dark.
3 Personal shopping
If you’re short on time but big on funds, why not get someone else to do the hard work for you? That was our reasoning when we enlisted the help of celebrity stylist Kash O’Hara, otherwise known as the Style Doctor. When booking the appointment, we filled in a quick quiz so Kash knew our body shapes (I’m an apple, apparently), budget (limited) and what was on our shopping lists (coats, skirts and boots). After a chat over high tea in Pitt Street Mall, we hit the shops, where Kash had put aside some clothing options for us. We left with our wallets lighter and our suitcases heavier.
4 Newtown
The eclectic suburb is a mere 15-minute bus ride from our hotel Ovolo Woolloomooloo in the city. Renowned for its locally sourced foods and health stores, there’s also a throng of op-shops and trinket troves to rifle through if you’re that way inclined. While the area’s known for its incredible street art, it’s the food that will have me coming back. Don’t leave the scene until you stop by Hakiki for a scoop of melon feta-flavoured Turkish ice cream and a Strawberry Watermelon Cake from Black Star Pastry. You won’t regret either.
The Insty-worthy Strawberry Watermelon Cake from Black Star Pastry is to die for!
5 Bondi
Determined not to bring back too much, ahem, excess baggage, we slipped on our fanciest active wear and took a stroll along the Bondi to Coogee walk. This clifftop route has stunning panoramic ocean views and the hour-long trail lends itself to plenty of talking time. After, we ducked into local hot spot Speedo’s Café at the end of the beach, away from the main thoroughfare and overflowing with people who gladly waited 30-60 minutes for a table. We grabbed a seat by the window and I ordered the vegan pancakes, described as “#foodporn”. When our meals arrived, we stuffed our faces while watching teens prepare for their mid-morning surf lesson. A perfect girly weekend morning.
