Tag: list

An animal lovers guide to Sydney

Whether you’re in Sydney for a few days or are lucky enough to call this place a home, you’ll know that this city is full of furry, cuddly, slimy, and wild and all other sorts of creatures. And this is your perfect chance to go say hello or even take your pets for a little pampering day! We all know that there’s Taronga Zoo and the Sea Life Aquarium, but venture into this list to find a list of other places where you can embrace the animal-lover within you!

Featherdale Wildlife Park

This place is home to over 1700 animals from 250 different species and is mostly famous for all the Koalas that the place shelters. It’s not as massive as the Taronga Zoo, but all those famous names that you keep seeing on TV or reading in books are all here. Kangaroos, koalas, quokkas, wombats, crocodiles and much more.

This is also the place where you can get a picture taken with a koala for free! You can even pay and have your own one-on-one session with a koala and pet them. All the zoo keepers take a very personalized approach to each animal and give you little stories about them while they’re at it, making the feeding times of each animal one of the best when compared to other parks!

Spot some kangaroos and cockatoos at Euroka clearing

Other than the best secret place for camping and bush-walking, Euroka Clearing is the best place to catch some kangaroos in their natural habitat. This hidden spot that is located near Glenbrook has over 40 campsites and the best time to find those roos are during dawn and dusk. Although these kangaroos are not like the ones in the zoo, unfortunately you cannot feed them but as they are used to people coming and observing them, they do not scare away that easily. So go get lucky and watch them closely while you can! I would advise you to stay away from the large male ones as they can get a bit aggressive and the mothers can get a tad bit protective if there are small joeys in the group.

Mix it up in Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Park

If you’re a fan of tiny little fish, Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Park is a nice short little walk from Manly Wharf. This reserve that covers the area between the southern ends of Manly Beach to the northern ends of Shelley Beach Headland attracts schools of small fish. If you’re lucky enough you might even get to see some gropers. The area is also staffed by volunteers on the weekend who will happily answer any questions that you might have. And if you want to mix up observing some fish with something else, this is also a great spot for snorkeling and underwater photography. It is famous among photographers as at various times, over 150 different species of fish have been recorded to be swimming in the water!

So now that you know where the wild things are, here are some tamer places for you and your furry ones!

Chew Chew Pet Restaurant

This is where pet nutrition comes first! Pet nutritionist and pet care advisor Naoko Okamoto has designed a Japanese style dog menu with a focus on nutritional content and taste. Serving organic meat and fish straight from the Sydney fish markets, there is always a lot of thought that is put into the dishes for your pals. You can order 3-course meals for your dog, including an entree of soup, a lamb omelet, and a cupcake and doggie cappuccino to top it off. In case this cafe couldn’t get any more loveable, you can now host your pooch’s birthday party here! 

Catmosphere

Sydney’s first space-themed cat café is going to be your heaven if you have been wanting those cuddles with kitties. You can have a yoga session for 45 minutes followed by 15 minutes of cuddling with cats! How good is that! I cannot think of a better way to relieve stress! All the cats here are fostered rescues and chosen especially because of their sociable purrsonalities. Entry to the café is free and you can just get a coffee there and relax and the rooms with cats can only be entered after you’ve paid for it.

Your pets deserve pampering too!

Australia’s premier pet grooming station- The Fur Station by Rufus & Coco that opened up in April this year is not just about haircuts and all. Your furry ones are more than welcome to get a full-standard massage just like humans in order to shine on their inner a well as their outer beauty! This pet grooming center that has taken the idea to a whole new level uses products only from Rufus & Coco. These are high quality products that are free of paraben and soap and also sulfate. Catered to the breed of your pal, they can get a full mud bath and well-being massage so that even the most sensitive ones can experience the very best!

Visit Aabode.com and book your perfect accommodation to have the perfect holiday experience!

What’s on in Sydney | June

While the rest of the world is jumping into the summer hype, everyone in Australia is burrito-ing themselves into blankets and amping up the heater to its highest temperature because winter is definitely going to be a big one. But the cold shouldn’t stop you from getting out of your house! Grab your coats and sweaters and let us help you with this list by adding some fun and warmth in this sweater weather!

Markets!

Markets all around the year and markets some more! Sydney is bringing you some of the best markets with products ranging from vintage collectibles to mouth-watering food trucks that will keep you going back for more because one day will just not be enough! Go to the Glebe markets that have over 200 stalls, combined with live music to add some jazz and really yummy eats for your tummy! Head to one of Sydney’s finest shopping precincts and get lost in the Mosman Artisans markets that are held every first Saturday of the month throughout the year except January. With over 140 arts and crafts stalls, gourmet food and musical entertainment, you’ll surely have a lively winter’s day fun in the sun! Located in Sydney’s only remaining drive-in theatre- The Skyline Drivein will have the Blacktown Markets that will be complimenting a variety of food-trucks and pop-up food places with live music and a big bouncy castle for the kids!

assorted potted succulents

Cruises

Want to take it up a notch and add some luxury into your winter days? Sydney is bringing you lunch and dinner cruises for you and your friends, partner, family and everyone else to feel oh so fancy! One of Sydney’s most majestic cruises, The Catarman that is a hit amongst the locals as well as tourists. Enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour while you have lunch in an air-conditioned dining saloon. For some city lights in the evenings have an unforgettable cruising experience aboard the Spectacular Sydney Showboat II. A three-hour dinner cruise on an authentic, air-conditioned paddlewheeler with a deluxe three-course seated and served menu. Take advantage of the fabulous photo opportunities with the magnificent Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background.

And while you’re at it, catch the fireworks at Darling Harbour every Saturday from 8:30 PM.

Taste of the Opera House

Calling all the foodies in! Wine and dine your way around the Sydney Opera House’s restaurants and bars. An entirely different way to experience Australia’s most inspiring building while taking in the culinary delights of some of Sydney’s best chefs.

Escorted by your own personal Sydney Opera House guide from Stage Door, begin with a cocktail making a class at Opera Bar learning to create one of their signature cocktails while enjoying fresh seafood and charcuterie from Matt Moran influenced RAW bar and Meat and Cheese Room. You will make your way down the concourse to get hands-on at Opera Kitchen in a poke bowl making masterclass with one of their expert chefs. The best part of the masterclass is you get to eat it after. A spectacular lunch will then be served at Portside Sydney, where you enjoy a scrumptious main course paired with matched Australian wines.

Finish your day at Bennelong restaurant, enjoying a delicious Peter Gilmore signature dessert and theatrical cocktail to accompany.

Aboriginal Heritage Tour

Whether you’re a tourist or a local looking to enrich your cultural and historical knowledge, go on an Aboriginal Tour with an Aboriginal guide in the heart of the city. Located in a spectacular harbourside setting, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is one of Sydney’s most treasured and iconic destinations.

On the traditional land of the Cadigal people, the land now occupied by the Garden is the site where the modern transformation of the Australian continent began and can be regarded as the ‘first frontier’ between Aboriginal and European societies.

Join an experienced Aboriginal guide on a 1.5-hour walking tour of the Garden which highlights the significance of the site to Aboriginal people, as well as the rich heritage and culture of Aboriginal people of the Sydney region.

The tour runs every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 10 AM, starting from the 29th of May.

Sydney’s largest yoga and meditation group

If you want to do something different and find your inner peace and balance within you, Mita Meditation which is a volunteer-run Meditation and Wellness center is bringing you various meditation programs every Sunday starting from 2nd June.

It is a movement that promotes self-empowerment of individuals thus creating no/less dependency on external factors for them to achieve success in any area of life.

Mita Meditation also has a mission to empower every being by spreading a basic understanding of one’s true self which is referred to as Eternal Power. They also teach various Mind training techniques including meditation. Mita Meditation sessions are free of cost solely run on voluntary contributions.

Vivid

An event that is all the craze now! If there’s one place in the world where inspiration shines bright, it’s Vivid Sydney. Returning for its eleventh year from 24th May to 15th June 2019. Vivid Sydney is Australia’s most awarded festival that brings together light artists, music makers, and brilliant minds to share their creativity with you.

Vivid Light illuminates Sydney’s skyline with Lights On! from 6 PM each evening. As the Lighting of the Sails unfurls across the architectural wonders of the Sydney Opera House, weave your way along the Light Walk around the harbor front and the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and venture into other parts of Sydney to brighten up your winter nights. Additionally, Vivid Ideas brings you 23 days and nights of future-facing talks, hands-on workshops, and industry-shaping forums. Game Changers Spike Lee and Esther Perel challenge assumptions on race and relationships. The Mark Colvin Conversation: Net Worth, asks what price we’ll pay for our constant digital distraction. What more could you ask for when you can experience, knowledge, fun and bright lights all in one place?!

For making your stay more memorable in Sydney, visit Aabode.com now to have a look at some exciting properties ranging from funky apartments to serene accommodations with a homely vibe!

Your Sydney Winter Wonderland

Winter in Australia has started showing its magic and although it might be too cold to go for a swim in Bondi, there are still a plenty of fun things to do in Sydney at this time of the year. From pop-up ice rinks to high tea on Ferris wheels, the city is as bustling and busy in winter as it is in summer and here is a list of things that you can venture into to make the most out of your Australian winter season in Sydney.

Good Food and Wine Show

 When: June 22nd – June 24th

The Good Food and Wine show are back again, and you can spend a weekend immersed in all of the booze and yummy goodness the city has to offer. This year’s event will bring back some old favorites’ and provide an exciting line-up of features to discover, taste, share and enjoy. There will be lunches with notable chefs such as Maggie Beer, Manu and Clarissa Feidel, Miguel Maestre, Matt Morgan as well as other fun and educational events. From vegan pizza master classes to boozy brunches and more, you will want to add this event to your calendar.

Vivid Sydney

When: May 25th – June 16th

The world’s largest festival of lights, music and ideas is returning to Sydney for its 10th year in a row. Last year Vivid Sydney drew over 2.33 million visitors to the city for its massive list of events including educational talks and seminars, live music and light shows, and its 10th anniversary is shaping up to be as spectacular as ever. From the Heaps Gay Queens Ball to Vivid After Hours at the Art Gallery of NSW, the Snugglepot and Cuddlepie light display and so many more, you’ll definitely be wanting to get involved in Vivid Sydney this year.

Bondi Winter Magic Festival

When: June 28th – July 29th

I know what you’re thinking, going to the beach in winter? Well, why not especially when Bondi is bringing back its winter magic! You can ski along the shores as the festival brings snow to sand in the form of an ice-skating rink. There will be an educational history series, as well as daily ice skating and hockey demos and lessons.

Road and Snore at Taronga Zoo

When: April 30th – July 5th

Roar and snore is a long-running overnight experience offer by Taronga Zoo. It lets you bunker down after the zoo shuts its gates and stay in luxurious tents until morning. You’ll get to meet all the critters such as lions, tigers, snow leopards and a sun bear as well as dine at the zoo’s restaurant. The next morning you will be served a delicious brekkie before being able to feed a giraffe, pat a seal and sun bake with an echidna. From the 25th of May to the 16th of June, you can also catch Roar and Snore VIVID which will see amazing light installations on top of your furry filled experience.

Ferris Wheel High Tea

When: May 5th – 22nd September

The Deck in Sydney has brought back its quirky Ferris wheel high tea, so you can snack on scones and sip prosecco while taking in the best view in town. Served on board the iconic Luna Park Ferris Wheel, this next level experience is unlike any other tea party the city has to offer. After your one hour ride, you’re invited to sit back and warm up with a cuppa in the deck lounge.

Sydney Film Festival

When: June 6th – June 17th

Are you ready for 12 massive days of film, fun, talks, parties and of course all the movie snacks? Sydney film Festival kicks off in June and is bringing Sydneysiders over 120 flicks. With several of last year’s titles such as Call Me by Your Name, On Body and Soul and A Fantastic Woman scoring Oscar nominations or wins, you’ll certainly be wanting to take a sneak peak at this year’s lineup. From You Were Never Really Here starring Joaquin Phoenix, Kiwi flick, The Breaker Upperers and a hoard of other indie titles and docos, the program is packed to the brim. The State Theatre will be hosting most of the screenings, but there will also be films showing around the city in Newtown, Cremorne, Randwick and Western Sydney.

Whether you are planning your winter in Sydney or in another city, go to Aabode.com now to check out some cozy properties!

Your ultimate skiing destinations in the land down under!

The land down under is usually associated with beautiful beaches and long summer days, but it also offers a decent ski season with plenty of snow covered ski fields to choose from across its southern states.

Typically running from July to October, snowfall makes for ideal conditions for skiing, snowboarding and a variety of fun snow play activities. So hit the snow while you can this ski season and live a truly unique snowy experience.

Thredbo, New South Wales

If you’re a ski expert and need that adrenaline rush, get yourself to Thredbo now! You’ll find the longest run in Australia over here with the 5 km long Crackenback super-trail, as well as the country’s highest lifted point, at 2037 m. To add to your excitement, there are the super-steep Balls to the Wall pitch. Beginners are catered for, too, thanks to the friendly Friday Flats, where many an Aussie has conquered his/her first snow plough. All in all, more than 50 runs weave their way across the resort.

In between skiing and snowboarding,  you can grab some bites at Australia’s highest restaurant or après-skiing in Thredbo Village, where you can sip champagne while stargazing in the Alpine Hotel’s outdoor Jacuzzi.

Thredbo is about 490 km or five-and-a-half hours’ drive southwest of Sydney and about 530 km or six-and-a-half hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne.

Perisher, New South Wales

Perisher is most definitely the ski destination in the Southern hemisphere. It became so in 1995 when the four resorts within it, Perisher, Smiggins, Blue Cow and Guthega joined forces. You get 1245 hectares, 47 lifts, seven mountains and five terrain parks to carve up on. One of the trickiest runs is Olympic, on Back Perisher Mountain, while, for newbies, Smiggins Holes makes falling over not-too-scary.

If you’re keen to take a break from downhill skiing, there are 100 kilometers of marked cross-country tracks to try. On-snow sleepovers are everywhere, but Perisher also allows the affordability of a stay in Jindabyne. From there, drive to Bullocks Flat and catch the Ski Tube.

Perisher is about 490 km or six hours’ drive southwest of Sydney and about 600 km or seven hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne.

Falls Creek, Victoria

Falls Creek might be a third of the size of Perisher, but it’s still the largest ski resort in Victoria. 450 hectares gives you 15 lifts and more than 90 runs. The terrain is less dramatic than at other spots, which means that it will be ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. And, in between downhill escapades, you can investigate 65 kilometers of cross-country trails. If you’re around at the end of August, check out the Kangaroo Hoppet, a marathon 42-kilometer-long ski race which happens to be the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest snow sport event.

Falls Creek is about 670 km or seven hours’ drive southwest of Sydney and about 380 km or four-and-a-half hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne.

Mount Buller, Victoria

Mount Buller is conveniently located 3 hours from Melbourne. It’s got 22 lifts, which is the most out of all the Victorian ski resorts and runs over a total of 300 hectares. Pro skiers should head to the south side of the mountain, where you’ll find plenty of black (difficult and scary) runs, while intermediates will be happier on the northern side, scooting down blue runs. If you’ve never even so much looked at a pair of skis before, grab a Discovery Pass, which includes a lesson and access to eight beginner’s lifts.

On the days when you and your skis need a break from each other, you can take five in Australia’s highest day spa, go rock climbing and hop between 30 bars and restaurants.

Mount Buller is about 800 km or eight hours’ drive southwest of Sydney and about 230 km or three-and-a-half hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne.

Visit Aabode.com right now and check out some gorgeous accommodations that are available at Mount Buller right now!

6 essential tips for your next road trip

Whether you’re on the road for an hour or a week, make sure you’re prepped! Check out these tips for your next road trip so you can just enjoy the ride.

Take frequent breaks

We’re not saying you have to stop at every servo when you’re on the road but its worthwhile taking a pit stop every hour or two. Whether you want to get out and explore the area a bit or get a quick bite to eat, taking a break is essential for the whole crew! Whether you need to take a quick toilet break or need to pump some petrol, stop at the next rest station or servo.

Dress comfortably

There’s nothing worse than sitting in a car for hours on end wearing tight and uncomfortable clothing! Make sure you wear comfortable and cozy clothing so you can feel relaxed during your ride. We recommend breathable clothes with some slippers or sneakers. If you even want to feel more comfortable, bring a mini pillow and throw!

Have entertainment on hand

Whether you bring along some games or whip together a playlist on Spotify, it’s essential that you have some entertainment for your journey, whether it’s long or short! Before you head off, be sure to download some audio books or trivia games to keep you occupied for your trip. Bring some Uno, crank up the speakers and get ready for a great time.

Pack snacks

Depending on how big your stomachs are and how many people are coming with you, you might need to bring a whole heap of snacks. An essential part to any road trip is having an excessive amount of snacks to share around the car while you chat or play games! Load up at the grocery store before you leave so you don’t have to purchase overpriced chips and meat pies at the servo. If you want a healthier alternatives, bring some homemade chip and dip or sliced fruit in advance!

Bring all of your chargers

This might be one of the most important tips for your road trip! Phones and devices are often used as a GPS, a music player or just for your social media scrolling pleasures. Running out of battery for any of these devices could lead to you getting lost or feeling extremely bored during your trip. Make sure you’re bringing a portable charger or a cord to plug into your car to avoid any messy mishaps!

Stay fresh – pack your toiletries

If there’s a full house in your car, the last thing you want to do is stink it up, especially if you’re driving for a long period of time. If there are no showers at your pit stop on the way, consider getting some wet wipes, dry shampoo or deodorant to keep yourself feeling fresh. Otherwise, just pack some mini toiletries and have them nearby in case you need to pull over at a rest stop and have a quick shower!

Every road trip will lead to a destination! No matter where you go, you can always find the perfect property at Aabode.com!