Adventure, baby!

Christine Knight

Christine is the editor of Adventure, Baby!

Learn & Play! teamLab Future Park at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney

teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum #Sydney Australia
This summer, the Powerhouse Museum is presenting one of the most incredible exhibitions Sydney seen: the innovative, playful and completely immersive Learn & Play! teamLab Future Park. Exclusive to the Powerhouse Museum, Future Park is the latest exhibition by Japanese art collective teamLab.

teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum

The exhibition feature eight interactive light installations that respond to real-time interaction. A stunning blend of science and creativity, Future Park challenges visitors to dream up collaborative artworks in a playground for children and adult alike.

Future Park is broken up into the following distinct areas or activities:

teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum

Sketch Town allows participants to create their own vehicle or building that, when scanned, comes to life on a massive screen as part of the town. Creators can interact with their designs or print them out to take home and create as a 3D model.

teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum

Light Ball Orchestra was a winner with us – two pits of large and small light balls that are suspended from the ceiling and rolling around loose on the ground. As we interact with them, they change colour, creating an ever changing brilliant light show.

teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum

Graffiti Nature – Mountains and Valleys was incredibly hard to photograph but looks incredible to the eye. A digital environment populated by visitor drawings of plants and animals, add your own creature and slide into the imaginary world filled with giant, colourful creatures that have come directly from your own imagination.

teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum

Hopscotch for Geniuses is one for the music lovers – or those of us who remember hopscotch from our own childhoods! This digital twist on an old favourite game changes the rules and transforms a standard hopping game into a pathway to create an interactive dance and musical symphony.

teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum

Connecting: Block Town! lets participants create their own townscape by moving physical wooden blocks on the table. As each block is moved, cars, trains and buildings appear in the landscape.

teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum

Sketch People gives visitors the opportunity to draw themselves or a completely new character and then see them move on a large screen right in front of them. The drawings interact with other drawings, forming relationships. Sketch people respond to being touched, so give yours a (gentle!) poke and see what actions you get in return!

teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum

A Table Where Little People Live was our other firm favourite installation. While it looked the least impressive from the outset – a dark room with pretty plain looking round tables – it was actually incredibly fun for us both.

teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum

On each interactive screen tabletops, little people run around rather similar to the old computer game Lemmings. By placing physical objects on the table, visitors an interact with the little people, prompting them to jump, climb and fall accordingly.

teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum

This activity really did provide outbursts of giggles as the little people responded in silly ways, and together we created bigger and crazier object towers to see what would happen to the little people (and these strange random cows that popped up!) next.

Just before the exit, kids can create their dream car of the future through Principal Partner Toyota’s global Dream Car design competition. The winning designer will travel to Japan to present their Dream Car to Toyota.

teamLab FUTURE PARK at the Powerhouse Museum

Future Park is an exhibition that absolutely has to be on your must-see list this summer. It’s engaging, creative, exciting, and, most importantly, fun! Cheese and I played together with each installation, and it was such a pleasure for us to spend quality time doing something we both enjoyed equally.

Learn & Play! teamLab Future Park
24 November 2017 – 30 April 2018
Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo NSW 2007

Book online for a session taking place between 24 November–10 December and save 10% using the code FUTURE10.

Book your tickets online.

24 Kid-friendly Restaurants in Sydney (that parents will enjoy too)

Kid-friendly Cafes in Sydney, Australia

Having a kid these days doesn’t mean your foodie adventures have to come to an end. Spectacular Sydney is serving up plenty of delightful choices for families to take their mini-gourmets to enjoy fancy babyccinos along with a perfectly smashed avo.

Check out my top kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney – where the wee ones can eat and play while adults dine on fine cuisine.

Kid-friendly Restaurants in Sydney

acre Artarmon

Enjoy farm-inspired food grown on-site at acre Artarmon. This open-air urban oasis features indoor and outdoor seating, picnic style areas, kids’ play area and chicken coop.

Acre Artarmon

acre Artarmon is a cafe, restaurant, bar and bakery set within sprawling indoor and outdoor gardens that produce the food that goes straight into kitchen to produce the meals. 

Acre Artarmon

Get more info on visiting acre Artarmon.

Acre Artarmon
1 Frederick Street, Artarmon
Hours:
Cafe Bakery: Mon – Sat 7am – 5pm | Sun 7am – 3pm
Restaurant: Thursday 4.30pm – 10.30pm | Fri 12pm – 11pm | Sat 12pm – 11pm | Sun 12pm – 4pm
acre-artarmon.com.au

Glenorie Bakery in Glenorie

Glenorie Bakery

Technically this is a bakery but it’s still one of our top go-tos in Sydney for a delicious brekkie. Glenorie Bakery serves a top brekkie and lunch as well as award-winning pies and sensational eclairs. Kids will love the play area out the back.

Get more info on visiting Glenorie Bakery.

Glenorie Bakery
4/930 Old Northern Rd, Glenorie NSW
(02) 9652 2624
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-6pm, Sat & Sun 6am-5pm
glenoriebakery.com.au

Lab Kitchen Five Dock

The Lab Five Dock

Lab Kitchen Five Dock serves up delicious, seasonal, modern Western-Eastern dishes at a reasonable price – and has a massive backyard filled with play equipment and toys for kids. What more could you ask for?

Get more info on visiting Lab Kitchen.

Lab Kitchen Five Dock
Hours: Daily, 7am-4pm

108 Great N Rd, Five Dock
Website: labkitchen.com.au

The Picnic Burwood

The Picnic, Burwood: The Best Kid-Friendly Cafes, Sydney

The Picnic at Burwood is a whimsical elevation of the humble outdoor dining experience. The outdoor cafe is located inside a pavilion in a park in Burwood, a few metres from a large, fenced in playground. The menu is delightful and delicious. Adults can order the very insta-worthy pavlova hotcakes while kids’ eyes light up to see the adorable “bear” dish of bear-shaped toastwith banana and blueberries.The Picnic is our constant go-to and is always on the list of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Get more info on visiting The Picnic Burwood here.

The Picnic Burwood
Burwood Rd & Park Ave, Burwood
Hours: Tue-Sun 8am-4pm. Closed Mondays.
Website: facebook.com/Thepicnicburwood

Black Star Rosebery and Entertainment Quarter

Black Star Pastry, Rosebery, Sydney

The home of delicious pastry such as the famous watermelon cake as well as quiche that tastes like heaven, Black Star’s Rosebery and Moore Park cafes are perfect places to take the kids to appreciate the finer tastes in life. Both have large seating areas with plenty of tables and space for strollers, and the Rosebery one has a nice little set of toys for kids to play with while they’re munching their way through some of the best cake in Sydney.

Get more information on visiting Black Star Rosebery here.

Black Star Pastry
C1, 85-113 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-3pm Sat & Sun 8am-4pm

210 Bent St, The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
Hours: Mon-Thur 8am-5pm, Fri & Sat, 8am-8pm, Sunday 8am-4pm
Website: blackstarpastry.com.au

Burnt Orange – Mosman

Burnt Orange, Mosman: Sydney's Best High Teas

The Burnt Orange cafe is housed in an historic sandstone manor overlooking Sydney Harbour. Adults are spoiled for choice with an extensive breakfast and lunch menu, while kids can enjoy fine dining of their own with options such as the crumbed whiting fillets with chips, pasta spirals with fresh tomato sauce or mini organic cheeseburger with chips served with a smartie cookie and a choice of fresh orange juice, strawberry or chocolate milk for $15. Next to the dining area upstairs is a gorgeous boutique store filled with kids toys and clothes.

Get more info on visiting Burnt Orange here and on their amazing high tea here.

Burnt Orange
1109 Middle Head Rd, Mosman
Hours: Daily 8:30am-5:30pm
Website: burntorange.com.au

Clover Cafe – Annandale

Clover Cafe, Annandale, Sydney
A cheerful little cafe on Annandale, a part of Sydney with loads of young families. A kids play area with sturdy toys keeps little ones entertained while their parents enjoy their baked eggs and fresh juice. While the breakfast menu is light on kids meals the lunch menu has a choices such as the every-popular toastie.

Clover Cafe
78 Booth St, Annandale
Hours: Daily, 7am-3pm
Website: facebook.com/CloverAnnandale

Three Williams – Redfern

Three Williams Cafe #Redfern #Sydney via christineknight.me

A cafe in the trendy part of Redfern, Three Williams is a delightful surprise for families looking to dine in the area. A peek inside the entrance into the cavernous underground cafe reveals plenty of space. Kids love to race up and down the ramp intended for disabled access, that leads them straight to a giant chalkboard and small play area. The food is fantastic and the staff extremely kind towards their youngest guests.

Get more info on visiting Three Williams here.

Three Williams
613a Elizabeth St, Redfern
Hours: Daily, 7am-4pm
Website: threewilliamscafe.com

The Grounds of Alexandria

Grounds of Alexandria via christineknight.me

This cafe is constantly rated one of Sydney’s best for a very good reason. The Grounds of Alexandra is a cornucopia of whimsical delights. From the farm animals (meeting the famous pig, “Kevin Bacon” is a must) to the play area, fountain and rambling paths leading through gardens and lanes bursting with flowers, statues and tiny creative details, the external grounds at The Grounds is, in itself, worth a visit alone.

#thegrounds #alexandria; #kidfriendly #restaurants, #alexandria #sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

The food is excellent: the popular “signature avocado” set a new standard in smashed avo brekkies when introduced a few years back. The Grounds is such a special place to visit that it is always right up the top of lists mentioning the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Get more info on visiting The Grounds of Alexandria here.

The Grounds of Alexandria
7A, 2 Huntley St, Alexandria
Hours: Mon-Thurs 7am-9pm, Friday 7am-10pm, Saturday 7:30am-10pm, Sunday 7:30am-9pm
Website: thegrounds.com.au

Bitton Gourmet – Alexandria and Oatley

Bitton: #kidfrindly #cafes #alexandria #sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

Ask for a table out the back next to the small toddler play area when dining at Bitton Gourmet with littles. Adults enjoy the delicious French-Australian cuisine while the kids love that they have somewhere to play while waiting for their scrambled eggs. We love their all-day breakfast menu and the can-do staff who are always happy to help in anyway they can.

Bitton Oatley: Kid-Friendly Restaurants Sydney

Bitton Gourmet can now be found at Oatley, too, where they have the same menu in a bigger venue with a backyard and play area for kids (photo above).

Get more info on visiting Bitton Gourmet Alexandria here and Bitton Gourmet Oatley here.

Bitton Gourmet
36-37A Copeland St, Alexandria
Hours: Wed-Sat 7am-9pm, Sun-Tues 7am-4pm.
Website: bittongourmet.com.au/alexandria

119a Mulga Rd, Oatley
Hours: Wed-Sat 7am-9pm, Sun-Tues 7am-4pm.
Website: bittongourmet.com.au/oatley

The Incinerator Willoughby

The Incinerator: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Willoughby, Sydney

A popular cafe for families on Sydney’s North Shore, the cafe is inside old incinerator that has been given a new lease of life. Outdoor tables and grassy areas give kids plenty of room to roam while their parents enjoy “Have it your way” free range eggs and Ti Tam milkshakes. A nearby playground provides a convenient place to let kids run around if there’s a wait for tables.

Get more info on visiting The Incinerator Cafe here.

The Incinerator Willoughby
2 Small St, Willoughby
Hours: Sun-Thurs 7am-4pm, Fri & Sat 7am-4pm, 5pm-10pm
Website: theincinerator.com.au

Coogee Pavilion

Coogee Pavilion, Sydney

Head to the back of the Coogee Pavilion to find a paradise for kids and their parents. Giant games of Connect Four and Scrabble, building blocks, board games and a colouring table entertain the kids, leaving adults free to enjoy a well-deserved drink. The wood-fire pizzas are our fave dishes to order.

Get more info on visiting the Coogee Pavilion here and on the perfect day in Coogee here.

Coogee Pavilion
169 Dolphin St, Coogee
Hours: Daily, 7:30am-12am
Website: merivale.com.au/coogeepavilion

Camperdown Commons

Camperdown Commons, Sydney

Order a meal from acre, the sustainably-focused eatery at Camperdown Commons, while the kids play nearby. Diners can choose between a large, sit down restaurant and bar, container with takeaway coffee and snacks and a casual outdoor area on the terrace or lawn area outside. Many of the ingredients in the dishes come directly from the pocket gardens onsite, making the dining experience very literally farm-to-table. Families will particularly love the outdoor area with its interactive kids’ play space and chicken coop where rescue hens from battery farms now live a life of luxury.

Get more info on visiting Camperdown Commons here.

Camperdown Commons
31a Mallett Street, Camperdown
Hours: Mon-Thu 12pm–3pm, 5pm–10pm, Fri-Sun 8am–3pm, 5pm–10pm
Website: camperdown.commons.com.au

The Tramsheds – Harold Park

The Tramsheds, Harold Park, Sydney
Located at Harold Park, The Tramsheds is a must-visit for kids who are obsessed with wheels. The old Rozelle Tramway Depot, originally built in 1904, has been beautifully refurbished and given a new life as a hub for restaurants and facilities for local residents.

The full-sized resorted tram inside the Tramsheds is now part of the dining area for the Butcher & The Farmer cafe, so you can ask for a table inside and let your little one pretend to drive it while waiting for their babyccino to arrive.

Get more info on our visit to the Tramsheds here and all the kid-friendly dining options it offers.

The Tramsheds
1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge
Hours: Daily, 7am-late
Website: tramshedsharoldpark.com.au

Vogue Cafe – North Ryde

The Vogue Cafe, #Sydney #kidfriendly via christineknight.me

While the Vogue Cafe sits inside busy Macquarie Shopping Centre, from the inside it feels like Wonderland. It’s an adorable, whimsical place, with a straightforward menu and fantastical shakes. Called “Magical Milkshakes”, they are topped with things like whipped cream, rice bubbles, pop corn and jelly snakes, with a chocolate and sprinkles rim.

The food is always delicious and the staff friendly. A small, enclosed play space has been a welcome addition to the cafe by families of younger kids.

Vogue Cafe, Macquarie Centre

Read more about our visit to the Vogue Cafe here.

The Vogue Cafe
109 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-6pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-6pm
Website: facebook.com/TheVogueCafe

Bills at Bondi

BIlls Bondi: #Kidfriendly #Cafes #Sydney via christineknight.me

When you want hotcakes, you go to Bills, even if you have kids in tow. What I really enjoy about Bills is happy and easy-going vibe. The friendly staff bring little ones coloured pencils and paper to entertain them while you wait for your brunch.

BIlls Bondi: #Kidfriendly #Cafes #Sydney via christineknight.me

Scrambled eggs or boiled eggs and toast soldiers will keep the little ones happy from the breakfast menu, or order a linguini, junior burger or schnitzel for lunch. Their French fries are also excellent.

Read more about our visit to Bills Bondi here.

Bills Bondi
79 Hall St, Bondi Beach
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat & Sun 7:30am-10pm
Website: bills.com.au

Fratelli Fresh Darling Harbour

Fratelli Fresh, Darling Harbour

This big, bright and bold restaurant is an excellent edition to Darling Harbour, situated near the ICC building. The seating is casual – grab a table and order at the bar. There’s plenty for kids to look at, including the pizza kitchen and fresh pasta station, plus a games area (best suited for older kids) and house-made dessert and gelato counter. The kids’ menu is massive and has something to suit everyone, rather like the menu for adults. Keep an eye out for special kids eat free deals.

Fratelli Fresh, Darling Harbour

A few steps outside Fratelli Fresh is the excellent Darling Quarter playground.

Read more about our experience at Fratelli Fresh Darling Harbour here.

Fratelli Fresh
2/14 Darling Dr, Darling Harbour
Hours: Daily, 7am-12am
Website: fratellifresh.com.au/venues/darling-harbour

The Tramshed Cafe – Narrabeen

Tramshed Cafe Narrabeen lake

Hop aboard a beautifully resorted 1930s tram at this bright and cheery cafe on Narrabeen Lake. Not only is the tram excellent fun itself, the cafe serves up delicious Modern Australian cuisine and offers its youngest diners and excellent kids’ menu. A large playground is situated outside the cafe, and the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail starts directly behind the cafe, making it the perfect outing for families.

Read more about our visit to the Tramshed Cafe here.

The Tramshed Cafe
1395a Pittwater Road, Narrabeen
(02) 9970 7486
Hours: Daily, 7am-5pm
Website: thetramshed.com.au

The Cove Dining Co – Abbotsford

The Cove, Sydney

The Cove Dining Co cafe is located inside the community hall of what was once the Abbotsford Nestlé factory site, a heritage-listed building. The dining room is spacious, with long tables, or choose alfresco seating on the outdoor verandah with a lovely view of the lush gardens surrounding the building and let the kids play while they wait for their meals.

The Cove, Sydney
This is one incredible family-friendly cafe, as evidenced by how accessible it is for strollers and wheelchairs, and provide use of highchairs, baby change tables, toys and colouring in equipment.

Read more about our visit to The Cove Dining Co here.

The Cove Dining Co
378 Great N Rd, Abbotsford, NSW
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-2pm, Sat & Sun 8am-3pm
Phone: (02) 9713 7896
Online thecovediningco.com.au

The Innocent Kitchen  – Sydenham

The Innocent Kitchen, Sydney Australia

The Innocent Kitchen is a sweet and simple cafe run by two sisters in Sydney’s inner west. The menu is basic and located on a blackboard. Choose from items like a bacon and egg roll and toasted sandwiches. Kids can order fairy bread, raisin toast, vegemite or peanut butter sandwiches and toasties. The babyccinos are free!

Read more about our visit to The Innocent Kitchen here.

The Innocent Kitchen
288 Unwins Bridge Rd, Sydenham NSW
Hours: Mon-Wed 7am-12pm, Thur & Fri 7am-2pm, Sat 8am-1pm, closed Sundays.
Online: facebook.com/TheInnocentKitchen

The Tiny Giant – Petersham

The Tiny Giant, Sydney, Australia

This tiny little cafe in Sydney’s inner west is a hot spot for pretty and tasty dishes. Expect creative and delicious breakfasts including their famous brioche toast which is completely clouded in bright-pink fairy floss, berries and cinnamon ricotta. The Tiny Giant makes the list because their kids dishes are just as cute and creative as the grown-up versions.

Read more about our visit to The Tiny Giant here.

The Tiny Giant
110 Audley St, Petersham 

Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat & Sun 7:30am-3pm.
Ph: 02 8065 4684
thetinygiant.com.au

Frankie’s Food Factory – Milperra

Frankie's Food Factory Flower Power Milperra Sydney

Enjoy modern classics in the heart of a leafy nursery at Frankie’s Food Factory, inside Flower Power Milperra. 

Frankie's Food Factory Flower Power Milperra Sydney

There is an excellent kids’ menu with something to suit the fussiest of diners, and a large, fenced playground attached to the outdoor dining area.

Read more about our visit to Frankie’s Food Factory here.

Frankie’s Food Factory at Flower Power Milperra
479 Henry Lawson Drive, Milperra
Hours: Daily, 8.30am-5pm

Phone: (02) 9899 2299
frankiesfoodfactory.com

The Marsden Brewhouse – Marsden Park

Marsden Brewhouse, Sydney

The Marsden Brewhouse is a hotel and brewery located in Marsden Park, north-west Sydney. The large and airy interior is perfect for casual dining with little ones, and with their huge outdoor playground attached they are prepared for the smallest diners to come, eat and play.

The kids’ menu features plenty of choice at a good price point ($10 for most meals, including a drink). On weekends there is often a small animal farm set up in the playground for kids to enjoy, free of charge.

Read more about our visit to The Marsden Brewhouse here.

Marsden Brewhouse, Sydney
Cnr Richmond Road and, Hawthorne Ave, Marsden Park
Phone: (02) 8710 3535
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-3am, Sunday 10am-12am
themarsdenbrewhouse.com.au

The Boatshed – La Perouse

This casual, modern eatery is perched right above the extremely calm Frenchmans Beach, making it the perfect destination for both a swim and a delicious meal. 

The Boat Shed, La Perouse, Sydney

The outdoor deck is large, sheltered and has a stunning view, so it’s guaranteed to make everyone in the party happy.

Read more about our visit to The Boatshed here.

The Boatshed La Perouse
1609 Anzac Parade, La Perouse
Phone: (02) 9661 1817
Hours: Tues-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat & Sun 7am-4pm
theboatshedlaperouse.com.au

Bodhi – Sydney CBD

Bodhi Restaurant Sydney

Our long-time go-to restaurant for vegan yum cha, Bodhi is a family-owned restaurant located under St Mary’s Cathedral in the heart of the CBD. Bodhi is great for kids, with long tables underneath ancient Moreton bay fig trees, overlooking Cook and Philip Park . As well as offering a completely vegan menu, Bodhi also has great gluten-free and nut-free options. Kids will love trying to spear brightly-coloured dumplings with chopsticks and sampling the custard-filled pig buns for dessert.

Read more about our experience at Bodhi.

Bodhi Restaurant Bar
2/4 College St, Sydney
Hours: Yum cha Wed-Fri 11am-3pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm. Dinner (a la carte) Tue-Sun 5pm-10pm.
https://www.bodhirestaurant.com.au/

Armory Wharf Cafe – Newington

Armory Wharf Cafe

The Armory Wharf Café in Sydney Olympic Park is a family-friendly, waterfront cafe with a casual vibe and al fresco seating.

Located on the edge of the Parramatta River in the Newington Nature Reserve, the Armory Wharf Café is a licensed venue that has stunning 270-degree water views of mangroves and the industrial Armory wharf. 

Armory Wharf Cafe

Right next door to the cafe is the excellent Blaxland Riverside Park playground – you’ll have to pry the kids off the equipment to leave at the end of the day!

Read more about our experience at the Armory Wharf Cafe.

Armory Wharf Cafe
Blaxland Riverside Park, Jamieson Street, off Holker St, Newington NSW
Hours: Wed-Sun 9am–2pm
http://www.armorywharfcafe.com

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Sydney’s Best Cafes: Black Star Pastry, Rosebery

Black Star Pastry, Rosebery, Sydney

The darling of the Sydney pastry world has to be Black Star Pastry owner Christopher Thé. His iconic strawberry-watermelon cake really put Black Star on the map, resulting in a long line out of his original Newtown store that would stretch down the block.

Black Star Pastry, Rosebery, Sydney

While the Newtown store is filled with character (you can read about it here), it’s also very small with minimal seating. The Rosebery store is like a warehouse: light and bright with plenty of tables.
Black Star Pastry, Rosebery, Sydney
There are also some toys for kids to play with while their parents are swooning over their cakes and croissants.
Black Star Pastry, Rosebery, Sydney
We always order the strawberry-watermelon cake because it would be a crime not to. The cake is comprised of two layers of almond dacquoise, fresh whipped cream, watermelon, strawberries and red grapes. It’s light and refreshing and incredibly more-ish.
Fun & Food In #Newtown: #BlackStarPastry via brunchwithmybaby.com
I also love the orange cake with Persian fig. It’s topped with cream-cheese icing, figs, pistachio and rose petals and is delicious.
We usually have lunch when we dine in and enjoy Black Star’s pies and quiches. The coffee, from specialty roaster Little Marionette, gets a big thumbs up from the hubby.
Black Star Pastry Rosebery #Sydney #Australia via christineknight.me Black Star Pastry Rosebery #Sydney #Australia via christineknight.me

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Black Star Pastry
C1, 85-113 Dunning Avenue,
Rosebery NSW 2018
Prices: $
Phone: (02) 9700 7686
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-3pm Sat & Sun 8am-4pm
Get Directions

Black Star Pastry on Urbanspoon

Sydney Guide: Tips For First-time Visitors

Sydney Guide: Tips For First-time Visitors

Welcome to Sydney! I’m thrilled you’re visiting my hometown. Sydney is a beautiful, safe city and there’s so much to do. This Sydney guide will help you navigate the city and enjoy your visit.

How to get around

#Sydney By Sea - christineknight.me

Sydney has an extensive public transport system that includes trains, buses, ferries and light rail. If you’re in Sydney for a few says, buy an Opal card to use public transport – the one card gives you daily travel caps and enables you to use all four transport systems, plus lets you use the $2.50 per person Sunday cap. Taxis and Uber in Sydney are expensive so walking plus public transport are your best options.

Driving in Sydney

To see a lot of Sydney and its surrounds, it’s advisable to hire a car. International visitors may use a foreign driver’s licence in NSW. Note that all speed limits are strictly enforced with cameras and it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.05 per cent or higher, or to drive under the influence of illegal drugs.

When to visit

Sydney is the perfect year-round travel destination due to its temperate climate. It does, however, get extreme heat in summer (December to February). While the average maximum temperatures are around 26°C (78.8°F), it can reach over 40°C (104°f) during this time of year. Summer is also the most humid time of year to visit, with average humidity of 65%.

Winter (June – August) average maximum temperatures are around 16°C (60.8°F). Sydney’s highest rainfall is between March and June.

National Emergency Services

The national phone number for all emergency services in Australia, including ambulance, fire and police, is 000. You can dial Triple Zero within Australia from any fixed line, mobile phone, pay phone and certain Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. If you have a GSM digital mobile phone, you can also dial the international standard emergency number 112.

Hotel Review: The Langham Sydney, Australia

Where to stay

For a short stay, hotels in the CBD particularly around Circular Quay and The Rocks will make it easy to get around as they’re close to public transport as well as main attractions. Darling Harbour is also a good choice particularly for families.

Get reviews on my fave hotels in Sydney: The Langham Sydney in The Rocks and the Shangri-La, Sydney.

For longer stays try renting a house or apartment on Stayz.com.au or airbnb.com.au.

Get hotel rates in Sydney from Booking.com or find special up-to-date deals below.



Booking.com



Booking.com

 

Things to do in Sydney

Sydney Opera House Day pack via christineknight.me

Get ideas of things to do in Sydney and beyond.

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Where to find the best views in Sydney.

Travelling further afield? Get ideas on places to visit around Australia here.

Get tips on travelling Australia on a budget here

The Best Indoor Play Centres in Sydney

The Best Indoor Play Centres In Sydney

Looking to entertain the kids when it’s raining and cold? Try an indoor play centre or indoor playground in Sydney.

Below you’ll find a list of the best indoor play centres in Sydney.

The Best Indoor Play Centres In Sydney

Nubo (CLOSED)

Nubo Play Space Alexandria, Sydney

Location: Alexandria
Nubo is our favourite indoor play centre in Sydney. The purpose of Nubo is to let kids explore, create, rest and wonder. Each section of the centre focuses on a different purpose and activity that matches it, resulting in a space looks more like a children’s museum than a traditional play gym. For kids ages 7/8 and younger, Nubo is my number one pick for indoor play centres in Sydney.

Get more info on visiting Nubo Alexandria.

Twinkle Kids Cafe

Twinkle Kids Cafe Burwood

Location: Burwood

Kids and parents will adore Twinkle Kids Cafe, a light and bright cafe with an indoor playground located in Burwood Plaza, Sydney.

Designed for kids up to age 10, the cafe I think is best suited to slightly younger kids, although my eight-year-old was desperate to get in there and have a play.

Twinkle Kids Cafe features a large ball pit and soft play climbing area, plus dress up and role play activities such as a play kitchen. 

Get more info on visiting Twinkle Kids Cafe.

Jungle Buddies

Jungle Buddies Play Centre, Five Dock via christineknight.me

Location: Five Dock
Jungle Buddies at Five Dock is a huge, clean and bright play centre. The climbing structure is massive, with plenty of nocks and crannies and levels to keep kids entertained for hours. An onsite cafe serves a good selection of healthy food. The equipment is all extremely clean and new, which is an added bonus for me and my hatred of dirty sticky things.

Get more info on visiting Jungle Buddies here.

Little Dynamos

Location: Alexandria
This outdoor-themed centre for kids features a a multi-level playscape, a cafe for snacks and an inflated jumping area. Little Dynamoes is a constant favourite among locals as it’s basically a huge kids’ indoor playground. There is a dedicated area for under 3s and free parking outside. The cafe serves a wide variety of well-priced food.
Website: littledynamos.com

Monkey Mania

Monkey Mania, SydneyLocations: Ryde, Bankstown, Entertainment Quarter, Casula, Gosford, Campbelltown, Penrith
Kids can run off steam climbing large play structures and hurtling down slides. We’ve been to Monkey Manias in various locations. They’re a good bet when you need to let kids run off steam!
Website: monkeymania.com.au

Shine Shed – All Abilities Play Centre

Shine Shed

Location: Campbelltown
Sydney’s only all abilities play centre, Shine Shed is an amazing place for kids with and without disabilities to enjoy playing in a safe environment. 

Feature inside this amazing play centre include a purpose built wheelchair accessible swing, large foam pit, flying fox with adaptable seating options, a long trampoline, a room with lowered lights set aside away from the hustle and bustle for children who may need a low sensory visit and much, much more.

Get more info on visiting the Shine Shed

Image courtesy of Have Wheelchair Will Travel.

Planet Mino


Location: Chatswood

Planet Mino is a new two-story play center for kids, featuring multiple playgrounds, giant slides, a sand pit, play toys, crafts, legos, jumping castles, trampolines, AR play walls and an in-house cafe. All kids must wear ANTI SLIP socks. Adults must remove shoes and wear socks as well. If you don’t have socks, they can be purchased at reception. 

Website: facebook.com/planetmino

Image courtesy of Planet Mino.

Chipmunks Playground & Cafe

Locations: Bankstown, Macquarie Centre, Prospect, Villawood
The Chipmunks play spaces feature large climbing structures made from soft equipment. It’s a great spot for when it’s cold and raining, as there is plenty of room for kids to run wild.
Website: chipmunks.com.au

Ultimate Family Fun Centre Sydney

Location: Northmead
Enjoy 2500sqm of fun including over 750sqm of trampolines, a massive foam pit with a climbing wall at the back, the largest indoor play centre/jungle gym/soft play setup in Australia (split into 0-5 years and 5-12 years), dodgem cars and a party room.
Website: ultimate.sydney

Wannabees Family Playtown


Locations: Frenchs Forest, Hornsby
In the Wannabees child-sized city, kids can discover what they want to be when they grow up. Wannabees is a great place for imaginary play and roleplaying, as kids can pretend to be firefighters, police officers, doctors, beauticians and more the Wannabees City buildings.
Website: wannabees.com.au

Little Rascals

Location: Brookvale
This indoor play space features enclosed climbing areas for both older and younger kids. Little Rascals is fully air-conditioned and features a giant three-lane slide, toddler zone for kids aged 4 and under, 300m2 climbing frame, fun ball zone, web climb, trampolines, spiral slide and a cafe.
Website: littlerascalsplayland.com.au

Lollipops Playland

Lollipops Penrith

Location: Penrith
There’s plenty of climbing and sliding to be had at this indoor playground designed for kids aged 1 – 11 year.  Lollipops Playland features a Multi level Play Frame, Free Merry-Go-Round, Bouncie Castle, Dedicated Toddler Area, Ride On Cars, Dress Up & Play Believe Areas. There’s also a cafe’ and seating area for adults to enjoy.
Website: penrith.lollipopsplayland.com.au

Image courtesy of Lollipops.

Monkey Bar Playground

Rhodes Waterfront Shopping Centre
Location: Rhodes Waterside Shopping Centre
A free play area that is enclosed on three sides featuring a mini obstacle course for toddlers and two spiralling towers with a tunnel that runs over the top of an escalator.
Website: rhodeswaterside.com.au

Supa Play Zone

Location: Supa Centre Moore Park
The Supa Centre has two free play areas on level 1: the Supa Crawler, for kids aged 1-5 years, and the Supa Climber, for kids aged 3-8 years.

Both play areas are completely enclosed. The larger Supa Climber is a massive structure including a slide. The Supa Centre has excellent family bathrooms, cafes and free parking.

Website: supacentamoorepark.com.au

The Best Trampolining Centres In Sydney

Sky Zone

Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Alexandria

Locations: Alexandria, Miranda
Australia’s premiere trampolining features more than 117 interconnected trampolines. Kids can also tackle 30 different climbing challenges at Sky Climb. Little kids can try the “Little Leapers” session where they can bounce safely without bigger kids around.

Get more info on visiting Sky Zone Little Leapers program here.
Website: skyzone.com.au

Flip Out

Flipout Brookevale

Locations: Blacktown, Brookvale, Caringbah, Castle Hill, Penrith, Prestons, Punchbowl
There’s plenty of jumping to be had at these trampolining parks. The Flip Out chain is an excellent choice for an indoor play centre in Sydney West.
Website: flipout.net

Image courtesy of Flip Out.

The Best Parkour Centres in Sydney

Australia Academy of Parkour

Locations: Tempe, Pyrmont, Chullora
Kids will be bouncing off the walls literally as they learn the art of parkour.

Website: aapes.com.au

Moving Bodies

Location: Mt Kuring-gai
Moving Bodies is an indoor leisure centre that includes two indoor parkour centres. Kids parkour lessons are available for ages 5+.

Parkour methods involve crawling, running, jumping, climbing, hanging, rolling and balancing. The parkour obstacle course is open to the public Monday – Friday from 10.30am – 3:30pm.  Outside of these hours, please contact Moving Bodies for available times.

The Best Inflatable Play Centres in Sydney

Inflatable World

Inflatable World, PeakhurstLocations: Blacktown, Campbelltown, Castle Hill, Liverpool, Miranda, Narellan, Mt Kuring-gai, St Marys, Peakhurst.
The biggest indoor inflatable playgrounds in Australia. Kids won’t want to leave this giant indoor fun park, with seperate areas for little and big kids and a wide range of inflated activities to try. There is an onsite cafe and plenty of supervision from the staff throughout the centre.
Website: inflatableworldoz.com.au

Cool Cats Inflatable World

Location: Randwick
Kids are kept active, entertained and challenged on their interactive inflatable games. A really popular spot with my daughter and school groups!
Website: coolcatsfun.com.au

The Best Indoor Climbing Gyms in Sydney

Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Alexandria

While kids aged 5-6 and over can generally have a go at any climbing gym on the easiest courses, these three facilities cater specifically to kids.

Sky Zone

Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Alexandria
Locations: Alexandria, Miranda
As well as trampolines, Sky Zone has an excellent space called Sky Climb, where kids can tackle 30 different climbing challenges. All the climbs at Sky Zone have an “auto belayer” which means the rope system is automatic and doesn’t require an adult to be clipped into the harness and lower them down to the ground again, which is the case at the majority of climbing gyms. For that reason alone, Sky Zone is our fave place to climb in Sydney.
Website: skyzone.com.au

Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym

Locations: St Peters, Villawood
While both locations have a designated kids’ climbing area, the Villawood gym has a much larger area than St Peters. Both locations have at least one party room. Villawood has several tunnels for kids to climb and crawl through. We’ve been climbing for years at both locations. Highly recommend.
Website: indoorclimbing.com.au

ClimbFit

Climbfit

Location: St Leonards
Kids as young as 4 years old can experience indoor rock climbing at Climb-fit, using their designated kids area, crawling through the Groove Tube or holding a birthday party in the party room. Another gym I’ve been climbing at since pre-kids, it’s an excellent facility.
Website: climbfit.com.au

Image courtesy of Lyndon Marceau @marceauphotography

Peak Pursuits

Peak Pursuits Castle Hill

Location: Castle Hill
A bright, new climbing centre, Peak Pursuits features 10 high ropes course activities, 13 vertical activities, two “Leaps of Faith”, “Kung Fu Poles” and a big drop giant slide. Peak Pursuits also runs weekend climbing classes for kids aged 5-12 years old, who have no prior climbing experience.
Website: peakpursuits.com.au

Turbo Climb

Turbo Climb
Location: Bankstown
A brand new climbing gym inside Bankstown Sports Club, Turbo Climb, features 26 indoor climbing walls up to 10 metres tall, suitable for ages 5 and up. Race to the top of a magical beanstalk or climb a roaring volcano. Turbo Climb infuses a traditional indoor climbing experience with new technology and exciting innovations.

Website: turboclimb.com.au

Image courtesy of Turbo Climb.

The Best Ninja Warrior Gyms in Sydney

Ninja 101

Ninja 101

Location: Prospect
Ninja 101 has three seperate areas. The main ninja section has 28 ninja obstacles for kids and adults to test their strength, agility and fitness, plus a three-level warped wall and basketball hoop. There is also an inflatable ninja course that is easier and best suited for young kids, and a futsall court. Coming this year: an under 5s Ninja Playhouse.

Ninja 101

​Note: if attending during the school holidays the centre takes in large groups from school vacation care and the place can be absolutely packed to the rafters. 

There is a cafe onsite with basic snacks and drinks.

Website: ninja-101.com

Warehouse 11 Studio

Warehouse 11

Location: Artarmon
Warehouse 11 Studio is an indoor action sports centre where kids can skate, scoot, BMX and ninja. The ninja gym section caters to wannabe ninja warriors, big and small, while the rest of the studio features ramps for skating/bikes/scooters.

Warehouse 11

All sessions are closely supervised. There is a cafe onsite. 

Website: warehouse11.business.site

Images courtesy of Warehouse 11.

Location: Mount Ku-ringai

Moving Bodies

The Moving Bodies leisure centre has a ninja course including various sized warped walls, cargo nets, floating doors, rope climb, floating steps, spider wall, peg wall and more. The ninja course is open to kids aged 5+.

Website: movingbodies.com.au

The Best Miniature Golf Courses In Sydney

Putt Planet, Miranda

Putt Planet, Miranda

This indoor miniature golf course is travel themed and accessible, so a great option for strollers or wheelchairs. The theme of the mini golf course is a trip to Mombasa, with a plane at the entrance symbolising the start of your journey.

The Putt Planet website says, “Discover another time and place when you board your Putt Planet flight from Miranda to Mombasa. Putt through the bustling market places, homes and even the sewers of Old Mombasa whilst exploring this ancient doorway to Eastern Africa. We’ve put a roof over the charming streets and laneways so any time is a good time to visit; the weather is always fine!”

Get more info on Putt Planet.

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Where To Find The Best Ice Skating Rinks In Sydney

Where To Go Ice Skating In Sydney

Ice Skating Rink Sydney

Ice skating is so much fun for kids and adults alike, plus has a lot of health benefits! Kids can enjoy a public skating session at any of these rinks, as well as joining a learn-to-skate program from an early age (most programs start at age 4).

In this post you will find the locations of each ice skating rink in Sydney.

Ice Skating Canturbury, Australia

Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink
Sydney’s best value rink hosts a wide variety of public sessions plus learn-to-skate classes and disco events. At this Olympic-sized rink, parking is plentiful, unlimited and free. We love their learn-to-skate lessons because they are drop-in for a bargain price of $17 for a 30 minute group lesson plus 1 hour practice session directly after the lesson (other rinks may offer a 30 minute practice session, a free practice session at another time or none). Facilities also include a heated canteen, coin-operated lockers and disabled access toilets. The ice rink also offers birthday parties, school holiday clinics and learn-to-skate programs plus disco nights and special holiday events. Canterbury is a great, cost-effective ice rink in Sydney.

Check session times and prices on their website.

Macquarie Ice Rink, Sydney

Macquarie Ice Rink
Located in Macquarie Shopping Centre at North Ryde, this ice rink has the added bonus of being a place to skate and shop at the same time. Macquarie Ice Rink has general public sessions as well as offering term-time and school holiday learn-to-skate programs, an all-day mega skate session with unlimited skating from $20, live DJ sessions, and soccer bubbles on ice. Macquarie Ice Rink has recently had a multi-million dollar renovation and is looking very nice as a result! They offer group bookings and birthday parties, and will validate your parking ticket so you can get an extra hour of free parking. After skating, head to Vogue, our fave cafe in the shopping centre, for lunch. More info on Vogue Cafe here. Macquarie is an excellent all-day entertainment venue with an ice rink in Sydney. 

Check session times and prices on their website.

Image courtesy of Macquarie Ice Rink.

The Ice Zoo Alexandria
While the Ice Zoo has the traditional public skating and learn-to-skate sessions, it’s also the place to try some added fun on ice such as ice fitness classes and live DJ nights with light shows. The Ice Zoo has a wide range of facilities and programs on offer, including adult and kids learn-to-skate classes, disco on ice, birthday parties, hockey development classes for kids aged 5 and up and the popular “Snow Play” $15 sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays for kids aged 6 and under to experience snow all year ’round. The Ice Zoo also has penguin skate aids for hire and free parking.

Check session times and prices on their website.

Penrith Ice Palace
Western Sydney’s Olympic-size ice skating centre has state-of-the-art facilities and programs including general public skating sessions, figure skating clubs and lessons, children’s birthday parties, synchronised figure skating and learn-to-skate programs. Penrith Ice Palace also offers Penguin Skate Aids for hire, 2.5hr weekend skate sessions, the ice sport Broomball, kids’ birthday parties, Friday night disco sessions and ice hockey. Car parking is available in the car park or on the street.

Check session times and prices on their website.

Liverpool Catholic Club Ice Skating Rink, Sydney

Liverpool Catholic Club (LCC)
The LCC Ice Rink offers public skating sessions, learn-to-skate programs, penguin skate aids for hire, ice disco sessions and playgroup sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays for kids aged 2-6. The $13 session includes lessons, games and snow play, small chips and a poppa, plus parents can hop on the ice for an extra $4. There’s plenty of free parking available in the LCC car park. Members pay a discounted rate.

Check session times and prices on their website.

Sydney’s Best Playgrounds: Wulaba Park, Green Square, Waterloo

Wulaba Park, Green Square, Waterloo, Sydney

This brand new playground in Waterloo is a joint venture between the City of Sydney and property developer Meriton, as part of their residential development plan for the area. As you can see from these images, Wulaba Park is situated right in the middle of high rise housing developments. Having lived in this area ourselves previously, it’s wonderful to see more play spaces for kids opening up for the community.

Wulaba Park, Green Square, Waterloo, Sydney

Wulaba Park features an exciting playground designed by a landscape architect in conjunction with Sydney artist Nuha Saad. The result is an elegant design that is quite beautiful to look at with soaring lines and bold colours.

Wulaba Park, Green Square, Waterloo, Sydney

The name of the park, “Wulaba” is an Aboriginal word of the Gadical people meaning rock wallaby. Until the development of the early 20th century, Waterloo was the largest swamp in the area and home to many rock wallabies. Nowadays, the park is a place for human wallabies to hop around and burn off some energy.

Wulaba Park, Green Square, Waterloo, Sydney

Waluba Park features a giant mega slide, a tall climbing tower, tunnels for kids to run through, nets and ladders to climb and a swing set on a soft-surface floor. The 4,000sqm of outdoor space also features a landscaped picnic and bbq area, bike tracks and handball and table tennis courts.

Wulaba Park, Green Square, Waterloo, Sydney

Our verdict

While we loved the design and Cheese found it incredible inviting, there wasn’t overly much for her to do there and she wanted to leave sooner than we had expected. The park isn’t fenced so parents have to keep an extra close eye on littlies, and there is very little shade. No shade clothes have been built into the park, and the trees are new and small.

Bathrooms: One toilet with baby change facilties
Cafes: None – you’ll have to walk to the nearby shopping complex in Zetland
Parking: Limited but do-able. We parked at the Zetland shopping complex and walked over.
Public Transport: Bus stop nearby. Nearest train station is Green Square.

Wulaba Park, Green Square, Waterloo
54–60 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo

 

Pipilotti Rist: Sip my Ocean at the MCA Sydney

Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia

Sip my Ocean is a brand new exhibition by Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist, exclusively on display in Sydney. Pipilotti Rist is known for her experimental video art and multimedia installations where she uses video and sculpture to immerse viewers in colourful projections.

Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia

As viewers weave their way through the exhibition, they pass through a series of rooms, each set up to project light and video onto the walls, floor and objects. Pillows and beds on the floor invite the viewer to sit or lay down and watch the kaleidoscopic presentations.

Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia

The exhibition is an excellent choice to introduce children to contemporary art. They can sit, watch and engage with the exhibition and take from it their own interpretation, be it a symphony of light and colour, or a delightful array of images, many of them from nature.

Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia

In one room, the work called 4th Floor to Mildness invites viewers to lie down on one of 18 beds and look up at two large panels on the roof where underwater images of plants, limbs and sea glass are projected. It’s an experience that feels very much like being underwater.

Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia
The highlight for us was the piece of light art called Pixelwald (Pixel Forest), which imagines a TV screen exploding in a room. The pixels are represented by lights hanging from the ceiling that twinkle and surge in response to music.

Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia
In the adjacent National Centre for Creative Learning, kids can experiment with mirrored light and projections in the free drop-in art space “Sundays with Pipilotti”. Note: You do not need a ticket to the exhibition to visit the drop-in space.

Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia

Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia

Pipilotti Rist: Sip my Ocean at the MCA Sydney
5 November 2017 – 18 February 2018
Adults: $22

Concession: $17
Youth: $12 (Children and young people aged between 12 and 18 years)
Family: $56 (Valid for 2 adults and up to 3 children. This ticket is for families with children ages 12–18)
Children 12 and under are FREE.
Buy tickets here

Sundays with Pipilotti
Free entry
Open every Sunday during the exhibition*, 10.30am – 4pm
Location: National Centre for Creative Learning, Level 3
*Exceptionally on 10 December the space will close at midday

Hungry? Check out the MCA Rooftop Cafe and Sculpture Terrace.

Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean Exhibition at the MCA Sydney, Australia

Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia

Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia

Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s Centennial Park, the newly opened Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden is designed to connect children with nature and engage all five of their senses.

Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, AustraliaInside the Garden, children can indeed run wild and explore the environment which includes around 12,000 plants, a water play area featuring 11 water jets and mist machines, a 7-metre tall treehouse with a bridge leading to it and slide leading down, a 10-metre tunnel, a bamboo forest, a sand pit, and, our favourite, a wide open space with logs and rocks for climbing and branches for building teepees or cubby houses.

Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia

The Garden was created for children aged 2 – 12, of all abilities. Within each of the “spaces” of the garden there are plenty of ways for kids to engage with their surroundings regardless of their age or background. Every section of the Garden has been created in a way that it is a blank canvas that is open to interpretation by the child to project their own imagination onto, and create their own world and games inside.

Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia

We visited the Garden on its opening weekend and it was absolutely packed, which is understandable. It’s a delightful place with a lot of attention to small details such as trails for kids to run down and a forest of bamboo that they can disappear into.

While the garden is a decent size it’s not massive and it wasn’t big enough to cope with the amount of people who visited when we were there. Plants were getting trampled and even ripped out by kids (where were their parents???? I have no idea!!), and the line to get up into the treehouse and slide back down again was so crowded it looked unsafe for littles to get involved.

Hopefully when its newness has worn off the Garden will have less less people there on a regular basis so it’s able to be a safe and enjoyable environment for the little kids it was designed for.

Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia

We spent the majority of our time in the garden building a cubby house made out of the big sticks that are provided and decorating it with rocks, bark and ferns we found lying around. Unfortunately the greenery had been ripped off plants by other kids before we arrived – we used it to decorate since it was already on the ground, but did tell Cheese that we don’t rip branches off trees.

Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia

Entry to the Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden is free. There is a van serving coffee, drinks and snacks inside the garden plus excellent bathroom facilities.

Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden
Centennial Park
Hours: The Garden is open daily, 10am-5pm. 
Where to find the Garden: Located in Centennial Park, off Grand Drive and adjacent to the Education Precinct.

Sculpture By The Sea 2017

Sculpture by the Sea, Sydney, Australia

It’s time for the 21st annual Sculpture by the Sea, the largest free to the public sculpture exhibition in the world. This year in Sydney, Sculpture by the Sea runs from 19 October – 5 November 2017, along the cliff top walk from Tamarama Beach to Bondi Beach.

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, Sydney, 2017

While the majority of the sculptures are not able to be touched, each year there are several that are designed to be interacted with by visitors, be it walking through them, on them or climbing over them – the placards in front of the sculptures let people know which ones are able to be touched and which ones are too fragile.

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, Sydney, 2017

This year we found that there weren’t any interactive sculptures like in previous years sadly, but still some that could be crawled through and touched.

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, Sydney, 2017

Please enjoy the photos of this spectacular exhibition, and scroll down to the bottom for tips on attending.

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Tips for attending Sculpture By The Sea

  • Go early, like 6am early. Last year we arrived at 7am and it was perfect. This year we arrived at 9:45am and it was absolutely packed.
  • Parking is a nightmare. Go early and look for a spot around Tamarama or Bronte.
  • Bring lots of water, sunscreen and a hat. The sun is brutal on the walk and there is no shade.
  • Bathrooms are located at Tamarama Beach, Mark’s Place and Bondi Beach.
  • Food is also located at Tamarama, Bondi and Mark’s Place. In 2017 there is a new fast food service at St Mark’s Place serving basic breakfast food from 7am-10am like granola, fruit salad, croissants and quiche, and, from 10am, pies, sausage rolls and quiche plus burgers, gnocchi and fries. There are also sweet treats and drinks including freshly squeeze juice. Kids meals: nuggets and chips, tuna wrap, ham and cheese toastie.
  • The walk is not stroller friendly at all. If you cannot bring your child in a baby carrier, walk/drive to Mark’s Place – it’s the only stroller accessible point of the walk.
  • Try for dawn or sunset for pictures with truly stunning light and less people around.
  • There are two kids’ playgrounds on the walk – one at Tamarama Beach and one at Mark’s Place.
  • Week days are much less busy than weekends.
  • Keep an eye on small children. Not only is the walk crowded, it runs along the cliff tops where there are no guard rails or barriers to stop children from falling over the edge.
  • Not all sculptures are designed to be touched. Please respect the signs and only touch those that are designated for interaction.

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, Sydney, Australia

Photography tip: It might look like we were pretty much by ourselves on the walk but this was thanks to careful shooting and editing. For pics like these, be extremely patient and wait until other people leave the frame, or step around them and find an angle with no-one in it. If you can’t do either, then crop in close.

Sculpture By The Sea