The 7 Best Things To Do In Sydney This October
October in Sydney starts at a very relaxed pace with a long weekend to kick off the month. As an extra bonus, daylight savings commences on Sunday October 4. The days are long, the temperature is rising and Sydney really comes into its own. It’s foodies’ favourite time of the year with Good Food Month bigger and better than ever, delighting the senses with more food, drink, sweets and cultural events than you can poke a gourmet kebab stick at. With crafts, out-of-town adventures and nostalgic gaming, it’s looking to be a busy, tasty month ahead.
#1 A Culinary Carnivale
Do as The Village People say and go west this month to celebrate the 5th Culinary Carnivale, the ultimate foodie street party. Turn up hungry and be greeted by a Spanish and Latin American feast of epic proportions along Fairfield’s Spencer Street. Back by popular demand this year is an impressive eight metre long Argentinian Asado barbecue. Other specialties include Spanish seafood paella, empanadas, South American sweets, sugar cane juice, gelato and churros.
You can work up an appetite with Latin dance classes throughout the day or lay back in a food coma and enjoy an entertainment line-up including Mexican singers and Brazilian dancers. With this year’s theme being La Vida Buena, you’ll indeed be living the good life.
#2 Throwback
If Flappy Bird and World of Warcraft isn’t your thing and you’re hankering for some games of yesteryear, head to GAME ON at aMBUSH Gallery in Central Park. As part of Art and About 2015, the space will be transformed into a games arcade to cure your nostalgia. Ping pong, foosball and air hockey will be among the games available, with each piece having had a retro-makeover thanks to a talented line-up of artists. International graffiti guru, Sofles, will decorate the gallery in floor-to-ceiling murals, and Selina Miles’ video of Sofles’ process will be an installation to enjoy. And the prices are even better than the ’80s, as the whole exhibition – including the games – is free! Stay all day and play until your heart’s content.
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#3 Show us your greenthumb!
You know those cute little balls of moss, twine and tiny plants that are popping up everywhere? Well they have a name, kokedama, and the legends at Workshop are giving you the materials and the know-how to make your own. Tanya Shaw from Oh Flora will be teaching you how to master this technique that originated in Japan in the 1600s. They’ll provide plants and succulents for you to choose from and you’ll literally get your hands dirty creating beautiful pieces of living art. You’ll walk away with two of your own kokedamas and a whole lot of bragging rights! Tickets here.
#4 A nice spot for a Namaste
If a post-work sun salute as the sun goes down sounds like your cuppa tea, then you’ll love what the Museum of Contemporary Art and lululemon athletica have put together. Starting October 15, the MCA will be hosting Thursday evening yoga sessions on the outdoor Sculpture Terrace. Suitable for beginners, but challenging enough for practiced yogis, you’ll be revelling in one of Sydney’s best views while inspiring your mind, body and soul.
World-class teachers from across the country will be leading the classes thanks to lululemon. Come for the yoga then stay for the live music, hands-on creative workshops or ever-changing exhibitions as the MCA remains open after class. Not that this could get much sweeter, but the whole thing is free! Don’t forget to B.Y.O.M (bring your own mat). Booking are recommended, so click here. Namaste!
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#5 Get outta town
While Sydney has some of the best beaches going around, there’s something pretty special about taking a dip in a freshwater pool and a little spot just outside of Sydney has just the answer. Take the train or drive to Heathcote train station and from there find your way on to the Karloo walking track. Nestled in the north-western section of Royal National Park, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding bushland on this easy walking track, before coming across a series of rock pools known as Karloo Pools. The water is refreshing and oh-so-worth-it, and you’ll enjoy sunning yourself on the many rock platforms without having to deal with pesky sand.
You may never want to leave, but if you continue further you’ll be rewarded with a series of waterfalls called Uloola Falls. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.
#6 Cooking and photography together at last
Bringing together Australia’s obsession with both food and photography, Shoot The Chef is now in its 17th year. With a simple brief (basically, just shoot a chef), this is a national competition for people to capture their interpretation of a chef – whether it’s your mum, your local burger flipper, or a three-hatted kitchen wizard. This year the 25 finalists will be exhibited amongst Parramatta’s hidden laneways between October 6-9. There will be pop-up bars, food vendors, art installations, live music and performance events. The event is free, with all food costing under $15.
#7 Garage Sale Trail
The Garage Sale Trail has evolved from humble beginnings to the most recent instalment that saw more than 350,000 people buying and selling over 2.9 million items at 8,000 garage sales. It’s a great opportunity to do a spring clean and make some cash from your preloved items or, on the other hand, find a great bargain. If you’re a seller, get online and register it so you can be added to the trail map for D-day on October 24. You’ll also be able to access a load of tips and downloadable material to make your sale day run smoothly. If retail therapy is the order of the day you can go online and see the exact locations of sales near you, with many providing information on what types of items they’ll be selling. For more info click here. Happy bartering!
(Lead image: Parramatta Lanes)
