Here is a list of five cool things you need to do in Sydney while you are near Central Station. Indeed we have selected for you five activities including:
- Visiting Chinatown
- Booking a tour of the iconic Sydney Capitol Theatre
- Enjoying a good coffee
- Taking a stroll through the Chinese Garden of Friendship
- Exploring the interactive side of arts and science at Powerhouse Museum
1. Visit Chinatown and taste some authentic Asian dishes
Chinatown Sydney is a vibrant fusion of shopping, cuisine and Asian culture just minutes from the city centre. Punctuated by street lanterns, archways and oriental architecture, Chinatown is renowned as Australia’s best showcase of Chinese culture.
After strolling around, go to the Chinatown Night Market on Fridays. Indeed the market comes to life at 4 pm on Dixon Street and offers a great selection of street food delicacies from Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and China.
Besides, right beside Chinatown, take the time to explore the iconic Paddy’s Markets. Explore malls, markets and arcades, and discover some of the best Asian supermarkets in Sydney. Paddy’s Haymarket is for the curious of mind and also for those who are budget conscious. It operates like a traditional market and offers imported and local women’s fashion, kids clothes, hair accessories, jewellery as well as gifts, souvenirs, gadgets, and lots more.
Take a Tour of Chinatown on Your Phone:
The Haymarket Chamber of Commerce has launched a phone app that will give you new insights into Chinatown and its surrounding local area. For Android click HERE or Apple click HERE
2. Book a tour of the iconic Sydney Capitol Theatre
Sydney’s beautiful historic Capitol Theatre is one of Sydney’s iconic venues, hosting world-class musicals, theatre, ballet, concerts and performers. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to experience the beautiful atmosphere of the auditorium and observe the quirky architecture. You will also gain an insight into just what it takes to stage a major musical production.
Did you know?
Theatre began its life in 1892 as the Belmore Markets, which closed in 1916. The building was then converted into a hippodrome designed for the Wirth Bros circus. Within ten years the circus became financially unviable and the building was again converted, this time into a movie theatre. Its manifestation as a ‘picture palace’ lasted until the 1980s, when is was scheduled to be demolished. Luckily, a Heritage Council conservation order rescued the theatre and it was eventually restored to create the world-class lyric theatre that is today.
3. Enjoy quality and tasty coffee in one of the best speciality coffee in Sydney
Only 5 min walk from The Great Southern Hotel Sydney, Soma in Ultimo is known for their quality and tasty coffee due to their commitment to constant learning, and their collaboration with innovators around the globe while having a local focus. The coffee comes from Mecca who is a speciality coffee importer and roaster based in Alexandria. Mecca is focused on buying sustainable, high-quality coffee, and they travel the globe to source the best coffees, working with farmers and farming co-operatives to improve and create sustainable farming practices.
They also serve healthy food that caters well for gluten-free and vegan diets.
4. Take a stroll through the Chinese Garden of friendship
Escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city and soak in the Chinese atmosphere. A beautiful place to go for tranquillity and peace. Nestled in the middle of all the modern buildings, Chinese Garden of Friendship is a great place for pictures and relaxing with its gorgeous water displays and ponds, sculptured seating, structures, pathways and plants. There is also a Tea House serving light refreshments including dumplings, tea and coffee. You can really immerse in the experience by hiring beautifully embroidered royal Chinese costumes – adults and children sizes available.
5. Visit the Powerhouse Museum
If you are visiting Sydney with your family, the Powerhouse Museum is great for both younger and adult audience. Spend at least two hours exploring the interactive side of arts and science and the beautiful variety of displays including decorative arts, science, communication, transport, costume, furniture, media, computer technology, space technology and steam engines. Kids will love the science area which allows them to have some hands-on scientific experience.
Children 16 and under are free
