Hidden Sydney: Zindzi Okenyo’s Top Five Secret Spots

Sydney has provided a stream of inspiration for actor/Play School presenter/lo-fi photographer/Pozibled electro musician Zindzi Okenyo. She doesn't buy into the idea that the pleasure of long, balmy days is some kind of disincentive to making art.

"It's a beautiful city with lots of space and air and sunshine, which is great for creativity to grow," says the Sydneysider of 10 years. "I have been fortunate to work for some great theatre companies and directors, and the benefit of being part of a relatively small industry is, if you can get the work, you will be seen."

Zindzi is currently on stage in Griffin Independent's Girl in Tan Boots, a new play she has been workshopping on and off since 2009. Written by Tahli Corin and directed by Susanna Dowling, it's about singledom, invisibility and the fascination of personal ads.

"I don't think the play is necessarily Sydney-centric but it definitely paints a strong picture of single life in the city," she says. "I think anyone that knows or grows up in a similarly busy metropolitan area will connect with the non-stop aspect to an inner city life and how sometimes one can feel very anonymous in that environment. For some people that anonymity can be liberating but for [the protagonist] Hannah, it seems, it does the opposite and swallows her identity."

We asked Zindzi to tell us about her five favourite spots in Sydney that are a little off the beaten path: the hideaways that have always been just around your corner.

1. The Dock, Redfern

My friends Jed and Dan run this little unassuming bar on the corner of Redfern and Regent Street, and the reason why I love it is of course because I just go there to hang with my friends, but they are such great guys that even when you first meet them they make their customers feel like mates. It's a very relaxed atmosphere. There is cheap beer and free popcorn and darts and great music, so it's worth checking out.

182 Redfern Street, Redfern

2. Paddy's Markets at Flemington

I've never liked the city Paddy's Markets because it seems to be filled with cheap imitation stuff, but there is a massive shed out at Strathfield — one filled with fresh, blooming flowers where shops buy wholesale but also anyone can shop there and it is soooo cheap compared to in the city. And the shed next to that shed is filled with heaps of piles, racks and tables of second-hand clothes, which is a dream for me. You have to be ready to rummage and get a bit dirty and patience is required, but you will find some amazing things I'm sure.

3. Brickfields Cafe, Chippendale

I had a great experience with this place even before it opened. I was walking down Dale Street and a guy literally jumped out at me from behind a door and said, "Oh! Perfect timing!" Let's be honest, I had no idea what he was talking about, and when he said "come inside" I wasn't anymore clued in, but then he gave me a beautiful, warm loaf of fruit bread for free because they were testing the bread before the cafe actually opened. It was so delicious and so a few weeks later I went back and they were open and buzzing with customers. Every time I walk in they are playing a song I love, the coffee is great, and the baked goods are excellent. And the barista is cute.

206 Cleveland Street, Chippendale

4. Rooftop yoga

Ok, well, this is one that isn't really open to the public, but two of the guys in my band live in Potts Point and they have a rooftop where we do yoga. So I just want to say, if you have a city rooftop or have a friend who has one, skip one of your indoor yoga classes and head up top. It is seriously so wonderful to be so high up looking at this beautiful city and breathing it in.

5. Ash Paddock, Centennial Park

I was never really into Centennial Park and would pick other places to picnic until I discovered Ash Paddock, just to the left of the Randwick entrance. Oh gosh, so beautiful. Lots of pine trees and gorgeous afternoon shadows. It's nature at it's romantic best.

Girl in Tan Boots is on at the SBW Stables Theatre from March 27 to April 20. More info and tickets here.