Overview
You may have been hanging out with Shag for ages. He might have been in your house, your car and your headphones with his Friday arvo program on FBi Radio with Sweetie Zamora. And as one of those go-getters who's been contributing to Sydney's alternative, independent arts and music community for years, we thought he'd be the perfect insider for Concrete Playground's Hidden Sydney column.
We all know the thrill of finding a new view of the city skyline, or a window in a pub that's great for people-watching. Here are your next five discoveries. And keep an ear out for Shag's new podcast later this year with his former co-host Peach, called What's Up With Peach and Shag?
1. City of Sydney Library
The Sydney library system is amazing – borrow twenty items at a time for three weeks, borrow and return them to any of the twelve branches, and free membership if you live in the inner city. Best of all is its Network Graphic Novels collection, as it’s pretty complete. From Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore and classic Batman to Harvey Pekar and Fun Home, you’ll find an awesome selection of major titles that you’ve heard of or should have heard of.
2. Sydney Park with a dog
I’ve recently become a dog person thanks to my girlfriend’s pound puppy ‘Poppet’, a giant Irish Wolfhound cross who needs a large open area to run around in every once in a while. So when we can, we head to Sydney Park. There are none of those horrible anti-dog signs, no need for leashes, and no precious, over-protective owners – just heaps of space filled with happy pups, running free.
3. Rock Lily at The Star
Hear me out. Yes, casinos can be super depressing places, and obviously the name is atrocious. But here’s the thing: Rock Lily is completely surreal. It’s a rock-themed venue (think a milder Hard Rock/Planet Hollywood) that sits IN THE MIDDLE of the main casino floor, like the Tardis. Just slap bang in the middle! Plus, it’s almost never full, or even half full. Does that not sound like a potentially great venue for the beginning (or end) of an insane night out?
4. Cream on King
For a cheap, well-fitted vintage t-shirt with a completely unique print, there’s really no better place.
5. Staying in Sydney
A friend of mine told me something once that has always stuck with me: Sydney could be as amazing as anywhere else, as long as the good people stay. So instead of dreaming about moving to New York, start thinking about how you can make your mark here.