Overview
The warm weather can be such a tease. As soon as the season changes and ushers in day after day of blue skies and warm breezes, we start dreaming of swapping real life with beach days and road trips out of town. The reality may be a little different (thanks to work, uni or general life commitments) but, thankfully, Sydney is brimming with ways to soak up every last drop of springtime fun. To mark the commencement of its Spring Carnival, we've teamed up with Australian Turf Club to bring you five top-notch ways to celebrate the season this week.
SNAG A BARGAIN AT THIS DESIGNER SALE
When? Thursday, September 19
A new season doesn't always need to call for an entire wardrobe overhaul — but a few new pieces for all those fabulous spring events you've got coming up can't hurt, right? Especially when you're getting them for such a bargain. Across four days this week, Paddington Town Hall will be filled with thousands of luxury fashion items with whopping discounts of up to 80 percent off. We're talking designers like Romance Was Born, Isabel Marant and Alexander McQueen. With the opportunity to grab coveted labels for (relatively) low prices, you can expect this to get a little chaotic — we hope your reflexes are sharp.
EAT AND DRINK YOUR WAY AROUND THIS HARBOURSIDE FESTIVAL
When? Friday, September 20
Next Friday marks the kick-off of the annual Pyrmont Festival. For the second consecutive year, inner-city area's bars and restaurants will team up with winemakers and producers from regional NSW town Orange for a series of degustations and one-off events. Throughout the festival, you'll be able to sample drops from across the Orange wine region from Porter's Liquor Pyrmont daily and at local cafe Call Me Harris' sunset bar on Fridays from 5pm. Meanwhile, TAP Gallery will be open from 2pm each day to showcase works from local artists. Also be sure to make tracks down to Pirrama Park next weekend for the two-day festival for your chance to sample delightful regional produce and meet the makers.
HEAD TO THE OPENING DAY OF THE EVEREST CARNIVAL
When? Saturday, September 21
With arrival of spring, so too comes the commencement of Sydney's racing carnival season. And the Colgate Optic White Stakes Day will be kicking off the 2019 Everest Carnival in a big way. Head to Royal Randwick this Saturday, September 21 for a day of food, fashion and off-track entertainment. It will also see the launch of the Pony Palms, a new Palm Springs-inspired area featuring palm trees, a pool, private cabanas, cocktails and a roster of live performances. This weekend will include a DJ set by Set Mo, featuring Woodes, plus sets by Yolanda Be Cool and Sarah Roberts.
EXPERIENCE NATURES INDOORS AT THIS NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
When? Any day
Sometimes mother nature doesn't get the memo that winter is over. So, if the temperature gauge takes a bit of a dip this week, you can experience nature at the Powerhouse Museum's Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition. Until October 20, the museum is showcasing more than 100 captivating scenes of nature from across Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea. You'll be able to get eye to eye with crested-horn sharks, short-beaked echidnas and flying foxes — all while staying dry and warm.
ENJOY A RECOVERY SUNDAY SESSION AT THE FERNERY
When? Sunday, September 22
If your big week of spring activities have left you feeling a little weary, make tracks to The Fernery in Mosman for a laidback afternoon of eating, drinking and activities. To ring in the warmer weather, the greenhouse-inspired rooftop bar is hosting a series of retro-French events. You can pair a French rosé or champagne with a decadent loaded croissant filled with oozy brie and truffle or sweet chocolate cookie crumble. While you tuck into these OTT treats, you can play a few rounds of pétanque and watch the sunset.
Everest Carnival runs from 21 September to 2 November at Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick. For more information, head this way.
Top Image: Felipe Neves.