Daily Detours for the Week of June 26

Pretend the weekend didn’t just end, with a free flick and free popcorn at The Soda Factory. Yes folks, you read that right: free and free. That leaves you spare cash to spend on one of The Soda Factory’s legendary hot dogs, $5 sides like mac’n’ cheese, onion rings and waffle fries, and on a beer or glass of wine at just five bucks a pop before 7pm. On Monday, May 26, you’ll be watching Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump in the eponymous 90s classic that changed things forever for boxes of chocolate, shrimp dealers and fully-clothed folk singers. The further he runs, the more popcorn you’ll want to eat. Doors open at 5pm for an 8pm screening. Turn up and try your luck at snagging a good seat, or email ahead of time to book a cosy spot.

Instead of rushing straight home after work, take a trip to St Marys, where you can watch the sun set high up in the clouds. Skypeak Aerial Park, which opened in mid-2016, features 80 challenges on its menu of adventures, including scaling an ancient red river gum, free falling 15 metres and riding a trapeze at a height of 22 metres. Prepare to test your balance, and tackle any fear of heights you may have. And if you’re just not an adrenaline junkie, there’s something for you too. Settle for a stroll along a sturdy, elevated walkway with excellent views of everyone else in action. Skypeak is open from 9am-7pm and you can buy a pass to suit your scaredy cat level.

You haven’t done life drawing until you’ve done it at a Victorian seance themed class. This spooky happening is taking place at 107 Projects in Redfern, and the focal point is, of course, a bunch of supernatural models in ghostly poses. Meanwhile, a witch doctor will be providing trans-dimensional connections, mystical music and live performance. And, anytime you need a refreshing beverage — or magical elixir — head to the bar. The class is hosted by Drawing Blood, who debuted their spell-binding life drawing concept earlier this year and have since been bringing otherworldly inspiration to Sydney’s artists on a regular basis. Their mission is to help you inject some spirit into your art practice. So, grab your pencils and canvas, and enter another realm to conjure your very best drawing abilities.

Image: Showtime.

While Chinese art might conjure up images from centuries past for a lot of us, the White Rabbit collection maintains a focus on contemporary Chinese art created during this century. The collection rotates throughout the year, consistently bringing in new explorations into modern art in China. Beyond the art, White Rabbit also runs its own teahouse, serving up specialities in all types of Chinese tea. The warming teas sit alongside a selection of snacks, including a plate of handmade dumplings. A trip to the White Rabbit immerses you in contemporary and traditional Chinese culture, all without the cost of a plane ticket.

Kick off your work boots and slip on your dancing shoes: you’re heading to Oxford Art Factory. Inspired by Andy Warhol’s New York Factory, this two-room paean to live music, art and creativity pulls about 5,000 people a week. Join the hoards of music lovers, book a show for tonight and take note: for best band viewing, it’s best to arrive early and bags a spot in the middle of the mezzanine. Once you’ve had a proper boogie, conquer that appetite you’ve just worked up with a visit to Mr Crackles, specialists in crispy-skinned, tasty pork that’s slow-cooked for ten hours. You can eat it anyway you like: inside a roll, in the form of sticky pork rolls or as a cup of crackling.

There are two ingredients that all quintessential Sydney lunches share: water and sunshine. Kick into the weekend with them both at Chiosco by Ormeggio at The Spit’s d’Albora Marina. Opened in early 2015, it’s the casual, younger sibling of the two-hatted Ormeggio just next door. Surrounded by sweeping harbour views, relax over share plates, house-made pasta and bombolone (Nutella-filled, sugar-coated Italian doughnuts). Feel free to indulge to button-popping levels, because next up is a long, dreamy, harbourside stroll: the classic Spit to Manly walk. The ten-kilometre trail carries you through dense bushland and past pretty little beaches and bays. Don’t forget your swimmers.

Feeling a little dusty on Sunday morning? Two words: Grumpy Donuts. There’s no headache these spectacular conglomerations of perfect dough and sugary brilliance cannot handle. Check to see if there’s a weekly special on for a chance to try a tasty, new creation, otherwise, count on a tried-and-tested favourite, such as The Buttered Toast (yep, that’s brekkie and dessert right there). Once you’re done devouring, pop down the road to The Lady Hampshire to laze away the day in the sun-speckled garden where you can catch the match of the day on a massive screen. And if you’re feeling particularly ravenous today, take a peek at their pub grub menu reminiscent of that found at The Lady’s beau, The Lord Gladstone.

Image: @quinntessences / Instagram.

Personalise your next adventure via The Playmaker, driven by Mazda3.

By Jasmine Crittenden and James Whitton.