Daily Detours for the Week of October 30

In need of a foolproof cure for those Monday blues? Make your way over to Cleveland Street favourite 505 for an evening of jazz and boardgames. This artist-run spot has something going on pretty much every night of the week but we’re especially big fans of the Monday jazz and boardgame sessions. The in-house game selection is big enough to include childhood classics and new favourites, and your game-playing will be accompanied by smooth sounds by supremely talented musicians from Australia and abroad. Throw in a few snacks from the Italianesque menu and a couple of craft beers, and Mondays might just become one of your favourite days of the week.

Watching a scary film on Halloween is pretty much required, but instead of plopping down on the couch with Netflix, head to the Hayden Orpheum for their special Halloween screening of The Silence of the Lambs. Even if you’ve seen this classic many a time, it’s still guaranteed to scare the living daylights out of you. And if it’s still on your must-watch list, what better time to cross it off than on All Hallows Eve? Afterwards, stroll over to nearby Thiq Bar to calm your pounding heart with one of their heavenly pastrami burgers. A milk bun stuffed with house-smoked pastrami, Gruyere cheese, and sauerkraut, this is decadence at its most delish. Halloween plans, sorted.

Image: Orion Pictures / The Silence of the Lambs.

Anyone with a standing desk will tell you that staying seated for extended periods of time is quite possibly the worst thing you can do for your health. But, we’re not sure standing all day is a great thing either. So how about you balance it all out and spend an evening climbing the stalactite at Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym? We reckon rock climbing is definitely at least ten times better for you than standing still all day, which means you can impress your work colleagues with your defined guns and increased bone density. After you’ve climbed enough to feel like you’ve reached Mount Everest, recharge with a two-for-one meal deal at nearby Botany View Hotel. Maybe you can even turn this Wednesday into a cheeky mid-week active date?

Skip the gym tonight and get your endorphin rush with one of the incredible dance classes at Sydney Dance Company. Whether your skills end at a little two-step or you can channel your inner Beyoncé with ease, you’ll be sure to find a class that suits. Choose from over 70 options — including contemporary, tap and hip-hop — and get ready to shake that bod for a good hour. Even better? The SDC studios overlook the Sydney Harbour so you can soak in the sunset while you shimmy across the floor. While classes ($22) run on a drop-in basis, they’re understandably pretty popular, so make sure to book your space online beforehand.

Reward yourself for making it to the end of another week by stuffing yourself silly at Cairo Takeaway in Enmore. This unassuming Egyptian delight is not your average kebab shop; the ingredients are fresh, food is made to order and the menu is a truly authentic one. The standout here are the falafels — theirs are made with fava beans — that are then lovingly stuffed into a sesame-crusted warm pita and topped with an array of pickled veg. Even better? Their beer hails from Inner West craft beer barons Wayward Brewing and Young Henrys. You can also BYO your favourite vino if beer’s not your thing. Round out the night by laughing away the week’s stresses with some comedy at Factory Theatre. Presented by Laugh-Masters Academy, the Night Shift show is guaranteed to get you chortling away courtesy of Sydney’s best up-and-coming improv and comedy talent.

Ease into your weekend with a few hours of leisurely wandering around the oh-so-chic streets of Paddington. Start in Five Ways and slowly wend your way towards The Intersection, perhaps indulging in a little bit of shopping along the way (or window shopping if the credit card needs a bit of a break). Perk yourself up with a coffee from local favourite, Jackie’s Cafe, before going for a walk down Oxford Street to see the jacarandas in full, glorious bloom. Finish off with lunch at Morris, a delightful eatery from the folks at Scout’s Honour. Expect sandwiches, salads and bowls, all full to the brim with healthy ingredients like fresh veggies, seeds, and lean meats.

It’s easy for Sydneysiders to forget how lucky we are to be surrounded by water. For a good reminder, hop on the ferry to Manly, grab a board from Manly Kayak Centre ($25 per hour) and spend the morning paddling around the gorgeous waters of North Harbour. While you could easily idle around the moored yachts, we recommend heading to Store Beach, a secluded little delight that’s only accessible by water. Once you’ve worked up a hearty appetite, head to The Boathouse, where, despite the gorgeous decor, it’s totally acceptable to show up with your hair still dripping with seawater.

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

Lead image: Kimberley Low.