Meet Sarah Klau, Sydneysider and professional athlete. Passionate about her sport, the Origin Australian Diamonds player caught the netball bug as soon as she stepped on the court.

“I’ve been playing since I was eight,” she shares. “It’s a great way to build friendships, learn about being part of a team and challenge myself — I loved it from the moment I started.”

The squeaks of fast-moving feet on polished floors, intent stares between bibbed-up players, outstretched arms and sharp directions being shot between teammates: the tension in the air around competitive netball games is near unrivalled. “It’s such a challenging game,” Sarah explains. “Fast paced, strategy is key and, given the position element, everyone has to play their part.”

The challenging element translates to a pretty thrilling experience for spectators, too. “Anyone who watches netball knows how demanding it is — there are tight tussles, plenty of contesting for the ball and more than a few elbows thrown around!”

During preparations for the upcoming Diamonds test series against England’s national team the Vitality Roses, Sarah generously squeezed in some time outside the goal third to play editor. So, if you’ve snagged tickets to an upcoming game or you just want your hit list to be personally informed by one of our country’s athletic stars, Sarah’s got your back.

Now, over to Sarah.

Charlotte Cafe

Charlotte Cafe in Balmain is my ultimate brekkie spot. Their big breakfast — dubbed Charlotte’s Big Sister — is unreal (and also very large so I hope you’re hungry!).

Charlotte Cafe, 127 Rowntree Street, Birchgrove

Rollers Bakehouse

Rollers in Manly has the best croissant selection — always inventing new flavours! Its a bit of a trek for me but well worth the drive. Check out their Instagram, they’ve always got new flavours to try. You have to get there early because they sell out quick (and there’s a reason). My favourite is the classic almond croissant, but I always love trying something new, too.

Rollers Bakehouse, 19 Rialto Lane, Manly

Lotus Story

The Vietnamese spot Lotus in Sydney Olympic Park is the whole team’s go-to post-training feed — it’s amazing! They do the best Vietnamese baguettes and noodle bowls.

Lotus Story, 2 Dawn Fraser Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park

Via Napoli

For Friday-night dinner my pick is Via Napoli in Surry Hills — their pizza and pasta selections are unreal. I love my cheese, so I can’t go past the four cheese gnocchi.

Via Napoli, 628 Crown Street, Surry Hills

Anita Gelato

For a sneaky little treat-yourself dessert, the team also loves an ice cream at Anita. It’s hard to decide on a favourite because it’s all so good (and there’s also more than 150 flavours). 

Anita Gelato, 180 Campbell Parade, Bondi

The Bay Run

With a day off and plenty of energy on a sunny day, I would probably go for a nice long walk around The Bay Run (a 7km pedestrian and cycling track that passes through Rozelle, Lilyfield, Haberfield and Five Dock), finishing off at Fruitologist and enjoying one of the best acai bowls in Sydney (tip: ask for extra granola and peanut butter).

Fruitologist, 2 Nagurra Place, Rozelle

Sydney-Wide Explorations

I love adventuring all over Sydney. My other go-tos are your classic Coogee to Bondi coastal walk or the Vaucluse coastal walk. A nice quiet picnic at Balmain East is always a winner and overlooks the city; or grab a picnic rug and some snacks and hang out in Wendy’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay.

To keep active outside of training, I do lots of walking — I’m always Googling different trails. We’re spoilt for choice in Sydney. If I have a couple of days, I love heading up to the Blue Mountains to explore.

Freshwater Beach

Freshwater beach is my favourite — there’s a park, small waves and an ocean pool. I love hanging out there enjoying the sun or reading a book. It’s also just a quick car ride to Rollers and their croissants…

The Hunter Valley

Growing up in South Australia, I also love a day out visiting different wineries, so my ideal long weekend would be heading to the Hunter Valley for a couple of nights. Picking a nice winery for lunch and trying a few different places for wine tastings — there’s also lots of cheese and chocolate pairings which is fun!

Hunter Valley image: Arie Oldman (Unsplash)

Jack Rowley (Unsplash)

Hyams Beach

The stunning Hyams beach has always been on my list of places to go, so taking a (long-ish) drive down the coast is definitely in the future. That white sand!

Sarah leaves CP with a glowing final note on her sport: “Netball is a game for everyone — regardless of your size, shape or background. There are positions suited for all physical attributes and capabilities. Plus, you get to build friendships and have plenty of fun.”

Keen to get out and about in Sydney? Plan your explorations around the upcoming Origin Diamonds v England Vitality Roses game on Sunday, October 30 at Qudos Bank Arena. Head to the website to nab your tickets.

Images of Sarah, Rollers Bakehouse and Freshwater Beach: Charlie Ford