Overview
If variety is the spice of life, spontaneity is the cracked pepper which, when sprinkled to the perfect 'when', makes everything better. Breaking with routine and stepping away from the every day not only adds an element of excitement to your life, but it also allows you to experience new things. Plus, nobody wants to feel like they're living in their own version of Russian Doll.
Thankfully, Sydney has plenty of off-the-cuff activities that you don't need to plan in advance, and we've partnered with the folks at Holey Moley to bring you five cracking ideas. From spontaneous late-night swims to last-minute mini golf, roll the dice with an impromptu date and you will surely be rewarded.
UNPLANNED PUTT-PUTT AT HOLEY MOLEY
Grab your pals and get ready to kick putt at Holey Moley in Darlinghurst. The expansive two-level adult's playground is the chain's tenth and biggest venue in Australia with three courses and 27 themed holes. There are neon lights, gumball machines, a giant shark, a life-size game of operation... pretty much all your wildest childhood fantasies. Plus it's got all your adult (alcohol-based) fantasies covered, too. The Caddyshack bar slings all kinds of pun-plenty tipples, like The Sugar Caddy, the Long Island Iced Tee and Espresso Partini. Given the super convenient location — it sits right under that iconic Coke sign in Kings Cross — Holey Moley is a great place to blow off steam after work or relax with a date. The best part? There's a heap of specials available for walk-in customers, so you're actually rewarded for your spontaneity.
AN IMPROMPTU DRAG SHOW AT THE IMPERIAL
Don't be a drag; go see drag at The Imperial instead. Since the iconic Sydney pub went through some pretty major renovations, it's returned brighter than ever and is serving fierce drag queen realness. Each night, Priscillas restaurant hosts Drag N' Dine — a flamboyant and fabulous drag extravaganza featuring pole dancing, lip-synching, visual art and side-splitting comedy from some of Australia's most celebrated queens. It's like Ru Paul's Drag Race in real life, actually better because you get to tuck into tasty plant-based fare while you watch. Yep, just like the venue at large doesn't discriminate regarding sexuality or gender, the kitchen welcomes all kinds of eaters — vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian... you'll all be looked after here. Once you've finished with drag and dinner, keep your impromptu night out kicking in the Imperial Basement with a late-night boogie.
AN OFF-THE-CUFF ART EXPEDITION
The best thing about going to a gallery on a whim is that you never quite know what you're going to get; you might discover a new artist, fall in love with a different medium or gain a new perspective. Or you might totally hate the exhibition, hey, that's a story, too. Grab a couple of your cultured pals and head to the MCA or AGNSW for an impromptu art expedition. On Wednesday nights, both art institutions stay open late so you can drop in as you please to come eye to eye with Australia's leading contemporary artists, encounter a breakout exhibition and settle in for a talk, some music or even a bit of comedy.
SPONTANEOUS ROOFTOP COCKTAILS AT SLIMS
Bad day at work? Nothing that a bev, balmy weather and a sweeping view won't fix. Get a few friends for cheeky, off-the-cuff cocktails at hidden rooftop bar Slims. On the top floor of the historic four-storey Hotel William, Slims Rooftop offers views across Hyde Park, plus a fun retro fit-out. The bright, cheery space features frilly pink and orange umbrellas, white picnic-style benches, cacti aplenty and plenty of space — often a rarity for city rooftops. The comprehensive cocktail list places classics like Aperol spritzes and margaritas alongside signatures championing Asian ingredients. Order a La Dolce Vita (rum with hibiscus tea, mint and lime) and take in the views. Ah, spontaneity never tasted so good.
A SPUR-OF-THE-MOMENT NIGHT SWIM IN COOGEE
Obviously, spontaneous swims don't work as well in winter, so take advantage of this last stretch of summer and round up a couple of mates for an impromptu dip. Whether it's after work or on a steamy Saturday night, thanks to daylight savings, there is plenty of time for swimming. We suggest popping by the Ross Jones Memorial Pool in Coogee. This pool is fantastic for night swimming because you have the reassurance of four walls and the security of a solid enclosure yet you're right by the ocean. While you're bobbing with your besties, you can enjoy panoramic views across Coogee Bay and out to the horizon. Once you've dried off, make tracks to The Pav and treat yourself to a post-swim pina colada.
Keen for some off-the-cuff fun? Head to Holey Moley for impromptu putt-putt and Espresso Partinis.