U is for Uncovering New Talent

So I got myself down to Slide Lounge last night to check out Monday Night Live, a regular open mic night that offers some real bang for your buck.

Firstly, the dinner and supper at a reasonable price turned out to be a very pleasant surprise, and at only $15 more than a standard ticket was way better value than a Monday night steak at the local pub. But it’s the entertainment accompanying your meal that’s truly inspiring and there is nothing cheap about the talent on show at Slide.

Last night we were treated to some of the best open mic Sydney has to offer all kept running smoothly by the lounge’s charming hosts and with guest appearances by the delightful Michael Falzone and Danni Da Ros offering a taste ahead of their upcoming shows, it was a fantastic evening.

Of course if you don’t want to take my word for it get yourself to Oxford Street to see what the fuss is all about. Tickets to Monday Night Live and all of Slide Lounge’s shows are available at http://slide.com.au/.

N is Stuff to do for Next to Nothing

So Sydney is not the most expensive city in the world, I mean it’s no Paris or London when it comes to the price of a coffee, but on an Aussie scale it can be pretty darn pricey. So here are a few suggestions for things to do and what to keep an eye on if you are looking for some entertainment that doesn’t include a $50 breakfast or $170 concert tickets.

One of my favourite bonuses for under 30’s who are looking for a little culture and cheap way to truly experience iconic Sydney is the cheap Opera House tickets available to under 30’s – it’s true! See selected Sydney Theatre Company and Bell Shakespeare Company performances for as little as $35 for those yet to hit the big three-oh. More information and details about current performances is available at the Sydney Opera House website.

Also jump on to the City of Sydney website because you are sure almost each week to find a new and exciting event happening in Sydney city with many of these being absolutely free. The Darling Harbour and The Rocks websites are also a good place to check if you're on the lookout for free entertainment with plenty going on in these precincts, particularly over the warmer months. While you are  in Darling Harbour and The Rocks be sure to stop and watch the street performers who are happy with a small donation in return for a 30 minute show or be in awe of the magnificent cruise boats that regularly dwarf Circular Quay.

One last suggestion and a personal favourite is the Manly ferry trip, a perfect day out from the city, a return ticket costs a little over $13. Soak up the Sydney sun on the harbour and enjoy an ice cream on the beach at your destination.

Horse Riding Close to Home

With school holidays fast approaching I thought I would look into an activity that is fun for the whole family. So I have checked out three options for horse riding close to Sydney over the past couple of weeks: Malabar Riding School, Glenworth Valley Hording and Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre.

Malabar and Centennial Parklands both offer horse riding close to Sydney CBD and are well equipped to cater for adults and children as young as three years. Malabar includes helmet hire in the $65 fee for a one hour trail ride which will take you along the scenic east coast of Sydney and provide a stunning backdrop for a family day out. Centennial Parklands has five different riding schools in the one complex so you will be sure to find a ride and budget that suits you. The pace is somewhat slow at both locations but is a great activity to ease school holiday boredom.

Glenworth Valley is located about an hour and a half from the Sydney CBD and provides a different experience altogether. There are still pony rides for toddlers, although it is the adults and older children who will really enjoy the horse riding here. $75 will get you a two hour ride but helmet hire is an essential extra at $5 per helmet. The trail rides are through vast bushland and provide a unique experience for city-dwellers. The riding is at a faster pace at Glenworth Valley and for those who ride regularly there is an option for independent ‘free-riding’. Watch the weather carefully though as payment is required in advance with a 48 hour cancellation policy.