The Iglu Guide | Blog
Cool things to do in Sydney right now
Looking for something to do, but don’t want to travel very far? Situated in the heart of Sydney, Iglu’s student accommodation gives you the ultimate access to all the city benefits – with the minimum amount of fuss. When you’re keen to explore what’s right on your doorstep, here’s what you need to know.
What’s near Iglu Central, Iglu Central Park and Iglu Broadway?
Situated in one of the coolest of Sydney’s suburbs, these accommodation hubs are well positioned for some of the best the city has to offer. Known for its cutting-edge scene and hipster hangouts, you’ll never be short of interesting options in Chippendale.
Take a 5 minute stroll and discover the White Rabbit gallery, a free exhibition featuring one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary Chinese works. Rehung twice a year, only a fraction of the collection is on show at any one time – which means plenty of excuses to keep coming back for more.
Re-fuel afterwards and soak up the buzz at the hawker style market eatery of Spice Alley. Offering a gamut of choice from Singaporean and Thai through to Vietnamese and Malaysian, the choices are deliciously endless. Take advantage of the weekly specials and finish up with a bubble tea at one of the many options in Central Park Mall.
Just 10 minutes away from your bedroom door is one of the most popular multi-purpose performing arts centres in Sydney. Host to a number of events and festivals across the year, the Seymour Centre is home to an eclectic mix of theatre productions, dance performances and student showcases that continue to inspire thought, conversation and debate.
If you’re prepared to walk an extra 5 minutes towards Darling Harbour, in just 15 minutes you’ll be wandering through Paddy’s Market about to hit Chinatown. One of the best places to eat, drink and make merry there’re plenty of places to test your taste buds and expand your cultural awareness.
Finish up at the heritage-listed Chinese Gardens of Friendship for some peace, tranquillity and fresh air. Featuring hidden gems, fish and waterfalls, it’s the perfect place to wash your stresses away.
What’s near Iglu Redfern?
The Redfern streets are simply brimming with creativity and opportunity, with new venues and activities popping up all the time. If you only have time for one thing, make it the not-for-profit 107 Projects. An easy 5-minute walk away, this multi-disciplinary space offers creative, cultural and community-led performances that never fail to delight and impress.
For the daylight hours, grab a picnic rug and some friends and take a 7-minute wander over to St Alfred’s Park. A hidden Sydney gem, this green oasis has over 7 hectares to play with and comes complete with an outdoor pool, basketball courts and tennis courts – not to mention a city skyline.
Leave home in the opposite direction and you’ll find yourself outside Sydney’s first dedicated Improv Theatre. Here you can hone your budding performance skills – or watch others hard at work. For live, spontaneous theatre at its very best, there’s no place like it.
Check out The Carriageworks Farmers Market for delicious produce and artisan goods every Saturday morning, just 10-minutes from your door. And if mornings aren’t your thing, catch some contemporary art, films or festivals that regularly rotate through the venue instead.
Eating and drinking options in Redfern are in plentiful supply, from traditional watering holes through to more moody ambient vibes. But without doubt, The Bearded Tit trumps them all for quirkiness and style – and at just 2-minutes travel time from your front door, there really are no excuses.
What’s near Iglu Chatswood?
Centrally located in the heart of Chatswood, Iglu provides the perfect springboard from which to sample the very best of what’s around – with everything just a stone’s throw from home.
If indoor malls are your thing, prepare to be overloaded with exciting options. Start with the bigger retail players like Westfield and Chatswood Chase, and move on to the smaller more intimate options that also catch a popular crowd and have plenty to offer. Try out Lemon Grove, the Mandarin Centre or Victoria Plaza for eateries, shops and a more quirky retail offering. All centres are within a surprisingly short walk of each other.
Switch it down a notch and amble across to Chatswood Park, just a couple of minutes away from home. Enjoy the green space to relax and people watch – or take full advantage of the outdoor gym facilities while you have a break from the books.
Five minutes in the opposite direction will lead you to The Concourse, Chatswood’s cultural hub and one of Sydney’s leading entertainment options. Home to a range of live arts and events, it also has multiple outdoor spaces, an outdoor cinema and a resident orchestra that regularly performs at the venue.
When hunger calls and you are done with cooking, the foodie options are delightfully endless with a bountiful supply of Asian cuisine options available. Grab your roommates and step outside into District Dining at Chatswood Interchange or try Westfield’s Hawker Lane for an array of renowned Asian eateries. The popular Chatswood Mall Market regularly takes over Victoria Avenue with delicious treats every Thursday and Friday, with fresh produce and live music filling the streets every week.
