Lauren Katulka: Lauren is a happily married freelance writer living on the New South Wales Central Coast, about an hour from Sydney. When she's not enjoying the big smoke's restaurants or live music venues she loves to experiment with new recipes, watch indie films, and cuddle her Devon Rex cat Gizmo.

Sydney Pays More for Tolls, Parking, and Ferries

The New South Wales government has just introduced toll increases that are set to slug tourists and Sydney residents alike. From February it will cost $4, or one dollar more, to cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Sydney Harbour Tunnel during peak times. But it gets worse. Once you get into the CBD, parking fees are also going to go up. Of course you can avoid some of the rate rises if you travel in off peak periods. But we’re all going to feel the pinch of those increased parking prices. Public...

November 11th, 2008 | Sydney | Read More

A Baby Pygmy Hippo Born at Taronga Zoo!

Have you seen the newest arrival at Taronga Zoo? This adorable little animal is Monifa, a baby pygmy hippopotamus! The three-week-old hippo is only as big as a piglet, which is why she can be washed in this tub! In fact, baths are one of her favourite things! “She’s such an inquisitive little thing and loves bath time, she even turns somersaults in the water,” said the zoo’s hippo keeper Renae Zammit. Monifa means “I am lucky” in Nigerian, and it’s a pretty...

November 10th, 2008 | Sydney | Read More

A $2 Donation is StreetSmart

Consider digging deep next time you dine out to help those who can’t afford a restaurant meal, or any meal at all. The StreetSmart program encourages diners to make a small donation of $2 or more on their bill. You’re not going to miss the small change, but it can make a big difference to someone in need. 100% of your donation will go to grassroots organisation’s helping the homeless. The money goes to smaller charities that are often overlooked, so your assistance is so important. This...

November 8th, 2008 | Sydney | Read More

Sydney Photo Friday: Blue Skies in Sydney Skyscrapers

What an amazing photo this is! I love the skyscrapers in Wynyard, but I’ve never seen them captured so vividly with the clouds and blue skies of Sydney reflected in their glass panels. Photos like this make me glad we’ve left winter far behind! Bring on more of these clear blue days! Image source: Mns007 @ Flickr

November 7th, 2008 | Sydney | Read More

Sydney Playground Gets a Makeover

Sydney’s kids will soon have a new place to play! The playground in Victoria Park, next to Sydney University in Camperdown, is getting a facelift! It should definitely please the local community because they helped to plan it. The innovative playground was designed with the area’s heritage landscape in mind. Currently the playground doesn’t have a lot of equipment, and there’s harsh gravel on the ground. The new facilities will include a new play area catering for children...

November 6th, 2008 | Sydney | Read More

Free Motorcycle Parking in Sydney

With petrol prices sky-high, it’s little wonder that more people are ditching their cars for economical motorcycles and scooters. Now there’s even more reason to make the change, with news that Sydney Council is offering free parking for all two-wheelers. “The Motorcycle and Scooter Strategy supports our commitment to sustainable transport options and the shift away from large, polluting vehicles to smaller vehicles to complement walking, cycling and public transport,” explained...

November 5th, 2008 | Sydney | Read More

Velero Brings European Fare to Woolloomooloo

Velero is the newest restaurant to open on the coveted Woolloomooloo Wharf. It’s got all the style of its upmarket neighbours, but its brand new food sensibility will set it apart from the pack. Velero offers Spanish tapas and Italian fare just like mama used to make. Share Spanish treats like cured meats and imported cheese, or order one of the main meals for a real feast. With dishes like home-made pasta and fresh market fish on the menu, you can’t really go wrong. This is a dining experience...

November 4th, 2008 | Sydney | Read More

Walk Down Chupa Chups Lane

Everyone’s favourite sweet treats, Chupa Chups, are turning fifty, and they want you to join in the celebrations. From Friday the Oxford Street Market at Bondi Junction will be transformed into Chupa Chups Lane. Here you can enjoy your favourite flavour (there’s 127 to choose from!) and check out some iconic Chupa Chups artworks and installations. This sounds like a sweet experience for the whole family! Date: Friday 7 November to Monday 17 November 2008 Location: Oxford Street Market Address:...

November 3rd, 2008 | Sydney | Read More

Pamper Yourself at Vibe Hotels

Are you in need of a little pampering? Of course you are! Well I might just have the answer. Vibe Hotels have teamed up with Napoleon Perdis to create the Be Pampered @ Vibe Package. If you’ve never stayed at Vibe, you don’t know what you’ve been missing. These modern hotels offer stylish rooms with fantastic facilities in the locations that you want to stay. In Sydney you can choose from Rushcutters Bay, North Sydney, or the central business district. When you take advantage of this package,...

November 2nd, 2008 | Sydney | Read More

Try Sailing!

Tomorrow is Try Sailing Day, so why don’t you do just that? This annual free event gives everyone the chance to be the captain of their own boat, even if they don’t own one! The event makes sailing accessible to everyone, regardless of their age or experience. To get involved just visit one of the 33 participating sailing clubs across the state. Turn up on the day, register, and you can get sailing under the watchful eye of one of the club’s qualified members. The glare across the...

November 1st, 2008 | Sydney | Read More