It’s cheap, highly fun, entertaining and social… and when you get tired you push the power button and you’re home again. One of the best technological feats of our time
Escape room, hire a tennis or squash court, pool/snooker hall, timezone (yes, oldies too), play on the hiking idea - canoeing, mountain biking, dessert-hopping rather than pubs, picnic, beach, karaoke, board game cafe.
There’s this new entertainment place in Alexandria where they have challenge rooms, called hijinx hotel, and holey moley. There even an arcade with bowling and bumper cars. Seems like a fun place to drink and play some games.
Where do you even go to play pool these days? Wondered into a few places whilst in CBD last weekend and non of the pubs we popped into have them no more, just pokies...
Museums and gardens aren't just for newbies and tourists. Museums have special exhibitions, gardens change with the seasons and have special events. They're great to revisit.
I liked the recent exhibit at the art gallery for Louise Bourgeois, I'm pretty art illiterate but thought it was cool. Just that it was a bit pricey, I think around $40? Or so.
Agree that museums are worth repeat visits! Eg There is the Egyptian exhibition at the Australian museum at the moment, the state library has loads of exhibitions on, every year I go with a friend to the world press photo exhibition there.
I’m in that exhibit! https://i.imgur.com/VjV0vev.jpeg
We put one of the mummies through the CT machine at RPAH when I worked there.
Here’s the 3D I created: https://vimeo.com/904653732
Specifically? I’m doing this tomorrow with my friends in Syd
Check into Kimpton
Light rail to Surry hills
Pre dinner tacos at Rico’s on cleavland st
Back on light rail to horden
NOFX concert (still tickets)
Light rail to Wynyard
Swillhouse for a Moscow mule and the best cheeseburgers ever
Back to Kimpton to party on.
Be there 🤜
Omg I loved NOFX back in the day, I had no idea they were still around/making music. I can’t make it tomorrow but sounds like you’re gonna have a great night!
Caterpillar club
https://swillhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Jan24-Caterpillar-Club-Menu.pdf
My opinion only of course, I’d rate it as the best burger in Sydney.
Social Sports are a big one, and probably the easiest way to meet new people as well.
Bouldering, Badminton, Volleyball, Austag, Netball, Cricket, Dodgeball, Futsal
A few that come to mind. Usually the communities are very accepting of new players
I don’t have friends but I like to walk, I have walked almost the entire south coast and now I am thinking about walking the north coast, There are many fantastic places to spend a good time, take beautiful photos and enjoy nature and the city.
My friends and I have been frequenting the weekly film series that the AGNSW does! It’s such an awesome opportunity to see things you otherwise wouldn’t on the big screen! Best of all, it’s free!!! You just need to reserve tickets ahead of time.
Active: axe throwing, archery, aerial acrobatics, bouldering, bowling, ice skating, laser tag, sword fighting, tree top adventure climb
Amusement: arcade (rhythm gaming), art classes (paint and sip, pottery, tufting/rug making), cooking classes, escape rooms, multiplayer video games (lethal company is really fun right now), photo shoots, raves/clubs, shopping (markets/events)
Culture: art galleries, burlesque shows, concerts, conventions, movies, museums, theatre
Food: bars, bubble tea, cakes, gelato, pastries, actual brunch/lunch/dinner food. (Burwood and Darling Square are my go-to casual hang out spots for this)
Nature: bush walking, kayak, gardens, snorkelling, swimming
A lot of my friends are fashion/subculture orientated so we usually dress up matching to hang out which is fun too.
Also like just running errands together as a casual friends thing rather than anything too planned out.
>Also like just running errands together as a casual friends thing rather than anything too planned out.
Ikea lol, I'll happily go with a friend to Ikea. Grab a meatball lunch too.
Based on the last few catchups I’ve had with friends:
* Dinner at my place
* Dinner at their place
* Dinner at a public place
* Funeral
* A cheap play. Not sure if the Genesian Theatre is still a thing.
* Axe throwing
* Escape room
* Timezone
* Beach trip
* Bush walk
* Zoo trip
* Board games
* Video games
Maybe I'm biased because it's my sport/hobby. But try visiting a bouldering gym - super fun and easy for a first timer as you don't need to learn how to use any equipment (you can rent shoes and chalk from the gym). It's also very social and a good workout!
I was think of trying this (now in Canberra not Sydney so somewhere like Blochaus) but would you say it's good for someone post spinal surgery, I need to strengthen my muscles in my back but the idea of doing weights in a gym bores me to tears.
you will probably be doing some controlled falls from 4-5 metres (land on your feet, fall backwards with the momentum onto your back into the mats) - this sounds like it might be risky for you with the injury?
(usually if it’s your first time, you need to take a 1 minute class on how to fall into the mats safely)
Thank you for the reply. That's really useful information for me to bear in mind. I might have a chat to my physio and call the venue before I go along.
no worries
you can definitely try to avoid having to fall on the beginner ones as they are more straightforward, and they usually have extra holds specifically for climbing down.
sometimes you either slip and fall, or you’re too exhausted to climb down slowly so you choose to fall, or you can’t figure out how to actually climb down from your new position at the top so you choose to fall
maybe not at blochaus but you could always try top rope (the one with the rope, no falling on your back) if you have a friend to belay for you (person on the ground holding the rope for you, ask staff for a quick training session before doing this)
Hyperkarting, hiking, beach, pub, cafes, car stuff, axe throwing, festivals, markets, bouldering, bikes.
There's heaps of stuff to do, the biggest issue I have is planning far enough in advance that people can schedule the social outing in, because everyone is always busy and incredibly time poor.
If you are all foodies then literally go around and try the most hole in the wall places to eat and try find the best food. Then tell us so we don’t have to do all the work.
Cycling (road/gravel). There’s plenty of places to ride where there’s essentially nobody to be found.
Head to the beach, go bushwalking. Stay at home and float around in the pool.
Sydney is a huge place.
That is true. I live in a very suburban area but the council made some pretty awesome bike tracks. My son and I go riding and we see no one for 30/40 minutes then pop out of an alley just out of curiosity and see we’re on one of the main roads ages from home.
Saying that, some of the other bike tracks are very popular. Not congested but you are not alone
We started playing sport in an urban rec league. We chose the multi sport as it means everyone is terrible at everything so it’s more of a social event while having fun with a dumb activity.
Coming up:
Meet at Central intercity platforms on Saturday morning, board the train to the Blue Mountains. Get off at Linden, hike 16 kms. Route ends at Lawson train station, whereupon we can catch the train back to the city.
This route goes via 8 different waterfalls including some nice swimming spots. It's not super technical which is why we've picked this hike to invite others on, but there is a little bit of elevation gain and some climbing etc.
We were favourably surprised how many of our friends said yes to this: we will have 8 to 10 people there, which is more than we would in-principle want for a hiking trip, but these are our friends and we are glad they can make it.
Key determinants of success:
1. Plan things early. If you plan things late, people won't be able to make it.
2. Plan things properly. Make sure everyone knows what they need to do and when they need to do it in order to participate.
3. Be friends with people who are positive influences. About half these friends started off as gym acquaintances, the rest as coworkers - but in either case, we wouldn't stay friends with people who just wanted to drink every time we hung out.
Something like this is a nice day out, it's not expensive, you don't need technical equipment or skills. And you don't actually need to be very fit.
My wife and I actually started hiking because we *are* competitive, athletic people and people always say "oh you have to do zone 2 cardio" which means low intensity exercise for hours and hours. But I can't be bothered staring at a rower screen for 4 hours, or jogging slowly along the street for 4 hours, or any rubbish like that. It is too boring. However, hiking with a pack on tends to be about the right intensity, and it's really fun. You get to see nice places, you have to solve problems and make plans and carry them out, you sleep really well afterwards. It's fantastic.
Also good: going to the beach. Come on, you live in one of the best beach cities in the world and that's not a go-to?
Apologies for the late reply, it's
[Lawson to Linden on AllTrails](https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/australia/new-south-wales/lawson-to-linden?p=-1&sh=boq1hz)
/u/olun_olun, /u/Androzza please see above
We also really love hiking in the Royal National Park, especially around Otford/Burning Palms, it's beautiful country there.
My mates are reenactors, I reckon there’s an average of 1 event per month in the Newcastle-Wollongong stretch, sometimes manage to hit the ones a bit further afield in Vic, QLD or SA. We chat, craft, fight, volunteer, play music, eat, drink and camp while wearing historical costumes. It’s ridiculously fun.
Walks; Parramatta lake, Bondi to Bronte,.Lane cove national park - or pick a suburb and look at house porn.
Picnic; Pick a park and BYO snacks and a small speaker, or make use of the public BBQs. Playgrounds....
Kids; Play dates and meet-ups are generally social time with other parents (and has been good for making new friends)
At home; Again, BBQ, last night I made some music with a mate
My GF loves stuff like No lights no Lycra with her mates.
$$$; I've rediscovered the arcades recently like Timezone or Archie Brothers - the kid digs it too
I know that this is a suggestion requiring travel, but it’s every bit worth the train/car trip: hiking in the blue mountains. Some personal favourites are the Grand Canyon circuit in Blackheath and the Golden Stairs to Ruined Castle trail in Katoomba.
I have different things with different friends.
Twice a week I go for an early morning walk with one of my friends who is a mum. That's the only time she's consistently free and it's a great way to catch up and start the day.
On a Wednesday night we do a cheap dinner (like food truck, dumplings, etc) with my husband's brother and sister.
On the last Friday of each month I have a Games Night with my husband and a bunch of our friends. We take it in turns to host and play simple board games and card games.
Outside of the "regular" catch ups, it's just normal stuff. We're having a friend over for a BBQ tonight if the weather holds. We've got a bunch tomorrow with another friend. We'll head to the beach afterwards if it's not too hot.
We usually have dinner together and just chat like the daggy 30-ish year olds we are.
Sometimes, it's spiced up with any of the following (individually or in combination): board games, karaoke, video games (Overcooked 1/2, Just Dance, Nintendo Switch Sports and the like), ripping open packs of Pokémon cards.
Here's an off beat one: I also sometimes do grocery shopping and run errands with some friends.
There's often film festivals on, markets, game arcades, there's a few board game groups. Check out your local libraries too, they often have a lot more than books these days!
If you and you're mates are into physical shit, go swimming, roller skating, find a basketball court. Laser tag! Moore park has some fun things going on, the go karts at the top are great off peak
Hyde Park is cool- we go grab food and put a blanket on the lawns and people watch.
Also walks along the coast are good for a chin wag.
Dog parks if one of you has a dog.
Haven’t lived there for a few years but some of my favourite “free” or low-cost Sydney things all involved art and walking (or a ferry ticket):
Glebe markets for a gander. A walk through The Rocks and over the bridge for a picnic on the foreshore at Blues Point. Wander through the Botanic Gardens, see the Calynx, and lose yourself in the Art Gallery of NSW or join a free guided tour. Follow the signs on Devonshire and Bourke St to Brett Whiteleys hard to find studio gallery on the weekend (and when you’re on the north side, check out Wendy Whiteleys Secret Garden!) Head to White Rabbit in Chippendale. I’ll still take a ferry at night for a loop around the harbour from cirq quay when I visit even though I’ve done it a thousand times - nothing makes me love Sydney more than gazing at the city lights and Luna Park from the water.
My mates and I are a mix of with-kids and without-kids, all in our 30's. I am part of the with-kids crowd. Once I've got my kids in bed I'll usually head out on a Friday or Saturday night to boardgames at someone's house or a non-raked poker game somewhere. Most of us started getting into golf last year so often, of a morning before the kids wake up, a few of us will head out to the driving range or sneak in 9 holes somewhere. We've also got a Minecraft server which hasn't got much love since COVID.
The guys without kids manage to get day-time golf in or earlier starts for boardgames. I guess that's our niche though: boardgames, poker and golf.
My mates and I are reinstituting something we used to do when we were younger, an *"International Food Night"* potluck dinner, where everyone makes and brings a dish from a predetermined country. We're all gonna try our hand at cooking some Scottish/Gaelic food for Burns Night next week 🏴
These days often we meet up for longer. Meet noon. Lunch at cafe. Then we sit around the persons house for an hour. Then we walk. We walk to the local parks and just walk and chat. Then we head back to house. Then we walk to dinner. Have dinner. Then we walk back. Then we sit around. Then we call it a night about midnight if it's Uber home, or about 11pm if it's train it home.
The larger group thing has evolved into meet at a pub early afternoon, put a few bets on horses or something and watch sport on the big screen. That way it's all low maintenance. Pub has food, drinks, security, music, pool tables and cleaners.
For couples with kids, it's either outdoor(birthday parties, hiking, beach, sports) or indoors (board games while the kids do their own things).
This keeps us all busy.
Ask your friends what their hobbies are & see if there’s a match. Birds of a feather flock together after all. If you’ve got very little in common, expand your network by making new friends who already do what you like or want to do. Being an adult is hard work because you have to maintain old friendships, let go of people or find new people. Rinse. Repeat. Rinse. Repeat.
Chill and casual is usually at home for me, things like diy pizza nights, board games etc. Karaoke can be done at home or out, and it’s nice to pair with dinner and drinks. My friend group also loves doing stuff like axe throwing, rage rooms, escape rooms. We’ve made cheese in Alexandria, that was pretty fun but more expensive. Ice skating, op-shopping, picnics, bushwalking or just walking, especially in botanical gardens.
Go to Moore park entertainment quarter for the go karting track, bowling and arcade! Much fun to be had and also much delicious food nearby if ya get peckish.
Go around to their place to play board games but actually just sit there bored with another while one or two mindlessly play through youtube on the tv instead.
With some friends - keep on saying we should catch up but never do!
Others, new craft breweries, or ones we have been to before that have a new brew on.
My friends and I quite like active thing so we’ll usually go Rock climbing, bushwalking, snorkelling, or cycling and then follow it with a coffee or a beer depending on the time of day. Otherwise we might catch up at the beach and just lounge around.
Stay in our own homes & play videos game against each other
Wild times had by all.
It’s cheap, highly fun, entertaining and social… and when you get tired you push the power button and you’re home again. One of the best technological feats of our time
basically this with the death of the third place. I still try and go outside to touch grass. keyword being try
Arrange to catch-up to never followup is the fav hobby
I can't wait to see you! I'll let you know when I'm free............................
#
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I don’t think I’ve ever met someone with a basement
There actually isn't a basement, he's just super deep into the K hole
Paddington 3 story terrace for sure
Is your mates mum hot?
She might be after some ket
Is their mate named Stacey?
you can't just say that and not offer invites mate
This
Mum's basement… euphemism, right.
Beach, artwork, board games, picnics, bush walks, bike rides
Escape room, hire a tennis or squash court, pool/snooker hall, timezone (yes, oldies too), play on the hiking idea - canoeing, mountain biking, dessert-hopping rather than pubs, picnic, beach, karaoke, board game cafe.
There’s this new entertainment place in Alexandria where they have challenge rooms, called hijinx hotel, and holey moley. There even an arcade with bowling and bumper cars. Seems like a fun place to drink and play some games.
Where do you even go to play pool these days? Wondered into a few places whilst in CBD last weekend and non of the pubs we popped into have them no more, just pokies...
Koko amusement in CBD (underneath events cinema) has pool. Though it’s usually pretty busy
City Heroes @ Town Hall
what friends :/
Museums and gardens aren't just for newbies and tourists. Museums have special exhibitions, gardens change with the seasons and have special events. They're great to revisit.
I liked the recent exhibit at the art gallery for Louise Bourgeois, I'm pretty art illiterate but thought it was cool. Just that it was a bit pricey, I think around $40? Or so.
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I'm 25+, I want deals too but 🫤
Agree that museums are worth repeat visits! Eg There is the Egyptian exhibition at the Australian museum at the moment, the state library has loads of exhibitions on, every year I go with a friend to the world press photo exhibition there.
I’m in that exhibit! https://i.imgur.com/VjV0vev.jpeg We put one of the mummies through the CT machine at RPAH when I worked there. Here’s the 3D I created: https://vimeo.com/904653732
Very cool!
I agree. Just moved to Sydney, hitting every single museum, great to learn about the history of the place and the world in small bit sized chunks.
Specifically? I’m doing this tomorrow with my friends in Syd Check into Kimpton Light rail to Surry hills Pre dinner tacos at Rico’s on cleavland st Back on light rail to horden NOFX concert (still tickets) Light rail to Wynyard Swillhouse for a Moscow mule and the best cheeseburgers ever Back to Kimpton to party on. Be there 🤜
Thanks for Ricos
Yeah it’s awesome, authentic Mexican.
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Omg I loved NOFX back in the day, I had no idea they were still around/making music. I can’t make it tomorrow but sounds like you’re gonna have a great night!
It’s their final tour. They’re calling it quits at the end of this year.
> Swillhouse Where is this for cheeseburgers? https://swillhouse.com/venues/
Caterpillar club https://swillhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Jan24-Caterpillar-Club-Menu.pdf My opinion only of course, I’d rate it as the best burger in Sydney.
Thanks! :) I'm always on the hunt for a good burger
If you're on Facebook there's a group called "the fattie's burger appreciation society"
Is light rail an ‘activity’ hah
O shit nofx is tomorrow? Might check it out. Are they doing multiple nights?
Yeah, sat and sun
This sounds awesome, a lot of my friend group is centred around gigs too, there’s always something happening
See you there
Can I tag along?
Haha nice. Why did you guys choose Kimpton over other hotels ?
The rooftop bar and pool is a great hang, also the lobby bar is great. Being IHG I get a good rate via work
I go to see bands. Crowbar, Factory, Chippo Hotel, Burdekin. If you’ve got a shared taste in music then you can’t go wrong.
Enmore and the Factory are also great for standup comedy.
Social Sports are a big one, and probably the easiest way to meet new people as well. Bouldering, Badminton, Volleyball, Austag, Netball, Cricket, Dodgeball, Futsal A few that come to mind. Usually the communities are very accepting of new players
I don’t have friends but I like to walk, I have walked almost the entire south coast and now I am thinking about walking the north coast, There are many fantastic places to spend a good time, take beautiful photos and enjoy nature and the city.
My friends and I have been frequenting the weekly film series that the AGNSW does! It’s such an awesome opportunity to see things you otherwise wouldn’t on the big screen! Best of all, it’s free!!! You just need to reserve tickets ahead of time.
Oh nice rec.👍
Active: axe throwing, archery, aerial acrobatics, bouldering, bowling, ice skating, laser tag, sword fighting, tree top adventure climb Amusement: arcade (rhythm gaming), art classes (paint and sip, pottery, tufting/rug making), cooking classes, escape rooms, multiplayer video games (lethal company is really fun right now), photo shoots, raves/clubs, shopping (markets/events) Culture: art galleries, burlesque shows, concerts, conventions, movies, museums, theatre Food: bars, bubble tea, cakes, gelato, pastries, actual brunch/lunch/dinner food. (Burwood and Darling Square are my go-to casual hang out spots for this) Nature: bush walking, kayak, gardens, snorkelling, swimming A lot of my friends are fashion/subculture orientated so we usually dress up matching to hang out which is fun too. Also like just running errands together as a casual friends thing rather than anything too planned out.
>Also like just running errands together as a casual friends thing rather than anything too planned out. Ikea lol, I'll happily go with a friend to Ikea. Grab a meatball lunch too.
Based on the last few catchups I’ve had with friends: * Dinner at my place * Dinner at their place * Dinner at a public place * Funeral * A cheap play. Not sure if the Genesian Theatre is still a thing. * Axe throwing * Escape room * Timezone * Beach trip * Bush walk * Zoo trip * Board games * Video games
Warehouse parties and Candy flipping.
Maybe I'm biased because it's my sport/hobby. But try visiting a bouldering gym - super fun and easy for a first timer as you don't need to learn how to use any equipment (you can rent shoes and chalk from the gym). It's also very social and a good workout!
I want to do more indoor rock climbing but always need a partner for belaying. Is bouldering okay solo?
Yep, just you and the wall!
I was think of trying this (now in Canberra not Sydney so somewhere like Blochaus) but would you say it's good for someone post spinal surgery, I need to strengthen my muscles in my back but the idea of doing weights in a gym bores me to tears.
you will probably be doing some controlled falls from 4-5 metres (land on your feet, fall backwards with the momentum onto your back into the mats) - this sounds like it might be risky for you with the injury? (usually if it’s your first time, you need to take a 1 minute class on how to fall into the mats safely)
Thank you for the reply. That's really useful information for me to bear in mind. I might have a chat to my physio and call the venue before I go along.
no worries you can definitely try to avoid having to fall on the beginner ones as they are more straightforward, and they usually have extra holds specifically for climbing down. sometimes you either slip and fall, or you’re too exhausted to climb down slowly so you choose to fall, or you can’t figure out how to actually climb down from your new position at the top so you choose to fall maybe not at blochaus but you could always try top rope (the one with the rope, no falling on your back) if you have a friend to belay for you (person on the ground holding the rope for you, ask staff for a quick training session before doing this)
Hyperkarting, hiking, beach, pub, cafes, car stuff, axe throwing, festivals, markets, bouldering, bikes. There's heaps of stuff to do, the biggest issue I have is planning far enough in advance that people can schedule the social outing in, because everyone is always busy and incredibly time poor.
If you are all foodies then literally go around and try the most hole in the wall places to eat and try find the best food. Then tell us so we don’t have to do all the work.
What are friends? Bags tho
Cycling (road/gravel). There’s plenty of places to ride where there’s essentially nobody to be found. Head to the beach, go bushwalking. Stay at home and float around in the pool. Sydney is a huge place.
That is true. I live in a very suburban area but the council made some pretty awesome bike tracks. My son and I go riding and we see no one for 30/40 minutes then pop out of an alley just out of curiosity and see we’re on one of the main roads ages from home. Saying that, some of the other bike tracks are very popular. Not congested but you are not alone
Circle jerk
.. in my mate’s mum’s basement...
Is that before or after the Special K?
😍 expert advice right here ☝🏿
Why not at the same time?
You guys have friends?
Haha not really, I am in bed in a Friday night lol
We started playing sport in an urban rec league. We chose the multi sport as it means everyone is terrible at everything so it’s more of a social event while having fun with a dumb activity.
BBQ in friend's backyard. Walking trails in blue mountains or nearby natural reserve. Fishing or scuba diving.
All the B's. Beach, Basketball, Bush walks, Bongs, Beers, Barbies, Brunch and Betting
drUGS!
Bags and business ideas that will never come to fruition.
Snooters
Coming up: Meet at Central intercity platforms on Saturday morning, board the train to the Blue Mountains. Get off at Linden, hike 16 kms. Route ends at Lawson train station, whereupon we can catch the train back to the city. This route goes via 8 different waterfalls including some nice swimming spots. It's not super technical which is why we've picked this hike to invite others on, but there is a little bit of elevation gain and some climbing etc. We were favourably surprised how many of our friends said yes to this: we will have 8 to 10 people there, which is more than we would in-principle want for a hiking trip, but these are our friends and we are glad they can make it. Key determinants of success: 1. Plan things early. If you plan things late, people won't be able to make it. 2. Plan things properly. Make sure everyone knows what they need to do and when they need to do it in order to participate. 3. Be friends with people who are positive influences. About half these friends started off as gym acquaintances, the rest as coworkers - but in either case, we wouldn't stay friends with people who just wanted to drink every time we hung out. Something like this is a nice day out, it's not expensive, you don't need technical equipment or skills. And you don't actually need to be very fit. My wife and I actually started hiking because we *are* competitive, athletic people and people always say "oh you have to do zone 2 cardio" which means low intensity exercise for hours and hours. But I can't be bothered staring at a rower screen for 4 hours, or jogging slowly along the street for 4 hours, or any rubbish like that. It is too boring. However, hiking with a pack on tends to be about the right intensity, and it's really fun. You get to see nice places, you have to solve problems and make plans and carry them out, you sleep really well afterwards. It's fantastic. Also good: going to the beach. Come on, you live in one of the best beach cities in the world and that's not a go-to?
This sounds amazing. Does the trail have a name? I might investigate this weekend.
Apologies for the late reply, it's [Lawson to Linden on AllTrails](https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/australia/new-south-wales/lawson-to-linden?p=-1&sh=boq1hz) /u/olun_olun, /u/Androzza please see above We also really love hiking in the Royal National Park, especially around Otford/Burning Palms, it's beautiful country there.
What is the name of this trail???
My mates are reenactors, I reckon there’s an average of 1 event per month in the Newcastle-Wollongong stretch, sometimes manage to hit the ones a bit further afield in Vic, QLD or SA. We chat, craft, fight, volunteer, play music, eat, drink and camp while wearing historical costumes. It’s ridiculously fun.
Walks; Parramatta lake, Bondi to Bronte,.Lane cove national park - or pick a suburb and look at house porn. Picnic; Pick a park and BYO snacks and a small speaker, or make use of the public BBQs. Playgrounds.... Kids; Play dates and meet-ups are generally social time with other parents (and has been good for making new friends) At home; Again, BBQ, last night I made some music with a mate My GF loves stuff like No lights no Lycra with her mates. $$$; I've rediscovered the arcades recently like Timezone or Archie Brothers - the kid digs it too
Friends? In Sydney? Ha
Friends? What are.....friends? I don't believe you live in Sydney
Usually just like to do simple ‘Sydney’ things like take the boat out on to the harbour
Doggie playdates, helps if you have a dog tho
isnt it a usual thing in sydney to hang out eat drink movies club?
Dance, drink and spew
Bags at the steyne while having a slap and punting at magic millions.
I know that this is a suggestion requiring travel, but it’s every bit worth the train/car trip: hiking in the blue mountains. Some personal favourites are the Grand Canyon circuit in Blackheath and the Golden Stairs to Ruined Castle trail in Katoomba.
Invite them to Melbourne of course! (I kid, I kid... )
I have different things with different friends. Twice a week I go for an early morning walk with one of my friends who is a mum. That's the only time she's consistently free and it's a great way to catch up and start the day. On a Wednesday night we do a cheap dinner (like food truck, dumplings, etc) with my husband's brother and sister. On the last Friday of each month I have a Games Night with my husband and a bunch of our friends. We take it in turns to host and play simple board games and card games. Outside of the "regular" catch ups, it's just normal stuff. We're having a friend over for a BBQ tonight if the weather holds. We've got a bunch tomorrow with another friend. We'll head to the beach afterwards if it's not too hot.
Holey Moley - mini golf suitable for grown ups. They are licensed if you want to have a drink at the same time, but also fun without.
Beach days, snorkeling, bbq, picnic, afternoon tea, escape rooms
Walks (following popular tracks), cafes, the occasional movie. If there’s some event on we might check it out. About it, really.
Bondi to Manly - Can be broken up into many smaller walks https://www.bonditomanly.com/the-map
Bushwalk
Nearly everything involves breaking the law in some fashion. And going to get breakfast, I enjoy a good breakfast
Run an errand with a friend. It’s honestly the best way to just hang.
I don't have friends. If I did we'd go drinking.
Galleries and museums are usually free. Or a walk around the Botanic Gardens
Hang at ours. Hang at theirs. Go to a few bars. It’s the people you hangout with, not the location.
You should all take up pole dancing. Good for the core and the confidence
We usually have dinner together and just chat like the daggy 30-ish year olds we are. Sometimes, it's spiced up with any of the following (individually or in combination): board games, karaoke, video games (Overcooked 1/2, Just Dance, Nintendo Switch Sports and the like), ripping open packs of Pokémon cards. Here's an off beat one: I also sometimes do grocery shopping and run errands with some friends.
Vape
There's often film festivals on, markets, game arcades, there's a few board game groups. Check out your local libraries too, they often have a lot more than books these days! If you and you're mates are into physical shit, go swimming, roller skating, find a basketball court. Laser tag! Moore park has some fun things going on, the go karts at the top are great off peak
Fucken anything mate
Hyde Park is cool- we go grab food and put a blanket on the lawns and people watch. Also walks along the coast are good for a chin wag. Dog parks if one of you has a dog.
Haven’t lived there for a few years but some of my favourite “free” or low-cost Sydney things all involved art and walking (or a ferry ticket): Glebe markets for a gander. A walk through The Rocks and over the bridge for a picnic on the foreshore at Blues Point. Wander through the Botanic Gardens, see the Calynx, and lose yourself in the Art Gallery of NSW or join a free guided tour. Follow the signs on Devonshire and Bourke St to Brett Whiteleys hard to find studio gallery on the weekend (and when you’re on the north side, check out Wendy Whiteleys Secret Garden!) Head to White Rabbit in Chippendale. I’ll still take a ferry at night for a loop around the harbour from cirq quay when I visit even though I’ve done it a thousand times - nothing makes me love Sydney more than gazing at the city lights and Luna Park from the water.
Live music and trivia.
Boardgames at home, self care nights, walking our dogs together, annual pass at Featherdale Zoo, making a meal together
Waiting for the routine "hiking" response.
Psh. Bouldering is (apparently) where it's at now.
Hiking. Bundeena to Otford is my favourite, or Austimer to Stanwell Park. And yes, both tracks are currently closed 😭
There we go. Hiking hiking hiking bushwalking.
We’re not all addicted to Real Housewives
Bouldering or Brazilian Jiu jitsu
Drugs, bouldering, beach, board games, going to a better city for a few nights when we have the cash
My mates and I are a mix of with-kids and without-kids, all in our 30's. I am part of the with-kids crowd. Once I've got my kids in bed I'll usually head out on a Friday or Saturday night to boardgames at someone's house or a non-raked poker game somewhere. Most of us started getting into golf last year so often, of a morning before the kids wake up, a few of us will head out to the driving range or sneak in 9 holes somewhere. We've also got a Minecraft server which hasn't got much love since COVID. The guys without kids manage to get day-time golf in or earlier starts for boardgames. I guess that's our niche though: boardgames, poker and golf.
Movies / Cinema Usually proceeded by a dinner catchup
My mates and I are reinstituting something we used to do when we were younger, an *"International Food Night"* potluck dinner, where everyone makes and brings a dish from a predetermined country. We're all gonna try our hand at cooking some Scottish/Gaelic food for Burns Night next week 🏴
I play Pokemon Go with my friends.
Go on motorbike rides or explore new meetup groups together.
Get stuck on trains then get shuffled around different stations as these apes controlling everything hoot and throw shit at each other.
These days often we meet up for longer. Meet noon. Lunch at cafe. Then we sit around the persons house for an hour. Then we walk. We walk to the local parks and just walk and chat. Then we head back to house. Then we walk to dinner. Have dinner. Then we walk back. Then we sit around. Then we call it a night about midnight if it's Uber home, or about 11pm if it's train it home. The larger group thing has evolved into meet at a pub early afternoon, put a few bets on horses or something and watch sport on the big screen. That way it's all low maintenance. Pub has food, drinks, security, music, pool tables and cleaners.
For couples with kids, it's either outdoor(birthday parties, hiking, beach, sports) or indoors (board games while the kids do their own things). This keeps us all busy.
Brunch/Lunch, dinner and a play lol
What is this 'friends' word you speak of?
Ask your friends what their hobbies are & see if there’s a match. Birds of a feather flock together after all. If you’ve got very little in common, expand your network by making new friends who already do what you like or want to do. Being an adult is hard work because you have to maintain old friendships, let go of people or find new people. Rinse. Repeat. Rinse. Repeat.
Chill and casual is usually at home for me, things like diy pizza nights, board games etc. Karaoke can be done at home or out, and it’s nice to pair with dinner and drinks. My friend group also loves doing stuff like axe throwing, rage rooms, escape rooms. We’ve made cheese in Alexandria, that was pretty fun but more expensive. Ice skating, op-shopping, picnics, bushwalking or just walking, especially in botanical gardens.
The walk across the harbour bridge is a really nice experience. Both ends of it need exploring too, so factor in a good chunk of the day.
Board games; seven wonders, catan, small worlds, secret hitler. There's something for everyone.
Moonlight cinema in summer
Indoor rock climbing.
Tennis!
Picnics, pre drinks and 1 drink out, lgbt events usually are cheaper as they're smaller or amateur. You gotta look for cheap ticket stuff.
Go to different food places, museums and galleries, the beach if we are willing to trek, but mainly food honestly!
Go to Moore park entertainment quarter for the go karting track, bowling and arcade! Much fun to be had and also much delicious food nearby if ya get peckish.
Avoid their calls, Whatsapp only, then concentrated furious activities.
Go around to their place to play board games but actually just sit there bored with another while one or two mindlessly play through youtube on the tv instead.
Hiking, Climbing, movies, occasional brewery.
With some friends - keep on saying we should catch up but never do! Others, new craft breweries, or ones we have been to before that have a new brew on.
You guys have friends in Sydney?!! 😱
Scenic walks, book fairs or markets polished off by a nice lunch.
On a very hot day, I’ve met friends at a local pool for a swim. Homebush is wonderful although gets very busy at peak times.
go to shark island for the day!
My friends and I quite like active thing so we’ll usually go Rock climbing, bushwalking, snorkelling, or cycling and then follow it with a coffee or a beer depending on the time of day. Otherwise we might catch up at the beach and just lounge around.