Get to know your neighbourhood!
TOP TIPS
By Hayley Louise Talosig, Domestic Student – 2nd Year, Psychology
Not sure about the various services or fun activities that are near UNSW? Don’t worry because I’ll be showing you the essentials and some amazing places that you can visit!
Note: all distances measure from UNSW Kensington Campus
Essentials
When I think of essentials, I think of health and safety such as the Prince of Wales Hospital (900 m), Randwick Police Station (1 km), and the Chemist Warehouse Randwick (850 m) for necessities such as medication and bathroom supplies. These services are also great because they’re all walkable distances from UNSW.
Nature Spots
Attention all flower enthusiasts but beware those with hay fever! The Botanical Gardens (6km) features a wide range of beautiful plants and is perfect for walks and picnics, especially during the Spring and Summer season. You can also get involved with the numerous events they hold including crafting workshops, art classes, garden tours and volunteering opportunities.
What about life beneath the water? Meet aquatic organisms ranging from fearsome sharks to adorable penguins at the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium (8 km)! Not only will you be viewing sea creatures, but the aquarium provides an abundance of exhibits, activities, and souvenir items for you to further appreciate the wonders of sea life. “Jurassic Seas” is an interactive zone, where you can learn about the origins of life through living fossils. Another activity you can do is feeding the sea creatures! Find out more about other interesting exhibits and activities on their website.
Fun, Fun, Fun
COVID-19 really had everyone staying indoors, depriving us of that physical experience filled with adrenaline and excitement. So, if you want that feeling of thrill again, Luna Park (11 km) is guaranteed to give you an energy high! Laugh, play, or scream to your hearts content, this amusement park contains carnival games, a horror house, and an assortment of rollercoasters. Its recent renovation comprises of even more energising rides such as the Big Dipper and Sledgehammer. Explore their full list of rides and games here!
If you’re more of the artsy type, then the #1 art gallery I’d recommend is the Art Gallery of NSW (7 km). Immerse yourself in the stories of different artists or simply appreciate the meaning and intricacy of each artwork. The gallery holds numerous exhibitions including styles varying from historical to abstract and houses all types of art mediums from traditional oil painting to interactive art installations.
Hidden gem! Are you into claw machines or even photobooths with your friends? Then Purikura Photoland (6 km) is the best place to go! With claw machines as the place’s hallmark, I can say that there is something for everyone. The last time I visited, I was trying to win a huge Toad plush (from Mario), an extremely cute dog plushie, and Ironman figurines. Purikura Photoland also offers photobooths similar to those in Japan and is a fun way to take group photos. You can edit them afterward with as much craziness as you want with the multitude of digital pens and stickers they provide. To top it all off, the place includes a small arcade for extra fun!
Tastebud Galore
There are so many delicious restaurants that I can list down, but one event I’d like to point out is the Sydney Chinatown Night Market (6 km). This event occurs every Friday with dozens of different stalls selling unique products and Asian street food such as yum cha, teppanyaki, and pho. During Chinese New Year, Sydney also hosts various events and festivals to celebrate, and Chinatown is definitely the place you’d want to be at!
Hidden gem! A mixture of great food and exquisite decorations showcasing the beauty of nature can only be found at The Grounds of Alexandria (6 km). Visit for the variety of food or be like my friend and I and take hundreds of aesthetic photos! We were even lucky to be a part of the fake snow experience and it was magnificent. With changing themes throughout the year such as Halloween and Christmas, The Grounds of Alexandria never fails to offer new and stunning decorations and events.
The 3 main ways to travel are by train, light rail, or bus. However, the most convenient mode of transport from UNSW is by light rail – either from lower campus (UNSW Anzac Parade) or upper campus (UNSW High Street).
Feeling Anxious?
Don’t worry if you get lost travelling around Sydney because that’s the best way to explore! There will always be a new place to visit so you’ll never get bored, and who knows, you might even find your own hidden gems too.
Happy exploring!
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