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Best Sydney cafes to beat the study time blues

The article is written by Loren Howarth.

Studying for exams can be stressful, especially if you’re living in a foreign country away from the support of your family and closest friends. But don’t worry, Sydney has many amazing cafes that will help you to unwind, with the help of delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere. Oh, and did we mention the food?

Study Anywhere_Clipper Cafe

Clipper Café, Glebe

Known for good coffee and even better eggs benedict, Clipper Café is the perfect breakfast destination. The comfortable interior is filled with bric-a-brac, including bikes mounted on the walls and bright plastic flowers. This café will leave you feeling inspired, and you can unleash your creative flair with Study Anywhere and study in an arty environment.

Study Anywhere_Ampersand Café and Bookstore Paddington

Ampersand Café and Bookstore, Paddington

Studying can take the fun out of reading, but rediscover this enjoyment at Ampersand Café and Bookstore. Nestled in the city, you’ll feel the world away as you explore the wonders of second-hand books while enjoying a delicious meal in the upstairs library.

Study Anywhere_Caffe Tiamo

Caffe Tiamo, Sydney

Caffe Tiamo is a contemporary, split level café with the interior inspired by the luscious great outdoors. You can choose to take advantage of the free Wi-Fi from the inside or escape the bustling CBD in the open courtyard at the back. The café serves food throughout the day, including delicious pasta meals, but we recommend enough room for a sweet and scrumptious dessert!

Study Anywhere_Maximus Café, Martin Place

Maximus Café, Martin Place

Located on the ground floor of the GPO building, Maximus Café is a stunning tiled space with high ceilings encompassed by Sydney’s history. The café serves their own organic and fair trade Arabica coffee, making it the ideal spot if you’re looking for a good cuppa to get your mind off studying. To accompany your hot drink, there is also a variety of croissants, bread, and assorted quiches.

Study Anywhere_Café Hernandez Potts Point

Café Hernandez, Potts Point

Since 1972, Café Hernandez has been serving gourmet coffee and Spanish style food. And with the café being open twenty-four hours, seven days a week, there is never a bad time to go relax and unwind with some delicious food in a homely style atmosphere. Plus, if you’re caffeine lover there are so many varieties of coffee beans to choose from, including Swiss decaf, Caramel Espresso, and a unique Spanish blend.

Best markets on the Gold Coast

The article is written by Candice Locklee

So, you’re stressing out over studies and feeling overwhelmed about living in a new country. If you’re lucky enough to be on the sunny Gold Coast right now, what better way to unwind than to check out one of the Gold Coast’s diverse markets?
The Gold Coast boasts a large number of markets to be enjoyed at all times of the month, day and night. To help get you started, we’ve got 5 of the best markets on the Gold Coast to visit:

Study Anywhere_Surfers Paradise Market

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

In the heart of Surfers Paradise, the Beachfront Markets are a great option for those looking to combine their love of markets with the sand and surf. Stretching out along Main Beach, you can stroll past over 120 stalls selling everything from fashion, jewelry, food, art and one-of-a-kind gifts.

There’s plenty of bargains to be found if you care to look and you can usually expect some live entertainment that adds to the relaxed atmosphere. After you’re done, why not head across the road and into the heart of Surfers to experience all that this vibrant city has to offer?

Things to know:

Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

When: Every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, 4pm-9pm

Cost: free

For more info, check out their web page.
Study Anywhere_Carrara Markets

Carrara Markets

As Queensland’s biggest permanent market, Carrara is a must-see for anyone looking for a bargain. With over 400 stalls of fashion, art, accessories, beauty products, plants and furniture, souvenirs, tasty food and everything in between, you’re bound to find something to take away without breaking your budget. These markets are spread over a large area, so take your time to see it all. Carrara Markets is on every weekend, rain or shine, so there’s no excuse to not pop in and have a look around.

Things to know:

Where: corner of Manchester Rd and Gooding Drive, Carrara

When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 7am-3pm

Cost: free

For more info, check out their Facebook

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Nightquarter, Helensvale

Nightquarter is the Gold Coast’s biggest street food market where you can dine beneath the stars in an outdoor setting. It’s a lively multicultural experience with flavours from around the world.

From the healthy and organic, to the not-so-healthy but oh-so-delicious, Nightquarter has something for every appetite with its street food stalls, small restaurants and plenty of undercover communal dining areas where you can sit and eat with friends.

For those looking to spend a bit extra, Nightquarter also offers a good range of market stalls that sell a wide range of products from local designers. For those looking for great music, the Paddock is a popular live music venue situated on the grounds that showcases great artists from Australia and overseas.

Be sure to view the website first to check upcoming gigs and pre-purchase your tickets.

Things to know:

Where: 1 Town Centre Drive, Helensvale

When: Every Friday and Saturday

Cost: $3 entry fee per person

For more info, check out their website

Study Anywhere_Miami Marketta

Miami Marketta

For something a little cozier and laid back, try out the Miami Marketta. Popular with locals, this night market is tucked away in the industrial area of Miami and offers home-cooked street food, live music, and friendly people.

You can chill out beneath fairy lights and enjoy food from all parts of the world, with delicious savoury dishes served outdoors and a large undercover dessert hall. Long tables are provided for seating to create a real community vibe and make it easy to socialise with everyone around you while you sip on that Mojito and soak in the sounds of the live band.

As if that wasn’t enough, Miami Marketta is also a vibrant art space where up and coming designers open their boutiques for those looking to buy something a little different and support local talent.

Things to know:

Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

When: Every Friday and Saturday, 4pm-11pm

Cost: free

For more info, check out their website

Study Anywhere_village markets

The Village Markets

What could be better than getting up early on a Sunday morning and heading to the trendiest market on the Gold Coast?Located in the fashionable Burleigh Heads, the Village Markets has become a haven for all bohemian beach babes and lovers of vintage chic. If you love locally handmade jewellery, art, fashion and accessories from emerging designers, this is the place to be.
You can wander through stalls packed full of quirky charm and pick up something special, from beach dresses and earrings to shoes and bohemian handbags. For those who are after pre-loved items, keep an eye out for the baskets full of vintage wear to grab a bargain.

There’s also a selection of healthy food stalls available if you get hungry. Bring a blanket and relax on the grass where you can listen to some local talent sing some tunes in the sun and enjoy the good vibes.

Things to know:

Where: Burleigh Heads State School Oval, 1750 Gold Coast Highway

When: First and Third Sunday of the month, 8:30am-1pm

Cost: free

For more info, check out their website

Five of the best beaches in Queensland

The article is written by Loren Howarth

Even though the winter blues have hit, you can still grasp onto the last rays of sunshine at some of QLD’s most beautiful beaches. And while you don’t have to necessarily go for a surf, beaches are the perfect place to relax, exercise or even to just watch a picturesque sunset. But with 6,973 km of tropical coastline to choose from, the list of beaches to visit seems endless. Here are some of our favorites that will really make your jaw drop.

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Noosa Main Beach, Sunshine Coast

Noosa Main Beach is one of the very few beaches along Australia’s coastline that faces north. This beach is home to gentle waves and glowing sands, with the famous Hasting Street shopping precinct only a few steps away. And if you’re feeling adventurous, this is also the best spot to take surfing lessons, as the water is calm and life guards are on duty all year round.

Study Anywhere_nudey beach

Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island

Don’t be put off by the name, there are no legal nude beaches in QLD, so it’s perfectly fine for you to leave your clothes on. Although it is a bit of a trek to reach the beach, the 1.8km walk through the dense rainforest is well worth the view, with other lookouts also along the way. And once you’re there, you will think that you’ve been transported to a tropical paradise.

Study Anywhere_Burleigh heads

Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast

Situated between the glamour of the north and the more relaxed vibes of the south, the beach at Burleigh Heads is not one to miss. Although this is one of QLD’s busier beaches in summer, you’ll be sure to find a nice spot on the sand, have a picnic and watch the sun go down behind the skyscrapers which line the coast from Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise.

Study Anywhere_surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise Beach, Surfers Paradise

A visit to QLD would be incomplete if you didn’t stop by to see the famous Surfers Paradise Beach. With rolling waves, high rise buildings and a bustling nightlife only minutes away, this spot has it all. If you are feeling brave you can take a swim, try whale spotting or go for a relaxing walk along this show stopping beach. And don’t forget to take a picture in front of this iconic sign! Best of all, with Study Anywhere you can study right on the beachfront.

Study Anywhere_Whitehaven beach

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands

With sparkling blue waters and irresistibly white sands, Whitehaven Beach is a real show stopper. You can choose to go for a walk along the beach, or better yet, why not see a birdseye view via helicopter? Pack a big lunch, some warm clothes, and your camera to capture once in a lifetime images. You can even camp on the beach if you’re looking for an overnight escape!

Interested in starting a new life in Australia? Why not try it right now and study at one of the coolest cities in Australia. For more information, feel free to contact Study Anywhere.

A must experiences in Sydney

When you come to Sydney, that can be an overwhelming experience. But it depends on the length of your stay, you might get a chance to try different activities. We have come up with some experiences that won’t cost you a fortune and you will definitely get a great feel of adventure and taste of the real Sydney. Because Sydney is not only a multicultural city, but it offers you so much to see and all the beauty in the form of nature.

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Hire a Kayak in Manly

When you are in Manly, we really recommend you to hire a kayak. Whether you rent a single or a double kayak to enjoy it with your partner, you will be exploring a number of stunning beaches and unique scenery. Hiring companies usually provide you with all the necessary equipment and the only thing you need to do is paddle over the North Harbour waters of Manly.

Tip: If you are looking for a cheaper option, go over the winter period. Kayak rent companies often do a lot of cheap promotion when the peak season is over. You might risk that you will trip over to the freaking cold water, but, at the same time, it won’t be crowded at that time.

Cost: from $25 for single kayak/hour or $45 for double kayak/hour or even less in the winter months

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Bondi to Coogee walk

One of the unique experiences in Sydney or even in Australia are the perfect sceneries of the coasts and beaches. But only in Sydney, you have them so close that you can easily get to them with public transport within half an hour from the city center. Walking the Bondi to Coogee is a perfect 6km track you can do, even for those whose fit level isn’t high. You will get the most beautiful cliffs and beaches in Sydney.

Tip: If you are in Sydney from October-November, you will get a chance to experience the world largest outdoor sculpture exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea. That’s something to worth see!

Or if you go from May to November you have got a good chance to see the whales.

Cost: Free

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Swim in Bondi Iceberg club

Probably everybody knows this place from the picture as it’s the most beautiful pool in the Australia (or even in the world). But not that many would know that this pool open to the public and not just exclusively to members of the club.

Tip: When you feel like it’s too cold for you, you should just jump in. There is a sauna right on the first level, where you can nicely heat up yourself.

Cost: $6 for a single entry

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Take a ferry to Manly

Catching a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is another must. This is a classic tour you can take just by riding a ferry. With this 30 minute trip, you will get the best view of Sydney Opera House along with the hidden spots of locals.

Tip: There is a cafe right on the ferry, so why not to grab a coffee and enjoy the beautiful view on the outside deck? Also, it’s worth to travel on Sunday to this day you have maximum $2.50 per ride.

Cost: Around $6-7 (depends on the times you travel)

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Picnic in Botanic garden

The Royal Botanic gardens are a great stop for you just minutes from CBD with a great panorama of Sydney Harbour. It’s amazing just to take a break from busy life that you might experience right in the center and once you walk into the park you can easily forget that the stressful area is just behind you. The gardens are often full of wildlife you often get a chance to meet parrots, especially cockatoos, when you are lucky can even feed them. The best way to enjoy it is to bring a book or group of your friends and make actually a little picnic there.

Tip: Get yourself a map. Not for the chance, you will get lost, but in case you would really want to see some particular parts of the gardens. This way you can make sure, that you won’t miss any special part of your interests.

Cost: Free

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Sunrise at any beach

While staying in would be a real shame not to experience a sunrise at the beach. Actually, as Sydney is placed in the East of Australia, the sunrise is always over the ocean. It’s a breathtaking moment to wait to see the sun rising over the ocean and it’s worth getting up early.

Tip: If you are not in the rush and you didn’t come just for the sunrise, and you want to experience some activities as a local, then we recommend you do some fitness activities. The morning workout is really contagious especially when you are surrounded with like-minded people. There is plenty of outdoor gyms around almost every beach.

Cost: Free

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Barbecue in Bronte park

Imagine, Sunday morning, nice sunny weather, you and your friends. No plans? You should definitely decide for a barbecue at the beach. Bronte part is one of the greatest places to do so. First thing, you will do most Ozzie lunch you could do and second, you can get tanned while cooking, having fun with your friends.

Tip: We recommend you to go early in the morning to save the spot for the nice covered seating, which can be your base camp for all the activities at the beach.

Cost: Free

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Elizabeth Bay

One of the beautiful harbour side bays is perfect for a morning stroll accompanied with coffee and to embrace a slow, chilled out a vibe like a local. You can easily get there from Kings Cross train station, few minute walk or take a bus from Central.

Tip: Best time to go is in the morning. Get a coffee in the only coffee shop which is in that area (don’t forget to bring the cash as they don’t accept the cards), chill in the harbour, dip into the water and your day can start.

Cost: Free

Yeah, nah! or how to speak Australian

Abbreviate everything!
Australians love to shorten all the words that are possible, so don’t be shocked when you will talk to someone and you won’t understand in the first place. You will get used to the Ozzie slang (if not, just smile and nod). There is actually a good step-by-step guide on how to master the Australian accent even on WikiHow

Yeah nah meaning
From the first minute you spend in Australia, you will become a “mate” for everyone, and “no worries” will be your most used phrase here, so “No worries, mate!” you will learn along the way. Yeah, nah! is a just common phrase you will hear a lot. It basically means: “I see your argument, but, just no”.

aussie slang3

One tip:

Just shorten everything, blend your words together as much as possible and that’s basically the Australian Accent.
Check this video, these guys did a great job to show you how to speak “Aussie”

And here are some examples:

Air con = Air conditioning/conditioner
Arvo = Afternoon
Avo = Short for avocado
Banger = Sausage
Barby = Or barbie; Grill or Barbecue grill
Bathers = Swimming suit
Bikkie = Cookie or biscuit
Bottle-o = A liquor store
Brekkie = Breakfast; Also spelled brekky or breaky
Brolly = Umbrella
Bub = Baby
B.Y.O. = Bring your own (alcohol/drinks)
Chewie = Chewing gum
Chippy = Carpenter
Chrissy = Christmas
“Chuck a sickie” = Call in sick to work for a day off
Cozzie = Swimming suit
Defo = Short for “definitely”
Dunny = Toilet
Esky = Ice cooler
Exy = Expensive
Fag = Cigarette
Flanno = Flannel
Fortnight = Once every two weeks
Good on ya = Great job or well done.
“How ya going?” = “How are you doing?”
Kindie = Kindergarten
Kiwi = Someone from New Zealand
Loo = Toilet, Restroom
Maccas = Nickname for McDonald’s
Mash = Mashed potatoes
Mate = Friend
Mozzies = Mosquitoes
Nappies = Diapers
Prezzy = A gift or a present
Reckon = Figure, think, assume
Rego = Vehicle registration
Salvo = Salvation Army
Servo = Service/gas station
Smoko = Cigarette or coffee/tea break
Snag = Sausage
Sunnies = Sunglasses
Surfies = People who surf a lot
Swimmers = Bathing suit
Ta = Thanks a lot (said: tah)
Thongs = Flip-flops.
Uni = University
Yah, nah= Yes, but no.

Markets you should visit while in Sydney

There is always something going on in Sydney. But if you are want to slow down and just to walk around some areas with some shopping feel, we recommend you to visit one of these markets. Each of them is known for their special atmosphere and specific offers.

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1. Glebe

Glebe markets are for you if you are after some second-hand clothes. This vibrant market located in the heart of Glebe will welcome you with some nice food and music and you will get this little hippie feeling. Once when the sun is up, this is a place where you can hang out all day long. Be ready to negotiate, some of the people love to do it, some not, but it’s always worth to ask for a better price, you never what will the answer be.

The Glebe Markets

When: Every Saturday from 10am to 4pm

Location: Glebe Public School, 9-25 Derwent St

For more info click here

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2. Rozelle

Rozelle known for their Collectors Market are for you if you are looking for a place where you can find anything that you could think of. Very similar to those flea markets in Berlin, where you can walk around and we will bet that you won’t find the same thing twice. This market is all about recycling items, where for someone it can be a trash and for other a total treasure.

Rozelle Collectors Market

When: Every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3pm

Location: Rozelle Public School, 663 Darling St, Rozelle

For more info click here

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3. Bondi

This cool market brings you everything you can think of from fresh produce to original fashion and jewellery pieces all just steps from most famous Bondi beach.

Bondi Markets

When: Every Sunday from 10am to 4pm

Where: Located in the grounds of Bondi Beach Public School

For more info click here

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4. Paddington

Looking for an edgy fashion scene or emerging artist collections? Well, here you are at the right place. This market located in the middle of Oxford street will surround you with art, fashion and craftsmanship of the local producers.

Paddington Markets

When: Every Saturday from 10am to 4pm

Location: 395 Oxford St, behind the Paddington United Church.

For more info click here

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5. The Rocks

Located in the picturesque area in between Harbour Bridge and Opera House. This market offers you over 200 stalls full of handmade goods, prints, jewellery or delicious international food. Also walking around The Rocks will give you a nice cozy feeling and a little glimpse into a historic part of Sydney.

The Rocks Markets

When: Every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm

Location: Located on Playfair Street, George Street and Jack Mundey Place

For more info click here

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6. Chinatown

Chinese markets, well known among tourists who want to buy cheap souvenirs. You can find all koalas, kangaroos key holders, pens, magnets, tees, just to name few.

Also, it’s worth to have a look in the part where the fruits and veggies are sold. You can find pretty good deals over there. Especially if you go on Sunday afternoon before closing, the stall holders are trying to get rig of the stock so you will be able to shop even cheaper. All you will hear is “One dollar!” deal.

Paddy’s market

When: Wed to Sun 10am-6pm

Location: Market City, Hay St & Thomas Street, Sydney NSW 2000

For more info click here

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7. Kirribilli

Kirribilli Art and Design market combined to Kirribilli Fashion market give you combined forces. Over 100 stalls will offer you vintage, recycled and new fashion, but also accessories, collectibles, and home wares.

The Kirribilli Markets

When: Every second Sunday of the month, 9am to 3pm

Location: Alfred Street and Burton Street, Milsons Point

For more info click here

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8. Fish Market

If you are after something completely different as just arts&crafts, you should definitely go to a fish market. Go there in the morning to experience the real life, taste some wine and baked goods and shop some fresh seafood. And by the way, they do offer the cooking classes for how to prepare the real seafood.

Sydney Fish Market

When: Mon-Sun 7am-4.30pm

Location: Bank St & Pyrmont Bridge Road, Sydney NSW 2009

For more info click here

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9. Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are held pretty much in every bigger area over the weekends. You should definitely look for them if you are interested in fresh and organic produce, vegetables, fruits that come from local farmers.

Which one do you prefer? Let us know in the comment below or tell us about your favourite one!

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