COVID-SAFE Spring Traditions You Can Still Enjoy with Your Kids
The coronavirus may have stopped many iconic Sydney events this spring but that does not mean we cannot put our spin on things and still enjoy some of the traditions that we love so much as Sydneysiders.
Here are some spring traditions we can do that is COVID-Safe for our family:
JACARANDA SPOTTING
Our famous ‘purple rain’ begins blooming from mid-October to mid-November. Sydneysiders love to claim the tree as our native tree but the Jacaranda mimosifolia is a sub-tropical tree that originated from Brazil.
The romantic version of how this tree came to Sydney was that a matron of a local hospital decided to spread the purple love by giving away a seedling to the parents of every newborn baby. The likely explanation for its origins was that the trees were part of a beautification project back in the early 20th century.
No matter how they found their way to our city, this striking purple beauty is now very much an adopted native and the best time to appreciate its ethereal beauty is in spring.
Where to view jacaranda trees in Sydney this Spring:
North Shore
Arguably some of the best places to view the full purple glory of the jacaranda trees are in the North Shore suburbs of Lavender Bay, Kirribilli, Greenwich, Waverton, Hunters Hills, Woolrich, Longueville and Wollstonecraft. Your list of must-visit spots includes Kirribilli’s McDougall Street for the Instafamous ‘Purple Tunnel’ and Heritage-listed Wendy Whiteley’s Garden.
Sydney CBD
Head to the city for a purple experience with three of our greatest hits as backdrops – Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Opera House and historic The Rocks. For a proper purple immersion with no social distancing woes, don’t miss the Royal Botanic Garden.
Eastern Suburbs
Nothing can beat a lazy afternoon stroll down Oxford Street in Paddington for some of the best jacaranda sightings. The best Insty moments are the hidden streets in this suburb so, be adventurous and wander away from the main drag.
Inner West
Glebe Markets are back from 26th September. Combine a trip to the market with some jacaranda spotting. Like Paddington, the inner west is full of meandering purple trails that will keep the kids entertained for hours.
Camden
Camden is a day trip worth taking the family to. The main street of Argyle is where you can find the best purple canopy.
Grafton
Sadly, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival is close this year, but this historic town has over 2000 trees and still worth a visit. Take a drive to the north coast and support the local businesses there.
SPRING PICNICS
Picnics are safe options to enjoy with your family this spring. Our city is full of beautiful parks, beaches and open spaces that would make an ideal spot for a family fun day out.
Simplify things by ordering a designer picnic hamper. Here are some of our favourite picnic takeaways:
Sydney Picnic Co., Surry Hills specialises in gourmet picnics using the freshest seasonal ingredients. We like their ‘The Winds of Willow’ vegetarian option. All menus come in a gorgeous wicker basket and biodegradable cutlery and napkins.
Fish Butchery, Paddington is the place to go for the most delectable designer fish and chips takeaway. An offspring of popular St Peter’s, the Fish Butchery is already a firm favourite for Sydneysiders. There’s a special batter-fried Wollongong pink ling with chips and yoghurt tartare sauce for the kids. For health-conscious moms and dads, we recommend the charcoal-grilled tuna burger.
The Picnic, Burwood. Beat the crowds with a unique brekkie picnic at picturesque Burwood. The Picnic – a Lebanese inspired eatery – has a great Brekkie Picnic Basket with unique offerings that include grilled halloumi, labneh, handmade focaccia and a range of delicious goodies.
Centennial Homestead, Centennial Park. Picnicking close to home? Centennial Homestead’s pantry is the best place to pick up some great sandwiches.
Pop-up Picnic delivers to your home. You can pick and choose what you like, and they will make the hamper for you.
HOW TO MAKE A GOURMET PICNIC HAMPER
Prefer to put your hamper together? For the successful picnic hamper, all you need is delicious transportable food. Think cheeses, cured meats, fresh bread, fruits, and nuts. Add wine, beer and cider for the grown-ups and fizzy soda treats for the kids. Complete with one or two sweet elements – tarts and cakes are easy to move around and taste good in any weather.
Here are some ideas about where to buy ingredients:
Penny’s Cheese Shop, Potts Point for designer cheeses. If you are hungry while you’re shopping, grab one of Penny’s unique smoked wagyu, kimchi, and jalapenos toasties.
Iggy’s Bread, Bronte for crispy, crusty sourdough bread. They have super long baguettes for extra-hungry kids.
Formaggi Ocello, Surry Hills has 200 types of cheeses, an impressive stock of cured meats, truffle-infused products, condiments, and other deli delights to complete your picnic basket.
Cherry Moon, Annandale is your sugar-coated heaven. Their croissants with a distinctively Australian twist and Portuguese tarts will add class to your homemade picnic hamper.
Drnks, Waterloo is one of Sydney’s ‘Go-to’ destinations for the best natural wines, beer, and cider. Include a selection in your hamper for the grown-ups.
Looking for the best spots for a picnic? Check out Timeout 20 top spots to picnic responsibly this spring.
Who says we can’t social distance and still have fun this spring? Share your best spring picnic shots with us on social.
Don’t miss our next article on the Great Aussie BBQ!