Experience a Perfect Weekend in Sydney with Gabrielle Penfold
Ask a Local is a series where we ask local insiders to share their top tips for the place they call home.
Contemporary artist Gabrielle Penfold has garnered attention on Instagram for her still life paintings that highlight the beauty in everyday objects. Moreover, her work embodies the simpler pleasures found in life, reflecting her vibrant hometown, Sydney.
Gabrielle Penfold’s Favorite Places in Sydney
Gabrielle enjoys spending her weekends soaking up the sun in Sydney. She takes pleasure in swimming at the ocean pools, strolling along the bay during sunset, browsing thrift shops, indulging in creative gelatos, and appreciating Aboriginal artwork.
Street Food and Dining Experiences
Her weekends kick off at VN Street Food, which is her go-to spot for lunch, especially after an intense day of painting in her studio. “I go for a lychee freeze,” she says. This frozen coconut slushie paired with refreshing mint complements the saltiness of Vietnamese dishes perfectly. Additionally, she enjoys bun cha, featuring grilled pork meatballs and noodles in a savory broth.
Illawarra Road, Gabrielle’s favorite street, is bustling with fantastic Vietnamese restaurants. The area has transformed, and now it’s lively and filled with great eateries. Among her favorites, she often visits the Marrickville Hotel to enjoy craft beers in a warm, social environment.
While exploring the city center, Gabrielle loves taking waterside walks in Potts Point. The culinary offering in this upscale neighborhood caters to all tastes, from high-end dining to budget-friendly options. For special occasions, she recommends Fratelli Paradiso, where the daily pasta specials are exquisite. After dinner, she typically heads to Vermuteria for a unique aperitif experience.
Refreshing Ocean Swims
On Saturdays, Gabrielle enjoys the invigorating experience of swimming in Sydney’s ocean tidal pools. “My favorite is Wylie’s Baths,” she shares. Here, she enjoys coffee and light snacks while taking in stunning ocean views. Another favorite is Bronte Pool, set against beautiful sandstone cliffs, offering a picturesque and calming atmosphere.
Thrift and Boutique Shopping
For shopping, Gabrielle frequents William St in Paddington, where she discovers unique items from local artisans. Contemporary lifestyle brand Lucy Folk offers distinctive accessories and homewares. Gabrielle makes a point to buy second-hand items, often finding treasures at De Nuovo.
During her shopping spree, Gabrielle also enjoys quick bites at 10 William which offers delicious snacks, followed by an exhilarating time at the Sydney Cricket Ground cheering for local teams during AFL games.
Bakeries and Art Galleries
As a croissant enthusiast, Gabrielle visits Iggy’s Bread in Bronte for their renowned pastries and croissants. “They offer a delicious, buttery pain au chocolat,” she notes. For artistic inspiration, she often visits the Art Gallery of New South Wales, home to the Yiribana gallery that showcases the incredible artistry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
After art appreciation, Gabrielle usually stops for lunch at Sean’s in Bondi Beach, a delightful restaurant celebrating modern Australian cuisine. The ambiance is vibrant, with quirky decor and a seasonal menu highlighting fresh ingredients.
To finish her weekend, Gabrielle indulges in flavors from Mapo, her favorite gelato shop, where she enjoys the Pepe Saya butter sea-salt caramel—an ideal sweet ending to her Sydney weekend.
