Reviews by Publius
Note: This review is not about the general skating, but the Aussie Skates lessons run by the rink.
I signed up for my first set of skating lessons a month ago, and it's been a wonderful experience so far. I'm a beginner skater, and have found the lessons extremely useful. The instructor is knowledgeable and patient, and is good at explaining the theories and ideas behind certain movements. Every week we learn new skills, and are evaluated on our ability to do them so we can progress to the next lesson and, eventually, the new level.
The lesson "term" is grouped into 4 or 5 lessons (I've signed up for 5 lessons), and includes 30 minutes of instruction every week, and 90 minutes of potential practice, to be used over the 4 or 5 weeks. The lump lesson fee also includes skate hire, and is great value! If you miss a lesson, you can also go to a make-up class, and if you lose your lesson card (which I did in my second week), they'll replace it for a small fee ($8).
Overall, I'm very impressed with both Aussie Skates and the skating rink!
Approximate cost: $115
Undoubtedly the best bookshop in Sydney for literature, classics (Latin and Ancient Greek), and history. The staff are very knowledgeable, and the prices are good, considering many of the titles can't be found elsewhere. For anyone studying or interested in the humanities, this is definitely the place to go!
A wonderful bookshop in Crows Nest, which I've been frequenting for almost a decade. The staff are very helpful, and there is a wonderful selection of books. The shop has recently implemented a loyalty reward system, which makes shopping there even more appealing.
I had a spare half hour in Crows Nest, and got my eyebrows done at A Beauty. Trish, the beautician, specialises in eyebrow shaping, and had me in and out in 10 minutes. I was very pleased with her work, and it was well worth the $15!
I put through an order on Sunday, received an email about its dispatch on Monday (with tracking), and had my book in my hands on Wednesday--online shopping in Australia really doesn't get much better than that!
The prices are quite competitive and can hold their own against The Book Depository, and it's bonus that Bookworld is an Australian company. They also stock a huge range of titles, even some of the more obscure academic ones!
A beautiful bookshop, with lovely staff, an excellent selection of children's books, and a range of adult books (both fiction and non-fiction) tucked away in the back. A free adult book club runs on Tuesdays, with groups meeting every four weeks to discuss a variety of titles.
The prices are higher than other methods of book-buying (namely online), but they are comparable with physical bookshops in Sydney--and the value is in supporting such a wonderful independent bookseller!
Food is average and a little overpriced, but the building used to be an old Post Office (hence the name) and has quite a bit of character. The drinks selection is a little limited for a wine bar, but the bartender might be able to shake up a "standard" cocktail if requested. A good place for a nice chat over dinner or an hour of quiet reading, but don't expect much from the food.
A convenient cafe by Beecroft station with pleasant seating both indoors and outdoors, friendly staff, and good coffee. Can be a little busy at lunch and on weekends.
This sounds awesome. The rink is pretty good too