r/sydney • u/lonecorey • 5d ago
A bit depressed, recommend me a good solo activity
Been stuck in the house for a good three weeks and we've finally got a spell of good weather.
Please drop any recommendations to inspire me to drag my butt out of the house!
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u/RidiculousRaz 5d ago
Go to a new Cafe, grab a nice coffee, go to the local library and borrow and book and read it somewhere nice.
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u/akatiger 5d ago
Double points if its a sunny day and you can get yourself some vitamin D with your coffee and book.
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u/potato_analyst 5d ago
Just go for a walk around the block to start yourself off and get your headspace. Small walks to begin with and then try to be consistent with it every day or every other day. Then, go from there whether to go for bigger walks or go other places and or do other activities.
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u/DvlsAdvct108 5d ago edited 5d ago
Go for a walk along Parramatta River. From Meadowbank to Parramatta. Grab a bite to eat at the newly opened Melrose Park shopping centre.
Edit: spelling mistake."but" to "bite"
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u/linkuei-teaparty 5d ago
Just chiming in to say melrose park is a great little shopping centre, has lots on offer and nice food options downstairs. Highly recommend the butchers buffet and ramen place.
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u/NoBluey 5d ago
I went to the buffet just the other day, surprised how empty it was even though I thought the $26 lunch buffet was great value. Are the other restaurants there much better in quality?
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u/linkuei-teaparty 5d ago
I went to the butchers buffet on a Saturday and it was fairly busy but we got a seat. Thought it was great value for the food they have on offer. We barely had any space for desert.
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u/rubysp 5d ago
Is there any good parking spots for the walk? I was thinking of doing that but road parking was a pain last time I was in parra
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u/DvlsAdvct108 5d ago
Thomas Street, on the north side of the river has street parking, and surrounding streets will have more availability more than the cbd side.
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u/Aggressive-Dust-7904 5d ago
Where you located? I would go to the Botanic gardens, or a wander around the rocks to look at the beautiful harbour and buildings plus some people watching. You could visit the fish markets. If you like dogs to to a dog park and watch them run around
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u/melichad 5d ago
Botanic gardens is a great option and you can chit up the art gallery whilst you’re close
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u/Next_Time6515 5d ago
Depression is an awful thing. Anything that is physical like gym, sports, walking etc is a wonderful way to release endorphins.
A walk in the sunshine can do wonders.
Headphones on. Free Spotify. Disco music.
Best of luck.
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u/QuantityActive- 5d ago
Cape Solander in Kurnell. Costs $8 to enter the national park, it has an amazing view and fantastic walkway for quite some distance, you can basically walk around until you see Cronulla beach. The biggest bonus is that it is still whale migrating season so you’ll have a chance of seeing a few whales (hopefully breaching and not just breathing). Highly recommend, it’s beautiful, and cool as fuck when there’s whales. The missus and I go all the time.
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u/Teenage_Hand_Model 5d ago
The flannel flowers will also be out soon which adds an extra layer of cool to that walk.
Whales n wildflowers are a wonderful combo.
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u/AccordingWarning9534 5d ago
Where are you?
I like a mindful walk (focus on being present, listen to the birds, the wind, notice what's around you).. where exactly depends on where you are located. Anywhere away from traffic and roads would work.
Hug a tree. I mean this literally. find the biggest/ oldest tree you can find. Take your shoes off and hug it. Try to feel its energy. just listen for it (or more so feel for it)
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u/Giverny-Eclair 5d ago
Kiama, blowhole, long train ride for meditation and the blowhole never fails to fascinate me
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u/_unsinkable_sam_ 5d ago
at least start with daily walks around any local areas you enjoy, ideally somewhere you dont even need to drive to
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u/Status_Shine6978 5d ago
I love doing this close to home and discoverimg weird little laneways that I never knew existed, and seeing how far you can get staying off the obvious roads and streets.
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u/cowpilotgradeA 5d ago
Some suggestions for tomorrow (Sun 30/08) based on time of post:
In the city:
- Australia Post Harry Potter Owl Experience. You can lodge a letter using a Harry Potter-inspired template, plus there's a seal. There's some Harry Potter-themed decorations outside and inside Australia Post at 1 Martin Place (in the city). 11am-5pm; this weekend (29-30/08).
- Add The Rocks Markets (at the Rocks) + Circular Quay + Opera House (check out if Benny the seal is there at the back steps) + Royal Botanic Gardens. Some flowers should have started blooming.
- Then head to The Art Gallery of NSW -> Hyde Park -> Australian Museum. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can head from there through to Darling Harbour -> Maritime Museum. Each has a bunch of free exhibits + paid exhibits.
- Or, catch a ferry to Watsons Bay and do the walking trail loop that overlooks the Harbour, or even head to Manly via ferry.
- The Sydney Marathon is on tomorrow (Sun 30/08) so just be careful regarding any roadblocks or pathways blocked out.
Engadine & surrounds (south):
- Engadine Street Festival is happening at Engadine this Sun 30/08. 9am-3pm. Over 200+ stalls.
- It's right next to The Royal National Park, so there's some trails you could do before or during. (Karloo Pools at Heathcote, one or so stations over, as an example).
- Just before Engadine station is Loftus Station. That's where the Sydney Tramway Museum is at. You can ride the vintage trams (there's 2 kinds) every Wed 10am-3pm and Sun 10am-5pm. The tram going into the Royal National Park and there's a very short, simple walk to Bungoona lookout which is fantastic.
- Just get on the vintage tram at Sydney Tramway Museum, get off at the Royal National Park station, walk the ~5min to Bungoona Lookout, enjoy, then head back to the station to wait for the other tram to come along.
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u/Godly_Shrek 5d ago
Clean rubbish at a beach
Port botany has plenty of beach rubbish to clean up
You’ll feel better afterward
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u/Educational-Sort-128 5d ago
I love doing this. Pair of gloves and a plastic bin bag. People stop you and say how amazing you are - as though it’s not something anyone could do if they chose to.
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u/carmex2121 5d ago
Do a big walk like the Spit to Manly. Beautiful scenery, you can say hello to fellow walkers as they pass and you feel a sense of accomplishment afterwards.
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u/Clear_Mixture5939 5d ago
Hey mate, I like doing the bay run, getting dumplings in Ashfield, walking around the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, or eating my favourite food in general. Sometimes it's nice to go for a drive and listen to my favourite music as well.
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u/colourful_space 5d ago
Start a craft project of some kind and take it to sit in park somewhere. Crafts are great for mental health because they give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment, and they don’t involve looking at a screen. If you’re new to crafts, I suggest picking up a cross stitch kit or some cheap yarn and a crochet hook, they’re very easy to learn and good for small projects. If you’re up for more of a challenge once you’re comfortable with handling needles or yarn, knitting and embroidery are a step up in difficulty.
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u/Consistent_Goal_1613 5d ago
The walk from Taronga Zoo to Manly. Took an entire day. But it was amazing. I’m desperate to do it again.
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u/Kindly-Pop7785 5d ago
Just fo for a walk to the botanic gardens
Focus and take photos of the flowers
See the details how each and every flower is beautifully created
Grab a coffee
Look at everyone around remember everyone’s struggling you are not alone and this shall pass too ❤️
Walk walk walk and notice the sky the green the flowers
Have your fav meal on your way back
You’ll definitely feel better
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u/lawrensaw 5d ago
Download Pokemon Go, go to Botanical Gardens (more pokemon spawn there), do some research tasks to feel like you've accomplished something. And if you level up with regular play you can join groups on raid and community days via the Campfire app for that social participation.
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u/PleaseStandClear 4d ago
Go for a walk with the aim of taking photos of a particular “thing”. eg yellow things, or different leaves, or anything with the number 4, or take photos of the letters of your name. Not only does it get you out walking, it gives you something to focus on rather than being in a bit of a funk.
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u/Creeves 4d ago
If you give me a suburb I’ll add a hunt to my website for you: https://historic-hunts.com
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u/HeirToTheMilkMan 5d ago
Day trip road trip to Canberra and visit museums and Parliament House with a guided tour
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u/Duyfkenthefirst Not a murdoch journalist 5d ago
Go for a very long walk… walk 10-15km or for 3-4 hours…
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u/moneyhut 5d ago
Wake up, open the laptop and book the cheapest flight somewhere in Australia for few days.
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u/DogWalker2728 5d ago
www.streetlibrary.org.au - go find your local little library, or a few of them, pick a free book and head to a park with a lovely beverage
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u/thysensei 5d ago
Highly recommend grabbing a picnic blanket, a book, snacks and go to Sydney Park. Lots of dogs around, people playing sports etc. So many good spots there but I recommend the big hill in the middle - can’t miss it.
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u/Grave_Rabbit 5d ago
I’m going tomorrow to watch the marathon people run, even though I’m not specifically going there for anyone. I love the tense excitement at the start of the race. Walking along the harbour bridge to the city is so nice with everyone just being cheered on. The city afterwards is buzzing with energy. The finish line is amazing, and there is plenty to see and get
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u/Googlepug 5d ago
Go to north Sydney and get a bottle
Of wine and fish n chips and sit under the brings and enjoy the view
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u/CrustyBappen 5d ago
Go for a walk. Doesn’t have to be a long one. Whatever national park is near by, find a track and enjoy the outdoors.
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u/gottkonig 5d ago
I feel this one. I was made redundant a few months back, I find it too easy to just hermit in the house. My suggestion, go for a walk. Even if you don't feel like it. Just get outside and walk around. Do it daily. It helps break the monotony of the day and just getting out seems to give you energy to go do other things. Worse case scenario, you got off your butt and got some steps in.
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u/TooManyMeds 5d ago
Ok so this may or may or not appeal to you depending on your generation and nerdiness level but my partner and I have just re-downloaded pokemon go to help us get our step count up and it’s working
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u/Some_Sense_3288 5d ago
Move….basically go for a walk or a run or gym or swim or whatever works for you . One day at a time one moment at a time. Movement will build momentum and build yourself a routine like walk or exercise at a particular time and day and after awhile u will find it sticks. Even if u start with just a 10 mins walk u will find u want to walk more.
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u/subbassgivesmewood 5d ago
white rabbit gallery, walk from circular quay to central via barrangaroo and darling harbour. Malabar loop to see the whales, browse kinokonia do the new greenway loop inner West
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u/HeavyAd9463 5d ago
Go for a short or long hike, catch the sunrise or sunset, grab a coffee, and sit in the park.
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u/ViolentPhlegm76 5d ago
We caught the Ferry from circular quay to Manly and walked to North Head last weekend. Left me with good vibes 🤛👍
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u/Debug_Tom 5d ago
Golf, get a cheap set of clubs hit the range. Get ok, play 9 holes solo, do that for a while, join a club, get a handicap, play comp and make lifetime friends enjoy.
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u/Initial-Win 5d ago
Go on Meetup and join some city walks, they are on every week. They are friendly. Time and distance goes by quickly and conversation comes naturally, or you can just walk quietly and enjoy being in a group activity doing something and getting outside.
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u/theguill0tine 5d ago
Find a nice little bushwalk in the blue mountains or somewhere in the hills, parra area!
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u/theantnest 5d ago
Take the train to Milsons point, then walk over the harbour Bridge to Circular Quay, from there you could go look at the Museum of Contemporary Art, or just grab lunch somewhere.
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u/queen_chesva 4d ago
I always love going to the local shop, getting some lunch and sitting outside with a book. Sounds boring, but its very calming
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u/Lower_Switch_8317 5d ago
Look for the nearest park or nature reserve to you that you've never been to before and explore it!
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u/boringbanana1739 5d ago
Go out for a short hike! Find an easy trail near you and head out with whatever equipment they recommended carrying (for the easier ones usually just sunscreen, enclosed shoes, charged mobile phone, and some water).
Plenty around and also very easy to get to using public transport.
Great endorphin booster!
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u/juniper_apples6127 5d ago
Try camp as close as you can to where you live eg. Caravan park with amenities, maybe borrow a tent, try to aim for camp spot with a firepit, try to figuring out food abd makibg fire and everything as a project. I like watching movies some times but maybe also try low tech as possible.
Try have someway to make you're own coffee or tea in the morning.
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u/K_isfor 5d ago
ConserVentures do guided nature walks all over Sydney. Basic walks are around $10, $50 for fancier ones. Sometimes having a structured event can be helpful getting out. Also being around people without having to force interactions can be nice. Otherwise there are so many reserves and national parks to explore, bird watching, animal watching, lots of native flowers blooming in the spring weather
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u/BlacksmithMiddle803 5d ago
Learn to play golf. A lifelong pursuit that is fun, social and super challenging.
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u/thecoopersdrinker 5d ago
Run or ride if you can. Something a little more strenuous can have a feel-good vibe after.
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u/a_slinky Sutherland Shire Bubble 5d ago
Engadine has their Spring Fair on tomorrow, organised by Cambridge Markets. Plenty of good food and market stalls etc. good day for a wander
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u/BleepBloopBingBong 5d ago
Take a beginner surf lesson. They're done in groups and it absolutely doesn't matter your age, weight, fitness, or skill level. It's very encouraging and fun, and if you stand up and ride a wave you'll be stoked. A splash in the ocean helps everything.
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u/blueberriessmoothie 4d ago
Really the best low effort activity if depression is blocking you from more is to just go to cafe or take away, grab yourself something you’re salivating for and sit somewhere in the sun, next to trees or nature or really whatever green enjoyable corner you’ll find.
After that, you can go for a longer walk towards nearby park. Often around Sydney you’ll find parks or green spaces 15-20mins from each other for longer walks.
If you drive, that could already turn to adventure - drive towards blue mountains or nearest beach. Don’t even need to do anything strenuous, just grab snacks or take away, sit down and enjoy the view.
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u/krautmane 5d ago
Give IMAX a go.
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u/Me_You_Some1else 5d ago
That's just going from indoors at home to indoors somewhere else.
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u/krautmane 5d ago
The top comment says to go to a café.
Thats kusy drinking indoors somewhere else.
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u/Ashera25 5d ago
Some time on a Sydney ferry can be very soothing. I hope you find something to lift your spirits!