Kim Ellis, executive director at Sydney's Botanic Gardens and Centennial Parklands, gives us his hot tips and takes on Sydney.
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First memory of Sydney?
I grew up in Oyster Bay in the Sutherland Shire and on my grandparents' experimental farm at West Pennant Hills. My earliest memories are of endless hours of unsupervised play on the banks of the Georges River, among the mangrove forests and oyster leases; and with the sheep and horses on the [long-gone] farmlands around the Hills district.
Best thing about living in Sydney?
Enjoying the incredible foresight of our leaders in preserving the green spaces that give this city its character.
Worst thing?
The endless construction and development, but it is also one of the best things. We are playing catch-up on the development of the essential infrastructure required to make the city work and, without it, Sydney would just go backwards.
Sydney's best kept secret?
The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah.
Sydney's most underrated suburbs?
Cowan, Berowra Waters and Brooklyn. These are stunning areas, on the edge of the Hawkesbury River and the national parks and accessible to the city by rail and road.
Best takeaway?
Japanese from Tamagawa in Balgowlah. Try the chicken katsu don, or the udon noodles, but everything is great.
Guilty pleasure?
Sneaking off at 6am on my 1984 BMW motorcycle to ride the Old Pacific Highway in the early morning light and mist. No one to bother me, the air clean and cold, the thrill of the chase.
Best beach?
This must be Manly. It is a stunning stretch of ocean beach with access to the coffee shops and the friendly urban strip of The Corso. Manly has good rideable surf in the early mornings and safe swimming between the flags for the rest of the day.
Favourite building?
The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Garden. This award-winning horticultural display centre sits perfectly in the centre of the garden, bringing together the original arc, designed by Ken Woolley with a new structure designed by PTW Architects.
Most recent discovery?
The Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. What an amazing facility: the adaptive reuse of a 1970s 'pocket PowerStation' into a vibrant arts centre, with a railway station next door.
Describe Sydney in three words.
Varied, vibrant, vivid.
For details of programs and events in Sydney's Botanic Gardens and Centennial Parklands see www.centennialparklands.com.au.
