Originally Posted by Crystaltipps

Hello,

Arrived in Sydney this week and already planning my escape from Chatswood. We're in a serviced apartment here until we find a rental.

It's great for shopping but not really the Sydney I imagined. I can't seem to find any play groups or social activities for myself and my 2 year old and the only playground I've tracked down was graffitied and neglected.

My questions are....

(a) Which residential areas might provide the most social opportunities for a stay-at-home mum and toddler combined with a decent smattering of shops & cafes, plus pleasant outdoor spaces ? I was hoping to cope without a car and will happily use public transport. My husband works in Chatswood but doesn't mind a bit of a drive to work.

Neutral Bay, Cremorne and Mosman sound nice - any opinions ?

(b) Can anyone contradict my complaints about Chatswood in terms of kiddy-friendliness ? Are there play groups and get-togethers that I've missed ? I'm feeling the need for some adult conversation and my son is bored of mummy and the meager collection of toys we flew over.

Thanks & apologies if this topic has been covered already, it's nice to have personal responses !

Originally Posted by Seasider

One of the BE members lives in Roseville, within walking distance of the delights of Chatswood, and I think she's very happy there. She has a 3 year-old and there's a playgroup right on her street, which is lovely and leafy despite being about ten minutes' walk to Chatswood Chase.

Before I worked, Chatswood was my "local" shopping centre. I came from Singapore so feel at home there.

I live in McMahons Point too; it's lovely.

edit: Now I work in Chinatown and feel at home there too LOL

Originally Posted by plantpot

Hmmmmm do I know you? I think you might be coming to mine next week....I gotta contradict you, it's GREAT for yummy mummies but NOT central Chatswood, maybe a tiny bit further afield.....will get you all friended up by midweek don't worry...why don't you come to my playgroup Monday? e mail me and you can come to mine afterwards or even come Tuesday too?

Plantpot....

Originally Posted by Crystaltipps

Ha ha, that's really funny Plantpot !

Yes, I'm the ex Dubai-er (and Hong Kong-er and Taiwan-er !)

I'd love to come to your playgroup on Mon. I'll send you an e-mail.

Crystaltipps x

Originally Posted by Crystaltipps

Hello,

Arrived in Sydney this week and already planning my escape from Chatswood. We're in a serviced apartment here until we find a rental.

It's great for shopping but not really the Sydney I imagined. I can't seem to find any play groups or social activities for myself and my 2 year old and the only playground I've tracked down was graffitied and neglected.

My questions are....

(a) Which residential areas might provide the most social opportunities for a stay-at-home mum and toddler combined with a decent smattering of shops & cafes, plus pleasant outdoor spaces ? I was hoping to cope without a car and will happily use public transport. My husband works in Chatswood but doesn't mind a bit of a drive to work.

Neutral Bay, Cremorne and Mosman sound nice - any opinions ?

(b) Can anyone contradict my complaints about Chatswood in terms of kiddy-friendliness ? Are there play groups and get-togethers that I've missed ? I'm feeling the need for some adult conversation and my son is bored of mummy and the meager collection of toys we flew over.

Thanks & apologies if this topic has been covered already, it's nice to have personal responses !