Melbourne is often labeled the most ‘artistic’ and cultural of all the state and territory capitals. But Sydney gives it a good run for its money. While natural features like the harbour and beaches dominate the Sydney ‘snapshots’, it’s also a home to just as many galleries as its southern sister.

If you want a taste all you need to do is take a stroll around some of Sydney’s art hubs. Apart from the ‘big Kauna’ (Art Gallery of NSW and Museum of Contemporary Art), you’ll find smaller commercial galleries sprinkled through the streets. One of the most densely populated districts is the very centrally located Darlinghurst. Here’s a ‘to do’ list to get you started:

• TAP Gallery (278 Palmer St, Darlinghurst): This is a space that provides exhibition space for emerging artists. As a result, it’s often somewhere to see some of the most exciting and innovative work on the market.

• Urban Uprising (90 Fitzroy St, Surry Hills): If TAP gallery is innovative… Urban Uprising is groundbreaking. This new gallery has a mission to bring street art from around the world to audiences in Australia. This fresh approach to graffiti challenges the divide between high and low art. We’re talking big names like Banksy, Insect, Beejoir, Faile, Gee Vaucher, Jamie Reid, James Cauty, Shepard Fairey, Blak Le Rat and Nick Walter. If you are a street art fan you’ll be weak at the knees by now. If you’re new to the genre, do yourself a favour and make a beeline to this gallery.

• King Street Gallery (177 William Street, Darlinghurst): Here you’ll find a number of Australia’s most prominent paintbrush wielders including Elisabeth Cummings, Idris Murphy, Jenny Sages and Wendy Sharpe. It also throws a line to emerging artists, who often exhibit some of the best work.

• The Artery Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery (Shop 2, The Westbury, 221 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst): This not-for-profit gallery, established by Alesha Glennon who set out to establish ‘a gallery with a difference’, returns all their profits to charity. Drop by and experience the colourful, engaging showcase of indigenous art.

• National Art School Gallery (Cnr Forbes & Burton Streets, Darlinghurst): This gallery, showing a range of interesting exhibitions, is housed in one of the oldest and most prestigious visual arts schools in Australia. It’s worth going in just to have a sticky beak behind the historic walls.

To make the most of a day trampling the art filled Darlinghurst streets, treat yourself to a night in a nearby hotel. Darlinghurst has a range of options. You could also try the close by areas of Surry Hills and Paddington but to be a stone’s throw from these galleries, and surrounded by excellent eateries and bars, Darlinghurst accommodation is sure to be a winning choice.

If the long weekend got the better of you or if you’re just feeling sluggish from too many winter meals, it may be time to detox.  The thought of dieting and exercising in winter is far from appealing but it doesn’t have to mean a complete lifestyle overhaul. There are small changes you can make to your daily routine so that when summer comes around, the thought of that bikini doesn’t make you want to head for the hills.

Alcohol-free days

You don’t have to give up the drink completely, just try cutting back. Aim for four alcohol-free days a week if you can, and that still gives you the whole weekend to let your hair down. Alternatively, you can get on board the popular ‘Dry July’ campaign, and try being dry for the whole month.

Substitute heavy food

Don’t worry, you don’t have to go all Gwyneth Paltrow and start eating raw vegetables and tofu to stave off those extra kilograms. But instead of curries, casseroles and stews try chicken and vegetable soup or a noodle stir-fry. They are just as comforting and filling but don’t have those extra calories.

If you think you can handle it, give vegetarianism a go for a week or two. There are some fabulous restaurants around, like Yullis, opposite the Clock Hotel, Surry Hills and Bodhi, in the city. Having a break from meat can help give your liver a rest and make you feel less sluggish and lethargic.

Set fitness goals

It’s usually easier to get up for that run in the morning if you are working towards something. Sign up for the City to Surf or the Blackmores Running Festival so you know you have to get fit before the chilly season is over.  Group fitness classes are also worth the cash in winter. You know you have to wake up because you will get in trouble if you don’t turn up! Plus, there are other people to whinge with.

Incidental exercise

Little things like walking to work, walking to the next bus stop and taking the stairs rather than the escalator can help in your detox. They may sound miniscule, but if you walk up four flights of stairs a day, that can add up to an extra 45 minutes of exercise a week!

Take a mini break

Too tempted by the after-dark delights of Surry Hills, Glebe and Paddington? Accommodation for out-of-city breaks can be really cheap if you keep your eyes on red hot click websites. It could be easier to just escape the delights of the inner city and treat yourself to the ultimate detox away from the bright lights!