Miranda

This far south pocket of Sydney has long been a favourite destination for shopaholics. And if it's the big brands you're after, the gleaming new Westfield Miranda has laid down its trump card for being one of the best places to shop in Sydney.

In addition to the upscale outlets selling everything from high fashion to homewares, Westfield has the largest trampoline park in the southern hemisphere, as well as a rooftop sky garden, cinemas and assemblage of eclectic eateries. It's a wonderful spot for a light supper and a glass or two of beer while enjoying great views over the suburb's russet roofs all the way into the city. The dining hub is a destination in itself with Din Tai Fung, Mejico, Kazbah and The Italian Kitchen all top spots for a bite to eat.   

Miranda is also home to Man Lin Wah, voted No. 1 Chinese restaurant in the Sutherland Shire and regarded as an institution in the area. The restaurant seats 150 and is always hugely popular stall at the annual #tasteoftheshire event, doling out duck pancakes and its much-loved 'special fried rice'. 

The mall at Westfield Miranda is so vast -- it stretches over 127,000 sq. m with 396 stores and services on offer -- that it makes sense to use it as a starting point. From here, you can keep the children happy and active at its many parks, reserves and playgrounds, dive headfirst into the mosh pit at Miranda Hotel, or browse through the books at the local library, which hosts a free Rhymetime every Friday from 11am. 

Sutherland Shire Centenary Park is a popular spot for picnickers as it has BBQ facilities and toilets and three different playgrounds designed to cater to everyone from tiny tots to teens, with a flying fox that is a magnet for those aged five and up. The playground is partly fenced and shaded and also includes a climbing web, a path for bikes and scooters, a play area with slides and swings and an adjacent reserve that is great for a game of hide and seek.