City Guide: Artist Sarana Haeata’s favourite spots in Alice Springs
IMAGE VIA @SARANAHAEATA/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“Working here has provided such a sanctuary for my art to evolve.”
Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in Australian cities that only the locals know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and the bars people will always want to go back to.
Taking us around her city this week is Māori-Australian artist, Sarana Haeata. Living in Alice Springs/Mparntwe, Sarana creates work that explores the “beauty and nuances held in shared stories, collective and individual identity and the female experience”.
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Raised in Sydney, Sarana grew up in the “polar opposite” of her current environment. “I’ve been in Alice Springs for two years now, where I’ve been fortunate to have the time and space to focus on art,” she says.
“… I’m actually returning [to Sydney] next week for my first ever solo showcase in 12 years with the wonderful team behind Rainbow Studios. It’s been such an affirming experience creating this body of work in Alice Springs and being able to take it all the way from this small town in the desert to a large metropolis like Sydney.”
And Sarana’s favourite part about living in her current city? “The people are phenomenal,” she says. “Alice Springs is often portrayed in the media as not somewhere to visit let alone somewhere to move your family to. But, it is probably the most nurturing town with the most excellent people that I’ve ever lived. Working here has provided such a sanctuary for my art to evolve.” Here, Sarana shares some of her favourite places to visit in her city.
Eat
The Bakery, 4/11 Todd Street, Alice Springs
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If you need some baked goods The Bakery is delicious… their homemade pies are the best thing ever along with their sweet treats and sourdough breads.
Drink
The Goods Coffee Shop, 11 Todd Street, Alice Springs
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If I’m drinking coffee I’ll be at The Goods. Great coffee and their owners are really good-looking. Also, Duyu Roastery is where I get all my locally roasted beans, they have yummy food too. For drinks post 12pm, I’d say Alice Springs Brewery – they have a tasty ginger beer, a great gin selection and a fab beer garden out the back.
The ideal date
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[I’d start at] Emily Gap for a beautiful freshwater swim then off to Hanumans for some yummy food and wine.
For movement
Guts Dance, Araluen Arts Centre, 61 Larapinta Drive, Araluen
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Guts Dance is a contemporary dance company that we’re so lucky to have in a small town like Alice. I’d recommend throwing yourself into their beginners/open class on a Tuesday evening.
Camping out
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There are so many exquisite spots around the Macdonell Ranges both East and West, and if it’s the right time of year there are bountiful places to swim.
Shop
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The secondhand market in Alice is bangin’. My best buys have been through the Alice Springs Clothing Group – a closed messenger thread. Honestly, there are some very well-dressed people here and that group is abundant with treasure. The Salvos is also great. For some clothing not worn by other people, my go-to local shop is Mixed Lollies.
The perfect day
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I’d start with a sunrise walk through the national park trails that back onto East Side. Then maybe a yoga class with Putri Yustika followed by a coffee at the goods. Maybe a visit to Tangentyere Arts Centre or Tjunpi Desert Weavers. A poolside swim or a trip out to a freshwater hole is probably also needed by this stage in the day. Then maybe it’s a trip to Club Eastside, where the kids can play on the grass or playground and the parents can be merry!
For relaxation
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A facial with Rhiannon at Centre Skin Clinic makes me feel lush, along with a massage from Fabio at The Mercure Hotel.
You can follow Sarana for more here.
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