We're officially at the start of Australian Fashion Week. We're alive, we're at the ready, and we've got hot spots to share. There's an art to the survival of Australian Fashion Week, and to prep and prime the masses, we've got tips to go around. In between shows, fittings, and capturing the best off-duty street style on the ground at Carriageworks, we have to make time for sustenance and rejuvenation.

Looking to escape the barrage at Carriageworks? Hankering after the perfect post-show drink? In the mood for a little R&R, or a hot-footing about town? We've got it all. And our guide is tried and tested. Scroll below for the RUSSH editors' survival guide.

For a wholesome meal ...

RaRa Ramen (Redfern): A mere 15 mins walk into Redfern from Carriageworks, you'll find an outpost of RaRa, open for lunch and dinner from 12–9pm each day of AFW.

Bella Brutta (Newtown): Again, only 15 mins walk from Carriageworks up to Newtown's King Street is the shabby-chic Italian joint Bella Brutta. They dish up great pizza, pasta, small dishes and tiramisu from 5pm till late (and they do takeaway!).

The Royal Hotel (Darlington): Just a block down the road from Carriageworks is The Royal Hotel, nestled into a leafy corner and dishing up all the pub classics (with plenty of daily lunch and dinner specials).

Club Fontana (Redfern): For a late evening of drinks and pasta, Club Fontana is a must. Try the sorrentina.

Attenzione! (Redfern): A not-so-classic Italian fine dining spot (recently hatted!) on a hop, skip and a jump from Carriageworks.

For a between-shows drink ...

Odd Culture (Newtown): It's a short 5 minute walk from Carriageworks but feels so distant from the world of Australian Fashion Week. One of the RUSSH teams' favourite cocktail is the Jazz Hands and obviously it's the chicken liver pâté for a quick but moorish snack.

Bart Jr (Redfern): Only a 15 minute walk from Carriageworks, this drinks and small plates spot has a delightful, neighbourly atmosphere.

Moya's Juniper Lounge (Redfern): This old world cocktail bar specialising in gin cocktails is the perfect place to perch yourself on a mid-century lounge and immerse yourself in a 200-year span of gin cocktail history.

Bar Julius (Redfern): This all-day dining and drinking spot at The EVE Hotel should be on your radar for AFW. It’s by Liquid & Larder (the team behind Bistecca, The Gidley, Alfie’s, The Rover, and Lottie), and just around the corner from Carriageworks, making it the perfect spot to swing by between shows –  head in for their daily happy hour from 4–5pm features $6 G&Ts, $2 oysters, $10 wines and more. (There is one rule: no laptops after 5pm.)

For an end-of-day boogie ...

Bar Fredas (Chippendale): the newly minted location from the Cafe Freda's team is part-wine bar, part-dance party. Nestled next to and above the Abercrombie, its very central but also a quiet cocktail spot (that is, until the DJs start spinning). They're also hosting an Alix Higgins afterparty on Wednesday night.

Pleasure Club (Newtown): This basement bar and club is one of the neighbourhood's few with a 4am license (Wednesday to Sunday), which means you can indulge in off-kilter cocktails and general debauchery until the early morning hours.

Earl's Juke Joint (Newtown): Another Newtown staple, Earl's is hidden behind a butcher's shop facade, giving it a prohibition-style feel. And their playlist of 90s hip hop, rock and blues will keep you dancing well into the night.

For when you need a break ...

Capybara Bathing (Surry Hills): This bathhouse has all the things: ice plunging, steam rooms, saunas, herbal tea. It’s quiet in the middle of the day — perfect if there’s ample time between shows. Also great EOW to detox the mind/body/spirit.

Scout Pilates (Redfern): The newest locale for this beloved inner-west pilates chain is just a 20 min walk from Carriageworks where you can book in for a pilates class (reformer or mat), or a Finnish sauna and ice bath session.

For the perfect sweet treat ...

A.P. Bakery (Newtown): There's no right answer other than A.P. Bakery – and there's a hole-in-the-wall A.P. Town just 15 mins on foot from Carriageworks.

Breadfern (Redfern): This organic bakery in the centre of Redfern is a hidden gem for sourdough breads, sophisticated Toby's Estate coffee, and seasonally inspired patisserie and baked goods. They're open from 6am daily (a win for those looking to get a sweet treat before the morning's show), and is only 7 mins walk from Carriageworks.

For a between-shows refresh...

Shark Beauty Style Salon (Carriageworks): We know the days of AFW are long, and luckily, you don't need to leave Carriageworks to keep your hair looking fresh. This immersive styling pop-up is operating all week, with complimentary 30-minute bookings available to the public. Using a suite of salon-quality styling tools, including the iconic Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System, AFW attendees will uncover personalised tips from expert stylists. Yes please.

Images: one, two, three.