Nicky's new LA neighbours

SEXY TV star Nicky Whelan is chasing her dreams in Los Angeles and reveals to Nui Te Koha her favourite hangouts in the world's entertainment capital.

Old days ... Nicky Whelan's character Pepper on Neighbours gets intimate with Rosie (portrayed by Natalie Saleeba) / Channel 10

SEXY TV star Nicky Whelan is chasing her dreams in Los Angeles.

The former Neighbours star is now based in the world's entertainment capital and is adjusting to life in Tinseltown.

''I moved to LA for a mission and a reason,'' she said. ''As a city, it presents a massive amount of opportunity.

''But it's tough. It's easy to get lost and my car navigation system has saved me on many occasions.

''It's important to have good friends around you. It makes it easier in a big city like LA.

''But I've got some great opportunities and auditions to look forward to.''

Meanwhile, Nicky is having fun discovering her new base. Here, she reveals 10 of her favourite LA hangouts.

''You'll notice there are a lot of eating places,'' Nicky laughs, apologetically. ''It's all I do.''

1  Ago Restaurant (Melrose Ave, West Hollywood)
''This is owned by Robert De Niro and it's very old-school Hollywood with a great Italian menu. Famous people eat here and an older generation, too. It has a beautiful atmosphere.''

2  The Ivy Restaurant (Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood)
''The Ivy is great for lunch, and it's a trap because it's close to all my favourite shops. It's a very famous LA restaurant and the food is great. Gorgeous.''

3  Koi Restaurant (La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood)
''It's a paparazzi hang-out - which sucks - but once you get inside it has cool staff, great service and the best sushi I've come across. It attracts the beautiful LA crowd, but Koi is all about the food.''

4  Kitson  (West Hollywood - shopping)
''This is the best place to shop. Kitson is about women's clothing, great labels and crazy, kooky bits and pieces. If you want the LA shopping experience, go to Kitson.''

5  Robertson Blvd  (Beverly Hills - shopping)
''The best strip for shopping. It has all the best stores and designers, and it's not as expensive as Rodeo Drive, in Beverly Hills.''

6  Santa Monica Pier - relaxation
''It reminds me of the location of one of my favourite films, Lost Boys . It's got fun-park rides, the pier and Baywatch boxes on the beach. Venice Beach, nearby, and the boardwalk are always interesting.''

7  Malibu Beach - relaxation
''I love the beach. Malibu is a great place to hang out in summer, but it doesn't compare with Australian beaches. There are private beaches in Malibu, so you can have space to yourself.''

8  Getty Centre (Sepulveda Blvd, Brentwood - culture)
''Amazing architecture and breathtaking views. LA does have a strong arts and culture scene. But the Getty is about the incredible location.''

9  Hollywood sign - tourist attraction
''Everybody who comes to LA has to see the Hollywood sign. They should see the streets with palm trees, see the ocean and see the sign. It's what California is about.''

10  Hollywood and Highland - tourist attraction
''I try to avoid Hollywood. There are way too many people. But any visitor to LA should try the intersection of Hollywood and Highland. It has shopping, the Star Walk of Fame and the Kodak Theatre - real Hollywood atmosphere.''

Sunday Mail (SA)