Full list of events taking place on New Years Eve in Sydney 2011

See below for a full list of events taking place on New Years Eve in Sydney 2011

6:00 PM Pre Show Entertainment

Aerial Show

New Years Eve begins! Witness theatre in the sky with spectacular aerial flyovers above Sydney Harbour to signal the start of Sydney New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The flyovers, performed by pilot Matt Hall, a former RAAF Fighter Combat (Top Gun) Instructor will commence at 6pm. At 7pm, the Ted Noffs fire tug will arrive and blast tonnes of water into the skies, creating its own dream rainbow in the setting sun, before Matt Hall flies back at 8pm to perform another flyover.

8:00 PM Acknowledgement of Country

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Smoking Ceremony and Acknowledgement of Country

A smoking ceremony from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander vessels will cleanse the Harbour of negative spirits as images projected on the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons mark the start of the New Year countdown.

An Acknowledgement of Country on the Harbour will show our respect to the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, and at 8.45pm the custodians call up the first reveal of the Bridge Effect with a series of teaser fireworks.

9:00 PM 9pm Family Fireworks

Designed and choreographed specifically for children, these fireworks will delight and dazzle audiences as the night sky fills with colour. This eight-minute performance is accompanied by a music soundtrack which features chart hits from 2011 including songs by Rhianna, JLo, Wes Carr and Jessica Maubuoy that will entertain the whole family and provide an upbeat and fun atmosphere for this family show. These fireworks are a prelude to the spectacular Sydney fireworks display to follow at midnight.

9:15 PM – 11:30PM Harbour of Light Parade ^TM

Following the 9pm Family Fireworks, a flotilla of vessels switch on their lights and begin a spectacular parade around Sydney Harbour. A crowd favourite, the Harbour of Light Parade features specially lit vessels sailing on a 15km circuit around Sydney Harbour. Selected from design entries, the vessels chosen to take part in the Parade will be illuminated to represent the 2011 Sydney New Year’s Eve theme Time to Dream. The Parade will include tall ships, Sydney’s Heritage Fleet, commercial charter vessels and Sydney Ferries.

Experience Sydney New Years Eve on a Harbour of Light Parade vessel.

Official Harbour of Light Parade vessels are given access inside the Harbour exclusion zone on Sydney New Year’s Eve. Passengers onboard will be treated to exclusive views of the 9pm Family fireworks, the stunning Bridge Effect and Midnight Displays from designated viewing areas. For more information about each official Harbour of Light Parade vessel and ticket sales, contact the individual vessel operator by clicking on the vessels listed below. Get your tickets early. Don’t miss out.

12:00 AM Midnight Fireworks

At the stroke of midnight, we celebrate the start of a new year! Sydney does this in style by lighting up the night sky with a spectacular Fireworks Display launched from seven barges on the Harbour, the rooftops of seven city skyscrapers and, unforgettably, from Sydney Harbour Bridge. Bringing more than 1.5 million people to the Harbour, this majestic 12-minute Fireworks Display is the reason why Sydney is the New Years Eve capital of the world.

Where can I watch the Sydney Fireworks?

Check out the Fireworks Vantage Points Interactive Map to discover the best places to watch the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks, along with information on facilities and services at each site.

View the Sydney Fireworks Vantage Points Map

Road Closures

Download the PDF for Sydney CBD & Ultimo/Pyrmont Road Closures & Special Event Clearways for New Year's Eve 2011/New Year's Day 2012.

*Please note: Road closure locations and times are subject to change by Police. Phone 132 701 for up to date information.

2011 Accessibility Information

Download the SNYE Accessibility Map, please see our accessibility page for additonal information.

2011 Vantage Point Map & Table

Download the PDF for the 2011 Sydney NYE Vantage Point Map and full listing.

2011 Alcohol Free Zones Map

Download the PDF for the 2011 Sydney New Year's Eve alcohol free zones map and information.

View Offical NNE Sydney Website

Sydney Attractions Opening Hours over Christmas and New Years Eve

Please find below our Trading Hours on Xmas Day and New Year’s Day -

	Sydney Aquarium	WILD LIFE Sydney	Sydney Tower Eye	Manly Ocean world
Xmas Day	9am to 5pm (last entry 4pm)	9am to 5pm (last entry 4pm)	Closed	Closed
New Year’s Day	9am to 6pm (last entry 5pm)	9am to 6pm (last entry 5pm)	9am to 10pm (last entry 9.30pm)	10am to 5.30pm (last entry 4.45pm)

All other days are –

	Sydney Aquarium	WILD LIFE Sydney	Sydney Tower Eye	Manly Ocean world
Trading Hours	9am to 8pm (last entry 7pm)	9am to 8pm (last entry 7pm)	9am to 10pm (last entry 9.30pm)	10am to 5.30pm (last entry 4.45pm)

Find Sydney Accommodation at Metro Hotels

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: Bugs Garden Officially Launches at WILD LIFE Sydney

Keeper gets bugged as a new, interactive habitat opens at iconic Darling Harbour attraction

WILD LIFE Sydney, today unveiled Bugs Garden – a fully interactive habitat that will house a range of peculiar insects and unique creepy crawlies, offering visitors a chance to get up close with some of Australia’s most intriguing and frightful insects.

Open in time for the summer school holidays, Bugs Garden will offer visitors an interactive glimpse into the weird and wonderful life of bugs. The hands-on habitat will encourage visitors to uncover some of Australia’s most iconic and curious creepy crawlies including Locusts, Bees, Cockroaches, Stick Insects, Grasshoppers and Spiders.

To mark the opening of the new habitat, WILD LIFE Sydney this morning saw invertebrate keeper, Evan Armstrong, get bugged as he covered himself in bugs to celebrate the launch of the attraction’s newest offering.

Over the holidays, WILD LIFE Sydney is inviting visitors to unleash their inner ‘outdoor adventurer’ and delve into a journey of discovery with some of Australia’s most unique creepy crawlies. With WILD LIFE Sydney experts on hand to discuss the important role bugs play in our daily lives, as well as a variety of up close opportunities with the squirmy, squishy and creepy crawly insects, kids will be bugging mum and dad to head to WILD LIFE Sydney these school holidays.

Bugs Garden is the eighth habitat to join WILD LIFE Sydney and will sit amongst the likes of other iconic Australian habitats such as Kakadu Gorge, The Outback and Koala Encounters.

Where: WILD LIFE Sydney, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour (next door to Sydney Aquarium)

Opening Hours: Now open 9am to 8pm daily

Bugs Garden Officially Launches at WILD LIFE Sydney

Melbourne Tourism News: Government Money Puts Teeth into Aquarium Tourist Draw

Melbourne Aquarium’s newest underwater attraction, Sharks of Shipwreck Cove, has just scored a AUD100,000 grant from the Australian Government.

Featuring a full-scale replica of a shipwreck looming from the darkness of the 2.2 million litre Oceanarium, the exhibit “creates the feeling of being submerged at the bottom of the ocean surrounded by shark-infested waters,” according to the aquarium’s website.

The Australian Government has helped fund Shipwreck Cove with a AUD100,000 grant from the T-QUAL Grants – Tourism Quality Projects program.

The Shipwreck Cove exhibit presents a new underwater attraction with animals never seen before in Australian aquariums. The project uses the latest technology and conservation ideas to display iconic species, with state-of-the-art acrylic materials and a unique water filtration system. Interactive features include shark-feeding and scuba-dive training.

Showcasing “over 20 iconic Australian sharks never before seen in Melbourne”, Shipwreck Cove exhibits White Tip and Black Tip, Dusky Whaler, Whiskery and Tawney Nurse juvenile sharks.

According to the website: “With daily shark feeding frenzies and heaps of exciting pirate-themed activities, there’s fun for the whole family.”

Speaking at the opening, Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson said Shipwreck Cove was an example of innovative thinking in tourism development with potential flow-on benefits in terms of attracting visitors to Melbourne.

“This is an ideal vantage point for people of all ages to study the biology of these magnificent creatures and all the conservation issues that matter to their future,” Ferguson said.

“All visitor attractions need to stay ahead of the game. So we need to think creatively, to innovate and to invest. Only by offering visitors compelling reasons to experience what we offer, can we be confident of growth.

“That’s why the Australian Government is investing almost $40 million in the T-QUAL Grants program. This year, we announced AUD8 million in funding for 112 projects across Australia.

“When you add in the dollar-for-dollar component, in effect that means at least AUD16 million is being invested in tourism facilities across the country. All these projects have one goal in common – to lift the quality and variety of Australia’s tourism experiences.

“People will keep coming back if they know there are better, fresher things to see and do, and by helping to fund upgrades and new exhibits such as Shipwreck Cove at Melbourne Aquarium we encourage them to do just that.”

For more than a decade, the Melbourne Aquarium has been offering an informative journey through the world’s oceans as one of Melbourne’s key tourism drawcards.

Government Money Puts Teeth into Aquarium Tourist Draw

Holiday Operators Gloomy. Will Santa Bring Them Tourists?

Sentiment about the performance of the domestic tourism sector is at its lowest point in three years, according to the latest TTF-MasterCard Tourism Industry Sentiment Survey.

TTF chief executive John Lee say it has been a tough year and operators are wary.

“If there’s a brighter spot, it’s that tourism operators are slightly less pessimistic about domestic travel for the upcoming holiday period,” Lee said, “but keep in mind that expectations remain well below average.”

“Continuing global economic upheaval, natural disasters at home and in two of our top inbound markets, and the number of Australians travelling overseas have contributed to the current malaise, especially for leisure tourism operators in regional areas.

“More than 40 % of operators expect international tourism to be worse than usual over the Christmas-New Year period, with only 6% expecting improved conditions.

“Expectations for domestic tourism are more positive, with 15% forecasting improved conditions, against 30% suggesting domestic trade will be worse than usual for the period.

“In other words, tourism operators are not getting their hopes up too high – but they are hoping for better weather than we had for Christmas and January last year, especially in Queensland.”

Lee says the dollar remains a key area of concern.

“57% of respondents rated the strong Australian dollar among the top three factors negatively impacting their business,” he said, “however that’s down from 72%last quarter.

“The survey also shows labour and skills issues continuing to gain prominence, with 88% of operators nominating the skilled labour shortage and two thirds nominating a shortage of unskilled labour as being medium or high impediments to their businesses.”

Edited by : Peter Needham

(Source: eglobaltravelmedia.com.au)

What's On Ipswich: Australia Welcomes Back Thomas & Friends for Summer Fun - Ipswich Workshops Rail Musuem

Holidaying from the Island of Sodor, the famous blue tank engine rolls into town for Australia's biggest Thomas and Friends event, Day out with Thomas 2012 at The Workshops Rail Museum from 26 December to 29 January 2012.

While on their summer holiday Down Under, Thomas and his friends Edward, Donald, Douglas, Lady, plus Annie & Clarabel can be found throughout the Museum.

Just as famous as Thomas and known for his firm but friendly manner, The Fat Controller is looking forward to meeting fans and telling stories of the cheeky but Really Useful Engine.

Director of The Workshops Rail Museum Andrew Moritz said the Museum is happy to host the summer event that brings smiles to many excitable youngsters.

"We're delighted to welcome back familiar faces and the next generation of Thomas fans to enjoy the summer holidays with the lovable engine," said Mr Moritz.

"Parents and their Thomas enthusiasts can enjoy various Thomas activities and the new movie, Day of the Diesels, in air conditioned comfort."

Young engineers can let off some steam with hands-on activities in the Thomas Play Pit such as designing a Thomas track and getting creative at the Thomas Creation Station.

To add to the summer fun, the event also features a miniature train ride and bouncy castle, tickets cost $3 per person and are purchased after entry to the Museum.

Much bigger than the Tidmouth sheds on the Island of Sodor, tour the real railway Workshops and see firsthand the restoration and maintenance of powerful steam locomotives. Enclosed footwear is required for the tours and they leave at regular intervals throughout the day.

The Workshops Rail Museum is part of the Queensland Museum and is winner of Australian and Queensland Tourism Awards for Heritage and Cultural Tourism.

Australia Welcomes Back Thomas & Friends for Summer Fun - Ipswich Workshops Rail Musuem

Experience the Magic: Harry Potter Comes to Sydney

Australian fans of witchcraft and wizardry are thrilled about the recent opening of Harry Potter: The Exhibition at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum that debuted on November 19, 2011. The exhibition offers fans a first-hand look inside the wizard’s magical world and the opportunity to experience the sets, props and costumes from the much-loved Harry Potter movies.

Kicked off by an opening party and special guest appearance by a Harry Potter film star on November 18th, the exhibition runs for four months (until March 18, 2012) and promises to be a sell out success.

Hundreds of authentic film artefacts will be displayed in settings inspired by locations from Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, including the Gryffindor™ common room, Hagrid’s hut, the Great Hall and many more. New original props and costumes from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ – Part 1 and the series finale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ – Part 2, will also be on display.
Harry Potter fans are expected to visit from all over Australia as this is the exhibition’s only Australian stop.

The Powerhouse Museum is one of Sydney’s best-loved museums. Along with 14 permanent exhibitions that cover everything from the steam and transport revolutions to space and creating a sustainable future, the Powerhouse has a regular schedule of temporary exhibitions that encourage learning, creativity and play.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is open seven days a week (except Christmas day) at the Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo (close to Darling Harbour, Chinatown, Central Station (Sydney Terminal), Broadway bus station (Railway Square), and Paddy’s Markets Monorail Station).

For more information, please visit: http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/exhibitions/

View Source

Brisbane Tourism News: Christmas Calendar 2011 - Brisbane Tourism Events News

Christmas in The City kicks off with the annual lighting of the tree on Friday 2 December. From 6.45pm King George Square will be transformed into a festive wonderland as Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Santa and a host of other special guests gather for the much-loved tradition. The square will also play home to the circus-style fiesta Christmas Tights from 19 – 21 December. Live bands, street performers and theatrical acts will entertain passers-by underneath The City’s glowing Christmas Tree.

Throughout December, city goers will be treated to an assortment of merry events. Brightening bustling mornings, the Street Corner Choirs will perform at 8am, 8.30am and 9am every weekday from 2 – 23 December. Surprising and delighting onlookers, the ‘pop-up’ carollers will harmonise at various locations throughout The City. Providing evening entertainment, the Queen Street Mall LED screen will air classic Christmas films from 2 – 24 December, including Elf, Home Alone and The Grinch.

Christmas Music Showcase concerts will spread even more yuletide joy. From 2 – 23 December, city dwellers can enjoy 20 minute performances at the Queen Street Mall Stage. With recitals at various times throughout the day, Christmas Music Showcase will bring cheer to CBD workers and shoppers alike. Acts include Swing Central, the Australian Girls Choir and the always entertaining Andrew Sisters Tribute Band.
Saturday 5 November marks the annual David Jones Christmas Concert. Held at 9am and 11am in King George Square, the concert is one for the whole family to enjoy, with carols, giveaways, Santa and an array of cartoon characters.

The IGA Lord Mayor’s Carols in The City is an event for all ages to enjoy. Held Saturday 10 December at the Riverstage, this year’s line-up includes Marina Prior, Justice Crew, Troy Cassar-Daley and The Idea of North. Gates open at 5pm.

Families will also adore The Myer Christmas Parade and Pantomime and The Myer Brisbane City’s Christmas Windows. The Queen Street Mall will come alive with the colourful window display, which launches 10am on Monday 5 November and continues to Christmas Eve. Adding more magic to the Mall, The Myer Christmas Parade and Pantomime will be held daily at 6pm from 16 – 23 December. Kids can visit Santa and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer inside the Myer department store during store trade hours.

Multiculturalism and merriness combine for Chanukah in The City on Tuesday 20 December and World By Night on Friday 23 December. Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights, will bring live music, community stalls, food kiosks and a giant Menorah to Reddacliff Place. Meanwhile, World By Night will showcase music, dance and food from around the globe in King George Square.

Christmas Calendar 2011 - Brisbane Tourism Events News

Brisbane Tourism News: Christmas Calendar 2011 - Christmas in Brisbane

(Brisbane) Christmas in The City kicks off with the annual lighting of the tree on Friday 2 December. From 6.45pm King George Square will be transformed into a festive wonderland as Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Santa and a host of other special guests gather for the much-loved tradition. The square will also play home to the circus-style fiesta Christmas Tights from 19 – 21 December. Live bands, street performers and theatrical acts will entertain passers-by underneath The City’s glowing Christmas Tree.

Throughout December, city goers will be treated to an assortment of merry events. Brightening bustling mornings, the Street Corner Choirs will perform at 8am, 8.30am and 9am every weekday from 2 – 23 December. Surprising and delighting onlookers, the ‘pop-up’ carollers will harmonise at various locations throughout The City. Providing evening entertainment, the Queen Street Mall LED screen will air classic Christmas films from 2 – 24 December, including Elf, Home Alone and The Grinch.

Christmas Music Showcase concerts will spread even more yuletide joy. From 2 – 23 December, city dwellers can enjoy 20 minute performances at the Queen Street Mall Stage. With recitals at various times throughout the day, Christmas Music Showcase will bring cheer to CBD workers and shoppers alike. Acts include Swing Central, the Australian Girls Choir and the always entertaining Andrew Sisters Tribute Band.
Saturday 5 November marks the annual David Jones Christmas Concert. Held at 9am and 11am in King George Square, the concert is one for the whole family to enjoy, with carols, giveaways, Santa and an array of cartoon characters.

Christmas Calendar 2011 - Christmas in Brisbane

Aspire Hotel Sydney: Harry Potter: The Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney

The first and only Australian stop of Harry Potter™:The Exhibition will open at the Powerhouse Museum on 19 November 2011, offering fans a first-hand look inside the famous wizard’s magical world and the opportunity to experience the amazing craftsmanship that went into creating the iconic props and costumes that have appeared throughout the Harry Potter film series.

Hundreds of authentic film artefacts will be displayed in settings inspired by locations from Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, including the Gryffindor™ common room, Hagrid’s hut, the Great Hall and many more. New original props and costumes from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ – Part 1 and the series finale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ – Part 2, will also be on exhibit.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: THE NEW PLAYGROUND AT DARLING QUARTER IS NOW OPEN!

Does your local playground have a 21-metre flying fox? How about a water play area with pumps and water buckets? Well you will be glad to know Darling Quarter's new playground is one of Australia's best.

With water games, climbing ropes, swings, slides and flying foxes will keep toddlers and teens entertained for hours, this playground is fun, thrilling and best of all FREE! Only a short stroll form Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, what better way to enjoy time out with the family.

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: THE NEW PLAYGROUND AT DARLING QUARTER IS NOW OPEN!

Stacks of Spring School Holdiday Free Fun

With one week down and one to go, Sydney Olympic Park is the place to find FREE FUN from 3-9 October, when stacks of school holiday activities will continue to roll right up until the night before school bells chime for the start of Term 4.

A range of Kids in the Park spring 2011 group activities and adventure tours will ensure young minds are switched-on and amused EVERY DAY of the school holidays… and in many cases, at little or no charge to mums and dads! For example…

The hunt for the mysterious Olympasaurus will continue at Cathy Freeman Park from 4-7 October, when the FREE Circus Solarus – Dinosaur Dig may even result in the discovery of a new species of dinosaur! Kids will get to sift through the sand for fossil remains and also make some prehistoric craft to take home and present to family and friends.

The Kids in the Park spring 2011 Clue Trail for budding detectives aged 3-12, or the pursuit to Crack the Code for kids aged 7-14 will also get explorative juices flowing for FREE every day. Kids can use the aid of a map or compass to follow the clues and decode the hidden password. And, once the the mystery solved, each child will receive a special spy prize!

With an incredible 430 hectares of parklands and 35 kilometres of cycling tracks to be discovered at Sydney Olympic Park, the FREE Discovery Trails self-guided walking tours and selection of FREE Bike Trails will also unearth lots of fun in the sun for the whole family – and just in-time upcoming October 2011 Festival of Cycling at Sydney Olympic Park.

For more wheely fun FREE family entertainment, The Amazing Chase is sure to please every day from 9.30am-3.30pm. Participants can ride the race individually or as part of a team, with puzzles to be solved at various checkpoints and an online component for riders to record and compare their fastest time against others.

For BMX-riders who want fun in the sun with a monster dose of action, the BMX and Mountain X track on Hill Road at Sydney Olympic Park boasts 250 metres of meandering downhill dirt jumps and wicked turns to-boot. The track is also FREE and open daily from sunsrise to sunset, except on Sydney BMX Club Day when a spectacle of races and rider coaching sessions will take place from 10am-1pm on 9 October, costing between $5-$25 per participant.

For less than $30 per child, kids can learn to roll with skill and ease at Monster Skatepark, where supervised iSkate @ Monster skateboarding and Kick @ Monster scooter classes will operate daily from 3-9 October. Half-day, full-day and six days / five nights residential Holiday Camps @ Monster will be offered during the final week of the holidays too.

Even more rolly family fun can be had on unique Segway rides at Newington Armory, which is a 52 hectare heritage-listed site with buildings dating back to the 1800s and a landscape of undulating hills and rolling grassland. On Sunday 9 October, visitors can tour the Armory on the GOOD-VALUE Heritage Railway Discovery Tour.

Other GOOD-VALUE activities costing less than $20 per person during the final week of the school holidays include Cookies and Craft at Lilies, Splasher’s Waterplayground at the Aquatic Centre, Archery, Golf, classes in Drumz Buzz Music Funology and the Birds Australia Discovery Centre’s Kids Go Birding Tour.

With furthermore FREE activities including AFL Clinics, Floorball, the Brickpit Ring Walk, Operation Art exhibition and more, it is no wonder Kids in the Park makes Sydney Olympic Park the official home of the BIGGEST range of school holiday activities in NSW!

For more information about the program, visit kidsinthepark.com.au, call the Sydney Olympic Park Infoline on 02 9714 7888, check out the NEW Sydney Olympic Park YouTube channel, visit the Sydney Olympic Park page on Facebook or follow @olympicpark_syd on Twitter.

NRL Finals - All about Rugby League Australia: Why Has Sydney Jumped on the Warriors Bandwagon?

The big game might be taking place in Manly's backyard, but Sunday's grand final is shaping up like a home match for the all-conquering Warriors.

Thousands of Kiwis and Pacific Islanders on both sides of the Tasman have snapped up tickets for the NRL showpiece, which was yesterday declared an 82,500 sell-out.

And most Aussie supporters look ready to embrace the underdogs in the same way Aucklanders discovered a sudden affection for the Irish rugby team this month.

NRL Finals - All about Rugby League Australia: Why Has Sydney Jumped on the Warriors Bandwagon?

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: Kids Hit Play Dirt for $12m - Darling Harbour Sydney

It’s every kids ultimate delight – a 4000sqm playground costing $12 million in the heart of Sydney.

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: Kids Hit Play Dirt for $12m - Darling Harbour Sydney

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: WILDLIFE Sydney - September Animal Update

Guests will be taken on an amazing Australian journey as they travel into Australia’s most famous and travelled locations.

Walking through eight iconic Australian habitats, this Australian Animal Adventure takes on average 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish and will see visitors encounter Australia’s most loved and feared animals as they travel to Kakadu Gorge, The Outback, Gum Tree Valley, Daintree Rainforest, Butterfly Tropics and more.

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: WILDLIFE Sydney - September Animal Update

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Sydney Events Update - September 2011

Two major new events have been announced for the 2011 Crave Sydney International Food Festival. Visitors and Sydneysiders will be able to enjoy Breakfast on Bondi on 23 October and also experience a Kids’ Crazy Island Tea Party on Goat Island over three weekends in October. For more information go to www.cravesydney.com. The festival is one of five signature events on the NSW Events Calendar, created by Destination NSW.

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Sydney Events Update - September 2011

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Sydney Events Update - September 2011

Two major new events have been announced for the 2011 Crave Sydney International Food Festival. Visitors and Sydneysiders will be able to enjoy Breakfast on Bondi on 23 October and also experience a Kids’ Crazy Island Tea Party on Goat Island over three weekends in October. For more information go to www.cravesydney.com. The festival is one of five signature events on the NSW Events Calendar, created by Destination NSW.

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Sydney Events Update - September 2011

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: CLAWS invading SYDNEY AQUARIUM

This month, CLAWS will be invading Sydney and taking over the streets...literally. Before these aquatic crustaceans crawl their way into Sydney Aquarium, they'll be wracking havoc on our city - making a few surprise appearances at several highly classified locations

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: CLAWS invading SYDNEY AQUARIUM

Sydney Tourism News and Information: See a Different Side of Taronga Zoo

Taronga has recently opened an exciting new boardwalk putting visitors eye to eye with the Himalayan mountain goats while providing spectacular views of Sydney Harbour. This once hidden corner of the zoo has been fully transformed to create a seamless journey stretching between the African Safari and Carnivore Trail incorporating many stunning view points along the way. The boardwalk, accessible by both stairs and ramps also provides a unique 360 degree view of the Himalayan mountain goats that once had this prime position all to themselves.

Sydney Tourism News and Information: See a Different Side of Taronga Zoo

Aspire Hotel Sydney: Powerhouse Museum - Get Ready to Wiggle and Harry Potter!

The Wiggles and Harry Potter Exhibitions now at Powerhouse Museum!

Aspire Hotel Sydney: Powerhouse Museum - Get Ready to Wiggle and Harry Potter!

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: Sydney WILD LIFE World Reopening in September

To coincide with September school holidays, WILD LIFE Sydney will reopen from 13 September, at Aquarium Wharf. Visitors to WILD LIFE Sydney will be taken on an amazing Australian journey as they travel into Australia's most beloved famous and traveled locations.

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: Sydney WILD LIFE World Reopening in September

Sydney Tourism News and Information: How to Train Your Dragon Arena Spectacular

How to Train Your Dragon Arena Spectacular - World Tour Premiers in Australia, March 2012.

Global Creatures, the masterminds behind the phenomenon Walking with Dinosaurs - The Arena Spectacular, and DreamWorks Theatricals are bringing high-flying, fire-breathing dragons to life in an unprecedented live entertainment event for a worldwide audience. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON ARENA SPECTACULAR is an epic arena adventure inspired by the Academy Award nominated DreamWorks Animation firm, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

Sydney Tourism News and Information: How to Train Your Dragon Arena Spectacular

A new Australian Animal Adventure opens in time for September school holidays

To coincide with the September school holidays, Merlin Entertainments Group is bringing the ultimate Australian Animal Adventure to Sydney as it officially launches WILD LIFE Sydney, at Aquarium Wharf on 13 September.

Visitors will be taken on an amazing Australian journey as they travel into Australia’s most famous and travelled locations.

Walking through eight iconic Australian habitats, this Australian Animal Adventure takes on average 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish and will see visitors encounter Australia’s most loved and feared animals as they travel to Kakadu Gorge, The Outback, Gum Tree Valley, Daintree Rainforest, Butterfly Tropics and more.

Formerly the site of Sydney Wildlife World an exciting refurbishment took place throughout July and August, and now opens as the brand new attraction, WILD LIFE Sydney. Domestic and international visitors are now offered the opportunity to experience the ultimate Australian Animal Adventure and come face‐to‐face with one of Australia’s largest collection of native Aussie animals.

More than just a new name, WILD LIFE Sydney will feature enhanced interactive displays, inspiring and entertaining daily shows, captivating daily feeding sessions and enhanced walk‐through habitats including Koala Encounters, The Outback and Butterfly Tropics.

WILDLIFE Sydney is home to the un‐bearably cute koala, Australia’s largest kangaroo, the world’s deadliest bird and WILD LIFE’s monster croc, Rex!

To coincide with the official 13 September relaunch, WILD LIFE Sydney will expand its iconic Outback habitat by introducing six baby emus. The cute striped chicks will make their debut in time for the September school holidays. Alongside their neighbour – the towering Red Kangaroo ‐ the baby emus will call the Outback’s Red Centre habitat home, completing Australia’s Coat of Arms in one iconic habitat.

When: The Australian Animal Adventure official launch Tuesday, 13 September
Where: WILD LIFE Sydney, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour (right next door to Sydney Aquarium)
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm every day of the year
Cost: Adults $35
Children $18 combo tickets also available combining entry to WILD LIFE Sydney
with Sydney Aquarium, and/or the new Sydney Tower Eye experience, and/or Oceanworld Manly starting at $50 for an adult and $30 for a child.

For more information and exciting updates on WILD LIFE Sydney, please visit:
www.wildlifesydney.com.au

Book nearby accommodation Sydney Accommodation with Metro Hotels

For more information, to arrange an interview or request photography, please contact:
Rachel de Graaf at Hausmann Communications on 02 8353 5787 or
rachel.degraaf@hausmann.com.au

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Sydney Aquarium - CLAWS! What's On Sydney

In September 2011, the world's largest and most intriguing crabs will crawl into town to take centre stage in a spectacular new exhibition. Currently the largest crab at Sydney Aquarium is Bruce, he's a Giant Tasmanian Crab, clocks in at a hefty 10kg!

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Sydney Aquarium - CLAWS! What's On Sydney

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Fennec Foxes make a new pair at Taronga

Taronga Zoo has welcomed a new Fennec Fox pair, with a female from Adelaide and male from Germany taking up residence in Sydney.

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Fennec Foxes make a new pair at Taronga

Winter Fun at the National Sports Museum

This winter the National Sports Museum has plenty of interactive fun for the kids and great exhibitions to keep the adults entertained.

The Yiloga! Tiwi Footy exhibition (until 17 July), explores the influence and importance of Australian Rules Football in the lives of a small indigenous community in the Timor Sea. The exhibition highlights the Tiwi community’s passion for AFL well as its positive impact on community life.

A new themed tour demonstrates the strong link between sport and war throughout history, paying special tribute to the role of the MCG in times of conflict.

And Circus Oz comes to the National Sports Museum for the winter school holiday program (5 July to 15 July).

With AFL and NRL stars making daily appearances, the National Sports Museum is the place to be this winter.

Location

National Sports Museum, Olympic Stand, MCG
Gate 3, Brunton Avenue
Jolimont 3002
Show on the map
Entry to the National Sports Museum via Gate 3 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Contact details

Tel.:039657 8879
contactus@nsm.org.au
www.nsm.org.au

Date & times

01/06/2011 to 31/08/2011

Monday: 10 am - 5 pm
Tuesday: 10 am - 5 pm
Wednesday: 10 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 10 am - 5 pm
Friday: 10 am - 5 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm

How to get there

Trams and buses: Metlink

Price

Entry included in general admission to the National Sports Museum.

Features

All ages

Wheelchair accessible

Bookings

N/A - No bookings

Payment method accepted

Cash

EFTPOS

All major cards

Shows Australia: Exclusive Wiggles Concert Tickets offer - Medibank Exclusive Ticket Offer 27-28 July 2011

So look out for our email on 27 July 2011, which will provide you with details to be one of the first to purchase tickets to The Wiggles Big Birthday in the Big Tent tour. A limit of ten (10) tickets per family will apply and tickets are limited, so be ready!

Shows Australia: Exclusive Wiggles Concert Tickets offer - Medibank Exclusive Ticket Offer 27-28 July 2011

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Sydney Wildlife World - Temporarily Closing

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Sydney Wildlife World - Temporarily Closing

Holiday Package at Metro Hotel Sydney Central @ Metro Hotel Sydney Central - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering this Holiday Package for $185.00 per night including:

• One night stay at One Bedroom Junior Suite
• Accommodation for upto two children in an existing bedding (child age 00 - 12 years old at no additional charge)
  
• 24 hrs Internet
• 1 Entertainment Privilege Card

Entertainment Privilege card offers 20-50% off and "2 for 1" entry deals, plus special offers on other leisure and entertainment activities including sightseeing tours and cruises:

FIND OUT MORE:

Holiday Package at Metro Hotel Sydney Central @ Metro Hotel Sydney Central - Metro Hotels

Kids Can Now Visit the Zoo for Free - Melbourne Zoo's

The Victorian Government is giving kids free entry to three of Victoria's outstanding zoos - Healesville Sanctuary, Werribee Zoo and Melbourne Zoo - as part of their efforts to subsidise zoo entry fees for an estimated 266,000 kids.

The subsidy will reduce the cost of a full priced child's ticket from $12.6 to $0. A family ticket will be reduced from $58 to $50.80.

Metro Apartments on Bank Place offer Top Quality Melbourne Accommodation

JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS - What's On Sydney

The Following School Holiday Activities are taking place in Sydney this July 2011:

Sydney Aquarium

Walk underwater these school holidays to explore Australia's unique aquatic life at Sydney Aquarium! Discover some very ‘cool’ facts about Great White Sharks, Penguins, Ice Fish, Sea Dragons and other cold loving animals along the Ocean Winter Wonder Trail and don’t miss out on the last chance to see Australia’s largest collection of super-sized LEGO models. The LEGO models ON THE LOOSE exhibit features more than 25 giant LEGO models across Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife World, using over 1.5 millions LEGO bricks! The world-class exhibit was created by LEGO Master Builders in the US and Prague and took over 10,000 man-hours to complete.

Feed/talk times: Dugong 10.30am & 3.00pm, Sharks 11.00am, Penguins 3.00pm Open 9am-8pm. A$35,C(4-15yrs)$18, Conc.$23.
To see the whole experience get a great value combo pass for Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife World A$50, C(4-15yrs)$30 Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour.
Enq: 02 8251 7800 or www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

Sydney Wildlife World

These school holidays, get up close and personal with our cute and cuddly resident koalas including Boo, Sid, Jack, Moe and Charlie - and meet the latest little addition to the family! Let your family truly experience one of Australia’s best known icons at Sydney Wildlife World’s open air Koala Rooftop. Come and see these lovable animals as they climb around, graze on Eucalyptus leaves or just hang about. For those wanting a more personal experience, you can even meet, pat or have your photo taken with the Koalas!

Feed/talk times: Kangaroo 10.30am & 2.30pm, Koala on the hours from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Crocodile 11.00am, 1.00pm & 3.00pm, Cassowary 12.00pm A$35,C(4-15yrs)$18, Conc.$23. Koala photos $15 Sydney Wildlife World, Darling Harbour.
Enq: 02 8251 7800 or www.sydneywildlifeworld.com.au

Oceanworld Manly

Visit the tropical reef these July school holidays, with the new Reef Snorkel Adventure for kids. In this interactive experience, children can swim with Sea Biscuit our rescued Green Sea Turtle as well as our Baby Eagle Rays born here at Oceanworld this year. We also have a new brilliant Leopard Ray and hundreds of other colourful fish to find! Our expert instructors will teach the kids to snorkel and show them the time of their lives. For those wanting to stay dry, Oceanworld offers free guided tours at regular times throughout the day to ensure you get to most from your visit.

Kids Snorkel: 1.5hr experience suitable for children aged 5-13years available every day during holidays.
C$50 (includes admission). Bring swimmers and a towel. All other equipment is supplied. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bookings are highly recommended.
General admission: A$20, C$10.
Guided tours are scheduled at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm.
Oceanworld Manly, West Esplanade, Manly.
Enq: 8251 7877 or www.oceanworld.com.au

Find ideal Sydney Accommodation at with Metro Hotels

Queensland Tourism News: Five-Day Weekend Gets a Nation On The Move

Queensland Tourism News: Five-Day Weekend Gets a Nation On The Move

School Holiday Fun in the Inner City MELBOURNE April 2011

WITH so much happening these school holidays the saying “I’m bored” will be banned from households across Melbourne.

Here is a comprehensive list of what’s on in the inner city.

The Great Moscow Circus is on at South Beach Reserve, St Kilda next to the sea baths, until April 26. Tickets: $60-25/$40-16 ($120 family). Book: 132 849. See moscowcircus.com.au.

Hey Dee Ho music classes for babies and toddlers at St Peter’s Church hall, 371 Neerim Rd, Murrumbeena, Fridays 10.30am. Phone: Roxanne, 0438 484 208.

The Kidz Flix program of family friendly films will run daily sessions from 9.30am for just $5 a ticket at Village Cinemas, including “Tangled”, “Megamind”, “Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 1”, “Gulliver’s Travels” and “Yogi Bear”. Buy at villagecinemas.com.au or from the box office.

Television’s favourite nuclear family, The Simpsons, is at the Icehouse all through the Easter break, with games and activities on and off-rink, at 105 Pearl River Rd, Docklands. Open daily 6am-midnight. Tickets: from $8. Phone: 1300 756 699.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedians and radio station SYN share tips in a workshop for budding teenage comics, at Signal, Flinders St Walk, Northbank, April 9, 5.30-7.30pm. Free event. Go to melbourne.vic.gov.au/signal

Create and learn workshops using Lego Education, Balwyn Community Centre, 412 Whitehorse Rd, Surrey Hills, April 11. Cost: $15. Bookings: createandlearn.com.au.

Malvern Central Shopping Centre will run fun free activities for children April 11-15, 11am-2pm, Easter basket decorating with visit from Easter Bunny; and April 20, 11am-2pm, Easter egg hunt, at 110 Wattletree Rd, Malvern. Phone: 9509 2288.

Gas Works will host creative holiday workshops, family cinema night (Toy Story 3), two live performances and free activities, corner Graham and Pickles streets, Albert Park, April 9-21, for ages 4-14. Details: 8606 4204 or gasworks.org.au.

Jungle Book: The Next chapter, an Edinburgh Fringe Festival hit, catches up with Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera, for children 5-10, Athanaeum Theatre, Collins St, Melbourne, April 9-23. Tickets: $20. Book: ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100.

Children’s choir for primary school aged children, rehearsals April 11, 13 and 15, 3-4pm, with a church service performance at the Albert Park Baptist Church on Sunday, April 17, 10-11am. Phone: Alison, 9534 8393.

Mini Grand Slam tennis for ages 4-17, all levels: North Kew Tennis Club, April 11-15; Burwood Tennis Club, April 11-15 and 18-20; Deepdene Tennis Club, April 18-20. Single, all day and weekly sessions. Cost: $22-$65 a day. Book: 9830 6618.

Kids in the Studio Ink and Paint workshops give kids the chance to paint animation cells and cartoon scenes based on Walt Disney’s immortal creations, for ages 3-plus, Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Federation Square (access via Flinders St), April 11-15 and April 18-21, 11am-3pm. Free. Phone: 8663 2200.

AquaSafe program, Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre, 8 Warner Ave, April 11-15 and April 18-21. Cost: $52 week one/$42.60 week two. Book: 9885 0333.

Activities based on themes of Dream, Reflect, Imagine at the Ashburton, Balwyn, Camberwell, Hawthorn and Kew libraries, April 11-21. Highlights include performances by Fools Like Us and Knockabout Theatre. Book: 9278 4666.

Learn road safety in a safe environment, Kew Traffic School, April 11-21, 9.30-11.30am for ages 2-5, and noon-2pm for ages 6-10, corner Cotham and Grange roads. Cost: $10. Book: 9278 4768.

Free, hands-on art and craft activity for children aged 5-9, held by Shrine of Remembrance education staff, weekdays, April 11-21, 10.30am-noon, in the Shrine of Remembrance Visitor Centre, Birdwood Ave, South Yarra. Details: 9661 8100.

Easter egg hunt, cooking and science projects at Kew Primary School and Methodist Ladies’ College, Kew, April 11-21, 8am-6pm. Cost: from $14.36 a day. Book: extend.com.au.

Free gardening classes including how to pot a vegie seedling to take home, April 11-15 and 18-26 at 11am, Flower Power Garden Centre in at Chadstone Homemaker Centre, 605-699 Warrigal Road, Chadstone. Suitable for ages 3-10. Phone: 9569 6066.

School holiday program for children in years 6 to 9, April 11-21, includes ice-skating, bowling, go-karting, laser games, horse-riding, sailing, treetops adventure and movies. All activities depart from the Stonnington City Centre, corner Glenferrie Rd and High St, Malvern. Book: 8290 1333.

“The Frog Prince” pantomime, on April 11-26, at the Tivoli Theatre, 1390 High St, Malvern; shows at 10.30am and 1.30pm. Tickets: $18, includes traditional lemonade and fairy bread. Bookings: 9509 9066.

Origami art workshops presented by origami sculptor Gen Hagiwara at Prahran Library, 180 Greville St, April 12: Little Fingers (suitable for ages 5-6) noon-1pm, Big Fingers (7-9) 1.30-2.30pm, and Even Bigger Fingers (10-12) 3-4pm. Limited places, cost $2 a child. Book: 8290 3344.

Babysitting courses suitable for teenagers, includes child development and management, interview and communication skills, Bowen Street Community Centre, 102 Bowen St, Camberwell, April 12-14, 1.30-5pm. Cost: $85. Book: 9889 0791.

Japanese comic book art, history and creation, all materials supplied, April 13, 1.30-3.30pm, at the Carnegie Library and Community Centre, Boyd Room, level 1. Strictly for ages 9-14. Cost: $10 a child. Book: 9524 3333. Enquiries: 9524 3623.

You can draw cartoon workshops presented by artist, author and illustrator Richard Galbraith at Toorak/South Yarra Library, 340 Toorak Rd, April 13: Little Kids (suitable for ages 6-8) 1.30-2.30pm, and Big Kids (9-12) 3-4pm. Also: Phoenix Park Library, 30 Rob Roy Rd, Malvern East, April 15. Limited places, cost $2 a child. Book: 8290 8000 (Toorak/South Yarra) or 8290 4000 (Phoenix Park).

A fun-filled “crafternoon” of creative craftworks for all ages, Malvern Library, 1255 High St, April 14, 2-4pm. Free. Phone: 8290 1366.

Children’s trivia with author Leanne Davidson, April 14, Elsternwick Library, 4 Staniland Grove. Prizes to be won. Session one, 2.30-3.30pm for ages 4-6; session two, 3.30-4.45pm, ages 7-9. Tickets: $8. Book: 9524 3333. Inquire: 9524 3623.

Plenty of prizes on offer for skilled Lego builders aged 3-14. Free entry, all entrants given a Lego showbag. At Harbour Town Shopping Centre, 122 Studio Lane, Docklands, April 14-19. Go to harbourtownmelbourne.com.au.

The National Institute of Circus Arts’ autumn holiday program, April 14, 19 or 20, suitable for ages 7-17. Cost $46 (per day). Enrolment essential. Phone 9214 6975.
Easter Egg Hunt. Whoever returns most eggs in an hour wins a gourmet chocolate hamper from Cacao, Gasworks Theatre foyer, corner Graham and Pickles streets, Albert Park, April 17, 10.30am. Free.

Polyglot Theatre South Yarra children’s company takes City of Riddles to the Melbourne Theatre Company’s Lawler Studio, 140 Southbank Blvd, Southbank, April 17-20; shows 10am, 12.30pm and (April 18-19) 3pm. A 360-degree, interactive show where children 5-12 become mayors and town planners of miniature cities. Tickets: $22/$16.50 plus booking fee. Book: MTC Theatre Box Office, 8688 0800.

Beading, painting, jewellery making workshops for ages 9-14, April 18-21, 9am-noon and/or 1-4pm. Cost: $35 half day/$70 full day, Kraftworks for Kids, 4 Lansell Cres, Camberwell. Book: 9889 4481.

Discover how some animals have benefited from the suburban environment and meet creatures that inhabit your community. Suitable for ages 6-9. Bentleigh Library, 161 Jasper Rd, April 19, 11am-noon. Tickets: $8. Book: 9524 3333. Enquiries: 9524 3623.

An entertaining, engaging and interactive musical story session for ages 4-7, April 20, 11-11.40am, Caulfield Library, corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn roads. Tickets: $8. Book: 9524 3333. Inquire: 9524 3623.

The (Very) Big Laugh Out is family-friendly entertainment for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival until April 24. See fedsquare.com

Teapots as houses, colourful games, quirky figurines and wheeled toys are on show in a different perspective on a child’s world at NGV Kids Corner. Open Tuesday to Sunday weekly, 10am-5pm, until July 31 at The Ian Potter Centre, Cnr corner Russell and Flinders streets, Federation Square. Free but book: 8620 2222.

For more events further afield visit www.leadernews.com.au.

Looking for Accommodation, Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Easter Family Package at Metro Hotel on Pitt @ Metro Hotel on Pitt - Metro Hotels

Easter Family Package at Metro Hotel on Pitt @ Metro Hotel on Pitt - Metro Hotels

Easter Family Package at Metro Hotel Sydney Central @ Metro Hotel Sydney Central - Metro Hotels

Easter Family Package at Metro Hotel Sydney Central @ Metro Hotel Sydney Central - Metro Hotels