4 Reasons To Visit Darling Harbour These School Holidays!

It's the school holidays, the kids are itching to get out and about, but you're out of ideas and the Easter show is months away. If you're wondering where to take the kids, try Darling Harbour - there's always something to see, do or eat. Whether you're a big kid or young at heart, see below for fun activities to do this holiday - all conveniently combined in the one location!

4. Wildlife Sydney Zoo
If you love animals but don't want to drive out of Sydney, try the new establishment at Darling Harbour - the Wildlife Sydney Zoo. They've got cute and cuddly kangaroos, koalas, possums and quolls to creepy crawlies like scary giant cockroaches, gross insects, to bull ants, venomous snakes and more. Explore these animals and cool reptiles with the family for a fun day out.

Cost: from $14.00
When: Open Daily from 9am - 6pm (last entry STRICTLY 5pm)
Where: 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour, Sydney 2000 Australia
Tickets: http://www.wildlifesydney.com.au/tickets/#single-visit
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3. Sydney Sealife Aquarium aka Sydney Aquarium 
Where did the myth of mermaids come from? Want to see a shark up close without getting wet? If you do (or at least your kids do) then Sydney Sealife Aquarium is your ultimate destination! From dugongs to huge sharks, massive stingrays, majestic turtles, stinging jellyfish, cute penguins, sea dragons, thousands of tropical fish, enormous crabs and more, you can experience it all at Sydney Sealife Aquarium this school holiday. Walk under a giant glass tube to view all the exotic Australian marine animals in their natural habitat! The kids will love all the activities!

Cost: from $15.40
When: Open 365 days a year - 9am to 8pm. Last entries are STRICTLY 7pm.
Where: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Tickets: http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au/tickets/
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2. Madam Tussauds 
Do you have a teenager who loves celebrity mags and gossip? Does your kids want to see what their fav celebs look like face-to-face? Then they'll love getting up close to their favourite stars and celebrities at Madam Tussauds wax museum at Darling Harbour! See the historical villains and heroes of eras past, get your picture taken with famous personalities and singers, brag to your friends that you met someone famous. For a fun day checking out famous freakishly life-like wax figures, you can't go past Madam Tussauds!

Here's a short list of some of the wax celebrities you'll see: Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Lady Gaga, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bruce Willis, Marilyn Monroe, Johnny Depp, Rihanna, Michael Jackson, Kylie Minogue, Delta Goodrem, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and more!

Cost: from $15.40
When: 9:00am to 8:00pm daily (last admission 7pm)
Where: Aquarium Wharf, (next to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium) Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW 2000
Tickets: http://www.madametussauds.com/Sydney/OldBuyTickets/Default.aspx#sthash.jQXnZPCD.dpuf
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1. IMAX Cinema Sydney
Want to see the biggest TV screen in the world? Love 3D movies? Then take cinema action to the extreme with Imax Theatre Movies! Available with 3D viewing and also applicable to documentaries, Sydney's IMAX Theatre offers the ultimate viewing experience - via the LARGEST screen in the world! Watch a 3D movie or doco and see the objects come to life. View your favourite movie and get taken in visually by the huge screen and awesome sound. Imax at Darling Harbour is a must-see!

Cost: from $16.00
When: Monday - Sunday 9:30am to 10:00pm
Where: 31 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour NSW 2000, Australia
Tickets: http://www.imax.com.au/prices/ 
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Need affordable, family-friendly accommodation close to all these 4 attractions at Darling Harbour?

Look no further than Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour. Right at the heart of Darling Harbour, close to the list attractions above, walking distance to public transport and taxis, close to shops, restaurants and cafes, plus the rooms have spectacular views of Sydney Harbour!

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour (close to IMAX, Wildlife Zoo, Sealife Aquarium, Madam Tussauds)

Here's a special being offered for the school holidays:

Kids Stay Free Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour for:

• $229.00* (Sunday - Thursday)
• $329.00* (Friday)
• $400.00* (Saturday)

View details or To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/316

Easter Travel Trends: Aussies Look to their Own Backyard

This Easter, travel.com.au reports Aussies plan to explore their own backyard rather than head abroad with domestic flights making up 51 per cent of all flights booked^ to depart in the lead up to the holiday break.

Renee Welsh, general manager of travel.com.au says quick Aussie getaways continue to remain popular during this time of year.

"Despite the recent trend of Aussies jetting abroad, over Easter we consistently see Aussie travellers looking to their homeland for a holiday break. This year, flights to Sydney have come out on top followed by Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne. It's interesting to see Adelaide rising in popularity over the past few months, beating Melbourne for the first time in several years as an Easter destination," said Renee.

No matter where Aussie travellers are heading to, Renee, also the general manager of online experience company, GoDo.com.au, has noticed an increase in people booking various experiences to enjoy while they're there.

"For the people in Sydney over the break, Blue Mountains and Sydney Harbour experiences have proven extremely popular. In Melbourne, the six-course River Cruise has been a hit, while Gold Coast visitors have locked in trips to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Park and the Reef Ryder Island Cruise," said Renee.
Although many plan to enjoy what our country has to offer, a fair few Aussies will still be waiting for the Easter bunny from overseas.

"Of the international Easter hotspots, New Zealand has come out on top, followed in order by Thailand, India, the UK, China and Malaysia," said Renee.

"New Zealand also took the top spot in 2011 followed by the UK, China, Thailand and the USA. It's great to see India and Malaysia making a surge this year as hot Easter destinations.

"Whatever city you plan to visit, or if you're set to simply enjoy your home town, take the time to try something new and make the most of your time off," Renee concluded.

Australia's 2012 TOP 10 Easter destinations

DOMESTIC*:
1. Sydney
2. Brisbane
3. Adelaide
4. Melbourne
5. Perth
6. Coolangatta
7. Cairns
8. Townsville
9. Launceston
10. Darwin

The Following Easter Acccommodation Packages are now available at www.MetroHotels.com.au:

Autumn Special at Metro Hotel Sydney Central 

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering an Autumn Special Package for $175.00 for two people.  This includes one night’s accommodation in a Superior Room, daily hot buffet breakfast for two people and a $30 Food & Beverage voucher from Yardhouse Bar and Brasserie.  Valid until March 31st. Terms & conditions apply. Visit www.metrohotels.com.au
 
Easter Package at Metro Hotel on Pitt 

For $199 per night (maximum 2 adults and one child) includes: One night’s accommodation in a Superior Queen Room, extra single bed for one child (12 years or under), buffet breakfast, Easter eggs on arrival and one Metro travel mug, one drink voucher on arrival (buy one drink at Paradiso Restaurant and receive a second drink of same or lesser value free).  Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.metrohotels.com.au
 
Aspire Deluxe Package – Ultimo, Sydney 

Aspire Hotel Sydney is offering a Deluxe Package which includes one night’s accommodation for two people in a deluxe room, buffet breakfast for two people, complimentary parking and wireless internet internet. The deal is +$40.00 on top of our deluxe room best available rate of the day.  Terms and conditions apply.  Visit www.metrohotels.com.au
Indulgence Package – Darling Harbour, Sydney
Stay in a one-bedroom Executive Suite with amazing views over Darling Harbour. Package includes accommodation for two people, a box of chocolates and bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, and late check out until 12 noon. Valid until April 30.  Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.metrohotels.com.au
 
Corporate Bed & Breakfast Package at Metro Inn Ryde

Visiting Sydney for business?  Metro Inn Ryde is ideally located just 10 minutes from Rhodes, North Ryde, Macquarie University and a short stroll to the train station. The Corporate Bed & Breakfast Package is $109.00 and includes one night’s accommodation in a standard Queen Room with full hot buffet breakfast for one person. Valid until   .  Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.metrohotels.com.au

Complimentary Breakfast with Superior Floor Bookings at Metro Inn Miranda

Book a room on the new Superior Floor and receive a complimentary breakfast for two people daily. Monday to Thursday $145.00 per night. Friday and Saturday $190.00 per night.  Sunday $160.00 per night.  Valid until March 31, 2012. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.metrohotels.com.au

Easter Holiday Special at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Metro Hotel Ipswich International is offering an Easter Holiday Special for $552.00, a saving of $96 on the standard rate of $648.00.  The deal is for a minimum 2 night stay in a Superior room, including complimentary continental breakfast both mornings for two people, a two course dinner for two people at the hotel’s restaurant Platform 9, and entry to the Railway Workshops Museum in Ipswich.  The Museum is a world class rail museum which offers 15 larger-than-life exhibits to discover the enormous impact rail has had on our lives. Valid from April 5 -10, 2012 inclusive. To book call the hotel direct on 07 3812 8077 or book online on www.metrohotels.com.au

Bed and Breakfast at Metro Apartments Gladstone

Book a bed and breakfast package at Metro Apartments Gladstone, which includes one night’s accommodation in an apartment with continental breakfast for two people at Rocksalt restaurant.
Monday to Thursday for $305.00. Friday to Sunday for $225.00 per night.  Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.metrohotels.com.au

Taxi on us this Easter at Metro Hotel Perth

Enjoy Easter out and about in Perth, then taxi back to the hotel on us.  Stay in a Superior Riverview room, with two taxi vouchers to the value of $30, and a late checkout at 12 noon for $199.00. Valid from April 6-9, 2012 inclusive. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.metrohotels.com.au

Weekend Escape at Dugong Beach Resort

Dugong Beach Resort, an exclusive luxury eco resort located in the Groote Eylandt Archipelago north of Darwin, is offering a saving of $640 on its 2-night Weekend Escape Package.  For $1399 for two people the package includes:
• 2 return airfares from Darwin to Dugong Beach Resort (flying to the island on Friday afternoon – flying back to Darwin on Sunday evening – flying Vincent Aviation)
• 2 night’s accommodation for 2 people in an Executive Suite
• Spa voucher to the value of $200
• Food & Beverage voucher to the value of $199
• Offer valid until March 31, 2012
• Direct bookings only on 1800 877 077

Book all Metro Hotel properties by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternatively, receive 10% off the Best Available Rate when you book online www.MetroHotels.com.au using the booking code METRO123. 

Metro Hotels: Easter Holiday Deals and Autumn Specials from Metro Hotels - Metro Hotels

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.

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