Free Kids Admission Weekend at Australian Museum and Powerhouse Museum

Deputy Premier, the Hon. Troy Grant MP, today announced a NSW Government initiative making general entry for children (under 16 years) free at both the Australian Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (Powerhouse). To celebrate, both museums are throwing open their doors to ALL visitors for a Free for All weekend on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June.

“Kids Free is an exciting initiative of the NSW Government to create more opportunities for children and families to experience arts and culture,” Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts, the Hon. Troy Grant said. “With school holidays starting that weekend, visiting a museum is a great way to get the kids out of the house and into the arts’’ he said. Director and CEO of the Australian Museum, Kim McKay AO, said that removing the entry charges for children would ensure access for every young person across the state. “Museums are places of learning, wonder and discovery and I’m delighted that we are now able to remove general admission charges for children thanks to the State Government’s support.

There should be no barrier for young people to learn and be inspired,” McKay said. “Families will save as much as $8 per child per visit, which is a fantastic bonus, particularly for larger families, making a visit to museum significantly cheaper than one to the movies or other forms of entertainment. In addition to family entry, students attending the museums as part of a school excursion will also enjoy free general admission positively impacting hundreds of thousands of school students across the state,” she said.

Throughout the Free for All weekend on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, visitors to the Australian Museum will be among the first to see the new indigenous exhibition, Bayala Nura (Yarning Country), which complements the recently opened Garriagarrang (Sea Country) and participate in activities including Aboriginal animal totem craft and making animal masks. As a special bonus, admission charges to the Australian Museum’s popular Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will also be waived over the weekend, a saving of $51.00 for a family of four.

Favourite galleries such as Skeletons, Dinosaurs, Surviving Australia, Birds and Insects and Planet of Minerals will also be open along with the recently opened Pacific Spirit gallery, and visitors will be able to take a sneak peek at Wild Planet, a new animal gallery opening in August featuring some 400 animal specimens and biodiversity displays.

“Museums have a vital role to play in engaging children and their parents in our natural world -­‐ they explain who we are, and it’s those early museum experiences that become seared into our memories and help inform our decisions about the natural world in the future,” she said.

Activities available for all visitors to the Australian Museum on 27 & 28 June, 2015

The FREE for ALL weekend puts a spotlight on what happens daily at the Australian Museum. Alongside favourites such as the Skeletons, Dinosaurs, Surviving Australia, Birds and Insects, Search & Discover and Planet of Minerals, visitors will be among the first to experience the brand new exhibition, Bayala Nura (Yarning Country) in the newly refurbished heritage gallery, First Australians. Bayala Nura complements the recently opened exhibition, Garrigarrang (Sea Country) highlighting Indigenous Australian culture.

In addition, the newly opened preview exhibition Pacific Spirit brings rare masks and other stunning objects from the Museum’s Pacific collection out on display. These exhibitions draw on the Museum’s extensive collections to showcase the history, cultural diversity and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and provide a glimpse of the Museum’s extensive Pacific collection, one of the world’s largest.

While you’re here, remember to see striking photographs of wildlife and nature from the around the world in the ever popular Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. The photographs celebrate an amazing array of animals and highlight pressing environmental issues such as animal extinction and the destruction of natural landscapes. And as a special promotion for this weekend only, visitors can receive a 20% discount off the full price of membership. Members receive special benefits such as our Explore Magazine, discounts at our Shop and Cafe, Private Members Lounge, Free National Geographic Traveller magazine, 10% discount when you book with Adventure World holidays and giveaways and deals through the fortnightly newsletter.

Centrally located opposite Hyde Park in Sydney and a short walk from Museum Station, the Australian Museum was established in 1827 and has an international reputation in the fields of natural history and cultural studies, community programs and exhibitions. Experience all this and more when you visit the Museum as part of FREE for ALL at the Australian Museum on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June.

KIDS ACTIVITIES on the FREE FOR ALL weekend. 27 and 28 JUNE, 2015. • Come and learn about Indigenous Australian totems and make your own animal mask to take home at Aboriginal animal totem craft on Level 2. • Explore our wild planet in Surviving Australia and get up close and personal to some of our native Australian wildlife –snakes, baby crocodiles, lizards and skinks.

• Meet some legendary Australian creepy crawlies in Search and Discover.
• Discover Australia’s unique and abundant bird life in the Birds and Insects gallery.
• Budding palaeontologists can complete their museum expedition with a visit to the Dinosaurs gallery where they can touch 100 million year old dinosaur fossils.
• Come face to face with the Museum’s very own Muttaburrasaurus dinosaur, Winny-­‐saur.
• Find out about Winny’s busy life at the Museum, as well as what life was like for Australian dinosaurs that lived millions of years ago, then have your photo taken with Winny-­‐saur.
• As well as nurturing young imaginations, Australian Museum will also look after young tummies.

The new cafe on Level 4 will offer healthy hearty food and drinks along with stunning views over the city for the whole family.

See the Australian Museum Website

Wild Life Sydney Zoo's Two Newest and Cutest Residents

Come take a peek at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo's two newest and cutest residents

Ringo, our adorable bare-nosed baby wombat (pictured right) who's just 10 months old, and our yet-to-be-named baby girl koala who's just seven months old.

Visitors over the school holidays can enjoy over 25 keeper talks and animal encounters, perfect for families looking to get up close to Australia's most iconic animals.

Visitors also have the chance to come face-to-face with our resident koalas and take an amazing photo with them

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

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

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

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.

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