A Kylie Exciting New Year for Sydney

Global superstar Kylie Minogue will fly into Sydney next week to take part in the city’s official New Year’s Eve (NYE) celebrations.

The Australian-born singer, songwriter, actress and fashion icon will see out the final moments of ‘K25’ – her year-long celebration marking 25 years in the music business – right here in Sydney, where she will lead the countdown into the Midnight Fireworks Spectacular.

Ms Minogue has enjoyed a close association with the Harbour City this year, visiting Sydney several times and working as the Creative Ambassador for the City of Sydney Council’s NYE festivities.
The role has seen the ARIA, BRIT and Grammy award-winner work with the City’s production team to develop the event’s theme “Embrace” and its logos, street banners, musical soundtrack and fireworks display.

The Creative Ambassador role is one of a number of Sydney-based initiatives for Kylie this year.
In March, the pop icon took part in Sydney Mardi Gras, appearing at the event’s famous street parade and performing a half-hour set of her hits at the after-party.

Sydney was one of just four cities visited this year by Ms Minogue’s Anti Tour, the others being Melbourne, London and Manchester.

The tour saw Kylie perform a selection of rare tracks, demos, b-sides and previously unreleased material in an intimate, pared-back setting at Luna Park’s Big Top.

The shows were conceived as a counterpoint to the singer’s highly technical, big-budget Aphrodite Les Folies tour of 2011, which encompassed 77 concerts in 50 cities, including three shows at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Speaking about her role in Sydney’s NYE festivities, Ms Minogue said in a statement: “This year I want everyone to embrace during the fireworks.

“Whether it’s embracing new ideas, change and opportunities, or just giving a big hug to your family and friends, it’s something everyone can get involved in.”

Dugongs Treated With a Lettuce Christmas Tree at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s resident dugong, Wuru, today celebrated Christmas early as she indulged in an edible Christmas tree constructed entirely from her favourite food – lettuce leaves. Pig and Wuru are two of only six dugongs on display anywhere in the world.

The cos lettuce leaves replicate the sole food dugongs consume in their natural environment – seagrass; and between the two of them, they consume up to 1,500kg of iceberg lettuce leaves a week – totaling up to $140,400 worth of lettuce a year.

Weighing in at around 3kg, the tree was constructed by a variety of sizes of cos lettuce leaves and involved two SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium team members threading lettuce for over four hours. To top it off, the impressive edible sculpture was adorned with festive baubles made of apples.
Under the close supervision and care of Andrew Barnes, Dugong Keeper, both Pig and Wuru have been transitioning smoothly back into their new home, Dugong Island, which was refurbished as part of a 9 month, $10M overhaul that saw the attraction relaunch as SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium this September.

Andrew Barnes, Dugong Keeper at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium commented: “While it may seem rather dull in comparison to an indulgent, brandy-soaked fruit cake, our dugongs certainly love their cos lettuce leaves, and so we couldn’t think of anything more suitable than a lettuce tree this Christmas”.

Listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), both Pig and Wuru were orphaned in the wild in QLD, arrived in 2008 and took up residence in a purpose-built exhibit. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium actively contributes to dugong research and supports the University of Queensland with their annual assessment of the health of wild dugong populations.

The animals’ spectacular new home has a viewing platform from above, which allows guests to view Pig, Wuru and the other residents of Dugong Island from above sea-level. Much like SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s other grand Oceanarium Shark Valley; Dugong Island contains an ocean-tunnel walkthrough that delves deep into the underwater world, giving visitors the chance to come face-to-fin with these beautiful, friendly creatures of the sea.

Located in the heart of Sydney at Darling Harbour, visitors to the recently refurbished SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium will be taken on a journey of amazing discovery through 14 newly-themed areas, including the new Shark Walk,Tropical Bay of Rays, Discovery Rockpool, Mangrove Swamps, South Coast Shipwreck, Dugong Island and the stunning new ocean tunnel walk-through, Shark Valley.

For more information on the newly relaunched SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, please visit: www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

What: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour (right next door to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and Madame Tussauds Sydney)
Opening hours: 9am – 8pm daily. Last admission 7pm
Cost: Walk-up price – Adults: $36, Children (4-15yrs): $20
For the best value, combine SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium with a pick and mix of your other favourite Sydney attractions including WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Sydney, Sydney Tower Eye and Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary. The more you see, the more you save.

Sydney's Best Public Christmas Display's

The Christmas tree outside Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital

Another festive season is upon us Sydney. I know Pitt Street Mall was a construction site for almost two years, and just before Westfield Sydney was born at Christmas almost two years ago now. My my the time has flown. Before the original death of Pitt Street Mall, the Christmas decorations around this shopping precinct used to be stunning. Not anymore.

At the top of the Swarovski Christmas tree at QVB

So therefore, where is Sydney's best public Christmas display? The nativity scene (sure, not a Christmas tree yet is still a public Christmas display) at the windows of David Jones on the corner of Elizabeth and Market Streets is a historical treasure. Both the young and the not so young (maybe the young at heart) stop by, morning, noon and night to view the spectacular nativity scene and the moving characters with Christmas carol tunes like they're about to go out of fashion. With a camera in tow it is easy to take happy snaps of every single Christmas window at David Jones in the city.

The nativity scene at the David Jones Christmas windows in the city

On the other hand, the Swarovski Christmas tree at the Queen Victoria Building is a delight again. Tomorrow, as at the time of writing this; the Swarovski Christmas tree will compliment the beautiful Swarovski crystal garden. This is where santa pays a visit at level 2. The sparkles and the sheer size of this tree makes the Swarovski Christmas tree one of the best public Christmas displays in Sydney. Many locals and tourists take pictures of each other in front of the tree from any floor at this opulent shopping space. Sydney is also looking forward to the crystal garden opening tomorrow, and again as at the time of writing this for 2012. A fun, Christmas sanctuary awaits.

More glimpses of the David Jones Christmas windows - reflection

It is rare for any hospital to have a Christmas tree outside its main entrance. Despite being a place for healing and rest, many people would not expect a Christmas tree to be perched in front of a busy medical institution. However, things are different at St Vincent's Hospital at Darlinghurst. Although the decorations look plain, however taking into account the artistic thought that went into the blending of the gold and silver decorations is captivating. The tree stands proud in a well maintained garden. If you find yourself eating your lunch, or perhaps just sitting down on the lawn somewhere at the park across the road, it is great to be able to see a massive tree of life opposite you.

Another public Christmas display in Sydney City

Free Christmas on the Green @ Hyde Park

Pack a picnic and make a night of it

Christmas on the Green, a great night for kids at Christmas

Christmas on the Green is traditionally one of the high points of the Christmas calendar for those with young children in Sydney, and 2012 is set to be no different - in fact, it's going to be a cracker. As in past years, Hyde Park will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland - the perfect space for families with younger children to settle down with a picnic and get the festive season off to a fantastic start.

Kids' favourite Jimmy Giggle will be host the night, but there will be entertainment from all sorts of familiar faces, such as Peppa Pig, Mumble and Gloria from Happy Feet Two, and Jay Laga'aia from Playschool. Musical entertainment will be provided by children's entertainment act Electric Lunchbox, the Australian Girl's Choir and Jay Laga'aia will also doing a few songs too.

Jimmy Giggle (sans Hoot) will host Christmas on the Green in Hyde Park. image: ABC

The whole event will be interactive, with songs and actions that the kids can join in with, as well as craft activities that they can take part in. For those who aren't keen on packing a picnic, there will also be a sausage sizzle and delicious gelato on sale. If you want a memento of the night (and to start the Christmas gift giving early), a limited number of showbags will available for a $2 donation - the proceeds go to the Australian Children's Music Foundation charity.

Of course, no Christmas kids event would be complete without Santa, so as if all the other activities are not enough, Santa will also be making an appearance, along with the Lord Mayor, having just lit the lights at Martin Place. He'll be wishing everyone a happy Christmas, and making sure that the boys and girls are going to be good before the big day.

The night's activity will end with a spectacular fireworks display, especially designed for kids.

This event gets pretty busy, so it's wise to get there a little early to get a good spot. Spread out your rug, unpack your snacks, and settle in for the duration, it's going to be a jolly good time.

Chitty Chitty Goes Off With a Bang Bang

THERE are live dogs, lots of children and a strong cast but the star of the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the amazing car of the title. 
 
It really is a fantasmagorical machine that draws gasps of delight when it flies, in a genuinely magical moment.

Based on the 1968 film, the stage adaptation makes some judicious changes bringing in the Vulgarians, who are intent on stealing the car, right from the start - and adding jokes for the adults.
As the crackpot inventor Caractacus Potts, David Hobson reins in the eccentricity, giving a gently endearing performance.

Rachael Beck is lovely as Truly Scrumptious, Alan Brough and Jennifer Vuletic are thoroughly entertaining as the tantrum-throwing, toy-loving Baron Bomburst and his Baroness, while George Kapiniaris and Todd Goddard are a hoot as the bumbling Vulgarian spies.

Roger Hodgman directs, using Anthony Ward's clever, eye-catching design, with its set inspired by the idea of invention and machinery.

Energy-wise, the production could go up a gear at times and Dana Jolly's choreography lacks a little oomph but it's a fun show that clearly charmed the children around me and had the audience clapping along with the title song.

Free Sydney Attractions - The Best Things in Sydney for Free

Sydney, the best things in life can be for free. It does not take much in order to enjoy yourself in this dynamic city. Sometimes it all depends on the timing. There is beauty and joy in these activities. These free activities are designed to also make you feel good.

1. Pitt Street Mall

Free kids entertainment at Pitt Street Mall

The free hugs parade is alive, and if you love street music the very best is available here. A large gathering usually comes around in the middle of a sunny day, otherwise on a Thursday night right outside Westfield Sydney under the bridge connecting both ends. Some of the funky bands come all the way from America to perform. When you see a large circle around some musical performances next time round, you need to check it out. Pitt Street Mall is also home to some dress ups for the kids occasionally as well. Think Sunday afternoons for the latter.

2. Darling Harbour/Darling Quarter

Darling Harbour at night

With the newest addition, Darling Quarter, this area has never been a cooler place to hang out. Great for family picnics with an abundance of swings for the kids. The table tennis play area is also a hit. Otherwise, Darling Harbour is home to many free events including fireworks, sporting and other musical events. Free salsa lessons are occasionally available on Sunday nights at Hard Rock Cafe.

3. Circular Quay

Glimpses of Circular Quay

Home to free street theatre, and is the spotlight of the annual Vivid Sydney festival. The best vantage points along Sydney Harbour is at this spot. Think the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge with water views.

4. Royal Botanical Gardens

Royal Botanical Gardens

Fantastic gardens and an abundance of greenery. Great for picnics, running and walking. Excellent views of Sydney Harbour are enjoyed. A great walking trail from here to Woolloomooloo makes way for an enjoyable, lengthy walk.

5. Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge

For locals and visitors to Sydney alike, it is something that needs to be tried at least once.

6. Hyde Park

Sydney's Hyde Park at night

Plenty of action on this end of the city. The annual Art and About event is held here with some free paintings and other artistic displays to enjoy. You can also play chess and enjoy the waterfall area.

7. Art Gallery of New South Wales

The Art Gallery of New South Wales

For many people, looking at a combination of ancient and modern art paves the way for enjoyment and calm. A lot of history and charm is in this place. Many of the exhibits can be viewed for free.

A handful of the best free activities in Sydney. Feel free to leave any comments if you happen to come across any others for all of us to enjoy.

Sydney Christmas Carols

Santa's helper has given us the tips on Sydney's best Carols

Christmas Carols. They are the best of songs, they are the worst of songs. My apologies to Charles Dickens but I'm sure he wouldn't mind me paraphrasing his work. After all, he was somewhat of an expert on Christmas.

Christmas carols really are a pretty mixed bag. They range from the traditional to the modern and the sublime to the ridiculous. And every year from late November to Christmas Day the whole of Sydney rings with the sounds of "Joy to the World", "Jingle Bells", "O, Holy Night!" and, God forbid, "I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus" and "Santa Baby".

In shopping centres and on street corners you'll be greeted by carol-singing elves and angels, choir boys, and girls clad in that faux fur-trimmed, red mini-skirted outfit favoured by Santa's helpers everywhere. You know, the one that results in a rather incongruous cross between Mrs Claus and a sexy snow bunny.

Christmas Carols events sprout up like mushrooms all over Sydney from late November. These range from the homey charm of the local school concert-cum-carols night to the celebrity-laden, big-budget events complete with orchestras and choirs.

Some of the contenders for Sydney's Best Christmas Carols event in 2012 are:

Sydney Christmas Family Village Concerts.
Carols, Santa and fireworks are a hallmark of these much-loved, free, local community events. This year's concert schedule is:
Rushcutters Bay: Saturday 1 December at Reg Bartley Oval, Waratah Street from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm
Rosebery: Sunday 2 December at Turruwul Park, Rothschild Avenue from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
Alexandria: Saturday 8 December at Alexandria Park Oval, Power Avenue from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
Surry Hills: Sunday 9 December at Ward Park from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

Coogee Carols
Spaces fill up pretty quickly at this free community carols event presented by Randwick City Council. There's usually a line-up of popular TV and singing personalities. Set aside Sunday 16 December from 6.30 pm for this one, which will be held at Goldstein Reserve, Coogee

Strathfield Christmas Carols Concert
Strathfield Council presents not just carols, but fireworks and a screening of A Christmas Carol on the big screen too. The event runs from 5pm to 10.30 pm on Saturday 8 December at Strathfield Park, Homebush Road, Strathfield.

Carols by the Sea
This one is at Bondi Beach, South Park on Wednesday 5 December. There is children's entertainment from 6pm and Chrsitmas carols from 7pm. It's free but please bring a non-perishable food donation.

Martin Place Children's Concert and Tree Lighting
Also part of Sydney Christmas, this one has the added bonus of the lighting of the giant Christmas tree. It's on from 6pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 29 November.

Christmas Choral Concert
Manly Council presents this free event on Thursday 6 December from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the picturesque Manly Oval. They're even looking for singers to perform with the Northern Beaches Youth Orchestra so if you have what it takes contact (02) 9976 1752.

Carols in the Domain
Australia's largest free Christmas concert takes place this year on Saturday 22 December with pre-carols entertainment from 3pm and the main event from 8.30pm.

We'd also like to know what Christmas Carols events have you most enjoyed in the past and are most looking forward to for Christmas 2012? Help us to find Sydney's best Christmas Carols by leaving a comment below.