Hilltop Hoods to play huge show in Gladstone

AUSSIE hip hop legends Hilltop Hoods are coming to Gladstone.

At least 2000 fans will flock to the Marley Brown Oval on October 19 for one of the biggest concerts in the city's history.

Tickets to see Suffa (Matt Lambert), MC Pressure (Daniel Smith) and DJ Debris (Barry Francis) are expected to disappear fast when they go on sale on Monday.

The gig is one of only six planned for the state.

Harvey Road Tavern and the ALH Group scored the concert over Rockhampton and other large central Queensland cities.

It will take 24 hours to set up the covered stage.

ALH Group entertainment and marketing co-ordinator Elaina Berg said it took six months of negotiating to get the Hoods to visit Gladstone.

"We had the facilities available to accommodate what they were looking for," she said.

"It's fabulous and we're excited to have that opportunity for Gladstone."

Hip-hop lover and musician Nick Oram said the city was lucky to score the Hoods' gig.

"There's so much hip hop around that people love but they have never really been able to see it in their home town," he said.

Illy, another popular Aussie hip hop artist, performs at Hervey Road Tavern on Thursday night.

Gladstone is sixth on the 21-stop national tour for the Hoods, who hail from South Australia.

The band, which has just released Walking Under Stars - the follow-up to the highly rated Drinking from the Sun - completed sold-out tours of New Zealand, Europe and UK this year.

The Cosby Sweater Tour will feature Blue Mountain's trio, and Triple J favourites, Thundamentals as the support act. K21 and DJ Morgs round out the bill.

The band will play Mackay and Townsville on October 18 and 26.

Aussie music icon Pete Murray will play on the oval in November.

He is expected to draw a crowd of 2000.

Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/hip-hop-heaven/2368055/

Prepare to Be Spellbound by Wicked | Capitol Theatre Sydney

Sydneysiders and visitors to Sydney wanting to see the biggest theatre hit of the decade Wicked, The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz, opening in Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on September 25, can now book great value accommodation Hot Deals at Metro Hotel Sydney Central.

Located directly opposite the Capitol Theatre, Metro Hotel Central Sydney is the ideal accommodation choice to see this highly acclaimed production. Awe-inspiring and spectacular, Wicked is the untold story of the witches of OZ.

Long before Dorothy dropped in, two other girls meet in the land of OZ. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood.

The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular and the story tells how these unlikely friends grow.

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is the perfect accommodation choice for visitors to Sydney, situated right in the heart of Sydney in Pitt Street, five minutes’ walk from Central Station (for visitors arriving from the country), with an eclectic mix of restaurants nearby including Chinatown and Thaitown.

With popular local attractions such as Paddy’s Markets, Queen Victoria Building and Darling Harbour close by, the use of a car would not be necessary. Light rail passes are available from the Hotel Reception and numerous bus routes provide an excellent service to explore other parts of Sydney like Manly, Bondi Beach, Luna Park and North Sydney.

This Wicked Family Hot Deal is available to be booked between September and November are $225.00 for two adults and two children in a deluxe double/double room including daily hot breakfast buffet and chocolates on arrival.

A perfect early Christmas gift, packages during December start from $205 and has the same inclusions. The package does not include theatre tickets but these can be purchased on-line or directly from the Capitol Theatre.

Book this Wicked package at Metro Hotel Sydney Central: http://www.metro-hotel-central-sydney.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/index.site.packages.package.7142.html

Family Fun Found All Over Ipswich

TIME flies when you're having fun and it goes even quicker when the kids are too.

It seemed Ipswich was not short of activities to keep the younger ones busy when we asked for some ideas on places to take the kids on Facebook.

Queens Park and Ipswich Nature Centre were popular choices for parents as was the Ipswich Art Gallery.

"Ipswich has heaps of fantastic parks, a picnic is always a great fun way to spend an afternoon with the kids," said Sharon Ross.

"So much to do in Ipswich, Art Gallery rocks but be prepared for you kids to want to spend hours there," said Janice Freiberg.

Other out of the box suggestions included a trip to the Riverheart Parklands and simply touring the city, looking at its history.

"Take them for a walk to look at heritage houses," said Lois Kilmartin.

"Ipswich has heaps, they are beautiful and all have information out front on plaques."

Other educational activities for the kids included trips to the Ipswich Library and the Workshops Rail Museum.

For those looking for more of a thrill the Tactical Ops Paintball fields in Rosewood were suggested for children aged 15 and over.

Trampoline park and indoor play centre Just Jump was also a popular choice for adventure seekers.

"Just Jump is at the sport complex across from Redbook Plaza. it's fun (we) went there last weekend," said Melissa Small.

Just Jump - trampoline park Ipswich

Source: http://www.qt.com.au/news/family-fun-found-all-over-ipswich/2360459/
By Anna Hartley

What's on at Darling Harbour ~ August 2014

Daily Event:
True Blue Cruises (Sydney Whale Watching)
Two level decks and a 360-degree lower viewing deck bring you as close to Sydney's migrating humpback whales as possible.
Time: 8:45am to 12:35pm and 1:30pm to 4pm
Price: From $60
Where: Departing from Cockle Bay Marina near IMAX Theatre
Website: sydneywhalewatching.com


Daily Event:
Beautiful Whale
American articst Bryant Austin is the only photographer in the world producing life-size photographs of whales. Come eye to eye with his portraits of nature's underwater giants.
Time: 9:30am to 5pm daily
Price: Adults $15, child/concession $10
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum Darling Harbour
Website: anmm.gov.au


Daily Event:
Undersea Art Exhibition Sydney
A 5-metre tall, 15-metre long floating sea turtle has arrived inn Cockle Bay to celebrate the new Undersea Art Exhibition by BJ Price featuring at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium until 11th of September.
Giant turtle: Showing 24 hours (located southern end of Cockle Bay)
Exhibition time: 9:30am to 7pm daily
Where: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Aquarium Wharf
Website: sydneyaquarium.com.au


Sat 16, 23 and 30 August:
Harbourside Fireworks
why wait until New Year's Eve to see fireworks in Sydney when you can see them every Saturday night at Darling Harbour? It's a great way to celebrate the weekend!
Time: From 8:30pm
Price: FREE!
Where: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour
Website: harbourside.com.au


Tues - Sun: 
Luminous
Constructed from 557 LED lights, powered by 100% renewable energy and boasting unique interactive capabilities, Luminous is a shimmer canvas through which to explore your curiousity.
Time: From 7:30pm
Price: FREE!
Where: Darling quarter
Website: darlingquarter.com/luminous


Sat 16:
Stella Fella Black Tie Ball
Enjoy a three course dinner and canapes including drinks and live entertainment. All profits from tickets go towards The Salvation Army's Trafficking and Slavery Safe House.
Time: 6:30pm
Price: $190 per person (for table of 10 - $1750 using the promo code stellafella2014)
Where: Dockside Pavillion, Darling Harbour
Website: stellafella.com

For more information on any of these events, visit DarlingHarbour.com


Need accommodation near Darling Harbour?

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour has Darling Harbour views and is located only 10 minutes from Wynyard station. Located perfectly in the heart of the city, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is within easy access of all major attractions such as, the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, IMAX Theatre, Cockle Bay Restaurants, Maritime Museum, Chinatown - restaurants and taverns, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Powerhouse Museum and the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

We are offering this online discount: Book an accommodation package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour to receive 15% off. Promotion code: DarlingHarbour.
http://www.darlingharbour.com/stay/metro-apartments/receive-15-off.aspx
Select specials from here: www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-apartments-on-darling-harbour/hot-deals/

Website: www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-apartments-on-darling-harbour
Tel: (02) 9290 9200
Address: 132-136 Sussex Street, NSW 2000

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

It's all about the views. Imagine standing on your own private balcony with a relaxing drink and watching the sun set over Darling Harbour. Well that's exactly how you could enjoy the end to another day when you next stay with us in one of our executive apartments located on levels 4-7.

The fully serviced one bedroom loft-style apartments provide you with many of the creature comforts of home. The brand new well equipped kitchen and bathroom with laundry facillities in your room are ideal for longer stays and provide you with plenty of room to relax and enjoy your stay.

Each of the well appointed rooms also has a LCD television with free Foxtel , telephone, free WiFi and small balcony.

More info: www.darlingharbour.com/stay/metro-apartments.aspx

Fireworks in August 2014 - Darling Harbour Sydney

You don’t have to wait for big occasions like New Year’s Eve to see fireworks in Sydney. Head to Harbourside in Darling Harbour and you’ll see fireworks most Saturday nights. Why? Because it’s the weekend and it’s time to party!

With more than 24 bars and restaurants, state-of-the-art entertainment venues and magnificent waterfront views, Harbourside is a great spot for a romantic meal, entertaining the family and partying with friends. Relax, have fun and feast on your favourite food while the spectacular fireworks turn the night sky red, green, blue and all the other colours of the rainbow.

Upcoming fireworks dates:  8.30pm Saturday 16, 23 and 30 August

For more info, visit: http://darlingharbour.com/whats-on/fireworks-in-august.aspx?mobile=1&alttemplate=MobileEvent

How To Have a Stress-Free Family Day Out For Less Than $100

The weather’s warming up, and the kids are keen to get out and explore. But sometimes fun for the kids can mean stress for mums and dads, and a strain for their wallets.

So we’ve taken the stress and the expense out of the family day out. Here’s how to do Darling Harbour – stress-free, without breaking the budget.

Play

The Children’s Playground at Darling Quarter is completely free, and it’s a great place for the kids to spend some time. And the more time the better, as the huge playground has 16 separate features, including the Balance Ropes, an 18.7m rope course and the first of its kind in Australia; the Big Slide, the largest in the whole playground at over 3m high and 8m long; the 21m Flying Fox; the Giant Ring, a 3D swing experience that lets kids go up, down, side to side and around in circles; the Octanet, a climbing course that rises 10m into the air and uses 83m of rope; and the Pump Station, a cool water play feature with 26 water jets! Or just hang out in the sandpit, or chill out under the Shade Zone.

Mums and dads can grab a coffee from one of Darling Quarter’s great cafes, and take a load off on one of the playground’s many benches while the kids play.

Head over from the playground to Kingpin Bowling in the Harbourside Shopping Centre. It’s $40 for a family pass (two adults and two children), which includes one game of bowling per person and two free soft drinks.

On the way, stop off at the Carousel in Palm Grove and take a ride for only $4. Thought to be the second oldest carousel in Australia, and one of only a handful of surviving 19th century carousels, this carousel is a slice of super fun history. It’s driven by a steam engine that was made by Tidmans of Norwich (England) in 1892, and the horses were expertly carved by G & J Lines and Co, London in around 1895. It reached Australia in 1894, and has been enjoyed by roughly six generations of children!

Experience

Located in Australia’s first purpose built theatre dedicated to work for young people, Monkey Baa Theatre Company in Darling Quarter adapts the very best of Australian children’s literature to the stage. With a mission statement to “[create] exceptional theatre experiences for young people by bringing to life uniquely Australian stories”, at Monkey Baa your little monkeys will be entertained and inspired. Tickets are between $20-$25 depending on the show. Keep an eye on their website for new shows.

Enjoy a ride and a movie all at once at Harbourside Shopping Centre’s 9D Action Cinema. Melding 3D animated movies with surround sound, ‘active motion’ seats, and dramatic touch effects like rain, snow, and wind, it’s a cinematic experience like no other. Rides run all day and you don’t even have to book ahead. Just rock up; a family ticket for one ride is only $35.

Families can check out all permanent galleries at the Australian National Maritime Museum for only $17.50, or for an exciting and educational experience to cap off a weekend, check out their Family Fun Sundays. It’s $8.50 per child, $3.50 for the first adult and $7 for each additional adult, plus all day parking for only $13 (have your ticket stamped at the musuem). Every Sunday during the school term, the kids can get up to lots of maritime-themed activities, like making a long ship, or a viking helmet!

Explore the Chinese Garden of Friendship with the Emperor’s Quest smartphone app (available from Google Play and the iTunes App Store), which educates kids about the Chinese zodiac, known as ‘Sheng Xiao’ or ‘birth sign’. Fun clues and the history of each of the animals of the zodiac are hidden throughout the gardens on the way to the 12 hidden animal sculptures, and it’s up to the kids to find them! Once they’re all unlocked, a special surprise will be revealed…

Eat

There are so many great kids menus at Darling Harbour! Blackbird Cafe offers a $14.90 main with a free dessert and free colouring in, and for an extra $3 you can take home a limited edition wobble-bobble ice-cream-head.

Authentic Italian can be found at Vesta ($10), while at Adria, all kids meals are $12.50 including soft drink and dessert. On Saturdays and Sundays at Stacks, kids can get a pizza and unlimited soft drink for $5. Kamikaze offers a selection of Japanese meals for kids for $14.90 each plus a free red lemonade, and desserts for $6.50. Pontoon has a family friendly menu, with ten dishes under $10.

For kids under 12, Passello has a selection of mains for $8.50, and a scoop of free ice cream. Zaaffran has yummy Indian starters and mains for kids, ranging from $7.50 – $15.00. It may seem like a restaurant made entirely for big kids, but Pancakes on the Rocks has a kids menu too, ranging from $2.95 – $7.95.

Plan

Book ahead and you can get discounted all day parking at various Darling Harbour locations with Wilson Parking’s Book A Bay.

All Darling Quarter public amenities have baby change facilities, and Cockle Bay Wharf has a parents’ room and baby change facility.

Enjoy!

Source: http://www.hashtagdarlingharbour.com/stress-free-family-day-less-100/

Need affordable accommodation near Darling Harbour?

Stay at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour and be conveniently located to all the major attractions in the article above.

Check out Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour's latest accommodation specials: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-apartments-on-darling-harbour/hot-deals/

Location: 132-136 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia (walking distance from Wynyard station)

Phone: 02 9199 - 2517

Juventus Names Star-Studded Squad for A-League All Stars Clash

Juventus has named a full strength squad to travel to Sydney for their clash with the A-League All Stars.

Andrea Pirlo, Gianluigi Buffon, Carlos Tevez, Paul Pogba, Patrice Evra and Arturo Vidal have all been confirmed for the match at ANZ Stadium on Sunday 10 August.

The Juventus squad boasts 11 players who took part in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and also includes new signing Patrice Evra, who will make his second appearance in the All Stars match after representing Manchester United in last year’s fixture.

The A-League All Stars side includes one of Juventus’ greatest players of all time, Alessandro Del Piero, who will play his final match in Australia after a two year stint with Sydney FC.

Del Piero played 705 matches for Juventus and holds the record for the most games and goals in the famous black and white strip of the Bianconeri, scoring 289 goals.

He is joined by Thomas Broich, Besart Berisha, Gui Finkler, Youssouf Hersi and Socceroo goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic in the A-League squad.

“We are incredibly excited to be welcoming Juventus to Sydney for the Foxtel A-League All Stars match and fans are in for a real treat now that we have had the Juventus side confirmed,” said Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop.

“Andrea Pirlo, Gianluigi Buffon, Carlos Tevez, Paul Pogba and Patrice Evra are global football stars and their presence in Sydney will not only be a thrill for the fans at ANZ Stadium, but signals yet another significant moment in what is a breakthrough period for Australian football.”

“Juventus has confirmed all of its stars will be in Sydney for the match and I have no doubt Australian football fans will be excited to see Alessandro Del Piero line up against some of his former Juventus team mates,” said NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Andrew Stoner.

“The NSW Government, through our tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, secured this match in partnership with FFA exclusive to Sydney, Australia's premier sports and major events city.

“Juventus has a world-wide fan base of 250 million, including 1.4 million Juventus faithful in Australia. By hosting this champion team, Sydney and NSW will again be on show to the world, confirming our position as Australia’s home of major events.”