School Holidays Australia

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum based at Darling Harbour offers so much for adults and children. Squeeze through a real submarine, captain the HMAS Vampire Destroyer, or dive into Australia’s colourful beach culture and there’s much, much more.

This museum houses one of the world’s biggest and most diverse museum fleets.

Open daily from 0930 to 5pm except Christmas Day.

Current exhibits include: “Coming to Australia”, a collection of photographs capturing post WWII European Migration, “East Coast Encounter”, an interesting look at Captain Cook’s discovery of Australia. “Blue Whale”, an eye to eye encounter with the greatest minds of the sea.

For more information please visit: www.anmm.gov.au

Source: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-apartments-on-darling-harbour/nearby-attractions/australian-national-maritime-museum/

The Site’s First Traditional Owners:

Opened in 1991, the Australian National Maritime Museum occupies an outstanding harbour-side site close to the centre of Sydney – Australia’s oldest city and for a long time the nation’s busiest port.

It stands on land traditionally owned by the Gadigal people who found a rich source of fish and shellfish in the sheltered waters of Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay. Indigenous culture is explored in our core exhibition Eora First People.

About:

The Australian National Maritime Museum was planned and built more than 20 years ago as part of the massive Darling Harbour and Pyrmont redevelopment.

The museum was the site’s showpiece and remains the Australian government’s most visible national cultural institution in Sydney.

Commerce:

Darling Harbour, close to the site of the first British settlement at Sydney Cove, soon became the cradle of the colony’s maritime commerce. Later, this inner-city branch of Sydney Harbour served as the industrial and cargo transport hub of New South Wales. Here cargo ships from local ports and across the world docked and departed, immigrants arrived in streams of thousands to start a new life in a new land and waterside workers – wharfies – became engaged in a struggle against work conditions and practices they found increasingly oppressive.

Darling Harbour’s importance as a transport hub accelerated through the 19th century as NSW’s railways reached out into regional areas, drawing more and more primary produce into the capital for shipment out across the seas. Large tracts of land, particularly on the western side of the waterway (where the museum now stands) were given over to railway lines and sidings, storage sheds and workshops.

And then came a period of extraordinary change. With the introduction of new cargo handling technologies, particularly containerisation, Darling Harbour’s port activities started to move away from the city centre to Botany Bay and other places.

By the 1980s Darling Harbour was almost redundant as an industrial centre and transport interchange. It would soon pass through a remarkable transformation – to become a relaxed and welcoming harbour-side recreation and tourist district.

Miley Cyrus Visiting Madame Tussauds Sydney

Madame Tussauds Sydney has welcomed the wax figure of Miley Cyrus, who is visiting for a limited period, just in time for her Australian tour in October.

She was spotted in Sydney this week searching for the perfect wrecking ball to accompany her on her upcoming Australian tour.

The American pop star was found en route to Madame Tussauds Sydney, twerking her way through a recce of a Sydney construction site, while hoping to find the best wrecking ball possible for her to use during her famous performance.

miley-cyrus-visiting-madame-tussauds-sydney-looking-for-wrecking-ball

No stranger to controversy, Miley insisted she stop off and rope two construction workers into helping her source the prop to be used for her Aussie tour, which kicks off in Melbourne on the 10th October.

As a world renowned entertainer, it's clear Miley has high standards when it comes to keeping her fans happy, and during her limited visit at Madame Tussauds Sydney, she joins a great cast of iconic female performers including Madonna, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Dugongs are back at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium!

Two of SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s main attractions are now back on display just in time for the September school holidays.

The popular dugongs Pig and Wuru have been away while their home at SEA LIFE has been renovated and they have now returned to a brand new tank with innovative features for kids and parents.

Visitors will use their senses to explore the mysterious underwater world of dugongs in the new Dugong Island at Darling Harbour.

With unique gadgets, visitors are now able to hear, talk and see like the dugongs do. A special feature is the world’s first dugong scent machine that allows guests to experience the smell of the friendly sea mammals. To get a closer look at the dugongs in the tank, visitors can also control an underwater camera. Interesting facts and stories about dugongs will teach children and adults alike just how precious the native Australian inhabitants are as they get to know their amazing life story.

Pig and Wuru, the aquarium’s two rescued dugongs, are the only pair of dugongs on display in the world

And if the kids can’t get enough of the new Dugong Island, the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Annual Pass is perfect for endless undersea adventures with Pig and Wuru and the aquarium’s 13,000 other ocean stars

Where: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour - Australia
Opening hours: Open 9:30am-7pm (last entry at 6pm)

October Long Weekend Labour Day

October Long Weekend in Sydney

Labour Day in NSW (Monday, 6th October) is celebrated on the first Monday of October. Make the most of the spring weather unwinding on Sydney's beaches or taking in stunning habour vistas on a coastal walk through one of Sydney's beautiful national parks.

The October long weekend offers a great opportunity to explore Sydney in springtime.

Take in stunning views of Sydney Harbour onboard a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. Relax on Manly Beach as you listen to the smooth sounds of Manly Jazz across the weekend with outstanding local and international musicians performing by the water.

Just a short walk from Manly, North Head lookout offers a spectacular panorama of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. It's also a great location to spot whales at this time year. Other excellent whale-watching vantage points can be found in national parks across Sydney including Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Kamay Botany Bay National Park and the heritage-listed Royal National Park.

Make the most of Sydney's springtime weather and explore the city's many vibrant outdoor weekend markets. Unearth vintage goods and discover up-and-coming designers at Bondi Markets, Glebe Markets, Rozelle Weekend Markets and Paddington Markets.

Immerse yourself in Sydney's arts and culture scene and catch the closing weekend of Strictly Ballroom the Musical on stage at the Capitol Theatre.

Source: http://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/public-holidays/october-long-weekend-labour-day/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social

Coming to Sydney for the long weekend?

Book one of Metro's Sydney hotels or apartments - conveniently located close to public transport, restaurants and major attractions:

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Gladstone national parks, lookouts, horse riding, wine tasting, golf, food markets and bushwalking

Welcome to Gladstone

Gladstone is a beautiful holiday destination located 550 kilometres by road north of Brisbane, Queensland. Gladstone is blessed with 280 days of sunshine every year and balmy, subtropical climate. The area offers a wonderful array of exotic islands, city parklands and gardens, fun outdoor activities, abundance of wildlife and other unique locations to explore. Gladstone Airport is located only an 8 minute drive away from the centre of the city.

Running along the coast of this city is the heritage listed Southern Great Barrier Reef, where it is home to a mixture of fourteen breathtaking inhabited and uninhabited islands. Also located nearby are untouched National Parks, rugged headlands offering spectacular lookouts, man-made Lake Awoonga and botanical gardens.

Lake Awoonga

Kroombit Tops National Park

Gladstone National Parks & Lookouts

Gladstone's region boasts magnificent landscapes to be explored in its national parks, scattered throughout the area. If you love bushwalking (hiking) and beautiful expansive scenery, then make sure you visit Gladstone's parks for breathtaking views.

Gladstone Trail

From towering cliffs, to amazing lookouts, sweeping valleys, wondrous waterfalls and lush flora - can all be experienced when you drive and trek through Kroombit Tops National Park. Kroombit Tops is home to a range of native species of frogs and birds, and also wild horses (or brumbies as they're known locally) can sometimes be spotted in the area. The park is also famous for the wreckage of a World War II American Bomber that crashed on the site in 1945.

Wander through Isla Gorge National Park and discover the sweeping sandstone cliffs, intricate maze of gorges and extraordinary rock formations that mysteriously change colour with the rising and setting of the sun. The park offers marvellous lookouts that gives you an awesome view of the valley below. Isla Gorge National Park is home to evergreen rainforests of Eucalyptus trees and a multitude of native fauna - from grey kangaroos to whiptail wallabies, honeyeaters, wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons. During spring (between September to December) the plateau radiates in stunning displays of wildflowers.

Isla Gorge National Park

Isla Gorge Track

Taroom - Isla Gorge

If you prefer more coastal landscapes, Deepwater National Park is located right by the sea with sandy shores, untouched freshwater creeks, sand dunes, rock pools and marsh-land vegetation for exploration. For animal lovers, the park has an abundance of varied native wildlife - from black cockatoos, brahminy kites, water birds and emus to little turtle hatchings that spawn from their nests at night. Due to the rough terrain, access to this national park is by four wheel drive vehicles only.

Deep Water National Park

Mixed Recreation – Horse riding, wine tasting, golf, food markets and trekking

The Gladstone region also has other recreation activities on offer, such as horse riding and historical gold mining at Boyne Valley, kangaroo watching and wine tasting at the Gecko Valley Vineyard and Winery, trek up Mount Larcom to reach the peak for a 360-degree view of Gladstone, play a round on the course at Gladstone city Golf Club, shop at the Gladstone Library Square Markets for fresh local produce and eclectic trinkets or go four wheel driving through the rugged landscapes and trails throughout the region.

While Gladstone is renowned for its beaches, islands, industry and fishing, there are many little-known activities that will add more depth and adventure to your trip.

Boyne Valley

Drive along the winding scenic route to regional Gladstone at Boyne Valley (an hour's drive from Gladstone) and enjoy the friendly country hospitality when you arrive at the Many Peaks Hotel - famous for their delicious steaks. The valley is home to beef, dairy, mining and sawmilling industries - but the community also caters to tourism. There's horse riding where you get to explore native bushland on horseback, or go on historical goldmining tours to learn about the history of the community, or go hiking, canoeing and four wheel driving in the region.

Less than 10 minutes’ drive from Gladstone city is the Gecko Valley Vineyard and Winery, where you can visit the vineyard and go wine tasting for a glass of flavours unique to the area. Encircled by expansive rolling bushland, with the majestic Mount Larcom as the backdrop, the site has a café serving dishes and matching wines, a visitor's shop selling locally-made craft, chocolates and merchandise, and the area is frequented by local populations of kangaroos. With Mount Larcom close by, do the challenging trek up the mountain and get spectacular 360-degree views of the entire city below.

Mount Larcom

The scenic 18-hole course at the Gladstone Golf Club is located near Stockland Shopping Centre in Gladstone city, with a pond water feature recently added. The clubhouse has a pro shop, bistro, fully licensed bar with takeaways available for members, rental carts, equipment hire and more.

Gladstone Golf Club

Gladstone Golf Course

If you love shopping and browsing at fresh food markets, then drop by the Gladstone Library Square Markets to experience what local producers have on offer. Delightful fresh fruit and veggies, arts and crafts, second-hand goods and more are on display for purchase.

Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone plus Apartments G60 Gladstone are located conveniently in the centre of Gladstone.

Both properties are perfect for short or long stays as they offer fully serviced apartments with fully self-contained laundry services.

The hotel is located on top of a hill, which means many rooms have excellent harbour, city and hinterland views. The property also boasts an onsite restaurant called Rocksalt (popular with the locals), a swimming pool and barbeque area, plus undercover security parking.

The fully serviced Apartments G60 Gladstone can also cater to extended stays of six months or more.

Click here to view Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone
Click here to view Apartments G60 Gladstone

Apartments G60 Gladstone - Bedroom

Apartments G60 Gladstone - Exterior

Apartments G60 Gladstone - Kitchen

Metro Hotel & Apartments Gladstone - Livingroom

Metro Hotel & Apartments Gladstone - Swimming Pool

Island Paradise ~ Southern Great Barrier Reef Islands & Lagoons Gladstone Queensland

Welcome to Gladstone

Running along the coast of this city is the heritage listed Southern Great Barrier Reef, where it is home to a mixture of fourteen breathtaking inhabited and uninhabited islands.

Heron Island Beach - Gladstone

Island Wonderland ~ Southern Great Barrier Reef Islands & Lagoons Gladstone

Off the coast of Gladstone is where you'll find a paradise of islands dotted along the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Here lies the picturesque, uninhabited Lady Musgrave Island, where it is the only coral island on the Great Barrier Reef with a navigable lagoon. The lagoon offers calm, clear water - ideal for swimming and snorkelling - like swimming in a giant aquarium. There is also plenty to do on land: camping, trekking and exploring the wildlife on the island.

Lady Musgrave Island underwater - Gladstone

Closer to the shores of Gladstone are Heron and Wilson Islands. They also offer fantastic lagoons with calm waters well suited for snorkelling, diving and swimming. Wilson Island offers privacy and seclusion in a quiet, beautiful location.

Wilson Island

Heron Island is a bigger coral cay (meaning it is completely composed of sand and coral fragments) with abundant wildlife - from seabirds, Loggerhead turtles to clouds of multi-coloured fish. Experience all that Heron Island has to offer: reef walking, viewing the marine life from the coral submarine, swimming, fishing and snorkelling. Heron Island is also renowned for having some of the best diving spots within 15 minutes of the shore.

Southern Great Barrier Reef

Lady Elliot Island

Lady Elliot Island is another large coral cay and is the most southerly island within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This island is a bird watcher's paradise, with more than 50,000 birds nesting here during the summer months. Lady Elliot Island is also known for being the ideal nesting ground for Loggerhead turtles - cute hatchlings can be seen between January until April. Explore the local shipwreck or the island's iconic Manta Rays via 19 dive sites scattered throughout the island.

Heron Island jetty

Baby Loggerhead Turtle

For marine animal lovers, Fitzroy Reef Lagoon (90 minutes from the town of Seventeen Seventy) is a must-see! This dazzling reef is the sole naturally formed, tidal entrance lagoon along the Southern Great Barrier Reef, and is home to a remarkable array of sea life in this coral metropolis.

Snorkel or scuba dive and explore this beautiful underwater world and its inhabitants: common and bottlenose dolphins, Green and Loggerhead turtles, black blotched stingrays, opalescent spotted Lagoon rays, Manta and Bull rays, plus be surrounded by over a thousand different species of multi-coloured fish! White and black tip reef sharks also cruise through the area - but don't worry, they do not bother humans!

Photo credit: fjaine - underwater diving with ray - Gladstone

Water Sports & Activities Gladstone

Only 20 minutes from Gladstone city are the holiday towns of Tannum Sands and Boyne Island. These neighbouring coastal towns boasts a wonderful climate all year round and their waters offer great locations for swimming, kite surfing/boarding, boating and fishing.

Another set of twin towns that have great options for water sports are the seaside townships of Agnes Waters and Seventeen Seventy. Located just 1.25 hours’ drive south of Gladstone, Agnes Water’s unspoilt beach is the most northern surfer's beach in Queensland. The suburb of Seventeen Seventy derived its name to commemorate the first Queensland landfall for Captain James Cook in May 1770.

Heron Island

With a big offering of different water sport activities to choose from, there won't be a dull moment while you're in Agnes Waters! Relax and unwind on the peaceful, pristine beaches; or swim, dive and fish in the crystal clear waters. Learn to surf, try paddle boarding, sail the waves with a hired boat, or kite surf alongside dolphins!

For a unique adventure, try a Larc tour (large amphibious craft) that can drive on land and sail on water! This tour operator offers short and daylong rides - covering coastlines of Seventeen Seventy and estuaries, across the sand dunes (where you'll get to sandboard!), to the remote Bustard Head Lighthouse situated inside the beautifully preserved Eurimbula National Park. For more information on Larc tours, visit www.1770larctours.com.au

1770 Larc tour

If you like kayaking and canoeing, you'll enjoy 1770 Liquid Adventures! This tour operator provides kayak hire and guided tours along the spectacular town of Seventeen Seventy. Meander through the headlands and reserves while watching the sunset or get up close and personal with dolphins and other marine life. Stop over and rest on picturesque, secluded beaches and deserted coves. For more information on 1770 Liquid Adventures, visit www.1770liquidadventures.com.au

Gladstone Beach

Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy are also two of the closest points to the outer Great Barrier Reef, and Seventeen Seventy is now the departure point for many reef tour operators and fishing charters to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.