Jessica Mauboy Celebrates Launch of free Australia Day Concerts at Sydney Opera House

The iconic Opera House will serve as the picturesque location for Australia Day celebrations in 2015.

To amp up the atmosphere, two free concerts will be held on January 26 with approximately 7,000 free tickets available to the public via ballot.

Popular children's group The Wiggles will be one of the main acts on the festive day, with another concert consisting of favourite Aussie performers, including Jessica, Justice Crew and Geronimo hit makers, Sheppard.

Actress Jessica has already performed at the Opera House and has fond memories of the venue.

'It was of course where the Australian Idol Grand Final took place in November 2006 and it was on the steps of the Sydney Opera House that I performed my first Number One single Burn,' the former reality TV star recalled.

'To be invited back to this amazing Australian landmark to perform is a wonderful opportunity.' 

Justice Crew also have an interesting link with the location, having previously busked outside the famed structure.

'One of our first career highlights was to actually be invited to perform at the Sydney Opera House as Janet Jackson’s opening act,' the group revealed.

'To be at the Sydney Opera House on Australia Day is a real magic moment and we will rise to the occasion with our performance!

Jessica is no stranger to public performances, having recently put on an energetic show at the ARIA music awards last month.

Putting her powerful voice to good use, the musician took to the stage in a strapless blue jumpsuit covered in sequins.

She performed her latest hit Can I Get a Moment, which has achieved gold sales in just over a month.

Despite her star status, Ms Mauboy failed to take out any awards after being nominated for Album of the Year, Best Female Artist and Best Video. 

Although she didn't walk away with a trophy this year, Jessica took out Best Female Artist last year and Highest Selling Single for Running Back in 2009.

Spectacular Sydney Christmas Lights and Decorations 2014

by Ivana Katz

When: 3 November - 25 December
Website: www.sydneychristmas.com.au
Where: Sydney CBD
Cost: Mostly free

Don't Miss Out on The Fabulous Free Fun!

For the past few years my friends and I have packed up the kids and ventured into Sydney CBD to see the Christmas lights and decorations. And even though the venues we visit have remained the same, there is always something new and exciting to explore.

Seeing Christmas lights through children's eyes is magical – that is if you can drag them away from all the toy and game displays. This year Christmas is going to be no different. Here are some of our favourite spots to visit:


1. Queen Victoria Building

Christmas at the QVB is always spectacular. Not only do you get to see the beautiful sparkly tree which rises through several floors, but all the stores are cheerfully decorated and the atmosphere is warm and cosy. If you are lucky, you may even get to see street performers or appearances by fabulous guests, such as Jessica Mauboy who appeared a couple of years ago.

If you have young children, head to the Swarovski Crystal Garden for Christmas and have photos taken with Santa. With over 12,000 crystal ornaments, forestry and traditional Santa settings, this will be one photo session your kids won't quickly forget. As this is a very popular destination, it is recommended you get there early, particularly on the weekends.

Dates: 8 November – 24 December
Address: Queen Victoria Building, George Street, Sydney

2. Martin Place Christmas Tree

Each year the tree decorations are amazing and this year promises to add an extra dimension. Share the Christmas spirit by sending text messages to 0427 840 851 or #sydxmastree and your special wish will be displayed on the branches of the tree.

Dates: Thursday 27 November – Thursday 25 December 2014

Address: Martin Place, Sydney

To kick off the festivities, on Thursday 27 November from 6pm – 8.30pm you can also enjoy a family friendly Christmas Concert which features characters from Sesame Street, Lah Lah's Big Live Band and naturally the guy in the red suit is making an appearance.

3. David Jones Window Display

Always a remarkable treat, the David Jones Window Display offers new surprises each Christmas season. This year you can see the much loved displays from Tuesday 3 November – 25 December.

Have Santa photos taken in the new enchanted Magic Cave world. Transport yourself into one of many Christmas scenes using green screen and even have your Santa Photo experience on DVD. Bookings can be made online or instore.

If you have a feathered, fluffy or furry friend, bring them along for a happy Santa photo too.

David Jones Santa has joined the mobile trend and has created his own Santa app. Download the David Jones Magic Santa app and put yourself into the scene with an interactive Christmas experience with Santa and his Reindeer.

From 11 December to 24 December the David Jones Staff Choir perform each day for 30 minutes from 9am. Their special Christmas Eve performance begins at 8am.

Date: 3 November – 25 December 2014
Address: Elizabeth Street, Sydney


4. Hyde Park

Sydney's iconic Hyde Park is a wonderful place to walk through at night with its many fairy lights and Christmas tree decorations.

On Thursday 27 November from 6pm – 8.30pm enjoy a free family friendly Christmas concert. Your kids will love entertainment by Tom & Jerry, Hi-5 as well as craft activities, sausage sizzle, yummy ice cream and carols by Emma Pask and St Andrews Cathedral Choir.

Date: 27 November 2014 for Christmas concert, but decorations can be seen throughout the Christmas season

Address: Hyde Park, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

5. Town Hall

Watch the historic Town Hall come alive with unbelievable light projections every night from 8.30pm to 1am.

On Tuesday 16 December 2014 Town Hall puts on a Christmas concert from 8pm to 9.30pm. Cost is $15 for adults and $12 for children. Tickets sell out quickly, so make sure you book now at the City Recital Hall.


6. Strand Arcade and Pitt Street Mall

Stroll through Strand Arcade and admire lovely Christmas decorations. Take a break in one of Strand Arcade or Pitt Street Mall cafes and enjoy delicious Christmas treats or take in the many free shows put on by local street performers.

Address: The Strand Arcade between Pitt Street & George Street, Sydney


Source: http://www.weekendnotes.com/spectacular-sydney-christmas-lights-and-decorations/

Summer Sporting Extravaganza to Boost Australian Economy

In Australia, summer is all about sport. This season the addition of two major international events to the calendar is a big bonus, not just for sports lovers but for the economy as well.

Australians who don't enjoy sport turn off the television and head for the beach at this time of year.

For everyone else, there's a smorgasbord of Test and one-day cricket, PGA golf, an internationally famous yacht race, a grand slam tennis event, cycling and Formula One races.

The country is set to enjoy an unprecedented quantity of world sport worth an estimated A$320m ($267m; £172m) to the economy thanks to the addition of two major events.

The Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup - being held across five cities in January - and the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup, which will be played in Australia and New Zealand in February and March, eclipse other events in size and dollar value.

The Asian Cup is the biggest sporting event in Asia and the cricket World Cup is the third biggest sporting event in the world after the summer Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.

Australia's summer of sport

• December 9 - January 10: Four cricket Test matches, Australia v India.
• December 11-14: Australian PGA golf Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast.
• December 26-30: Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
• January 9 - January 31, 2015: Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup.
• January 16 - February 1: Cricket one-day international tri series, Australia, India and England.
• January 17-25: Tour Down Under cycling classic, Adelaide and South Australia.
• January 19 - February 1: Australian Open grand slam tennis, Melbourne.
• February 14 - March 29: ICC World Cup.
• March 12-15: Australian Grand Prix Formula One, Melbourne.

Every year, between 1 December and 1 April, there are five million tickets on sale for sport and entertainment events across New South Wales, according to state government body Destination NSW. For the same period in 2014-2015, there are eight million tickets on sale.

"That's what happens when you add an Asian Cup and a World Cup to the calendar," says Asian Cup chief executive officer Michael Brown. "There's going to be a lot more people spending a lot more dollars."

Test Cricket

Australia's golden summer begins with the first of four Test cricket matches between Australia and India on 9 December. The fixtures were rescheduled to start later in the month because of the sudden death in late November of 25-year old Australian Test player Phillip Hughes.

Golf

The first Test now clashes with the Australian PGA golf event, while the Sydney to Hobart yacht race - which organisers claim is the largest spectator sporting event in the world - competes with the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

An estimated one million spectators will watch the start of the yacht race - about 300,000 of them from the water and another 700,000 lining Sydney's harbour and coastline, says chief executive officer of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Mark Woolf.

Economic Ipmact

The economic impact, however, is incalculable, says Mr Woolf, because it is a free spectator event.

"The metrics that come out of this race are enormous," he says. "It's not a stadium event. We don't have a captive audience. But there are tentacles everywhere.

"There's the investment of transporting and accommodating 118 boats and crew for the start. The crews bring their friends and families. Then there's provisioning and fuelling and self-catering for spectator picnics.

"Even the NSW town of Eden gets an economic lift. It's the last safe harbour for boats to refuel and restock before crossing Bass Strait. Once they reach Hobart the boats and crews have to get back to Sydney.

"Then there's the impact of those TV pictures of a perfect Sydney harbour beaming into Europe and America in the middle of winter on their Christmas night. It's hard to quantify the publicity and future tourism impact."

Asia Cup Soccer

As the Test cricket ends the Asian Cup kicks off on 9 January, with 16 teams playing 32 matches in Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.

According to Mr Brown, PricewaterhouseCoopers has said the event will pump A$225m into the economy. Asian Cup organisers target ticket sales of 500,000, with 50,000 international visitors expected to attend.

Three of Australia's top ten trading partners - China, Japan and South Korea - have qualified, which means hosting the Asia Cup is a unique tourism, trade and investment opportunity for the country and the region, he says.

"The Asian Cup is Asia's biggest sporting event and football is the biggest team sport and the most popular sport in Asia," Mr Brown says. "In Asia, football outstrips cricket as a sport."

Tourism Tsunami

But the Asian Cup will also have to compete for spectators and TV audiences with the Tour Down Under cycling classic in South Australia and the Australian Open grand slam tennis tournament in Melbourne.

ICC World Cup Cricket

Then, the biggest sporting event of the summer begins on 14 February. More than one million people are expected to attend 49 one-day matches featuring 14 teams playing in the ICC World Cup at venues in Australia and New Zealand.

ICC World Cup chief executive officer John Harnden says 500,000 tickets have already been sold and tens of thousands of international spectators are expected to attend, creating a tourism tsunami between the two countries.

"There will be a lot of travel between Australia and New Zealand, and then India, the UK and the US are the three primary points of origin (for spectators)," says Mr Harnden.

"It is a great opportunity to showcase ourselves to the world and benefit from that great word of mouth from all those tens of thousands of tourists saying what a great time they had. If the Australian and New Zealand teams do well, that will be an even bigger bonus."

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Embrace the spirit of Christmas with our A-Z of festive events across Sydney

Charlie Hodgon, 4, Lola Treseder, 7, and Ted Treseder, 9, at the Lego Christmas Tree in the Pitt St Mall. Picture credit: John Fotiadis

By DAVID FITZSIMONS

EMBRACE the spirit of Christmas with this A-Z guide to Sydney’s biggest trees, best places for carol singing, Christmas markets, gift ideas and a few surprises. From Alexandria to Zetland, Bankstown to Engadine, we’ve got you covered.

ALEXANDRIA, AUBURN:

● Alexandria Village concert, Alexandria Park Oval, Power
Ave, Alexandria; December 6 6.30pm-8.30pm, free, sydneychristmas.com.au

Head to the inner-city for a fun family concert featuring kids entertainment, music, fireworks and a visit from Santa Claus.

● Auburn Carols In The Park, RAAF Stores Park, Princes Rd East, Auburn; December 21, 3pm-7.30pm, free, auburn.nsw.gov.au

Start the afternoon with a sausage sizzle, while the kids meet the animals in the kindy farm before carol singing starts at 5.30pm.

BANKSTOWN, BONDI,

● Bankstown Carols By Candelight, Paul Keating Park, The Mall, Bankstown; December 13, from 6pm, free, bankstown.nsw.gov.au

Sing along with local choirs and enjoy a sausage sizzle to celebrate Christmas around Bankstown’s new 10m-high Christmas tree — one of the tallest in Sydney.

● Bondi Carols By The Sea,
South Park, Bondi Beach; December 10, 6pm-8.30pm, free, waverley.nsw.gov.au

It’s a popular annual event where local groups unite at the beach for carol singing, performances by local artists and kids entertainment, led by the Bondi Brass group.

Martin Place lights up for Christmas

CAMPBELLTOWN, CANBERRA, CASTLE HILL, CITY, COOGEE

● Campbelltown City Christmas Carols, Campbelltown Arts Centre, 1 Art Gallery Rd, Campbelltown; December 6 6pm-9.30pm, free, Campbelltown.nsw.gov.au

The crowds will gather outside the Arts Centre at the amphitheatre for carols, the lighting of the tree, song and dance performances from local artists plus a visit from Santa.

● Canberra Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston, Canberra; December 6-7, December 13-14 and 20-21, 10am-4pm, free entry, obdm.com.au

If you’re in the ACT, head to these massive Christmas markets over the next three weekends to find everything you need for the festive season, from gifts to decorations, trees and more.

● Castle Hill Christmas Sky Show, Main St, Castle Hill; daily until December 30, 8pm-9pm, free, thehills.nsw.gov.au

Treat yourself and the family to a spectacular light show featuring a 40m x 10m canopy over the street. Local music schools and choirs will lead Christmas singing.

● City, Martin Place Christmas Tree and Street Light Disco, The Lego Christmas Tree outside Westfield Sydney, Christmas Light Forest in Pitt St Mall, Christmas Projections on Sydney Town Hall, Lights Of Christmas, St Marys Cathedral; various times, free, sydneychristmas.com.au, lightsofchristmas.com.au

The CBD is bathed in festive fun all through December, with huge Christmas trees, light shows and light projections on the Town Hall and St Marys Cathedral reminiscent of the Vivid Festival. Paulini and Mark Vincent will perform at the St Marys opening ceremony from 7pm on Tuesday. The Lego tree has 500,000 bricks weighs 3.5 tonnes, stands 10m high and took about 1300 hours to build.

● Coogee Carols, Goldstein Reserve, Coogee Beach; December 21, 6.30pm-8.30pm, free, coogeecarols.com.au

A host of stars and entertainers and a 12-piece band will lead the thousands of people expected at the beach once again for this major carolling event.

St Mary’s Cathedral will be illuminated until Christmas Day

DARLING HARBOUR, DEE WHY, DOMAIN

● Darling Harbour Santa Fest 2014, Darling Harbour; daily until December 24, various times, most events free, darlingharbour.com

Movie nights, paddleboat rides, a huge tree, the Santa Fun Run and the Polish Christmas Festival tomorrow, Saturday night fireworks and 21 glow-in-the-dark inflatable Santas add up to an incredible chunk of Christmas cheer for the whole family.

● Dee Why Christmas By The Beach, Dee Why Beach; December 19, 5pm-9pm, free entry, warringah.nsw.gov.au

Head to Dee Why on the last Friday before Christmas for twilight markets that might just have your last-minute Christmas gift. There will be kids craft, music, carol singing and, of course, Santa.

● Domain, Carols In The Domain, Royal Botanic Garden; December 20, 8.30pm-11pm, free, carolsinthedomain.com

For more than 30 years, families have taken their rugs, low seats and picnics to the city for Australia’s biggest free carol-singing festival. This year’s stars include Adam Garcia, Judith Durham, the cast of Wicked The Musical and The Wiggles.

Carols return to The Domain on December 20

ENGADINE

● Engadine Christmas Fun Day, Engadine Town Square, 1040 Old Princes Hwy, Engadine; December 6, 9am-3pm, free, sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au

Join Santa at Engadine today for heaps of fun, including markets stalls, mini train rides, a petting zoo, mini putt golf and entertainment.

FAIRFIELD

● Fairfield Christmas Tree, Epoch Plaza, Fairfield Town Centre, daily; Carols In The Garden, Fairfield City Museum And Gallery, 632 The Horsley Dve, Smithfield, December 6, 6pm-8.30pm; fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

Check out the huge tree in the centre of town and join in tonight’s session of carol singing, along with live entertainment, a craft market and refreshments.

GLENHAVEN

● Glenhaven Carols By Candlelight, Glenhaven Oval, Glenhaven; December 14, 5.30pm-9pm, free, thehills.nsw.gov.au

Carnivale comes to the hills when local dance groups, young entertainers and school dances perform and support carol singing. It culminates in a big fireworks show.


HUNTERS HILL, HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS, HYDE PARK BARRACKS

● Hunters Hill Carols In The Park, Boronia Oval, Ryde and Park Rds, Hunters Hill; December 7, from 6pm, free, huntershill.nsw.gov.au

Carols, Santa, fireworks, face-painting, an animal farm, crafts — what more would you want from a Yuletide event?

● Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular, 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin;
daily except Christmas Day, 6.30pm-10pm, adult $25, child $20, under 3 free, family $60, huntervalleygardens.com.au

More than 1.5 million lights will dazzle people young and old in this amazing show featuring Winne The Pooh, Alice In Wonderland and a North Pole display. There is also live music, roaming performers and the chance to meet Santa for a photo.

● Hyde Park Barracks Museum Christmas Fare, Macquarie St, City; December 18, 4pm-8pm, gold-coin entry, sydneylivingmuseums.com.au

More than 40 food artisans will be selling their handcrafted specialist foods and beverages at this unique Christmas fair. You can buy gifts and sample some of the fine produce on offer plus explore the museum.

Grab a gift, or two, at Hyde Park Barracks Christmas market

ILLAWONG

● Illawong RFS Santa Runs 2014, Illawong; December 13-24 weekdays from 6pm, weekends from 4pm, free, facebook.com/IllawongRFS

The fire brigade will be taking Santa for rides through the Illawong area to meet local families and kids.

JENOLAN CAVES

● Jenolan Caves Christmas Day Lunch and Dinner, Chisolms Restaurant, Jenolan Caves; December 25, various times and prices, jenolancaves.org.au

If you’re looking for a different Christmas experience, why not chill out in the mountains? Lunch and dinner menus and accommodation in the heritage complex are available and cave tours will run on Christmas and Boxing Day.

KARIONG, KELLYVILLE, KING STREET WHARF

● Kariong Christmas Fair 2014, Mount Penang Gardens And Event Park, Kariong; December 7 9am-2pm, free, fixxevents.com.au

Join MasterChef’s Julie Goodwin and 150 stallholders for the Central Coast’s largest Christmas fair. There will be heaps of entertainment and plenty of activities at a great new location.

● Kellyville Hills Community Carols, Hills Adventist College, 4 Gum Nut Close, Kellyville; December 14, 5pm-8pm, free, hillscommunitycollege.com

This is a true family Christmas event with live entertainment, carol singing as well as organised fun and games for the kids.

● King Street Wharf Ribbon Cone Christmas Tree, Promenade and Lime Sts, City; daily from 8pm, free, kingstreetwharf.com.au

You won’t miss this Christmas tree. Standing 13m tall, this unique Slovakian-made, Australian-designed ribbon tree has 1500 LED lights and is environmentally friendly.

King St Wharf’s Christmas tree has 1500 LED lights

LIVERPOOL

● Liverpool Tree Lighting Ceremony and Night Markets, Macquarie St, Liverpool; December 6, 4pm-9.30pm, free entry, Liverpool.nsw.gov.au/nightmarkets

Sing along with Christmas carols as Liverpool’s big tree is lit. Check out the night markets for Christmas gifts and a delicious meal.

MARRICKVILLE

● Marrickville Kids Zone: Christmas Craft, Marrickville Library, Marrickville and Petersham Rds, Marrickville; December 11, 3.30pm-4.30pm, free, marrickville.nsw.gov.au

Book ahead for this terrific kids craft workshop that will teach your youngsters how to design and make their own Christmas cards and decorations.

NORTH RYDE

● North Ryde Carols On The Common, Wicks and Twin Rds, North Ryde; December 21, from 5.30pm, carolsonthecommon.org.au

Join the crowds at one of Sydney’s biggest carols festivals. There will be live entertainment, kids rides, food stalls and fireworks.

ORAN PARK

● Oran Park Christmas Lights, various venues, Oran Park; daily, free, oranparktown.com.au

The residents of one of our newest suburbs have been encouraged to light up their houses for a Christmas competition so there should be plenty to see if you take a drive to the southwest.

PARRAMATTA, PENRITH

● Parramatta Christmas Tree, Centenary Square, Parramatta, daily, free, parracity.nsw.gov.au; Carols By Candelight, Old Government House, Parramatta Park, December 6, 7pm-9pm, gold coin donation, nationaltrust.org.au

Check out the massive tree in the new-look square in Church St and head over to the park to sing traditional carols along with the NSW Police Band, the Model Farms High School choir. See Santa arrive as well.

● Penrith Carols By Candlelight, Penrith Paceway, Penrith; December 14, gates 4pm, from 6pm-9pm, free, clubpacewaypenrith.com

Father Christmas is flying in by chopper, there will be live entertainment and dancers and there’s even a race for people dressed as Santa. Add in carol singing and fireworks and you have a big night out.

Imaad Scowdhury, 2, and Scarlet Aiken, 2, check out the tree in Parramatta’s new-look square. Picture credit: Phillip Rogers

QVB

● QVB Christmas, George St, City; daily, various times, free entry, photos various prices, qvb.com.au

The Swarovski Christmas tree, with more than 144,000 ornaments and 60,000 lights, is a majestic sight, particularly in such an iconic setting as the historic Queen Victoria Building. Santa and his helpers will be in residence in the crystal garden for those wanting a Christmas photo.

RICHMOND

● Richmond Rotary Carols in Richmond Park, Windsor and East Market Sts, Richmond; December 14, 6pm-10pm, free, hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au

Settle down for a family night in the centre of Richmond. You can buy electric candles, glow sticks and glowing bracelets to help light up your night as you sing along.

STRATHFIELD, SYDNEY TOWER

● Strathfield Christmas Carols Featuring Movies In The Park, Strathfield Park, Homebush Rd, Strathfield; today 5pm-10pm, free, strathfieldmovies.com.au

Combine carol singing with the outdoor screening of the kids movie Frozen. Santa will appear and the evening ends with a big fireworks display.

● Sydney Tower Eye Santa’s Grotto, Westfield Sydney, 100 Market St, City; daily 9am-10pm, adult $26, child $15, sydneytowereye.com

Soar 250m into the sky to see Santa at the highest place in town — the top of the Sydney Tower. Get a free photo with Santa, receive a free gift and admire the spectacular view.

Get a photo with Santa at Sydney Tower

THORNLEIGH, TURRAMURRA

● Thornleigh Family Christmas Carols By Candelight, Headen Park, Sinclair Ave, Thornleigh; December 14, 6.30pm-9.30pm, free, hornsby.nsw.gov.au

Bring a picnic rug and settle in for live music and community carols. And there’s face-painting for the kids.

● Turramurra Carols In The Chapel, Lady Davidson Hospital Chapel, Bobbin Head Rd,
North Turramurra; December 14, 5pm-6.30pm, free, bobbinheadchurch.com.au

Enjoy a traditional night of carol singing in church led by the Landings Choir following a festive supper.

UMINA

● Umina Library Christmas Storytime, Umina Library, West and Bullion Sts, Umina; December 16, 10.30am-11.30am, free, gosford.nsw.gov.au

There are plenty of Christmas events around the Central Coast but if you are looking at something a little different for the kids, check out the activities at Umina library. Even Santa will be showing up.

VAUCLUSE

● Vaucluse House Make And Take: Christmas Craft, Wentworth Rd, Vaucluse; December 13 and 14 noon-3pm, child $5 plus museum entry, sydneylivingmuseums.com.au

Kids aged three and over can learn how to make Christmas decorations and try ginger biscuits in two fun afternoons.

WOLLONGONG

● Wollongong 25th Annual Bikers Toy Run, Crown St Mall, Wollongong; December 6, from 10.30am, free, wollongong.nsw.gov.au

The motorbikes will be cruising from Shellharbour to the centre of Wollongong bringing gifts for disadvantaged kids. They arrive from 11am and Santa will be there too. There will be live entertainment and free face-painting.

XMAS X-FACTOR

● Xmas X-Factor, A Very Puppy Christmas, The Skyline Drive-In, Blacktown; December 21, 7am-2pm, car $2, walk-in $1, blacktownmarkets.com.au

We don’t have any suburbs starting with X but this event should be a great way to start the Christmas week. Bring along your pooch and enter the best dressed dog, owner-dog lookalike and ugliest dog contest. There will be heaps of pet-themed stalls and live entertainment.

YAGOONA

●Yagoona Lights, 169 Wycombe St, Yagoona; daily from 7.30pm, free, yagoonalights.com

Plenty of people put Christmas lights on their houses but few set up a website complete with videos and lighting details. This guy even has an FM radio station you can tune into for music to sequence the lights.

ZETLAND

● Zetland Laneway Learning At the Library; Bath Bombs, Green Square Library, Joynton Ave, Zetland; December 6, 11am, free, cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

At this workshop, all materials are supplied to make perfumed bath bombs.

Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/arts/embrace-the-spirit-of-christmas-with-our-a-z-of-festive-events-across-sydney/story-fniv7r7y-1227145536521

2014 Santa Fest at Darling Harbour

SANTA FEST!

For one magical month, Darling Harbour will be a sensational Santa-packed celebration bringing joy to the whole family.

When: Sat 29 Nov - Wed 24 Dec
Where: Darling Harbour, NSW, 2000

Prepare to be wowed this Christmas at Australia’s biggest celebration of all things Santa!

For one magical month, Darling Harbour will be a sensational Santa-packed celebration bringing joy to the whole family.

The wonder of Santa Fest kicks off with paddleboat rides on the bay from November 29. Put the big bang into your celebrations with fireworks over Cockle Bay every Saturday.

And there’s so-ho-ho much more! There’s Carols around the precinct, Santa Movies Under the Stars, a colouring-in competition for the kids and all the jollity of the Variety Santa Fun Run.

Santa Fest is big and beautiful - all part of making your Christmas celebrations in Sydney special.

We’re sure you’ve been good or we know you’ll try, so you better watch out and we’ll tell you why – Santa Fest is coming to town!

Make sure your Christmas in the city is Santastic!

Sydney Expecting 17 Million Tourists With Massive Line-Up of Events over Summer

Last year more than 16 million visitors flocked to Sydney between October and March. Picture: Destination NSW

Tourism is massive business in Sydney — last year’s 16 million visitors, from regional, interstate and international origins, stayed more than 48 million nights and added a whopping $8 billion to the NSW economy.

There are a host of premier sporting events taking place in the city over Summer, including the Cricket World Cup, the AFC Asian Cup and the Australian Open of Surfing.

These are in addition to the regular sporting smorgasbord that takes place in Sydney each season including a Test series against India, the Sydney International tennis and A-League matches.

But it’s not just sport that tourists will be able to enjoy.

Known the world over as throwing one of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations, Sydney will again put on an incredible fireworks display come January 31.

There’s also Tropfest, the Sydney International Art Series and Dirty Dancing.

“Summer in Sydney will once again give every visitor something to enjoy — from our beautiful beaches, fantastic food and wine, great shopping and of course our major events and festivals,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Troy Grant said.

“With over 20 Sydney events supported by Destination NSW, covering everything from sports, arts, entertainment and lifestyle, there’s plenty to choose from.”

EVENTS COMING UP IN SYDNEY

• Cricket World Cup
• AFC Asian Cup
• The Extreme Sailing Series
• Tropfest, Australia Day
• AACTA Awards
• Hurley Australian Open of Surfing
• Sydney International Art Series and
• Dirty Dancing

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20 free things to do in Melbourne

© Alan Lam/CC BY ND 2.0 Photographers love arcades like Block Court in Collins Street.

Melbourne is consistently voted the world’s most liveable city and Melburnians are quick to tell visitors what makes this city such a great place to live from their favourite restaurants (’400 Gradi makes the world’s best margarita, you know!’) to the laneway bars and cafes (‘better than Sydney’). But what makes a city really liveable is the stuff you can enjoy without opening your wallet.

Here is our guide to the best free stuff to do in the world’s most liveable city.

1. Go gallery hopping
The National Gallery of Victoria boasts an impressive collection with big names like Drysdale, Rodin and Constable among the many permanent works that can be seen for free in its international collections. Its premier gallery on St Kilda Road is itself a work of art, worth a tour in its own right, with a lofty stained-glass atrium that could make art aficionados skip with joy. At the Ian Potter Centre, just up the road in Federation Square, is the Australian collection which includes a stunning ground floor gallery of Aboriginal works.

While you’re at Federation Square, pop into the city’s celebrated ACMI (the Australian Centre for the Moving Image) for an interactive history of film and TV, including a good old dose of Neighbours nostalgia (Melbourne is the home of Neighbours, after all). Next up is the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art on Southbank – another architectural gem with a revolving exhibition calendar. Still not sated? There are a number of private galleries in the Flinders Lane precinct with smaller exhibitions of local and international artists.

© Terrazzo/CC BY-SA 2.0 Melbourne's free City Circle tram.

2. Tour the arty alleyways
Over the past decade Melbourne’s laneways have gone from shortcut passages in the main city grid to proud canvasses for some of the world’s best street art. You won’t find Banksy’s work here (it was reportedly painted over in error by a council worker), but what you will find is a dizzying mash-up of colourful murals by well-known local artists (names you will become more familiar with such as Be Free and Ha-Ha) as well as contributions from visiting artists. Start at Hosier Lane (opposite Federation Square) and follow the maze of laneways heading north from there. Part of the laneways experience is getting lost, but our street art walking tour map in the guide will help make sure you don’t miss any of the best bits.

3. Cycle the city back streets
Melbourne City government launched its public bicycle scheme (melbournebikeshare.com.au) in 2010 (you’ll see the blue bike kiosks dotted around the city) which makes exploring this cycle-friendly city even easier for visitors. OK, so there’s a holding deposit to get your mitts on one of these bikes, but the first 30 minutes’ hire is free. That’s just enough time to cycle from one end of the CBD to the other. Or break your day into a series of short hops, picking up and dropping off bikes at different kiosks all over town. For the prettiest Yarra River views, start your day at Freshwater Place on Southbank and whizz over Sandridge Bridge, checking out the Traveller installations en route to iconic Flinders Street Station on the fringe of the CBD.

4. Get high with rooftop views
You’re not going to be popular with the publicans of these bars and pubs if you don’t bust out a note and buy a drink, but technically you can get a lot of great views of Melbourne without forking out on the Sky Deck at the Eureka Tower. Roof tops bars dot the city from Swanston Street’s Rooftop Bar & Cinema (rooftopcinema.com.au) to Madame Brussels (madamebrussels.com) at the other end of Bourke Street. You can pretty much bar crawl your way around the CBD, soaking up Melbourne’s New-Yorkesque skyline as you go.

5. Meander Melbourne's many markets
Melburnians love a good market, and the city is stuffed to the gills with them. In almost any neighbourhood you can find markets selling fresh local produce, handmade crafts, secondhand treasures or gourmet hawker dishes at some point in the week. Browsing is free of course, and there are usually plenty of food samples to taste if you’re tempted. Besides the obvious big hitter, Queen Victoria Market in the city, there are plenty of less touristy markets to check out across town depending on where you’re staying. Try Camberwell Market (sundaymarket.com.au) for a Parisienne flea market vibe; the Rose Street Artists Market (rosestmarket.com.au) in Fitzroy to soak up some Melbourne creativity;  the summer-time-only Night Market at Victoria Market (qvm.com.au/night-market)  for hawker-style food and live music; and the Farmers Market at Abbotsford Convent or the Collingwood Children’s Farm (slowfoodmelbourne.com.au) for a bit of rural idyll in the city.

6. Soak up beachlife at St Kilda foreshore
When the city scene gets too much, head down to breezy St Kilda beach to witness a different kind of buzz. Wander along the sea front promenade and down St Kilda pier to take in the views, watch the fishermen or gawp at the gutsy windsurfers catching some waves. Acland Street is prime people-watching territory with pavement cafes galore; locals and tourists alike come here to window-shop and drool over the street’s old-school European cake shops. Snap the obligatory photo in front of Luna Park’s iconic grin before heading inside to check out its creaky amusement rides of yesteryear such as the carousel and scenic railway rollercoaster. Play the spectator because the rides will cost you. On Sundays a craft market sets up along the Esplanade. The back streets of St Kilda and neighbouring Elwood also deliver plenty for the architecture buff with some Victorian mansions, Edwardian houses, art-deco apartments and modernist units from the 1950s and 60s. Families should seek out the St Kilda Adventure Playground – a real treat for older kids.

© Alan Lam/CC BY ND 2.0 Historic carousel at Luna Park, St Kilda.

7. Appreciate Aboriginal history at the Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre
You may be wandering around Melbourne wondering what the place looked like before it was colonised by the British two centuries ago. For an introduction to the region from the traditional custodians, the Wurundjeri people, and to learn a few things about contemporary Koorie history and culture, head to the Koorie Heritage Trust’s Cultural Centre  in King Street (relocating to Federation Square mid-2015). A permanent social history exhibition is complemented by changing exhibitions by new and established Aboriginal artists. The Melbourne Museum also has excellent information on indigenous social and culture heritage but is only free for students and members.

8. Lap the centre in the City Circle Tram
This is your short-cut to seeing Melbourne city centre without breaking a sweat (although your ear drums may not thank you – the commentary is informative enough, but a little too loud for all but for the hard of hearing). The City Circle Tram trundles along a loop around the city and down to the waterfront precinct of Docklands. Heritage ‘W class’ trams run the circuit with wooden chairs, brass and leather hand straps like the originals from 1923.

9 Quiet reading at the State Library
The State Library of Victoria isn’t as stuffy as the name may suggest. This heritage building was established in 1854 and today, the collection numbers more than two million books. But you’re really here for the building. Its epicentre, the octagonal La Trobe Reading Room, was completed in 1913 when its dome was the largest of its kind in the world. Natural light illuminates the ornate plasterwork and the studious Melburnians who come here to pen their essays. Grab a map at the front desk and go for a self-guided tour of the Reading Room and the exhibition galleries. The library also plays host to a revolving door of exhibitions from literary to the fine arts, as well as free classes, workshops, talks and kids activities. Check out the events calendar on its website.

© Rexness/CC BY-SA 2.0 Federation Square, home to the NGV and ACMI

10. Pack a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Close to the hearts of all those who call Melbourne home the Royal Botanic Gardens is a top place to engage with local life. Dating from 1857, this 38-hectare swathe of hilly green space at the edge of the CBD is divided up into different themes with a lake at its centre. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a long afternoon picnicking and then stroll the myriad paths within the park. There is also a purpose-built Children’s Garden for families with a water fountain and man-made creek to splash in come summer. Night and day, but particularly early in the mornings, you’ll be sharing the perimeter with fitness fanatics running the 3.84km circuit of the garden known locally as ‘The Tan’.  Keen botanists should check the website for free guided tours.

11. Get reverential in Melbourne's churches
You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the construction of some of Melbourne’s grand churches. The gothic St Paul’s Cathedral (opposite Federation Square) is built on the same site where the first Christian service in Victoria was held in 1835. A few minutes away are St Michael’s Uniting Church and Scots Church: both also architecturally impressive and quiet oases in the city.

12. Instagram your pick of Melbourne's architectural gems
Speaking of architecture, Melbourne city centre is rife with heritage-protected buildings of various eras and styles. Get ready to fill your camera data card quickly as you wander the streets spotting the famous or quirky city buildings, old advertising paintings and far-out futuristic structures. Standouts include the Flinders Street Railway Station, Federation Square, Block Arcade, the Nicholas Building and ANZ’s gothic headquarters. And if you love to share there’s Instagtam as well as open Flickr groups to upload your best compositions. Every July, you can go one step further and get a free peep inside many of Melbourne’s off-limits architectural highlights at the city’s annual Open House event.

13. Pay your respect at the Shrine of Remembrance
The statuesque Shrine of Remembrance, off St Kilda Rd, was completed in 1934 as a dedication to the men and women who lost their lives in WWI. Historical exhibitions shed light on the sacrifices made and it’s the site of some of Melbourne’s most important military and remembrance ceremonies such as ANZAC day. Visible from the other end of town, planning regulations continue to restrict any building that would obstruct the view of the shrine from Swanston St as far back as Lonsdale St. A climb to the steps of the shrine will be rewarded with fine views across the city.

14. Gigs, gigs, free gigs
After coffee, street art and footy (Australian Rules football, that is) Melburnians love their live music. There is a host of free gigs on all over the city pretty much any day of the week. In the city Cherry Bar is infamous as a rock venue (appropriately on AC/DC Lane) and has a mix of free as well as paid-entry gigs. Also in town is Ding Dong, Toff in Town and the John Curtain Bandroom. If you prefer folk, blues, jazz, pop, or even Australian hip-hop (yep there is such a thing) check listings in the local street press like Beat,  which you can pick up at bars, pubs and cafes, or the indy radio-station RRR’s online gig guide (rrr.org.au). Beyond the CBD, suburbs such as Northcote (Northcote Social Club), Brunswick (The Retreat) and St Kilda (The Esplanade Hotel) all have plenty of live-music venues.

15. Become a literature buff at the Wheeler Centre
The founders of Lonely Planet funded the Wheeler Centre in 2010, the same year Melbourne was listed as a UNESCO City of Literature. Occupying a portion of the State Library Building, the Centre is a space for ‘Books, Writing and Ideas’. Regular events, including workshops and talks from artists, writers, architects and publishers are usually free to attend. Bookings can be made via the website.

© Daniel2177/CC BY 2.0 Melbourne Town Hall is a popular performance venue.

16. Wave to the masses from Melbourne's Town Hall
History and architecture aficionados will enjoy touring the Melbourne Town Hall. The building is made from a mix of bluestone and Tasmanian freestone and stands authoritatively on the main city thoroughfare of Swanston Street. It is still a well-used venue with concerts, comedy and public talks held in the main auditorium as well as the smaller chambers year round. Another big draw is the Grand Organ dating from 1929. To go behind the scenes and stand on the portico where The Beatles and Abba once waved to their adoring fans you can book a free Town Hall tour (weekdays only) by calling 03 9658 9658.

17. Play board games at the pub
Fancy sharing a pint with some Aussies at a local pub… while pouring over a nostalgia-inducing board game or getting stuck into a giant jenga competition? Get your geek on and make a beeline for the Royal Standard Hotel every second Wednesday at 6pm. There are other gaming groups that meet in different parts of the city. Check out a calendar of events on Meetup.

18. Delve into Melbourne's early urban history
To really get under Melbourne’s skin, ditch the CBD and explore some of the city’s urban history in the increasingly gentrified neighbourhoods of the inner north. Online walking tours of Collingwood, Abbotsford and Clifton Hill are available from the local council’s website and take you past industrial icons like the Skipping Girl Vinegar sign (best seen at dusk) as well as Abbotsford Convent and Dights Falls.

19. Point at the pollies in parliament
No, you can’t take popcorn with you for a session of Victorian parliament but watching Australian politicians debating the latest in government policy can be entertaining. Check the government’s Parliament website to find out when you can spectate on the Legislative of Assembly for free. If watching politicians trying to score cheap political points in the luxe leather-and-wood environment of this stately house isn’t your thing, you may get more out of the free public tour instead.

20. Plane spot at Melbourne Airport and the RAAF Museum
It may be a trek to get to the Royal Australian Air Force Museum in Point Cook, but the aircraft and aviation displays are fascinating and free (donations are appreciated). Call ahead to enquire about the guided tours, only on offer for groups of six or more, though you may be able to join another group. For more aviation enjoyment on a budget, you can join the plane-spotters watching aeroplanes taking off from Melbourne airport near the corner of Oaklands road and Sunbury Road.

Source: http://www.msn.com/en-au/travel/article/20-free-things-to-do-in-melbourne/ar-BBde2xl?ocid=mailsignout


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