Cats - Coming Soon to Capitol Theatre Sydney

Following its triumphant return on the West End, the acclaimed revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical CATS is set to have audiences purring with pleasure when it comes to the Capitol Theatre from 30 October.

DELTA GOODREM is confirmed to play the coveted role of Grizabella in Sydney and will sing Memory, one of the most well-known songs of all time.

Receiving outstanding reviews from critics and bloggers alike, this new production extended its London season due to overwhelming public demand.  Now audiences here will see the 2015 Olivier Award-nominated revival, which reunited the original creative team and brought CATS back to the West End after a 12 year absence.

Based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the show is alive with highly entertaining feline characters and wonderful witty verse, as the Jellicle Cats come out to play in a larger-than-life junkyard on the night of the Jellicle Ball.  One by one they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the Cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a new life.

One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, CATS has enchanted more than 73 million people in over 300 cities around the world, winning numerous awards including Olivier and Tony awards for Best Musical.

Featuring a fantastical set, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s magnificent score that includes the poignant hit song ‘Memory’, dazzling choreography and stunning costumes, CATS is a brilliant song and dance spectacular – you won’t believe your eyes!


‘Simply purrfect’. Daily Mirror, UK


From 30 October 2015 for a strictly limited season

View the Capitol Theatre Website for More Information 

Nearby accommodation from Metro Hotels:

Aspire Hotel Sydney
Metro Hotel Marlow Sydney Central
Metro Hotel on Pitt
Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour
Metro Apartments on King

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is Celebrating the Arrival of the First Koala Joey for the 2015 Breeding Season!

IT'S A BOY! We are celebrating our newest koala joey. This adorable baby boy is now beginning to explore the world outside his mother’s pouch after being born 14 January 2015!

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is celebrating the arrival of the first koala joey for the 2015 breeding season!

Let’s make sure we share this exciting news with all of our Sydney guests.

Quick Facts:

Gender: Male

Date of Birth: 14^th January 2015

Parents: Erica and Jack

Current Home: Gum Tree Valley

Name: Fun fact coming soon!

Our adorable koala joey's favourite activities include eating Eucalyptus, hanging out with mum and sleeping!

Visit the Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Nearby accommodation at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour and Metro Apartments on King

Top 9 Things To Do At The Royal National Park

Photo Credit: Andy Richards/NSW Government

Top 9 Things To Do At The Royal National Park

Royal National Park is a national park in New South Wales, Australia, 29 km south of Sydney CBD. Located at Audley, just 32km from Sydney city, the park offers incredible beauty and natural diversity just minutes from the highway and train station.

The Royal National Park is the world's second oldest purposed national park (after Yellowstone in the United States), and the first to use the term "national park".

In this natural haven, open ocean, sandstone cliffs and wetlands meet grassy woodland, rainforests, coastal heathland and eucalypt forests. You will also find some significant geological sites, including fascinating beach ridges at Cabbage Tree Basin.

1. Bushwalking and Hiking

The perfect escape for hikers, beginners or those who enjoy a scenic but challenging walk, you can't go past bush walking throughout the Royal National Park. There are numerous walking trails, for walkers of different levels and of different landscapes throughout the park. Over 100 kilometres of walking tracks take in a wide range of scenery - from forests to valleys to beaches - so you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to taking photos.

The most popular walk is the Coast Walk, which wraps around the park's eastern edge and delivers breath taking coastal scenery. It is a 30 kilometre track, beginning from Bundeena to Otford, or vice versa. It's recommended that walkers allow 2 days for the walk.

Coast Walk

Photo Credit: http://www.cronullabeachyha.com

2. Boating and Canoeing 

The park offers two different landscapes for boating - the river system or along the coast line. Towra Beach is an area of protected wetlands, sand flats and seagrass that can only be reached by boat or paddling. A tranquil beach that's great for padding and exploring, so pack a picnic or build a sandcastle by its calm waters. Any visitors will mostly be of the winged kind; rare migrating birds wade the coastline. To reach Towra Beach, you'll need to bring your own canoes or kayaks.

If you’d like to go on a boating or paddling adventure inside the park, you can launch your canoe or kayak from the nearby boat ramp at Fitzpatrick Park.

Inside the park resides the Hacking River which offers affordable boat and canoe hire for a fun filled day out to explore the river system. Boat and canoe hire at the Audley Boat Hire starts at AUD$20 for 1 hour hire to $40 for a day hire. At the end of the river is a beautiful waterfall and rock beds - great place to rest and relax.

Audley Boat Hire (inside Royal National Park): http://www.audleyboatshed.com/index.html

Hacking River

Photo Credit: http://blog.thinadoukasphoto.com

3. Picnics and BBQs

When you’re pining for the feel of sand between your toes, take the family and head to Wattamolla Beach picnic area. With loads of options to keep everyone happy, this is a popular place to base yourself while you’re exploring the park. Unpack a picnic under the shade of the cabbage tree palms and do some serious unwinding, or have a delicious barbeque.

Cabbage Tree Basin is a great place for relaxing and to have picnics. The area even offers gas barbecues so you can cook up a feast.

If you’re looking to escape the city for a relaxing day near the river, head to picturesque Reids Flat picnic area. When it’s time for lunch, spark up a free gas barbecue and cook up a feast, then enjoy it on a rug or one of the nearby picnic tables.

Fitzpatrick Park is another excellent place for picnics and barbeques. Let the kids to kick a ball or throw a frisbee to work up an appetite. After a tasty picnic or barbecue lunch, relax on your picnic rug, take in some sunshine or set off on an exploration of the park.

Wattamolla Beach

Photo Credit: NSW Government

4. Cycling

Lady Carrington Drive is an easy bike trail that follows the Hacking River upstream from Audley. Cycling over 15 creeks, each identified by its Aboriginal name, you’ll pass blue gums, turpentines and patches of rainforest. Keep your ear out for the mimicking call of the lyrebird and your eyes peeled for lace monitors and echidnas.

Loftus loop trail is a 10km trail that is bound to get your heart rate up. You’ll cover 8km of trail, along with 2km of designated bike track. Terrain changes from flat, wide trails to steep, single-track trails that can be a little rocky under your tyres. There are some steep sections around Temptation Creek, so it’s best to walk these if you’re an inexperienced rider. This diverse terrain makes Loftus loop trail one of Royal National Park’s most enjoyable cycling trails.

Lady Carrington Drive

Photo Credit: David Finnegan/NSW Government

5. Swimming, Surfing and Snrokelling 

Wattamolla Beach lagoon offers safe and enjoyable calm waters for snorkelling, swimming and liloing for the whole family. After enjoying a barbecue lunch, go for a walk along one of the beach tracks, with a prize for the first to see a sea eagle or oystercatcher.

Wattle Forest picnic area offers a beautifully scenic place for a swim for the family. You could be tempted to while away a lazy afternoon in the shade by the river, serenaded by the cockatoos and currawongs, or join the kids for some swimming.

Garie Beach picnic area is the spot for swimming and surfing the waves in the warmer months. It’s an ideal spot for birdwatching, so bring the binoculars for a chance to glimpse an albatross, sea eagle, and the rarer peregrine falcon as they cruise on the updraft from coastal breezes. Please note, Garie Beach does not have lifeguards on duty.

Garie Beach

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

6. Beaches

If you want a day at the beach, the Royal National park offers an array of beaches to choose from.

• Jibbon Beach - offers scenic grounds, Aboriginal tours, fishing and swimming areas.
• Garie Beach - ideal for swimming, fishing and picnics on this gorgeous and family-friendly beach.
• Wattamolla Beach - a calm lagoon and sheltered cove with a sandy bar at the inlet, perfect for snorkelling.
• Werrong Beach - a secluded beach paradise for nudists.

Wattamolla Beach

Photo Credit: Andy Richards/NSW Government

7. Jet-skiing 

Morgans Creek picnic area is a riverside picnic area in Georges River National Park. It’s large and grassy, so an excellent choice for families with children who like lots of space to roam. Popular with anyone who likes to play on the river, you’ll find waterskiers and jetskiers as well as boaters and fishermen out enjoying the water. A dual width boat ramp and easy access from the carpark means you will be out on the water in no time. So take your jet ski down for an awesome ride.

Morgans Creek

Photo Credit: Andy Richards/NSW Government

8. Fishing

Fitzpatrick Park is just the place for a spot of family fishing – cast a line to try your hand at catching a luderick, mullet or mulloway. For beach fishing, you can't go past Wattamolla Beach for a spot of fishing. Jibbon Beach also offers a fantastic spot for fishing on the sands. Reids Flat picnic area provides a calm area for fishing.

Reids Flat

Photo Credit: Andy Richards/NSW Government

9. Whale Watching

Head to Garie Beach for a spot of whale watching in the winter. Every year, humpback whales and southern right whales migrate along the NSW coastline. They head north throughout June and in the first week of July, and return southwards from around September to November. If you're unsure of when to go to spot them, try a walking tour. Sydney Coast Walks (formerly known as Royal Coast Walks) provides expertly guided half day, full day and overnight walking and hiking adventures through Royal National Parks, enabling guests to reconnect with nature and experience the wonder of whale watching.

Sydney Coast Walks: http://www.sydneycoastwalks.com.au/

Whale Watching Sydney

Photo Credit: NSW Government

Accommodation 

Looking for suitable accommodation near the Royal National Park? Then look no further than the
Metro Hotel Miranda, strictly non-smoking, conveniently located in the Sutherland area and only a 10 minute drive to the Royal National Park. Situated in the premier corner position, our hotel suites have kitchenettes and magnificent views over Sydney city. The hotel is located across from Westfield Miranda and cafes and shops. Sutherland Hospital is only a 3 minute drive away from the hotel. For those coming by public transport, the hotel is only 5 minutes walk from Miranda train station.

Metro Hotel Miranda is the only hotel near Cronulla which does not impose minimum night stays.

Location: Cnr Kingsway and Jackson Ave, Miranda NSW 2228 Australia
Book Metro Hotel Miranda Online: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-hotel-miranda/welcome/

Orion Lagoon Opening - Robelle Domain at Springfield Central Ipswich 5th September 2015

A NEW world class lagoon swimming pool has been completed and ready for launch at Robelle Domain. It will be one of the biggest public lagoon-style swimming pools in Australia.

The exciting new lagoon at Robelle Domain at Springfield Central is nearing completion so what better way to celebrate the start of Spring and the warmer days with a splash around the new lagoon!

There will be lots of fun happening at the opening event including roving performers, entertainment, and of course the lagoon will be open for swimmers!

Springfield Markets in the park area of Robelle Domain will also be in full swing with entertainment, inflatable rides and fireworks at 7.30 pm!

Saturday, 5 September 2015
12.00 pm – 3.00 pm: Lagoon Opening Activities
12.00 pm – 8.00 pm: Springfield Markets

Access via Sinnathamby Boulevard, Springfield Central:

• FREE entry (food and beverages available for purchase)
• Alcohol free event
• Limited free parking will be available from 8.00 am – 8.00 pm.

The new swimming lagoon will be a much-desired attraction in Robelle Domain, and along with other water bodies cover a total area of 2,500 square metres.

This makes it one of Australia's largest outdoor recreation facilities of its kind.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said a review of the original plans and budget enabled council to include a zero to over a metre depth swimming lagoon equal in size to Southbank's famous beach pool.

The lagoon will cater for the local community and families right across the western corridor.
"We are committed to a city that is happy, lively and a place where people can't wait to bring their kids.

"Whether that's to have an ice cream and a splash in the lagoon on the weekend, or to make a permanent home for the family, everyone is welcome in Ipswich and we can't wait to see you.

"This is a decision by all councillors, and I want to thank them for their strategic vision and their dedication to the Ipswich of tomorrow.

"This lagoon also takes pressure off the capital and provides an ideal recreational destination for residents of all cities along the western corridor.

"Enhanced lighting, landscaping, seating, bbqs and water fountains will also be installed to make this a true recreation destination.

"Installation of Safe City CCTV cameras is planned as a future enhancement.

"These works will be a boost for the local economy with a number of jobs created during the construction phase of the project and an additional 15 full time jobs per annum for the city once the lagoon is in full operation," Cr Pisasale said.

Parks, Sport and Recreation Committee Chairperson and Division 1 Cr David Morrison said this decision will be welcomed by all local residents and families.

"The 3.74 hectare development that includes the lagoon, new green space and walking tracks brings together Robelle Domain, Orion Town Centre, Springfield Central train station, Education City and the Parklands Business District into a single unified hub.

"Being able to do some shopping at Orion, enjoy a gourmet al fresco lunch and then stroll through beautiful parklands to take the kids for a dip is in the immediate future for local residents.

"It's going to be great and as the local Councillor I am thrilled.

Springfield Land Corporation deputy chairman Bob Sharpless welcomed the commencing of works and confirmation of the lagoon pool.

"This is another significant milestone in the history of the Springfield Central town centre," Mr Sharpless said.

"Just as South Bank has done, this South Bank at Springfield will become a tourism destination for tens of thousands of visitors with major economic flow-ons also to be  expected across the Ipswich region."

The new South Bank size lagoon parkland is expected to attract 100,000 visitors a year.

Sources: http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/about_council/media/article-archive/2014/green-light-for-swimming-lagoon-at-robelle-domain
http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/about_ipswich/news_and_events/events/robelle-domain-lagoon-opening

CRIKEY! Madame Tussauds Sydney unveils world first wax figure of Australian icon Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin wax figure

Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin was today honoured in sublime wax form at Madame Tussauds Sydney with the official unveiling of the world’s first wax likeness of the late Aussie icon.

Almost nine years since his passing, Steve Irwin’s wax figure will pay tribute to the Crocodile Hunter’s legacy as a respected wildlife expert, television personality and conservationist, and will feature as a permanent addition in the Darling Harbour attraction’s ‘TV Zone’.



“We were thrilled when Madame Tussauds approached us to create Steve’s wax figure. As a family we are continuing Steve’s legacy at Australia Zoo and carrying on where Steve left off with his global conservation work with Wildlife Warriors,” said the late Crocodile Hunter’s wife, Terri Irwin.

“The team at Madame Tussauds have done an incredible job with the figure; I’m truly amazed at how much work has gone into making his likeness as authentic as possible. His wax figure will assist keeping Steve’s memory, and his mission to protect wildlife and wild places, alive. ”

Whilst the traditional Madame Tussauds figure-making process sees the subject undergoing a thorough two day face-to-face ‘sitting’, the creative journey behind Steve’s figure required a collaborative approach with the Irwin family to capture the late Aussie icon’s exact likeness.

With the aid of a comprehensive photographic brief, a dedicated team of talented Madame Tussauds artists and sculptors spent over four months meticulously recreating every detail of Steve’s expressions and body including individually inserting each strand of hair on his head, face and chest one-by-one, a process which took the team over one month to complete.



To add to the authenticity of the Crocodile Hunter’s wax figure, the Irwin family kindly donated Steve’s original trademark khaki shirt and shorts, along with his socks and desert boots.

Steve Hinks, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Sydney said unveiling Steve’s wax figure today is an exciting time for the attraction’s domestic and international visitors, and remarked: “Steve Irwin was a true blue Aussie bloke, whose infectious personality and extreme love of wildlife captured hearts around the globe. It is an honour for Madame Tussauds Sydney to serve as the permanent home for the wax figure of Steve Irwin.”

“Since Madame Tussauds Sydney opened in 2013, Steve Irwin has been our most requested figure, so we have no doubt his amazingly lifelike wax figure will be extremely popular with our guests.”
Now on public display with the iconic Australian outback as the backdrop for the adventure, visitors can come face-to-face with the international icon and even don the iconic khaki outfits Steve Irwin was synonymous with!

Joining a long list of esteemed Australian personalities at Madame Tussauds Sydney including Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue, Rod Laver and Donald Bradman all under one roof, the all-new Steve Irwin display impeccably captures the spirit of Australia.

From Australian politicians to sporting legends, Madame Tussauds Sydney is a must-see, unique attraction in the heart of Darling Harbour that promises interactive and unique fun for the whole family.

Address: Madame Tussauds Sydney, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour SYDNEY N.S.W.
Opening Hours: From 9:30am
Phone: 1-800-205-851

Australian International Music Festival - Sydney 2015

Experience performing at Sydney’s magnificent Opera House, a memory that will last a lifetime!

Celebrating its 26th year in 2015 the Australian International Music Festival is one of the most popular and best attended events. With an average of 900 - 1,300 participants each year, there are groups from Australia, China, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and the USA providing a fantastic musical and cultural experience.



This Music Festival is open to groups of all types but in particular Wind Bands, Orchestra, Choirs and Jazz Bands. As well as performing at the Sydney Opera House, participants will also perform at venues such as the City Recital Hall [affectionately known as Angel Place] and Darling Harbour.

World Projects South Pacific aim to expand your mind with workshops from world class clinicians flown in from around the world and cultural exchanges with other bands most of whom share your passion but speak another language, an experience not to be missed.

The concert hall of the the Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous in the world. World class acts such as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Chick Corea, Simply Red, Stomp to Diana Krall perform here regularly. Even those who perform there often feel the awe of the Opera House.

For more info visit: http://www.worldprojects.com.au/musicAIMFsyd.htm

Free Kids Admission Weekend at Australian Museum and Powerhouse Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the Australian Museum Website