Theatre and Shows in Sydney

There's always a lively calendar of theatre, musicals and other performances to experience on stages scattered around Sydney. Outstanding venues include the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Theatre and the Wharf Theatre at Walsh Bay, Belvoir St Theatre, Sydney Lyric at The Star and the Riverside Theatres at Parramatta.

In 2013 the Sydney Theatre Company offers a stunning program that includes new productions of Romeo and Juliet, Waiting for Godot and The Maids by Jean Genet while Opera Australia features classical favourites including Puccini's Tosca and Verdi's La traviata. Also performing at The Playhouse in the Sydney Opera House is the Bell Shakespeare Company, bringing to life the timeless works of Shakespeare and other prolific writers throughout the year.

Major venues that host West End and Broadway shows year-round include the Theatre Royal, The Capitol Theatre in the Haymarket and The State Theatre. The Griffin Theatre Company performs new writing theatre at The Stables in Kings Cross while King Street Theatre in Newtown has cabaret, drama, pocket opera, chamber music and more.

The Seymour Theatre Centre also in Newtown, has a wide range of performing arts - drama, music theatre for young people - and is a venue for January's Sydney Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival, Sydney Children's Festival and Sydney Fringe Festival. Riverside Theatres at Parramatta has more than 700 performances a year including opera, drama, ballet, contemporary dance and musicals.

Aspire Hotel Sydney – The Perfect Base for Aspiring Scientists

Science enthusiasts from all over NSW are preparing to converge on Ultimo in the inner city for the 11 day Ultimo Science Festival, September 12 - 22, with Aspire Hotel Sydney the perfect accommodation choice for visitors.

There will be talks to challenge your perceptions of the world, hands-on activities to puzzle over, startling exhibitions, inspiring science shows and even the chance to share ideas with real research scientists.

The Ultimo Science Festival is a joint initiative of the Powerhouse Museum, Australian Broadcasting Centre, Ultimo TAFE and the University of Technology – all of which are located a short stroll from Aspire Hotel Sydney.

Tucked away in a quiet, tree-lined street in Ultimo, Aspire Hotel Sydney offers 96 spacious standard and deluxe guest rooms, each with its own ensuite with full bath, while some rooms have excellent city views and private open-air balconies looking onto green parkland or the city beyond. Modern conveniences are standard in all rooms, with Internet data ports and ‘smart bars’ which charge any incidentals directly to your hotel account.

Each room is furnished to accommodate a minimum of three people, making the hotel attractive to families seeking a peaceful respite and park-like surrounds within walking distance to all science festival venues and to the city. It is also a short stroll to nearby Wentworth Park where active families or health-conscious couples can run, cycle or enjoy a range of sporting activities at the local sports centre add to the convenience of Aspire Hotel Sydney.

The hotel is also easily accessible to the rest of the city through a myriad of transport options including light rail and city buses. Access to the airport, Blue Mountains and other attractions is from nearby Central Station. 

Not only can families enjoy the Science Festival, they can also visit IMAX Theatre, the Sydney Aquarium, the newly-opened Wildlife World, the Maritime Museum and Chinatown - all just a short stroll from the hotel, while Cockle Bay Wharf and King Street Wharf provide vibrant eating options by day and by night, as well as the place from which to explore the harbour by boat.  

Aspire Hotel Sydney is part of the Metro Hospitality Group, and is located at 383-389 Bulwara Road, Ultimo, at the north western end of Sydney’s Darling Harbour precinct.

Guests can book at Aspire Hotel Sydney and Metro Hotels properties by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 00 4321. Alternatively bookings can be made online at the new look website, www.metrohotels.com.au. 

Book the Powerhouse Museum Accommodation Package at Aspire Hotel Sydney

See all Metro Hotels Press Releases at Metro Hotels News

Dora the Explorer Live @ Capitol Theatre Sydney! Dora's Pirate Adventure ~ Oct 15 2013

Arr me hearties! Get ready for some fun with Dora the Explorer and her Pirate Adventure live show at Capitol Theatre Sydney! On for ONE SHOW ONLY on 15th Oct 2013, this is not to be missed by Dora fans!

Dora, her best buddy Boots the Monkey, and the rest of their friends embark on an exciting trip to Treasure Island. The audience helps them navigate over Dancing Mountain, through Silly Singing Bridge and to confront the Pirate Piggies. Along the way, the audience will use their map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully help Dora reach the treasure. All ends happily onstage with a "yo-ho-ho!"

When: Tuesday 15th October 2013

Location: Capitol Theatre Sydney - 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000 Australia

Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/Nickelodeons-Dora-the-Explorer-Live-Doras-tickets/artist/1545577

Staying in Sydney for the show?  

Need accommodation near Capitol Theatre?

Look no further than Metro Hotel Sydney Central - right next door to the Capitol Theatre whilst being close to other iconic Sydney attractions. Great if you have young children who dislike walking too far or have prams. 

Website: Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Australia’s Wonderland Set for Return

News.com.au and several other sites came out last Friday with reports that Australia’s Wonderland was set to return to Sydney’s west, courtesy of Mount Druitt property developer Ammar Khan. Only, it would have a different name: Sydney’s Wonderland. The only question we have about this resurrection of the theme park that was closed in 2004 is this: will the Bush Beastie make a rattling and triumphant return?

According to the report Mr Khan said the project would take three years to complete stage one, which would include hotel operations, cinemas and restaurants, as well as a multi-themed attractions and amusements.‘The timing on when this $150 million project starts depends on when I get confirmation from stakeholders that they want to invest,’ he said.”

So, it’s a bit of a hold-your-horses type deal. At the moment the plan is a proposal (see the full plan at Sydney’s Wonderland) but we asked Mr Khan for the three most exciting aspects of his Wonderland proposal, and here’s what he gave us:

- “Wonderland will be like the Wonderland you remember… just better”: As with before, the proposed Sydney’s Wonderland will have historical themed areas and plenty of nods to your favourite TV shows (whether from the Hanna Barbera stable, we’re yet to see). While it will be “fundamentally reminiscent” of the Wonderland you know and love, it will benefit from the leaps and bounds theme park technology has taken in the last decade.

- We’ll be getting our own Disneyland-style boulevard: The new incarnation of Wonderland would be part of a precinct called the Western Sydney Theme Park precinct that would feature restaurants, parks and tourist attractions aplenty, all centred around a boulevard that will be free to enter.

- Wonderland comes with a water park and wildlife park: … though Kahn is quick to point out that Wonderland has no plans to engage in competition with Wet ‘N Wild, saying “the two facilities will differ substantially in character and theme”.

This combined with news that Wet ‘N Wild is due to open in December has the 12-year-old in us very pumped indeed.

And if you want to relive your old Wonderland Days, check out this Wonderland History website, for pics and information on the old park.

4 Reasons To Visit Darling Harbour These School Holidays!

It's the school holidays, the kids are itching to get out and about, but you're out of ideas and the Easter show is months away. If you're wondering where to take the kids, try Darling Harbour - there's always something to see, do or eat. Whether you're a big kid or young at heart, see below for fun activities to do this holiday - all conveniently combined in the one location!

4. Wildlife Sydney Zoo
If you love animals but don't want to drive out of Sydney, try the new establishment at Darling Harbour - the Wildlife Sydney Zoo. They've got cute and cuddly kangaroos, koalas, possums and quolls to creepy crawlies like scary giant cockroaches, gross insects, to bull ants, venomous snakes and more. Explore these animals and cool reptiles with the family for a fun day out.

Cost: from $14.00
When: Open Daily from 9am - 6pm (last entry STRICTLY 5pm)
Where: 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour, Sydney 2000 Australia
Tickets: http://www.wildlifesydney.com.au/tickets/#single-visit
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3. Sydney Sealife Aquarium aka Sydney Aquarium 
Where did the myth of mermaids come from? Want to see a shark up close without getting wet? If you do (or at least your kids do) then Sydney Sealife Aquarium is your ultimate destination! From dugongs to huge sharks, massive stingrays, majestic turtles, stinging jellyfish, cute penguins, sea dragons, thousands of tropical fish, enormous crabs and more, you can experience it all at Sydney Sealife Aquarium this school holiday. Walk under a giant glass tube to view all the exotic Australian marine animals in their natural habitat! The kids will love all the activities!

Cost: from $15.40
When: Open 365 days a year - 9am to 8pm. Last entries are STRICTLY 7pm.
Where: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Tickets: http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au/tickets/
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2. Madam Tussauds 
Do you have a teenager who loves celebrity mags and gossip? Does your kids want to see what their fav celebs look like face-to-face? Then they'll love getting up close to their favourite stars and celebrities at Madam Tussauds wax museum at Darling Harbour! See the historical villains and heroes of eras past, get your picture taken with famous personalities and singers, brag to your friends that you met someone famous. For a fun day checking out famous freakishly life-like wax figures, you can't go past Madam Tussauds!

Here's a short list of some of the wax celebrities you'll see: Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Lady Gaga, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bruce Willis, Marilyn Monroe, Johnny Depp, Rihanna, Michael Jackson, Kylie Minogue, Delta Goodrem, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and more!

Cost: from $15.40
When: 9:00am to 8:00pm daily (last admission 7pm)
Where: Aquarium Wharf, (next to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium) Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW 2000
Tickets: http://www.madametussauds.com/Sydney/OldBuyTickets/Default.aspx#sthash.jQXnZPCD.dpuf
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1. IMAX Cinema Sydney
Want to see the biggest TV screen in the world? Love 3D movies? Then take cinema action to the extreme with Imax Theatre Movies! Available with 3D viewing and also applicable to documentaries, Sydney's IMAX Theatre offers the ultimate viewing experience - via the LARGEST screen in the world! Watch a 3D movie or doco and see the objects come to life. View your favourite movie and get taken in visually by the huge screen and awesome sound. Imax at Darling Harbour is a must-see!

Cost: from $16.00
When: Monday - Sunday 9:30am to 10:00pm
Where: 31 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour NSW 2000, Australia
Tickets: http://www.imax.com.au/prices/ 
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Need affordable, family-friendly accommodation close to all these 4 attractions at Darling Harbour?

Look no further than Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour. Right at the heart of Darling Harbour, close to the list attractions above, walking distance to public transport and taxis, close to shops, restaurants and cafes, plus the rooms have spectacular views of Sydney Harbour!

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour (close to IMAX, Wildlife Zoo, Sealife Aquarium, Madam Tussauds)

Here's a special being offered for the school holidays:

Kids Stay Free Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour for:

• $229.00* (Sunday - Thursday)
• $329.00* (Friday)
• $400.00* (Saturday)

View details or To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/316

TOP 8 Places To Go See During School Holidays

The NSW school holidays are less than a week away, not sure what to do or where to take them during the break? See below for the top 8 school holiday ideas that will be fun for the kids AND the grown ups :)

8. Disney On Ice: Princesses & Heroes 
What could be more magical than combining Disney princesses and ice skating together?
Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes show, for 4 days only! Book your tickets for the 10 to 14th of July shows this school holidays. You'll get to see your favourite princesses, heroes and villains - from Ariel the Little Mermaid and Prince Eric, to Princess Jasmine, Aladdin, Cinderella, to Belle, Snow White, Tiana and the brand new member Rapunzel - skate, dance and create magic on ice right before your eyes.

Cost: from $28.50
When: 10th - 14th July 2013
Where: Allphones Arena, Sydney Olympic Park
Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/Shows/Show.aspx?sh=DISNEYIC13
Official Website: http://www.disneyonice.com.au

7. Wildlife Sydney Zoo
If you love animals but want to stay in Sydney, visit the Wildlife Sydney Zoo, where you'll get to see all sorts of weird, wacky and wonderful iconic Australian animals. From kangaroos, koalas and kookaburras to possums, lizards, echidnas, frogmouths to quolls - they even have creepy crawlies like giant cockroaches, bull ants and venomous snakes (behind glass of course!). This is sure to be a great day out for the family, with animals and reptiles for the whole family to enjoy.

Cost: from $14.00
When: Open Daily from 9am - 6pm (last entry STRICTLY 5pm)
Where: 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour, Sydney 2000 Australia
Tickets: http://www.wildlifesydney.com.au/tickets/#single-visit

6. Sydney Sealife Aquarium aka Sydney Aquarium
If you want to see marine and fresh water animals without getting wet, then Sydney Sealife Aquarium is your ultimate destination! From dugongs to huge sharks, massive stingrays, majestic turtles, jellyfish, penguins, sea dragons, thousands of tropical fish, enormous crabs and more, you can experience it all at Sydney Sealife Aquarium this school holiday. The aquarium is like no other place, offering underwater views of sharks and other marine life, to exhibits of freshwater rivers, tropical North waters such as the impressive Great Barrier Reef exhibit and other amazing Australian coastline waterways - all without leaving the city.

Cost: from $15.40
When: Open 365 days a year - 9am to 8pm. Last entries are STRICTLY 7pm.
Where: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Tickets: http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au/tickets/

5. Madam Tussauds
Do you have older kids? Got teenagers? Then they'll love getting up close to their favourite stars and celebrities at Madam Tussauds wax museum at Darling Harbour! At the same time, they'll get to meet the identical likeness of famous historical figures and villains. Get your photo taken with your idols and other world famous figures, and see what it might be like if you were ever to come across these celebrities in real life!
Here's a short list of some of the wax celebrities you'll see: Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Lady Gaga, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bruce Willis, Marilyn Monroe, Johnny Depp, Rihanna, Michael Jackson, Kylie Minogue, Delta Goodrem, Slim Dusty, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and more!

Cost: from $15.40
When: 9:00am to 8:00pm daily (last admission 7pm)
Where: Aquarium Wharf, (next to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium) Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW 2000
Tickets: http://www.madametussauds.com/Sydney/OldBuyTickets/Default.aspx#sthash.jQXnZPCD.dpuf

4. Luna Park Sydney
Want to have wacky, fun rides at an amusement park? Then check out Sydney's iconic Luna Park! There you'll find rides ranging from dodgem cars, giant ferris wheel, flying saucer spinning ride, tumble bug, giant slide called Devil's Drop, spinning spider, mirror maze, wonky walk, to the favourites wild mouse and tango train and much much more! They even have fun rides for the little ones: space shuttle, magic castle and whirly wheel!

Cost: Varies - see here for more info http://www.lunaparksydney.com/buy-tickets
When: Varies - see here for more info http://www.lunaparksydney.com/open-hours
Where: 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061, Australia
Tickets: http://www.lunaparksydney.com/buy-tickets

3. Powerhouse Museum
The little kids and the big kids will both love the Powerhouse Museum this school holidays! The museum is jam packed with activities and games for all ages. The Magic Garden is for 2-8 year olds and they'll get to fish in digital ponds and have loads of fun catching butterflies. For the older kids, experience what it's like to fly into space with the Zero Gravity Space Lab where you can experience the illusion of weightlessness!

Like to build stuff? Try the All-day Science Workshops where kids from ages 8-13 can be budding young scientists and engineers where they learn and play with activities designed around architecture. More into chemistry? Want to play with stuff that's slimy, explodes, oozes and sticks? Then Science On Show will sure to prove a hit where kids of any age can learn and play with substances that do weird and wacky things! A bonus for the parents - the museum has FREE WiFi throughout the venue and the cafe.

Cost: from $6.00 (Children under 4 go in free)
When: 10.00am – 5.00pm every day except Christmas Day.
Where: 500 Harris St, Ultimo (behind Chinatown and Darling Harbour)
Tickets: http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/visit/hours&charges.php
Kids Activities: http://play.powerhousemuseum.com/whats-on/

2. Sydney Tower Eye aka Sydney Centre Point Tower
If you're not afraid of heights and want to experience the ultimate views of Sydney, you can't go past The Sydney Tower Eye. Wow the kids and add a bit of fear factor with this amazing walk coupled with fantastic views of the city. With a range of tours and walks available, they have packages to suit those of the not-so-faint hearted to people who are afraid of heights. Try the Skywalk Tour where you'll be walking on glass, 268 metres above Sydney streets directly beneath your feet for a bird's-eye view of the bustling city below.

Cost: from $10.50
When: Open 364 days a year from 9am to 10:30pm  (last entry STRICTLY 9pm)
Where: Corner of Pitt Street & Market Streets, Sydney 2000 Australia
Tickets: http://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/tickets/#single-visit

1. IMAX Theatre Sydney
If you're feeling cold and a bit lazy, but want to offer the kids a fun day while getting to sit down and enjoy something, then you can't go past watching a movie or a documentary at Sydney's IMAX Theatre - featuring the LARGEST screen in the world! For the ultimate viewing experience, try a 3D show where objects in the screen seem to come to life right before your eyes. Pre-show ceiling lights also add an aura of amazement for the little ones as the ceiling mimics a clear twinkling night sky. Watch your favourite movie and relax for a family day out.

Cost: from $16.00
When: Monday - Sunday 9:30am to 10:00pm
Where: 31 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour NSW 2000, Australia
Tickets: http://www.imax.com.au/prices/


Need affordable, family-friendly accommodation close to all these top 8 attractions around Sydney?
Metro Hotels offer family-friendly comfortable hotel rooms and apartments around Sydney city that will keep you close these venues and major public transport hubs. So whether you're coming from interstate to Sydney or coming from overseas, we've got you covered!

• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour (close to IMAX, Wildlife Zoo, Sealife Aquarium)
• Metro Hotel Sydney Central (close train/bus or taxi ride to all listed attractions - except Olympic Park)
• Metro Hotel on Pitt (close to Sydney Tower Eye & quick train ride to Luna Park @ Milson's Pt)
• Aspire Hotel Sydney Ultimo (close to the Powerhouse Museum)

Each hotel or serviced apartment is close to major train stations, buses or ferries. Because all four are situated in the city, there are plenty of taxis available to catch on the street. Our city also offers a free bus service (it's a completely green bus) that loops around the main streets of Sydney. Many of the attractions can be reached by foot from our hotels. Nearby there are also supermarkets, shops, restaurants, convenience stores, ATMs, medical centres and public toilets all within walking distance.

If you'd like to arrange a stay in a Metro Hotel around Sydney, here are some specials available for booking: 

Spoil Your Child Hotel Special @ Metro Hotel Sydney Central
Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering this Spoil Your Child Special for $215.00 including:

•  One nights accommodation in a Superior 2 Double bedded room  up to two adults and two children (children aged below 12 years)
• Daily Hot Buffet Breakfast for up to 2 adults and 2 children  
• Goodies Bag on arrival for each child.
• Daily 24hrs internet
• Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/315

School Holidays Special @ Metro on Pitt
Metro Hotel on Pitt is offering this School Holidays Special from $205.00 per night (maximum 2 people per package) including:

• One nights accommodation in a Superior Queen room for up to two adults and two children (children aged below 12 years) 
• Daily Hot Buffet Breakfast for up to 2 adults and 2 children   
• Daily 24 hours FREE internet
• Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/281

Powerhouse Museum Family Accommodation Package @ Aspire Hotel
Aspire Hotel Sydney is offering this Powerhouse Museum Family Accommodation Package for the Best Available Rate + $20.00 including:

• Accommodation for up to two adults and two children
• DVD Player Rental and 2 Dvds (from our select range only)
• Car Parking (for the duration of your stay)
• Staying in a standard room
• Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/276

Dora the Explorer Live @ Capitol Theatre Sydney! Dora's Pirate Adventure ~ Oct 15 2013

Arr me hearties! Get ready for some fun with Dora the Explorer and her Pirate Adventure live show at Capitol Theatre Sydney! On for ONE SHOW ONLY on 15th Oct 2013, this is not to be missed by Dora fans!

Dora, her best buddy Boots the Monkey, and the rest of their friends embark on an exciting trip to Treasure Island. The audience helps them navigate over Dancing Mountain, through Silly Singing Bridge and to confront the Pirate Piggies. Along the way, the audience will use their map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully help Dora reach the treasure. All ends happily onstage with a "yo-ho-ho!"

When: Tuesday 15th October 2013
Location: Capitol Theatre Sydney - 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000 Australia
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/Nickelodeons-Dora-the-Explorer-Live-Doras-tickets/artist/1545577

Staying in Sydney for the show?  

Need accommodation near Capitol Theatre?

Look no further than Metro Hotel Sydney Central - right next door to the Capitol Theatre whilst being close to other iconic Sydney attractions. Great if you have young children who dislike walking too far or have prams. 

Website: Metro Hotel Sydney Central

We are currently also running a Capitol Theatre Family Accommodation Package to save you money!

For $205.00 you get:

• One nights accommodation in a Deluxe 2x Double Bedded Room  
• Daily Hot Buffet Breakfast for up to 2 adults and 2 children  
• Chocolates on arrival  

Book special here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/246

Or call: 02 9281 6999