Sydney Tourism News and Information: Sydney Attractions Opening Hours over Christmas and New Years Eve

Please find below our Trading Hours on Xmas Day and New Year’s Day -

	Sydney Aquarium	WILD LIFE Sydney	Sydney Tower Eye	Manly Ocean world
Xmas Day	9am to 5pm (last entry 4pm)	9am to 5pm (last entry 4pm)	Closed	Closed
New Year’s Day	9am to 6pm (last entry 5pm)	9am to 6pm (last entry 5pm)	9am to 10pm (last entry 9.30pm)	10am to 5.30pm (last entry 4.45pm)

All other days are –

	Sydney Aquarium	WILD LIFE Sydney	Sydney Tower Eye	Manly Ocean world
Trading Hours	9am to 8pm (last entry 7pm)	9am to 8pm (last entry 7pm)	9am to 10pm (last entry 9.30pm)	10am to 5.30pm (last entry 4.45pm)

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Sydney Attractions Opening Hours over Christmas and New Years Eve

Bugs Garden Officially Launches at WILD LIFE Sydney

Keeper gets bugged as a new, interactive habitat opens at iconic Darling Harbour attraction

WILD LIFE Sydney, today unveiled Bugs Garden – a fully interactive habitat that will house a range of peculiar insects and unique creepy crawlies, offering visitors a chance to get up close with some of Australia’s most intriguing and frightful insects.

Open in time for the summer school holidays, Bugs Garden will offer visitors an interactive glimpse into the weird and wonderful life of bugs. The hands-on habitat will encourage visitors to uncover some of Australia’s most iconic and curious creepy crawlies including Locusts, Bees, Cockroaches, Stick Insects, Grasshoppers and Spiders.

To mark the opening of the new habitat, WILD LIFE Sydney this morning saw invertebrate keeper, Evan Armstrong, get bugged as he covered himself in bugs to celebrate the launch of the attraction’s newest offering.

Over the holidays, WILD LIFE Sydney is inviting visitors to unleash their inner ‘outdoor adventurer’ and delve into a journey of discovery with some of Australia’s most unique creepy crawlies. With WILD LIFE Sydney experts on hand to discuss the important role bugs play in our daily lives, as well as a variety of up close opportunities with the squirmy, squishy and creepy crawly insects, kids will be bugging mum and dad to head to WILD LIFE Sydney these school holidays.

Bugs Garden is the eighth habitat to join WILD LIFE Sydney and will sit amongst the likes of other iconic Australian habitats such as Kakadu Gorge, The Outback and Koala Encounters.

Where: WILD LIFE Sydney, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour (next door to Sydney Aquarium)

Opening Hours: Now open 9am to 8pm daily

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Sydney Tourism News and Information: What’s On in Sydney - Major Events in 2012

An action packed 2011 is almost over and it looks like the fun, excitement and entertainment is set to roll on over into 2012. Just look at some of the fantastic events to take place in Sydney during 2012.

2012

NRL and AFL seasons March – October 2012

April

1 - 28 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival

1 - 30 Archibald, Wynee & Sulman Prizes – Art Gallery

5 - 18 Sydney Royal Easter Show

24 - 30 Sydney Comedy Festival

May

1 - 12 Sydney Comedy Festival

1 - 31 Archibald, Wynee & Sulman Prizes – Art Gallery

3 - 6 Mind, Body Spirit Festival

25 - 31 Vivid Sydney

18 - 31 An Officer and a Gentleman – The Musical

June

1 - 3 Archibald, Wynee & Sulman Prizes – Art Gallery

1 - 11 Vivid Sydney

1 - 17 An Officer and a Gentleman – The Musical

6 - 17 Sydney Film Festival

13 Rugby League Station of Origin Game 2

22 - 24 Good Food & Wine Festival

23 Qantas Wallabies v Wales

July

Sydney Winter Festival

August

2 - 6 Sydney International Boat Show

12 Sun Herald City to Surf

Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival

September

NRL finals

16 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival

30 Rugby League Grand Final

October

1 - 31 Crave Sydney International Food Festival

November

Rocks Markets by Moonlight

Cockatoo Island Film Festival

Sculptures by the Sea – Bondi Beach

30 Sydney Telstra 500(V8 Supercars)

December

1 -2 Sydney Telstra 500 (V8 Supercars)

Australian Open Golf Championship

26 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

31 New Years Eve celebration

What’s On in Sydney - Major Events in 2012

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Summer’s Aquatic Events for Sydney Harbour

NSW Roads and Ports Minister Duncan Gay has announced a safety guide to the key aquatic events to be held on Sydney Harbour over summer 2011-12 has been published and distributed free to boaters and spectators.

Mr Gay said the 28-page full-colour Sydney’s Summer Aquatic Events – A Boater’s Guide was produced and distributed free by NSW Maritime, the State Government’s boating agency, which is part of Roads and Maritime Services.

The booklet contains safety details about the major aquatic events planned to take place on Sydney Harbour, including advice for boaters on anchoring, best vantage points, special-event navigation restrictions and exclusion zones.

“The big events which draw hundreds of thousands of spectators – afloat and ashore – are all listed, such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race start on Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour, and the multitude of events planned for Australia Day,” he said.

The International Etchells and Yngling World Championships, Ord Minnett Sydney Harbour Swim Classic, Sail Sydney Regatta and the Macquarie 2012 International Access Class World Championship are also detailed in the booklet.

“There are maps indicating event and race courses and exclusion zones, to help skippers prepare for and plan their day on the water,” Mr Gay said.

“Skippers must be aware of the safety requirements needed for these aquatic events to be carried out safely. They need to plan ahead, maintain a safe speed, keep a proper lookout and go easy on the drink – stay under 0.05,” he said.

NSW Maritime distributes the booklet across the harbour to waterfront clubs, marinas, retailers and chandleries, and makes it available from Service Centres throughout Sydney and in Newcastle and Wollongong.

The booklet is also available online at: www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

Summer’s Aquatic Events for Sydney Harbour

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Spring Babies in Bloom at WILD LIFE Sydney

WILD LIFE Sydney celebrates the birth of four koala joeys and five endangered quolls

The recently relaunched WILD LIFE Sydney is excited to welcome a flurry of new-born Aussie animals making themselves at home at the attraction this spring, with the birth of four koala joeys and five baby quolls.

At various stages of growth, four koala joeys were born recently at WILD LIFE Sydney's iconic open-air habitat, "Gum Tree Valley". The four baby joeys are currently going through an important stage of bonding with their mothers - named Samara, Sammy, Precious and Erica, who are carefully guarding and protecting the little joeys during their early months.

WILD LIFE Sydney's five newborn spotted-tail quolls, whose births are considered a success story for WILD LIFE Sydney's breeding program, are currently being raised and fed every four hours by the dedicated mammals team.

In an effort to combat their national endangered status, four of the quolls will be sent to various wildlife homes as breeders to assist with the genetic diversity of the species. The remaining quoll, Nelson, will reside at WILD LIFE Sydney amidst plans to hand raise him and raise awareness of the quoll's nationally endangered status.

Mike Drinkwater, WILD LIFE Sydney's Life Sciences Manager, said the quolls' nationally endangered status makes their births a success story not only for WILD LIFE Sydney but also for Australia's efforts to conserve the species as a whole.

"Now is the perfect time to head to WILD LIFE Sydney and see our spring babies in bloom," said Drinkwater.

"We are excited to see the success of our breeding program and are looking forward to watching our animals grow and develop over the upcoming months," he said.

The baby koalas and quolls will join the WILD LIFE Sydney family in addition to striped baby emu chicks who joined "The Outback" habitat in September, following a stint in quarantine at John Morony Wild Life Care Centre.

Where: WILD LIFE Sydney, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour (right next door to Sydney Aquarium)

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm every day of the year

Cost: Prices from $17.50 when you book online at www.wild-life.com.au. Walk-up price: Adult $35 Children $18, combo tickets also available combining entry to WILD LIFE Sydney with Sydney Aquarium, and/or the new Sydney Tower Eye experience, and/or Oceanworld Manly starting at $55 for an adult and $30 for a child.

Spring Babies in Bloom at WILD LIFE Sydney

Huge December Darling Harbour - FREE EVENTS Christmas and New Years Eve

Free Annual Events in December on Sydney's Darling Harbour

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Darling Harbour Christmas

FREE EVENT
Santa Fest: Saturday 26 November 2011
Carols by the Tree: Thursdays to Sundays, 2-24 December, 7pm
Christmas Eve Carols and Fireworks: Saturday 24 December 2011

'Tis the season to be jolly with FREE festive fun for all the family at Darling Harbour.
Countdown to Christmas with Santa Fest, the lighting of the tree, carols and spectacular fireworks displays.
View photos from the Darling Harbour Santa Fest 2010

New Year's Eve

FREE EVENT
Saturday 31 December 2011

This year, head to Darling Harbour for an unforgettable New Year's Eve. Celebrating in the New Year as only Sydney can, a kaleidoscope of breathtaking fireworks and effects will explode over Darling Harbour at 9am and midnight marking the start of 2012! Live performances will help you celebrate the New Year and party into 2012.

THE NEW PLAYGROUND AT DARLING QUARTER IS NOW OPEN!

Does your local playground have a 21-metre flying fox? How about a water play area with pumps and water buckets? Well you will be glad to know Darling Quarter's new playground is one of Australia's best.

With water games, climbing ropes, swings, slides and flying foxes will keep toddlers and teens entertained for hours, this playground is fun, thrilling and best of all FREE! Only a short stroll form Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, what better way to enjoy time out with the family.

View Images

Sydney's Darling Opens Next Month

The Darling hotel in Sydney, a new five-star hotel set to open next month, has joined Worldhotels.

The hotel features 171 rooms and suites overlooking Sydney Harbour with panoramic views of the city skyline, the iconic Harbour Bridge and distant Blue Mountains.

The top floors feature two-bedroom penthouse suites designed by renowned LA designer, Lawrence Lee, with floor-to-ceiling harbour views, bespoke furniture, fireplaces, media rooms, butler service and private VIP arrival.

The Darling is part of a $860 million refurbishment and extension of one-of-a-kind entertainment destination The Star, with the entire complex re-orientated to face the harbour. In addition to the existing hotel and apartments, The Darling brings total rooms and suites at The Star to over 650 across three towers.

Along with The Darling, the entire complex incorporates over 20 new restaurants and bars, a shopping area and fully refurbished casino which is expected to open from mid-September onwards.

The new restaurants, bars and cafes feature renowned Australian and international chefs including David Chang, Teage Ezard, Stefano Manfredi, Adriano Zumbo, Flying Fish & Chips and Golden Century. The hotel is also home to a Japanese restaurant called Sokyo, from Chase Kojima, formerly with Nobu restaurants.

A day spa with 16 private rooms is set to deliver pampering to highest levels. An extensive array of Asian and European inspired treatments includes an indulgent hamam, the Turkish variant of a steam bath, sauna or Russian Bath. The spa will be run by experienced international spa operator, Jeanette Haua.

The Darling's general manager Drew Schlesinger said, "We are pleased that The Darling is teaming up with sister hotel Star City Hotel & Apartments of Echo Entertainment and Worldhotels. This is going to be an exciting partnership that attracts more local visitors and international travellers to our complex The Star."

(Source: accommnews.com.au)

Kids Hit Play Dirt for $12m - Darling Harbour Sydney

It’s every kids ultimate delight – a 4000sqm playground costing $12 million in the heart of Sydney.

Based on the concept of water play, a massive revamp of the southern quarter of Darling Harbour has transformed it into a fun-filled park for kids – part of a larger development, The Darling Quarter, which will also have a selection of restaurants and bars for parents to enjoy.

WILDLIFE Sydney - September Animal Update

Guests will be taken on an amazing Australian journey as they travel into Australia’s most famous and travelled locations.

Walking through eight iconic Australian habitats, this Australian Animal Adventure takes on average 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish and will see visitors encounter Australia’s most loved and feared animals as they travel to Kakadu Gorge, The Outback, Gum Tree Valley, Daintree Rainforest, Butterfly Tropics and more.

See koalas, kangaroos, wombats, bilbies, snakes, butterflies, birds and one of the world’s largest crocodiles, Rex!

Experience world-class interactive displays and discover incredible walk-through habitats in the beating heart of Sydney.

Koala Encounters

Home to Sydney’s cutest collection of cuddly Koalas, WILD LIFE’s dedicated Koala habitat is located on its scenic rooftop.

Relax with a drink at the rooftop cafe, and then meet the koalas! Koala Encounters invites you to pat one of these iconic animals, and purchase a photo of yourself with the Koalas, perfect for making your friends and family jealous

Wallaby Cliffs

Take a hop back in time at Wallaby Cliffs! This diverse terrain of jagged cliffs and grassy plains is home to only the toughest, most well-adapted Australian animals.

Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies use their tails for balance as they scamper among the escarpments, while Hairy-nosed Wombats amble around munching grasses and finding shelter down deep burrows.

Butterfly Tropics

Take wing to the Butterfly Tropics in Australia’s Tropical North, with distinct wet and dry seasons, warm temperature and lush greenery and billabongs all year round.

Be amazed at the diverse range of animals living in the Butterfly Tropics, with beautiful butterflies, vividly coloured snakes and frogs amongst the foliage, and turtles and crocodiles gliding through the water.

Daintree Rainforest

Located in Queensland, the Daintree Rainforest’s habitat has been replicated at WILD LIFE Sydney and is home to tropical, humidity-loving creatures like the spectacular Double-Wattled Cassowary – the most dangerous bird in the world, which is also listed on the endangered species list.

Rainforests are the most ecologically diverse places anywhere on the planet, with unique, beautiful and sometime bizarre plants and animals including Red-legged Pademelon, Boyds Forest Dragons, and a colourful array of birds.

The Outback

Freezing cold nights, blazing hot days and shrub-dotted red sand as far as the eye can see... it can only be one thing, Australia's iconic Outback!

Australia’s outback is one of the most extreme habitats on the planet. Far from a barren landscape, the Red Centre is teeming with plants and animals including the iconic Red Kangaroo, Emu, Frilled-neck Lizard and more!

Kakadu Gorge

Marvel at the endless variety of the Northern Territory’s Top End landscape, ranging from deep gorges and grasslands to floodplains and estuary flats.

Kakadu Gorge is home to freshwater turtles, beautiful birds and the Saltwater Crocodile- the largest reptile on Earth!

WILD LIFE Sydney is also home to the Gum Tree Valley and a Nightfall habitat, which takes visitors on a trip into the after-dark, nocturnal world of bilbies, quolls and sugar-gliders.

CLAWS invading SYDNEY AQUARIUM

This month, CLAWS will be invading Sydney and taking over the streets...literally. Before these aquatic crustaceans crawl their way into Sydney Aquarium, they'll be wracking havoc on our city - making a few surprise appearances at several highly classified locations. Be ready for some colossal crustacean discoveries! Commencing 5 September, Sydney Aquarium will play home to Giant Tasmanian Crabs including Bruce who clocks in a hefty 10kg! The spectacular new creature feature will also see the arrival of the largest crab in the world, the Japanese Spider Crab, who will be unveiled for the spring school holidays.

The CLAWS are coming! Like us at www.facebook.com/sydneyaquarium

Some Cool CLAWS Facts...

* Crabs and lobsters have teeth in their stomach.
* Crabs have three sets of jaws.
* Most crabs walk sideways because their leg joints have limited movement - their legs face to the side. Spider crabs are the exception and are able to walk forwards as well.
* After losing a claw, a crab can grow it back.
* The crab is one of the oldest species on earth. The horseshoe crab dates back over 200 million years and is a living fossil. The Japanese Spider Crab also belongs to the oldest crabs and can live for one hundred years or more.
* Crabs are crustaceans (Crustaceans are creatures that do not have a skeleton on the inside)

Sydney WILD LIFE World Reopening in September

To coincide with September school holidays, WILD LIFE Sydney will reopen from 13 September, at Aquarium Wharf. Visitors to WILD LIFE Sydney will be taken on an amazing Australian journey as they travel into Australia's most beloved famous and traveled locations.

This Australian Animal Adventure will see guests encounter Australia's most loved and feared animals as they travel to Kakadu Gorge, The Outback, Gumtree Valley, Daintree Rainforest, Butterfly Tropics and experience interactive displays, inspiring and entertaining daily shows, captivating daily feeding sessions, enhanced state-of-the-art walk-through habitats and come face-to-face with Australia's'a largest kangaroo, the world's deadliest bird and the monster croc, Rex!

www.wild-life.com.au

Quality Apartment Accommodation available at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Darling Quarter set to open in September

Sydneysiders and tourists will soon be able to enjoy the new Darling Quarter precinct in Darling Harbour as the eagerly anticipated project prepares to officially open on Saturday 24 September.

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Darling Quarter set to open in September

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Madame Tussauds Confirmed to Open in Darling Harbour

One of the world’s most famous attractions Madame Tussauds will open on Darling Harbour’s Aquarium Wharf in May next year.

Fans will be able to get up close and personal with their favourite Aussie stars including Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman who will be featured alongside other international A-listers like Johnny Depp and Lady Gaga; as well as politicians, literary and sports stars and many others.

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Madame Tussauds Confirmed to Open in Darling Harbour

Early Bird Special at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

Book this Early Bird Special at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour to SAVE 10% on the Best Available Rate of the day!

Early Bird Special at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

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Free WIFI Special at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour are offering this Free WIFI special for 10% off the Best Available Rate of the Day:

Staying in a Standard or Executive Bedroom Apartments based on two adults

Free WIFI Special at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

Free WIFI Special at Metro Apartments on King @ Metro Apartments on King - Metro Hotels

Metro Apartments on King are offering this Free WIFI Special for 10% off the Best Available Rate:

Staying in a One bedroom apartment for two occupants

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FREE WIFI at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

We have FREE WIFI to Metro Apartments on Darling Darling Harbour and Metro Apartments on King St ...

When you book accommodation at Metro Aparmtents on Darling Harbour you will have FREE WIFI internet throughout your stay.

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Sydney Tourism News and Information: The Rocks Aroma Festival A Divine World of Coffee Chocolate Tea and Spice

EVENT: The Rocks Aroma Festival A Divine World of Coffee Chocolate Tea and Spice
WHERE: The Rocks, Sydney
WHEN: Sunday 31st July 10 AM - 5PM

Sydney Tourism News and Information: The Rocks Aroma Festival A Divine World of Coffee Chocolate Tea and Spice

Mid Year Madness at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

Mid Year Madness at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

Easter Australia: THESE EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS…Become a Conservation Champion! Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World

Easter Australia: THESE EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS…Become a Conservation Champion! Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World

Stay 2 Nights and Save at Metro Apartments on King @ Metro Apartments on King - Metro Hotels

Stay 2 Nights and Save at Metro Apartments on King @ Metro Apartments on King - Metro Hotels

Sydney CBD Hotels (Tourist and Visitor Information and Events): THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM!

Sydney CBD Hotels (Tourist and Visitor Information and Events): THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM!

Discovery package at Metro Apartments on King @ Metro Apartments on King - Metro Hotels

Discovery package at Metro Apartments on King @ Metro Apartments on King - Metro Hotels

8th Night free at Metro Apartments on King @ Metro Apartments on King - Metro Hotels

8th Night free at Metro Apartments on King @ Metro Apartments on King - Metro Hotels

Easter Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

Easter Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

Indulgence Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

Indulgence Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

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8th Night Free at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

Easter Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

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Valentine's Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

Valentine's Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

Chinese New Year Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

Chinese New Year Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

Mardi Gras Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour Mardi Gras Packages include:

- Sparkling Wine and Chocolates on arrival
- Late Check-out of 12:00 noon

$440.00 per night (Minimum 2 night stay) Standard Apartment

$540.00 per night (minimum 2 night stay) Harbour View Apartment

Book this Mardi Gras at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

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Terms and Conditions:

Offer valid 3rd March - 6th March 2011
Based on 2 people sharing
Extra $40.00 per person with a maximum of 4 persons per apartment

Easter Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

See the following Easter Packages at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour:

$20.00 above Best Available Rate (14th April - 21st April)

$370.00 per night (Min 2 night stay) Standard Apartment (22nd April - 27th April)

$420.00 per night (Min 2 night stay) Darling Harbour View Apartment (22nd April - 27th April)
Easter packages include a Privilege Card offering discounts off attractions and dining in Sydney

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