THE AUSTRALIAN GARDEN SHOW SYDNEY

The Australian Garden Show Sydney will swing into bloom in Sydney’s magnificent Centennial Park this spring.

A stylish and unique event celebrating Australia’s love of gardens and outdoor spaces, it will be held over 4 days from Thursday 5 – Sunday 8 September 2013.
 
Join some of the world’s leading gardening authorities in the lecture series, view some spectacular designer gardens, learn how to grow veggies on your balcony, meet fellow garden enthusiasts from your community, seek out the spectacular floral installations – the Australian Garden Show Sydney offers something for all garden lovers.
 
Our program is underpinned by our philosophy – celebrating gardening, flowers, sustainability and design. These are the four pillars of our event, and the program has been based on these elements. Australian Garden Show Sydney is a fully interactive show designed for industry and audiences unlike any other in this country.

 Book Now Metro Apartments Darling Harbour

The event will be open from 10am – 5pm daily. The evening Night Garden will light up Centennial Park from 6pm – 10pm each night of the event.
The Australian Garden Show Sydney is produced by AGB Events, and curated by award winning landscape designer and author, Myles Baldwin.

Kids Stay Free at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

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

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

This package now includes One Kids Pack per child.

Kids Pack - One Per Child

Book this Kids Stay Free at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

View Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Terms and conditions:

• Offer is subject to availability.
• Total number of guests (including children) must not exceed existing room limits.
• * Rates are starting from stated amounts  
• Free stay applies to children under 12
• Offer is Valid until 30th September 2013   

“Pavlovic family will definitely stay here again !!” Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour Guest Review

• Great place, I've come with my family and definitely happy with this place!
• Great staff
• Great location 
• Great apartments with all u need
• Great service

A+++
On second level and still have a view, traffic noise not bothering us at all, it's all part of the atmosphere and it tools in literally 2 minutes to walk to Darling Harbour. Any problem I had had was dealt with str8 away and I will honestly now miss this place.

Stayed August 2013

This Review and others at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour Trip Advisor 

Stomp, Theatre Royal

Sydney
Theatre Royal
Book at Ticket Master or call 1300 723 038

Don't miss out on this sensational musical performance, suitable for audiences of all ages. Get yourself some STOMP tickets as soon as you can and see what all the noise is about. One of the most energetic shows ever to stomp foot on stage

Last night, I had the privilege of spectating one of the most energetic musical shows ever to stomp foot on the stage. If you could possibly imagine a theatre performance that is dedicated to music, without the need for a band or orchestra, then STOMP is it.

STOMP

STOMP is a musical show with a very big difference, no songs are sung, no words are spoken. The audience is immersed in a powerful performance filled with incredible musical creativity, humour, feet stamping and hand clapping interaction that will have you dancing in your seats.

There are dancers, but not your typical flashy-clothed kind, expect a cast sporting tattoos and clothed in paint splattered street attire; singlets, cargo pants and big boots.

Image c/o www.stompticketslondon.co.uk/

The original STOMP show hails from Brighton in the UK, which is now an international hit reaching its 11th year in London's West End, and in its 20th year on Broadway. The STOMP crew contributed to the musical segment of the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony in London.

This internationally acclaimed performance is now touring capital cities around Australia, in popular shows that are selling out fast.

The show is described as a percussion group that use every day objects and their body parts to create music.

STOMP

You may not believe a musical show with no story would keep an audience entertained, but it does. Trash comes alive as the STOMP cast create percussion rhythms from such things as metal garbage cans, basketballs, brooms, zippo lighters, rubber tubes, supermarket trolleys, plastic bags, paper bags, matchboxes, saucepans, sticks, water filter bottles and even the kitchen sink.

Imagine music similar to the sounds of the drums in a Caribbean Carnival meets the rhythm of an underground Drum n Bass dance party.



Let's not forget that while no words are spoken throughout the performance, STOMP proves that voice and verbal language is not needed to express humour, as comical characters entertain the crowd throughout the show.

This is a multi-award winning show, which really must not be missed. The theatrical crew stomped their way through Perth last week, are currently entertaining a Melbourne crowd, and will soon be bringing the house down in Adelaide, Canberra and Sydney during their Down Under tour.

Sep   10 Tue	Theatre Royal Sydney, NSW 08:00 PM	STOMP	Find Tickets »
Sep   11 Wed	Theatre Royal Sydney, NSW 08:00 PM	STOMP	Find Tickets »
Sep   12 Thu	Theatre Royal Sydney, NSW 08:00 PM	STOMP	Find Tickets »
Sep   13 Fri	Theatre Royal Sydney, NSW 08:00 PM	STOMP	Find Tickets »
Sep   14 Sat	Theatre Royal Sydney, NSW 02:00 PM	STOMP	Find Tickets »
Sep   14 Sat	Theatre Royal Sydney, NSW 08:00 PM	STOMP	Find Tickets »
Sep   15 Sun	Theatre Royal Sydney, NSW 01:00 PM	STOMP	Find Tickets »
Sep   15 Sun	Theatre Royal Sydney, NSW 06:00 PM	STOMP	Find Tickets »

10% Discount For Cruise Passengers at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

As another Australian summer draws near and thousands of Australians prepare for the annual cruise season, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is offering cruise passengers a special 10 per cent discount off the best available rate for the length of their stay, to ensure their time in Sydney is as enjoyable as their time at sea. 

With more than 80 cruises departing Sydney between September 1st and December 30, 2013, thousands of passengers will pass through Sydney before being carried off to intriguing destinations around the globe in ships such as Pacific Pearl, Radiance of the Seas, Carnival Spirit and Sun Princess. Sydney Harbour will be transformed into floating apartment hotels as these majestic cruise liners of the world prepare to pamper their multitude of guests.

Many interstate and regional guests will arrive in Sydney over the next few months to embark on a cruise, with cruises departing from the International Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay and from the White Bay Terminal at Rozelle.  Located close to both departure points, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is perfect for a pre- and post-cruise stay, just a short taxi trip away from both terminals.

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour offers a selection of 32 recently renovated loft-style one-bedroom apartments, each with a queen sized bed and sofa bed and offering all the comforts of a ‘home away from home’ with the convenience of a perfect city location.

Located in two separate buildings in Sussex and King Streets, guests can choose from the larger, contemporary-styled Sussex St apartments with views over Darling Harbour or a New York styled King Street apartment with access to rooftop pool.

Apartments have full kitchen and laundry facilities, spacious living rooms with cathedral windows and have been designed as a ‘home away from home’ where families can relax at the end of a long day’s sightseeing, or just have a break before venturing out again to explore more of Sydney.

Discount parking of $30 for 24 hours is provided nearby at 170 Sussex St Secure Car Parking.

To access the special offer, cruise passengers can book online at:

METRO APARTMENTS ON DARLING HARBOUR

METRO APARTMENTS ON KING

On these websites you will get the best available packages and rate and use the word CRUISE when prompted for a discount code.  

Alternately they can ring the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321

View all Metro Hotels Press Releases at Metro Hotels News

Kids Stay Free These School Holidays at Metro Apartments Darling Harbour

By Sarah Peattie
20 Aug 13
 
With a special deal where kids stay free* these Spring school holidays, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is making it easy for families to have an affordable, action-packed holiday in the heart of Sydney in close proximity to all major attractions.

Valid for the duration of the school holidays, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is offering an apartment for a family of up to four people on existing bedding for just $199 per night, subject to availability.  To book, click on the link Kids Stay Free at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour at www.metrohotels.com.au
 
There is so much to see and do in Sydney these Spring school holidays.  Visit Madame Tussauds, where the kids are sure to love the brand new "Marvel Super Hero Zone", the home of Spiderman, Iron Man and Wolverine, complete with interactive activities the whole family will enjoy. Stroll over to one of the many harbourside restaurants at King Street Wharf or Cockle Bay before taking in Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World or the Australian Maritime Museum.

Amble down to the newly renovated Darling Quarter precinct where a 21-metre flying fox, water games, climbing ropes and an impressive array of swings and slides are sure to entertain the kids before doing some shopping or take in a movie at the Event Cinema complex on George Street. A visit to the amazing IMAX, the world's largest cinema screen, is a must see, especially one of their mind-blowing 3D nature movies.

And with a fireworks show staged in the middle of Darling Harbour each Saturday night at 8.30pm, there is no better reason than to spend your next family break in Sydney so the whole family can have fun and relax without breaking the budget.

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour offers a selection of 32 recently renovated loft-style one-bedroom apartments, each with a queen sized bed and double-sized sofa bed and offering all the comforts of a 'home away from home' with the convenience of a perfect city location. Located in two separate buildings in Sussex and King Streets, guests can choose from the larger, contemporary-styled Sussex St apartments with views over Darling Harbour or a New York styled King Street apartment with access to rooftop pool.

Apartments have full kitchen and laundry facilities, spacious living rooms with cathedral windows and have been designed as a 'home away from home' where families can relax at the end of a long day's sightseeing, or just have a break before venturing out again to explore more of Sydney. Discount parking is provided nearby at Kings Parking.

To book the Kids Stay Free offer at Metro Apartments Darling Harbour, go online at www.metrohotels.com.au or ring the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321.

*Kids aged 12 and under; offer subject to availability and number of occupants cannot exceed recommended apartment limit.

Metro Hotels is the public face of Transmetro Corporation, an Australian owned public company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. The Group currently provides a national accommodation network of properties, with over 1000 rooms in key locations and major cities across Australia.

For media enquiries, please contact Sarah Peattie, Peattie Public Relations on +61 (0)2 9357 7775.

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.

NNS Thunder Heads To Australia For International Fleet Review

Nigeria’s NNS Thunder has left the city of Calabar to represent Africa for the Royal Australian Navy’s International Fleet Review (IFR) slated for 3rd to the 11th of October this year in Sydney, Australia.

Joining about  Fifty other countries of the world including Russia and America and South Africa being the second African country to represent the continent, the international event is to be reviewed by the queen of England to mark the 200 years battle of Trafalgar.

The Flag officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command Rear Admiral Joe Aikhomu disclosed this at the Nigerian Port Authority NPA jetty in Calabar, Cross River State Capital been venue for the take-off point of the NNS thunder ship conveying forty officers and 140 ratings of Nigerian Navy participating.

According to the Rear Admiral the voyage to Sidney is a friendly and diplomatic expedition urging the crew to see the mission as a training program meant to enhance the Navy’s proficiency.

NNS THUNDER will be making outbound port calls at Luanda, Cape Town, Port Louis, Freemantle and Sydney and on the in-bound leg visit Melbourne, Albany, Port Des Galet, Durban, Walvis Bay and Pointe Noire.

The officers on board are expected to be back to the country within the next four to five months.

- See more at: http://cruisesydney.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/nns-thunder-heads-to-australia-for.html#sthash.tUSMPxtf.dpuf

Fun Things to do in Sydney

Sydney's Best Attractions In One Day and on One Ticket 

 

Wednesday, 14 August 2013

• Jump start the morning and take a walk on the wild side and experience WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo's 10 natural habitats featuring over 1,000 native Australian animals. You can also book a koala encounter and photo opportunity in a bush garden setting and get up-close to cuddly koalas.
  

• After an exciting animal adventure, hop next door to encounter and interact with iconic Australian stars at Madame Tussauds Sydney. Star struck guests can step back in time to join Captain Cook's first voyage to Sydney Harbour, challenge Aussie sports heroes, sing along with international music legends and star in some of Australia's most popular television shows.
  

• Continue along Darling Harbour to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, one of the world's largest aquariums. Boasting the world's largest collection of Australian aquatic life, the Aquarium also features interactive talks, exciting animal feeding presentations, an immersive 360-degree ocean tunnel and more. Guests looking for a more adventurous experience can also book a Glass Bottom Boat ride and shark feed!
  

• For the perfect end to the perfect day out, watch the sunset from Sydney Tower Eye - Sydney's tallest building.  With its unparalleled 360-degree views, the Sydney Tower Eye gives visitors the opportunity to see the city's most famous sights, all in one spot. You can also book the attraction's premium SKYWALK experience which takes visitors on a 45 minute guided tour around the outside of the tower's iconic golden turret.
  

• BONUS: You also get entry to Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary, which is just a short ferry ride across the stunning Sydney Harbour. Here you'll witness conservation in action and see the colony of Little Penguins - the very same species that live wild on the beach directly outside the attraction! Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary is also home to Sydney's largest oceanarium, where you can journey through the tunnel and snoop on the guests taking part in Shark Dive Xtreme, and see the colony of Grey Nurse sharks, huge turtles, stingrays and more.

 Book Now for a Metro Apartments Darling Harbour

Booking this amazing day out is easy as entry to these attractions can be purchased on one great value combination ticket:

Adults: $63

Just $12.60 per attraction

Kids: $36

Just $7.20 per attraction

Families of 4: $175

Just $35 per attraction
Don't want to do it in a day? That's fine too - you get 30 days to see the other 4 attractions after you've visited WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo - including weekends and holidays!

Book Now to Enjoy the Biggest Naval Event on Sydney Harbour this Century

The biggest naval event on Sydney Harbour this century will take place from October 3-11, 2013 and Sydneysiders, regional NSW residents and interstate visitors are advised to book accommodation early to avoid missing out.

The Royal Australian Navy is celebrating 100 years since the first RAN ships sailed into Sydney Harbour to great fanfare in 1913 – and it has asked 50 nations to join the party. Called the International Fleet Review (IFR), the celebrations will see 40 warships and 20 tall ships from around the world sail into Sydney Harbour for a week-long celebration.

Commencing on Thursday 3 October 2013 and concluding eight days later, the IFR will be a harbour spectacular no Australian will want to miss. Her Excellency the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce will welcome the fleet from Bradley’s Head on October 4, and officially review the fleet onboard HMAS Leeuwin on October 5 as part of the Ceremonial Fleet Review.

With the world heritage backdrop of Sydney Harbour setting the scene, the Royal Australian Navy band will perform while fixed and rotary wing aircraft fly past in formation overhead. Military demonstrations will be held, the official ceremony will be staged on the steps of the Opera House, and the event will conclude with a fireworks display fit for the occasion.

Other activities being planned include a combined naval march through the Sydney CBD, ships open to the public, inter-navy sporting competitions and a range of community and cultural events.

Whether you’re a navy buff or just keen not to miss the amazing pageantry of this historic event, now is the time to book your accommodation in Sydney to be sure you make the most of the week-long celebrations – and Metro Hotels has a number of properties from which to choose.

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is the group’s flagship property located on the corner of Pitt and Hay Streets in the heart of Sydney’s entertainment precinct. Having recently completed a two year refurbishment, the hotel now offers 220 fully-refurbished Superior and Deluxe rooms, all priced affordably.

Metro Hotel on Pitt is a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, within easy walking distance of Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building, Hyde Park and Chinatown, while Metro Apartments Darling Harbour provides easy access to the popular harbour restaurant precinct of King Street Wharf and Cockle Bay, as well as IMAX, Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World and Australian Maritime Museum and Star Casino.

For those looking for something a little quieter and out of the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Aspire Hotel Sydney in Ultimo is just a short stroll to Darling Harbour, the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and Sydney Entertainment Centre. 

Fashion Festival Sydney 2013

 Metro Apartments Darling Harbour Pamper Package Deal

 

Experience fashion front-row with your ticket to the trends, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney. Tickets will be on sale July 8 to the ultimate edit of Spring Summer designer fashion August 21-24 at Sydney’s Town Hall.

Checking off the hot list with an A-Z line-up of Australian fashion powerhouses, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney experience extends beyond the front row, with ticketholders enjoying exclusive access to the Style Hub, home to a bevy of post-runway entertainment.

Proving the most popular show on the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney schedule, MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK AUSTRALIA TRENDS returns this year, offering an experience usually reserved for industry elite. This amazing showcase presents collections from internationally-recognized designers as well as the industry’s bright new movers and shakers. From monochrome and futuristic fashion at Kahlo and Bec & Bridge, sophisticated silhouettes at Camilla and Marc, track and field inspired styles at HAN, the new way to wear mid-riff at Alice McCall, plus a menswear showcase, you are sure to spy a little something (or two) you will be thinking about long after the show.


In the most exclusive experience to ever be offered at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival, this year’s front-row and fabulous ticketholders will be treated to the ultimate industry insider package.  Treat yourself and enjoy the buzz backstage with a VIP-only tour before the show, then take your reserved front row seat to a 45 minute showcase (where your Fashion Festival tote awaits). Afterwards, join your fellow front-row fashion pack at the VIP Star Lounge for drinks and canapés – complimentary, of course.
Tickets start at $50, with every package offering runway seating to a show plus access to the after-party atmosphere of the Style Hub, a space to mingle (champagne in hand) with Australia’s fashion elite, and enjoy style workshops, live performances and beauty consultations.

First in, best dressed - and fashion’s hottest tickets sell out every year.
Your new season wish list starts here.

Kids Stay FREE at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

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

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

 Each child receives a FREE kids pack with stickers and colouring in pack

Book this Kids Stay Free at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour 

View Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Terms and conditions:

• Offer is subject to availability.
• Total number of guests (including children) must not exceed existing room limits.
• * Rates are starting from stated amounts  
• Free stay applies to children under 12
• Offer is Valid until 30th October 2013
  
  
  
  

Carnival Legend 2014 Sydney Arrival To Be ... Legendary

Carnival Legend

Carnival Legend, Carnival Spirit’s sister ship will be arriving in Sydney next year from the East Coast of the USA, with described by Carnival as custom built to create history making holidays, and paying tribute to some of the world’s greatest legends throughout the ages.

Carnival says that guest can take a dip in the Camelot and Avalon pools, wish for magic at Club Merlin Casino and taste iconic flavours at Truffles Restaurant, while music lovers can head for Satchmo’s Lounge and Billie’s Piano Bar, then dance the night away at Medusa’s Lair Dance Club.

Onboard features include a wide range of bars, dining choices and a variety of fun outdoor activities including the iconic Water Park and Green Thunder Waterslide, as well as indoor and relaxation options and exciting entertainment. 

Carnival Legend will sail from the East Coast of America mid-August 2014 arriving in Sydney on 22 September 2014, with itineraries on offer including a 13 day cruise from Tampa to Los Angeles sailing through the Panama Canal, Costa Rica and Mexico departing on 17 August 2014 and a 23 day cruise from Los Angeles to Sydney sailing through Tahiti, Fiji and Noumea departing on 30 August 2014.

Travel the World is also offering Carnival Legend guests the opportunity to combine the two itineraries for a legendary 36 day cruise experience sailing from Tampa to Sydney through Mexico, Tahiti, Fiji and Noumea.

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MasterChef Dining and Bar Sydney 2013

Master the art of fine dining with MasterChef

Not so long ago chefs were the faceless people of your dining experience. There they were in the kitchen wearing funny hats and toiling tirelessly over a hot stove for your dining pleasure. But in this age of celebrity chefs themselves have become the plat du jour and nothing proves that more than the Masterchef phenomenon, where even wannabe chefs are getting more than their fifteen minutes' worth of fame. As an adjunct to the current MasterChef series you can have your very own MasterChef experience when the MasterChef Dining & Bar returns to The Rocks this August.

Interestingly, the man in charge of the food for this pop-up, former head chef of Bécasse restaurant, Monty Koludrovic, has been hiding his light under the backroom bushel of the MasterChef set. Here he will be at the forefront, offering diners an experience that's one part fine dining and one part Masterchef television show blended expertly and presented with finesse in the beautiful surrounds of The Rocks' First Fleet Park.

Accommodation: Metro Apartments Darling Harbour
Dates The Sydney pop up runs from 13 August to 1 September

Venue

            First Fleet Park, The Rocks.

Food

You can dine like a MasterChef for lunch or dinner (with both early and late sittings) from Tuesdays to Sundays or you might prefer the delights of high tea on Sunday afternoons.

The 4 course sample menu, which is subject to change, has already been released, and while I have to look no further than the salted caramel cup for dessert, you may be interested in the baked salmon with aromatic shellfish vinaigrette, peas and herbs, the edible garden or the rose, saffron and olive trifle with candied almond. You can see the full sample menu here. You can dine with the masses or hire your own private dining room for groups of twelve.

Chefs
Depending on when you visit you may be able to meet and greet some of the Masterchef contestants from previous series. You'll need to keep checking the booking calendar to see the dates your favourites are appearing. On the list for Sydney are Andy Allen, Justine Schofield, Callum Hann, Alice Zavlasky, Julia Taylor, Adam Liaw, Alvin Quah, Hayden Quinn and Mindy Woods.

Former Masterchef winner Andy Allen. Image from event website.

Wine
Highly respected sommelier, David Jouy, will be selecting award winning wines from Australia and overseas to complement the menus. You can buy wine by the bottle or purchase a premium wine package with wines matched to your courses.

Bar
The MasterChef bar will be open throughout the pop up. This year's bar has an Italian theme and you don't need to book, just walk in, select a refreshing cocktail and survey the scene. They will also be offering food from a special bar menu.

Prices
Now this is the part you've been waiting for. How much will I have to part with for all this edible excellence, I hear you ask. Here's your answer:

Lunch: 4 course meal $115
Dinner: 4 course meal $115
Premium wine package with your meal: $50 per person
High Tea: $42
Private Dining Rooms: Room hire and 4 course meal $1935
Masterchef Bar: A range of drinks at bar prices

Bookings

Bookings open to the general public on Tuesday 16 July. You can access the booking calendar here.

However if you're an American Express CardMember you have access to exclusive pre-booking from noon, Friday 5 July to noon, Wednesday 10 July. You can max out your plastic by booking online here.

Last year's Masterchef dining experience was a huge success and bookings were snapped up by enthusiasts and the curious well in advance, so this is one where you can't afford to sit around debating the merits of going. It's MasterChef, okay. You know you want to. Just do it.

Sydney's most popular fun run is on again City to Surf

Australia's most popular and famous running event is on yet again on Sunday the 11th of August 2013. From its humble beginnings in 1971, the annual Sun Herald City2Surf attracts well over 80,000 participants each year.

The City2Surf is a 14km annual fun run that starts at Sydney's Hyde Park and ends at Bondi Beach. The course mainly runs through Sydney's Eastern Suburbs from the Kings Cross Bridge to Edgecliff, Double Bay, Rose Bay, Vaucluse and of course, Bondi. It is the positive energy and the sometimes pleasant distractions that gets you addicted and wanting to come back for more and more. The 2013 event will mark the ninth time I have successfully competed in this event. That is if I make it, of course.

There are various start levels that participants can choose to compete in. The exclusive start group is the purple start group where participants who have competed in every City2Surf event since its inception get purple exclusivity. The main start groups are the red and green, where ideally your run time needs to be under 90 minutes or less.

If you wish to be with a group of runners, and regardless as to whether you wish to participate in the City2Surf for the first time, or you are a seasoned City2Surf entrant; it is advisable to register for the blue start group as quickly as you can. Why? The blue start group is ever so popular and is the fastest group to fill up. For joggers and walkers, you are advised to enter the Westpac yellow start. This group is entertained with group stretching exercises, and in 2012 the Yellow start group were entertained by Kate Cebrano. Both the blue and yellow start groups commence at College Street.

If you wish to walk or dress up, then it is advisable to register for the orange start group. This is the new 'back of the pack.'

Music and other entertainment is provided along the way, both by the organisers and local residents on the course of this 14km run or walk. Be prepared for 'heartbreak hill' at Rose Bay. This area is also well known for the people who dress up as Smurfs - just be careful not to get any blue dye on you. You will know when you're near the waterside.

Plenty of Gatorade and water is provided along the way, and also at the finishing line. Every participant who completes the somewhat challenging 14km course receives a finishers medal, as well as a complimentary copy of The Sun Herald. If you're a Westpac, St George or Bank of Melbourne customer, remember to grab your red wristband to gain free entry into the Westpac chill out area (Red Zone) at the expo, or bring proof that you have at least one account with one of these banks on the day. The City2Surf expo is usually held three days before the event at Lower Town Hall. This is where people who register after a certain cut off date (usually after June) need to go to in order to pick up their race pack which includes their bib and other race information. Westpac customers can pick up their red zone tag any day of the expo, while St George and Bank of Melbourne customers can only do so from the second day of the expo onwards.

At the Westpac chill out zone, a free sausage sizzle lunch is provided as well as cups of Gatorade. At the 2011 event, a memento photo was available, and at the 2012 event Westpac, St George and Bank of Melbourne customers received massages and lollipops. Great recovery indeed, unless if you're fortunate to be part of a corporate marquee.

Be patient when leaving Bondi Beach after your participation in this event. Chances are, some other participants are yet to complete their event. Although there are an abundance of buses available to take you back to Bondi Junction; remember with 80,000 people, patience is a virtue. To head back into the city, you will need to catch a train from Bondi Junction train station. Your entry fee includes free public transport travel upon presentation of your race bib to get you to the event and back home again. From Bondi Beach, I joined the fair few who walked to Bondi Junction, and twice in a row too. The adrenalin factor is well alive if you're fit and well - you might feel like wanting to run the course again. It is not advisable to complete the course if you're feeling unwell, and/or you have just re-located to another city.

It is absolutely critical to train in advance. Sydney puts on a variety of different run clubs where people can train in groups for free or a low fee months prior to this event. Looking forward to August 2013 once more.

Australian Navy: International Fleet Review 2013

The Royal Australian Navy is celebrating 100 years since the first RAN ships sailed into Sydney Harbour in 1913. Ships from more 20 nations comprising around 40 warships and 17 tall ships, plus 8000 naval personnel will help celebrate Navy’s historic event between 3 -11 October 2013.

More than 20 nations have confirmed participation by either a warship or tall ship including: Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Micronesia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Tonga, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Australian and foreign warships plus the tall ships will be open at these events for what is a rare opportunity for the public to go on board some ships.

The flagship HMAS Australia will lead the new Australian Fleet of seven cruisers and destroyers (HMA Ships Melbourne, Sydney, Encounter, Warrego, Parramatta and Yarra) into Sydney Harbour for the first time.

The program will include: a tall ships parade; warships arrival; ceremonial fleet review; naval gun salutes; fixed wing and helicopter flypasts; aerial acrobatic displays; Sydney Harbour fireworks and light show; ships open to visitors; combined naval march through the streets of Sydney; military band concerts; Freedom of Entry parades in Parramatta and Mosman; religious and memorial services; and sporting competitions. Military and historic aircraft will also feature prominently during the Review with more than 30 RAN and visiting navy helicopters and fixed wing aircraft taking part.

UPDATE: The United States Navy guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) and the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Qingdao, a Luhu-class guided missile destroyer from China have confirmed their attendance taking the total number of visiting warships to 23. With the combined might of the Royal Australian Navy's ships and the tall ships there will be a fleet of 60 ships arriving in Sydney Harbour for the event. During Open Days on 6 and 7 October 2013 members of the public will have the opportunity to visit both warships and tall ships at Garden Island, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour. 

More event information is available on the International Fleet Review 2013 website and their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/IFR2013

• Date: 3 October 2013 - 11 October 2013
• Time: Refer to the Schedule of Events below
• Where: Various locations around Sydney, NSW. See below for details
• Website: http://www.navy.gov.au/ifr/
• Cost: Free

Schedule of Events

Note: The following program is subject to change.

1 October 2013

• 1200-1600 Warships enter Jervis Bay.

2 October 2013

• 1830-2030 Welcome Reception hosted by Chief of Navy. Location: Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell (Invited Guests).

3 October 2013

• 1100 Tall ships entry. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• 0730 Warships depart Jarvis Bay for passage to Sydney.
• 1830 Tall ships welcome reception. Location: Australian National Maritime Museum (Invited Guests).

4 October 2013

• 0600-1600 Warships enter Sydney Harbour
• 1000 Ceremonial Fleet Entry and 21 Gun Salute. HMA Ships Sydney, Darwin, Perth, Parramatta, Bundaberg, Diamantina and Yarra. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• 1100-1600 Australian Surf Rowers Reception. Location: Sydney Opera House.
• 1830-2030 Visiting Ships Welcome Reception. Location: Garden Island (Invited Guests).

5 October 2013

• Dress ship. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• 1100-1430 Ceremonial Fleet Review. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• 1130-1200 Formation flypast by rotary and fixed winged aircraft. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• 1400-1900 Military demonstrations and Naval band performances.
• 1800-2030 Combined IFR Official Reception. Location: Sydney Opera House Forecourt (Invited Guests).
• 1930-2000 Pyrotechnics and Lightshow. Location: Sydney Harbour.

6 October 2013

• 1000-1130 HMAS Sydney Memorial Service. Location: Naval Memorial, Bradley's Head.
• 1300-1800 Tall ships open to the general public. Location: Cockle Bay/Darling Harbour (TBC).
• 1300-1800 Warships Open Day. Location: Fleet Base East, Garden Island/Barangaroo.
• 1400-1530 Ecumenical Service. Location: St Mary's Cathedral.

7 October 2013

• 0730-1015 Opening of Sea Power Conference 2013 and Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
• Royal Australian Navy Band recitals.
• 0800-1800 Warships Open Day. Location: Fleet Base East, Garden Island/Barangaroo.
• 0800-1800 Tall ships open to the general public. Location: Cockle Bay/Darling Harbour (TBC).

8 October 2013

• 0800-1700 Sea Power Conference 2013 and Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition continue. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour
• Royal Australian Navy Band recitals.
• 1000-1500 Combined Navies Golf Competition. Location: The Coast Golf Club.
• 1230-1400 HMAS Penguin Freedom of Entry to Mosman. Location: Mosman Central Business District.
• 1230-1400 Navy Memorial Service. Location: Cenotaph, Martin Place.
• 1300-1430 HMAS Parramatta Freedom of Entry to Parramatta. Location: Parramatta Central Business District.
• 1830-2030 Vice Regal Reception. Location: Government House, Botanic Gardens (Invited Guests).

9 October 2013

• 1030-1100 Sea Power Conference 2013 Closing Ceremony. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
• 1230-1430 Combined Navies Parade. Location: George Street - The Rocks to Town Hall.
• 1430-1630 Lord Mayor's Reception. Location: Sydney Town Hall (Invited Guests).
• 1400-1630 Pacific 2013 IFR Ships Companies Lunch. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
• Closing of Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
• 1500-1730 Twilight sailing with RAN Sailing Association. Location: Sydney Harbour.

10 October 2013

• 1100 Tall ships depart. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• 1000-1500 Combined Navies Sporting Competition. Location: Randwick Barracks/Macquarie Park.

11 October 2013

• Warships depart. Location: Sydney Harbour.

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• Website: Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour (close walk to Sydney Harbour)

The building is close to major train stations, buses and ferries. Because the apartment is situated in the city, there are plenty of taxis available to catch on the street. Many of the fleet locations can be reached by foot from the apartment. Nearby there are also supermarkets, shops, restaurants, convenience stores, ATMs, medical centres and public toilets all within walking distance.

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Location: 132 Sussex Street (corner of Sussex Street and King Street)

• If traveling by taxi or shuttle bus, just show address shown in red to the taxi driver.
• If travelling by train, head to platform 1. These trains all go towards the City. The stop you need to get off at is WYNYARD. After alighting from the train, follow the signs to the York Street Exit. From here it is just a short walk to the Apartments. Upon exiting the station, turn right on York Street. Two streets along is King Street. Turn Right down this street. The apartments are located on the corner of Sussex and King Streets, three blocks down from York Street.

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