King Street Wharf Festival 2013 Darling Habour

There's a new food festival coming to town

King Street Wharf will be fuelling our love affair for all things food by playing host to Sydney's newest culinary event on Friday 19 – Thursday 25 July 2013.

On The Wharf (Friday 19 – Saturday 20 July 2013 / 12noon-4pm)
During this two day festival, make your way down to King Street Wharf for lunch under Sydney's blue Winter skies. Spoil your taste buds with food boasting flavours from around the world. Or simply soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the live music. Plates will be priced from $5-$12 each - so you can sample a few dishes without breaking the bank.

Dishes include arancini balls ($8) from Casa Di Nico, green chicken curry rice ($10) from I Thai, quesadillas ($12) from La Cita, chilli coconut prawns ($12) from The Malaya and mini beef bourguignonne pies ($12) from Steersons Steakhouse. I know I will be making a bee line to Vessel Italian & Bar to indulge in their homemade tiramisu ($5) and ricotta filled cannoli ($5).

In The Restaurants (Friday 19 – Thursday 25 July 2013)

The restaurants and bars along King Street Wharf will also take part in this culinary celebration. There will be opportunities to meet the chefs, special wine tastings, live music and dancing. A few of the restaurants have menus specially designed for the festival.

So whether you have a craving for Japanese at Kobe Jones or at Wharf Teppanyaki which features the largest teppanyaki table in Australia; want to indulge in a Mezze feast at Mediterranean Bar & Grill; tuck into a main of lamb shank with soft polenta gremolata at The Hudson; or simply enjoy a drink by the waterfront at the Cargo Bar or Bungalow 8, there is something for everyone. During the festival, The Loft will be offering cocktails with "tantalising tastes inspired from the Great Gatsby". They sound like they're worth a try.
Make a restaurant reservation to avoid disappointment.

King St Wharf Festival Apartment Accomodation

Where Kids Eat Free in Sydney

Kids Stay FREE in Darling Harbour

Let's face it, for a whole family to eat out in this beautiful city of Sydney, it will cost an arm and a leg. However if you are a bit savvy as to what day of the week you decide to dine out as a family, you can find some excellent deals around town and save yourself some of your hard earned dollars.

EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK:

Cambridge Tavern at Fairfield - It's great to see that all day, every day kids eat for free at this friendly tavern.

Horse & Jockey Hotel at Homebush - this pub doesn't horse around when it comes to kids, cause they eat for free every day - giddy up!

Ranch Hotel at North Ryde - lunch every day as well as dinner Sunday nights, children can eat for free at The Ranch (min. spend of $20.00 for an adult main to qualify for deal). This pub is one of the most family friendly in Sydney – loads of activities for the whole tribe.

Healthy Kids Menu at The Ranch Hotel

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Bistro Q Enmore - located in the Queen Victoria Hotel, Bistro Q offers free kids meals all week. The offer is only valid when you are dining on level one of the hotel and adults must order a main meal for the kids to eat free.

Wagamama Sydney CBD - every day for lunch and dinner, kids eat free! Adults have to purchase a main meal to receive the special deal. Along with the deal, kids also receive a free apple or orange juice – so another saving for your hip pocket. Wagamama is really child friendly – they even provide crayons and a colouring in kids menu for your children to complete.

INDIVIDUAL DAYS OF THE WEEK:

Monday

Sydney Tower Buffet at Centrepoint Tower Sydney CBD
Blue Cattle Dog Hotel at St Clair
Club Five Dock at Five Dock (play area also available)
Hog's Breath Café at North Parramatta (lunch & dinner: piglets receive a drink & ice cream & kids activity pack as well as their meal)

Free Activity Pack for Kids at Hogs Breath Cafe

Tuesday

Sydney Tower Buffet at Centrepoint Tower Sydney CBD
Hog's Breath Café at North Parramatta (lunch & dinner: piglets receive a drink & ice cream & kids activity pack as well as their meal)
Blue Cattle Dog Hotel at St Clair

Wednesday

Sydney Tower Buffet at Centrepoint Tower Sydney CBD
The Cove at Drummoyne (5.30pm - 7.30pm only)
Bull and Bush Hotel at Baulkham Hills
Sausage and Mash at Newtown
Blue Cattle Dog Hotel at St Clair

Bull and Bush Hotel - kids eat free Weds

Thursday

Sydney Tower Buffet at Centrepoint Tower Sydney CBD
The Cove at Drummoyne (5.30pm - 7.30pm only)
Rosebud Restaurant and Bar at Rozelle
Blue Cattle Dog Hotel at St Clair

Friday

Parkway Hotel at Frenchs Forest (dinner only)

Saturday

Parkway Hotel at Frenchs Forest (lunch & dinner)
Toongabbie Hotel – kids eat for free all day
Narrabeen Sands Hotel – kids eat for free from 1.00pm – 5.00pm

Sunday

Mean Fiddler at Rouse Hill
Lockies Hotel – Leppington (kids eat for free all day inc. drink)
Toongabbie Hotel – kids eat for free all day
Narrabeen Sands Hotel – kids eat for free from 1.00pm – 5.00pm

All of the above deals require an adult meal to be purchased in order to receive one kids meal free. Kids are normally considered to be younger than 12yrs old. It's always wise to check the small print of all deals with staff in case there are any extra requirements to be met so that you don't get stung when paying the bill. Another tip is to sign your kids up with the kiddies clubs that some venues have - that way your kids will get free meals on their birthdays!

International Fleet Review 2013

In late 2011, the Chief of Navy (CN) - Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AO, CSC, RAN extended an invitation to over 50 nations to send a warship and/or tall ship to participate in an International Fleet Review (IFR) to be held in Sydney from 3 - 11 October 2013. The Review is being held to commemorate the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet into Sydney. On 4 October 1913 the flagship, HMAS Australia, led the new Australian Fleet Unit comprising HMA Ships Melbourne, Sydney, Encounter, Warrego, Parramatta and Yarra into Sydney Harbour for the first time to be greeted by thousands of cheering citizens lining the foreshore. This was a moment of great national pride and importance, one recognised as a key indicator of Australia's progress towards national maturity.

The IFR is a high profile international event and Navy's signature commemorative event for 2013. Planned in partnership with the NSW State Government and the City of Sydney, it is anticipated that approximately 40 visiting warships and 12 tall ships will participate in this historic event. The RAN Sea Power Conference 2013 and Pacific 2013 International Maritime Congress and Exposition are also scheduled to take place at Darling Harbour from 7 October 2013 to coincide with the IFR.

The current plan will see RAN and visiting warships rendezvousing in Jervis Bay, NSW by 2 October 2013 to conduct final preparations and briefings. The formal aspects of the IFR will commence with all tall ships entering Sydney Harbour on Thursday 3 October 2013 and all warships entering on Friday 4 October 2013 - exactly 100 years after the first RAN Fleet entry.

More event information is available on the International Fleet Review 2013 web pages.

• Date: 3 October 2013 to 11 October 2013
• Time: Refer to the Schedule of Events below
• Where: Various locations around Sydney, NSW
• Cost: Free

 

Schedule of Events

Note: The following program is subject to change.

3 October 2013

• Warships depart for passage to Sydney.
• Tall ships entry. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) "Team Navy ASRL Flotilla". Location: Sydney Harbour.

4 October 2013

• Fleet entry. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• Flypast by rotary and fixed winged aircraft. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• Australian Surf Rowers League luncheon. Location: Sydney Opera House.

5 October 2013

• Dress ship. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• Royal Australian Navy Band recitals.
• Ceremonial Fleet Review. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• Formation flypast by rotary and fixed winged aircraft. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• Military demonstrations.
• Pyrotechnics and Lightshow. Location: Sydney Harbour.

6 October 2013

• Ships Open Day. Location: Fleet Base East, Garden Island/Barangaroo.
• Interfaith Religious Service. Location: St Mary's Cathedral.

7 October 2013

• Opening of Sea Power Conference 2013 and Pacific Maritime Trade Show (Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition). Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
• Royal Australian Navy Band recitals.
• Combined Navies Band concert (to be confirmed).
• Ships Open Day. Location: Fleet Base East, Garden Island/Barangaroo.

8 October 2013

• Sea Power Conference 2013 and Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition continue. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
• Royal Australian Navy Band recitals.
• Memorial Service. Location: Cenotaph, Martin Place.

9 October 2013

• Sea Power Conference 2013 and Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition continue. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
• Combined Navies Parade. Location: George Street - The Rocks to Town Hall.
• Food Festival/BBQ for parade participants. Location: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour.
• Sea Power Conference 2013. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
• Twilight sailing with RAN Sailing Association. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• Closing of Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

10 October 2013

• Tall ships depart. Location: Sydney Harbour.

11 October 2013

• Warships depart. Location: Sydney Harbour.

Need affordable and comfortable accommodation close the fleet locations in Sydney?

Metro Hotels offer 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 walk to Sydney Harbour and Exhibition Centre)
• Metro Hotel Sydney Central (close walk or bus/taxi ride to Sydney Harbour and Exhibition Centre)
• Metro Hotel on Pitt (close train/bus or taxi ride to Sydney Harbour and Exhibition Centre)
• Aspire Hotel Sydney Ultimo (close train/bus or taxi ride to Sydney Harbour and Exhibition Centre)

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. Many of the fleet locations 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.


Want discounts on your stay at Metro Hotels around Sydney? Here are some specials:

Start Of Financial Year Special @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour
Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour are offering this Start of Financial Year Special for $220.00* per night (minimum 3 night stay) including:

• Guaranteed free upgrade to Executive 
• 3 Night Minimum stay is required
• Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/314

Winter Sydney Great Saver @ Metro Hotel Sydney Central
Metro Hotel is offering this Winter Sydney - Great Saver package for $129.00 per room per night including:

• Free wireless internet 
• Free Breakfast for 2 adult 
• Free bottle of wine on arrival 
• Free late check out by 12 noon (Subject to availability).
• Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/307

Bed and Breakfast PLUS Package @ Metro on Pitt
Metro Hotel on Pitt is offering this Bed and Breakfast PLUS Package including:

• One Nights Accommodation
• Hot Buffet Breakfast for two
• Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/217

Park and Stay Special at Aspire Hotel Sydney @ Aspire Hotel
Aspire Hotel Sydney is offering this Park and Stay Special:

• Book for 3 nights accommodation at Aspire Hotel Sydney and get free parking
• Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/106

The Rocks Aroma Festival 2013

The Rocks Aroma Festival 2013 Apartment Accomomdation

For those of us who can't live without our caffeine; your festival highlight of 2013 is sure to be The Rocks Aroma Festival on Sunday 21 July 2013. And for those of you who have a non bean-drinker in tow, don't worry there's plenty of food and tea as well.

Situated in the historic Sydney location of The Rocks (as the name of the festival suggests); the alleys and streets will be taken over by roasters, dippers and mixers offering u all sorts of goodies to make your mouth water. Best of all; this annual event is free from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. Like previous years; Campbells Cove, Hickson Road Reserve and George Street will all play host this year to the entertainment and stall holders.

Like any market you pay for what you consume. Coffee comes in at around the $2 mark which is a fair saving to your standard barista mid-week fee, even more of a steal when you consider some of their exotic origins and gourmet nature. Guatemalan, Turkish, Brazilian and French all hit the spot and will wake you up if you arrive early in the morning and will keep you going all day. If you like what you drink; buy a bag to take home. The flavours will be a conversation prompter and saying you purchased it at a festival always sounds much more intriguing than the local supermarket.

Edible sweets and treats will be out in full force to compliment the brews of the day; think of Turkish baklava, French pastries and spicy Spanish churros. For non-coffee lovers; don't despair there will be plenty of teas, chai and hot chocolate available for you to hydrate yourselves with. This festival will be a round-the-world ticket for your tastebuds. Live entertainment includes bands, street performers, coffee readers (for those who wonder what this is refer back to the scene in Harry Potter where Professor Trelawney saw Harry's future in the tea leaves).
Apartment Accomodation

More details are sure to be announced closer to the day but make sure you don't forget or miss out on this fantastic one-day-only event and mark your diary now.

Rocks Aroma Festival 2012 - is sure to be bigger and better in 2013!