Cirque Le Noir - Sydney March 2015

The Sydney premiere of Le Noir, direct from a sold out world tour will see for the first time ever, the Sydney Lyric Theatre transformed to seat audiences around a custom-built circular stage giving a spectacular 360 degree view of the performance and bringing the heart pounding action closer than ever before.

World class acrobats, musicians, specialty acts and comedians are the centre piece of the production and will enthral audiences in this spell-binding theatrical journey. This production is surreal, beautiful, seductive and at times hilariously risqué.

With incredible displays of balance, contortion, stamina, aerial artistry and death defying acts, such as the Colombian Wheel of Death, the skills exhibited by the cast of Le Noir is a show that audiences won’t want to miss.

“Precarious and impossible in ways that defy the imagination...” – The Straits Times

Exclusive Club Lyric presale now on! For details on how to purchase presale tickets email club@sydneylyric.com.au

From 19 March 2015 for a strictly limited season

Tickets: http://sydneylyric.com.au/index.php/whats-on/coming-soon/Le-Noir

Sydney to host World Congress of Accountants 2018

Sydney has again outshone its competitors, winning the right to host 5,000 leading accounting professionals at the next World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) in 2018, an event worth $18 million to New South Wales (NSW).

Business Events Sydney (BESydney), the NSW Government and a powerful contingent of Australian representatives supported the bid led by Alex Malley from CPA Australia, and Lee White from the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia, who together represent 200,000 business, finance and accounting professionals.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Troy Grant revealed the win was announced at the 2014 World Congress in Rome recently.

“This is the latest high-profile international event to be secured for the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney). It’s one of 18 international business events locked in for Sydney and NSW, representing a combined estimated economic impact of close to $150 million,” said Mr Grant.

“Sydney is recognised globally as an international finance hub and business centre. It’s home to Australia’s strongest corporate, finance and professional services sectors - 16 of the 25 top accounting firms call our Harbour City home. In fact, more than 45 per cent (by revenue) of the top 500 companies in Australia are located in NSW,” Mr Grant said.  

CEO of BESydney, Lyn Lewis-Smith said, “The last time Australia hosted this highly sought-after congress was 1972 in Sydney. To have it return to our shores some 40 years later is testament to the strength of our professional services industry and global reputation.”

“The majority of events already secured for ICC Sydney sit within the professional services sector and will play an important role in providing opportunities for global collaboration, trade and investment,” Ms Lewis-Smith said.

ICC Sydney CEO and AEG Ogden Group Director of Convention Centres, Geoff Donaghy said he was pleased the group’s global experience could provide an added degree of confidence when attracting events for ICC Sydney.

“Having successfully hosted the World Congress of Accountants in Kuala Lumpur in 2010, it is an honour to again be entrusted with this prestigious event. In 2018, we look forward to hosting a uniquely Sydney experience for Congress delegates in what is undoubtedly one of the most exciting convention venues to come to market.

“The NSW Government’s decision to invest in infrastructure across the city is certainly underlining Sydney as the destination of choice for international business event decision makers,” Mr Donaghy said.

The NSW Government has committed to significant investment in Sydney’s financial sector, including the A$6 billion development at Barangaroo to create a world-class base for international banks, financial and professional services companies. This major development was a key selling point in the bidding process, as were the brand new conference facilities, and will ensure Sydney continues to be one of the best places in the world to meet.

The quadrennial World Congress of Accountants aims to foster global unity and collegiality among professional accountants. Previous congresses have been held in Rome (2014), Kuala Lumpur (2010), Istanbul (2006), Hong Kong (2002), Paris (1997) and Washington DC (1992).

Source: http://www.incentivetravel.co.uk/news/australia/23545-sydney-to-host-world-congress-of-accountants-2018

Sydney Festival 2015 - The Kitchen Show

Photo credit: KR Vinayan

Sydney Festival 2015
From the creator of the MANGANIYAR SEDUCTION, we welcome THE KITCHEN

A show about the healing power of cooking, The Kitchen is a sumptuous, multi-sensory spectacle of arresting sights, smells and sounds, culminating in something for your taste buds too.

In The Kitchen, a man and woman connect in a wordless drama exploring the ritual of cooking. As the couple prepares payasam, a traditional Indian dessert, letting the fragrant aromas waft over you, 12 drummers provide a vigorous soundtrack on copper mizhavu drums. As this trance-inducing meditation reaches an intoxicating boiling point, it’s your turn to take part in the performance.

In 2010, Indian director Roysten Abel wowed Sydney with The Manganiyar Seduction. Experience his return to Sydney Festival with this flavoursome fusion of folk traditions and theatrical celebration.

Commissioned by Sydney Festival, Auckland Festival and Holland Festival.

Duration: 75mins no interval
Where: Seymour Centre York Theatre
Address: Corner City Road and Cleveland Street, Chippendale
Tickets: Sydney Festival Online Bookings or call 1300 856 876

Source: http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2015/the-kitchen?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=websiteclicks&utm_campaign=kitchen

Swan Lake 2015 - The Australian Ballet @ Capitol Theatre Sydney

After standing ovations in New York, London, Paris and Tokyo, The Australian Ballet returns with its most popular ever production. Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake is a classic reimagined for the 21st century, charged with sensuality and heartbreak. Murphy sets the passionate love triangle of Odette, Prince Siegfried and the Baroness von Rothbart against Kristian Fredrikson’s magnificent designs – massed swans, a darkly sparkling lake, regal ballrooms – and Tchaikovsky’s achingly beautiful score. An overwhelming emotional experience and a dazzling feast on stage, this is Swan Lake as you’ve never seen it before.

After a sell-out season in Melbourne in 2013, this powerful production returns to Sydney for the first time since 2008. This is the company’s most popular and most loved production in history and has elevated the company to international acclaim.

“The Australian Ballet puts fire into the Lake.” - Le Figaro, Paris

• Running Time: 2 hours and 50 minutes including 2 intervals. *All times are approximate and subject to change.
• Playing from: 20 – 28 February 2015 only at the Capitol Theatre Sydney
• Address: 13 Campbell St, Haymarket NSW 2000
• Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/The-Australian-Ballet-tickets/artist/1057476?tm_link=edp_Artist_Name

Giant LEGO Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - Sydney

Let it LEGO, let it LEGO, let it LEGO

For this year's festive season a magical LEGO Christmas Tree – built entirely out of LEGO bricks – will come to life outside Westfield Sydney in Pitt Street Mall from 27 November – 27 December 2014.

December is fast approaching and the upcoming LEGO Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is set to get you into the holiday spirit and bring out your inner child. Standing taller than a two-storey house and wider than a family car, the tree at Westfield Sydney is created especially by Australia's only LEGO Certified Professional, Ryan McNaught. The gigantic plastic evergreen will contain half a million LEGO bricks and set the record for the largest tree the Southern Hemisphere has ever seen.



The LEGO Christmas Tree also features a Santa and sleigh built out of LEGO bricks, along with a special reindeer designed by competition winner and LEGO Club Member, 10-year old Luke Francis. Together, these colourful models will make up a stunning LEGO Christmas themed set, bound to delight pedestrian shoppers and LEGO fans of all ages.

To add a touch of sparkle, the LEGO Christmas Tree will be lit every night with a light show set to Christmas carols from approximately 8pm.



The LEGO Christmas Tree is officially launched at 7.45 pm on Thursday, 27 November, with 400 singers from the Sydney Philharmonic Choir performing carols around the LEGO Christmas tree as part of the citywide celebrations. So come along and be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime Christmas experience and be inspired to build your own LEGO Christmas!

When: Official launch, 7.45pm on 27 November - after date tree will still be on display
Where: Westfield Sydney, Pitt Street Mall, Sydney NSW 2000
Cost: Free!

Source: http://www.weekendnotes.com/lego-christmas-tree-lighting-ceremony/?sb=1&i=1&j=1&k=3&wemid=45724&wuid=557219&ap=AJU2GQkXOY

Need accommodation in Sydney this Christmas?

Metro Hotels have four conveniently located hotels and serviced apartments throughout Sydney CBD, here are our latest accommodation deals:

• Aspire Hotel Sydney (Ultimo): 

Deluxe Package

• Metro Hotel Sydney Central:

Wicked Family Package

• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Free Upgrade Package

• Metro Hotel on Pitt

2 Night Stay Deal

Octonauts Live! Operation Reef Sheild

Developed from a special new episode of the worldwide hit children’s animation series The OCTONAUTS (ABC For Kids), OCTONAUTS LIVE! OPERATION REEF SHIELD is a live adventure musical touring Australia’s premier theatres.

The OCTONAUTS are an eight person team of quirky and courageous undersea adventurers who are always ready to dive into action! It is their mission to explore new underwater worlds, rescue amazing sea creatures and protect the ocean. 

They are led by valiant polar bear Captain Barnacles, Lieutenant Kwazii the daring cat, and Medic Peso the big-hearted penguin. The beloved animated characters have been reimagined for the live stage and transformed into impressive lifelike walkaround costumes of the pedigree that has made Life Like Touring Australia’s leading producer of family theatre.

Entirely created and produced in Australia, OCTONAUTS LIVE! OPERATION REEF SHIELD! is written and directed by Life Like Touring’s Theresa Borg, who wrote and directed acclaimed internationally touring productions Scooby-Doo Live! Musical Mysteries, which toured to Australia, North America, Middle East and Europe, and Sesame Street Presents Elmo’s World Tour which toured Australia and Asia.

In OCTONAUTS LIVE! OPERATION REEF SHIELD, Captain Barnacles and his trusty crew join forces with a host of colourful Australian reef dwellers on a mission to save the Great Barrier Reef! When the Octonauts deploy a new undersea medical station designed to keep the reef clean and healthy, they discover a problem that threatens the reef dwellers and their home. 

An outbreak of spiky and very hungry Crown of Thorns Starfish are on their way to eat the reef! It will take all the Octonauts, their Gups, and a rag-tag crew of sea creatures to ward off the advancing starfish and save the Great Barrier Reef! Don’t miss this all new musical adventure live on stage for the first time in 2015.

Running Time: Approximately 75 minutes total (including 15 minute interval)
Performance Dates: Friday 6th & Saturday 7th March

Event Location: Capitol Theatre Sydney

Get tickets NOW

Nearby accommodation at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Brazouka Touring Australia

Narrated by comedian turned Brazilian dance lover Billy Connolly and performed by Brazil's most thrilling new dance troupe, Brazouka is the inspirational story of Braz Dos Santos’ journey from a small Brazilian village to the international stage - it was dance or die for the best freestyle Lambada and Lambazouk dancer in the world.

This must see production is sure to have "the entire audience on their feet, laughing and dancing" (The West Australian) as the striking performers play with the illustrious martial arts dance - Capoeira, Afro-contemporary, Rio Zouk, the cheeky partner dances of the Samba.  They present the most impressive display of the sensual dance languages of Lambada, Lambazouk, mixed with the bouncy Forro style that Australian audiences may ever see.

Off the back of impressive runs in Edinburgh, London and Johannesburg, Brazouka is already stunning Australian audiences, being touted by The West Australian as an "astonishing”, and “seductive spectacle".  Don’t miss your chance to experience the passion of Brazilian dance – limited runs across Australia.

Tour Dates:
- Ticketek is selling for the following venues only -

• Thu 23 - Sun 26 Oct @ Regal Theatre, Perth
• Thu 13 - Sun 16 Nov @ Enmore Theatre, Sydney
• Wed 19 - Sun 30 Nov @ The Palms at Crown, Melbourne

Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=BRAZOUKA14#prX1QS4XeR4ZU0jl.99

NELLY plus Lupe Fiasco and B.O.B 2015 Australian Tour

Presented by: Epic Entertainment

Tickets On Sale: Thursday 30th October 10:00am at Ticketek: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=NELLYBOB15

Three of the world’s biggest names in hip-hop have confirmed that they will be embarking on an arena tour at the start of 2015. Double Grammy award-winning rapper, Nelly will join Lupe Fiasco and B.o.B for a show-stopping concert brought to you by Epic Entertainment. The power-house tour will see each artist play a collection of their greatest hits, both old and new this summer, with concerts in; Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland and Perth.

With over 21 million albums sold, the tour marks Nelly’s first visit to Australia in four years, and his first ever arena tour. Joined by Lupe Fiasco and B.o.B, the trio will perform global smash hits including; ‘Ride With Me’, ‘Hot in Here’, ‘Super Star’ and ‘So Good’ across Australia and New Zealand.

Since jumping on the scene with his infectious debut single, ‘Country Grammar’, Nelly has made a resounding impact in music that can still be felt to this day. Most recently, the multi-platinum, Grammy award–winning rap superstar released his seventh full-length album, M.O., featuring guest appearances by Nicki Minaj, Pharrell, Future, T.I. and 2 Chainz. However, his talent goes beyond music, expanding his brand into other arenas, including acting, fashion and even his own line of energy drinks.

Entrepreneurial rapper, songwriter and producer Lupe Fiasco joins the powerhouse trio on tour. Since blasting onto the scene in 1999, Lupe can be credited for global hits including ‘Superstar’ and ‘The Show Goes On’, whist racking up an impressive 12 Grammy nominations and countless other awards.

Breaking musical barriers, B.o.B redefines the term rapper with an impressive blend of lyrics, vocals and memorable hits; including one of 2012’s biggest hits ‘So Good’, which dominated the charts globally. He has collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, including Chris Brown, Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Eminem, Bruno Mars and even our very own Potbelleez.

Tour details: http://www.qantascreditunionarena.com.au/Events/Events%20Detail/Nelly.aspx
Presenter website: www.epicpresents.com.au

David Byrne’s Musical About Imelda Marcos to Debut at Barangaroo

David Byrne was in Sydney to promote his musical Here Lies Love for the 2015 Vivid festival.Source: News Corp Australia

Former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne announced in Sydney today that his musical Here Lies Love, about the life of former first lady of the Philippines Imelda Marcos, will make its Australian debut at a purpose-built venue in the city’s Barangaroo development next May.

Byrne, who is in Australia for casting of the production, first performed the songs from the musical in Adelaide in 2006, but since then the show has developed into an interactive stage production and is currently showing in London and New York.

“I would never have started on this project if I’d known how long it was going to take,” said Byrne, who co-wrote the musical with English artist Fatboy Slim. The show is set in a disco/nightclub environment, to tell the Marcos story in song.

Byrne was inspired by the idea that the first lady frequented dance venues and had a nightclub in her New York apartment and at her palace in the Philippines. “I’m old enough to remember that she was a larger than life figure,” he said.

“I’m very excited about the show being here and I think Australians are going to enjoy it.”

The show, which will be staged inside a construction made from freight containers called the Millennium, is part of next year’s Vivid Festival in Sydney.

This year’s crop of Tropfest short films cover the whole gambit from but most aim to win a laugh

2014 Tropfest finalist, Little Bondi. Picture: Supplied

RUNAWAY brides, clumsy butlers, Bondi hipsters and chocoholic dentists are among the characters Tropfest finalists have used to bring this year’s theme of “mirror” alive.

Now in it’s 23rd year, Australian film critic Mark Fennel today announced the 16 finalists which have been selected out of more than 600 entrants at a conference held at the Sydney Opera House.

Films set to hit the big screen at the world’s largest short film festival, which will be held in Centennial Park on December 7, cast a mirror onto the past, explore challenges or journeys made and how they affect the present, take look at Bondi stereotypes and shine a light on today’s society.

2014 Tropfest finalist, Shotgun Wedding. Picture: Supplied

Without a doubt, comedy is the most popular genre covered among the film makers, ten of which hail from NSW.

Among the celebrities set to make an appearance at the hotly anticipated event next month are Gold Logie award winning Australian television and radio presenter Steve Vizard, award winning actor Pia Miranda, The Little Death’s Alan Dukes, Underbelly’s Roy Billing, The Sapphires Shari Sebbens, House Husbands’ Natalie Saleeba, The Killing Field’s Taylor Ferguson and Australian actor Cassandra McGrath.

And as always, a number of questionable character’s also make an appearance in the films.

That’s no doubt the case in Jackson Mullane’s shortfilm, Red Nuts, which looks at the age old question, what would you change about your life if you found out you were dying?

“It follows a red nut and some of the worries you may have if you have red hair,” Jackson Mullane told Confidential.

2014 Tropfest finalist, Spirit Stones. Picture: Supplied

2014 Tropfest finalist, Untitled. Picture: Supplied

2014 Tropfest finalist, Twisted. Picture: Supplied

2014 Tropfest finalist, Red Nuts. Picture: Supplied

Mullane, who was formally a commercial director and professional Rugby Player, made his foray into the film making business after giving up his two previous passions in the search for “longevity in his life”.

“I have always loved watching films and I used to play professional Rugby, they were my two passions and once I stopped and realised I wanted more longevity in my life I made a decision to look at my other passion, film making,” he said.

Mullane is one of four brothers, his sibling, Tyson Mullane, a model and musician and executive director of the flick.

“We spent time being home schooled by our parents and grew up for a lot of years in a caravan together,” Tyson Mullane said.

“I feel like that had a lot to do with us being creative, it forced us to look things a little differently.

“Maybe that’s why we all chose to go into these expressive industries.”

Jackson Mullane has also enlisted the help of well know faces Saleeba and Ferguson to tell his story.

“Nat, I sent her the script and she liked it and wanted to be a part of it,” Mullane said.

“Taylor I have known for years.

“We also got the Rufus boys do all the music for us.”

2014 Tropfest finalist, Cavity. Picture: Supplied

2014 Tropfest finalist, A Lady and a Robot. Picture: Supplied

2014 Tropfest finalist, Evil Mexican Child. Picture: Supplied

2014 Tropfest finalist, A Bit Rich. Picture: Supplied

Jackson Mullane’s short film “The One That Got Away” was short-listed for Tropfest last year, but is hoping to have more luck this year.

“It is always competitive but I am really happy with what we have brought together,” Jackson said.

“We have a feature we want to get made next year so hopefully we can use this to speak to the right people.”

Tropfest founder and director John Polson said: “It’s been 23 years since Tropfest first began and every year films entered into the competition remind me of why I started this in the first place — to raise the profile of creative filmmakers and to share stories that, without this platform, might not have otherwise been told,” Polson said.

“It’s a privilege to see the world of such incredible talented filmmakers enter our festival, and this year is no exception.

“Tropfest audiences across the world are in for really entertaining evening of film on December 7.”

Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/this-years-crop-of-tropfest-short-films-cover-the-whole-gambit-from-but-most-aim-to-win-a-laugh/story-fni0cvc9-1227120846132?nk=0b37bee270a89676325370d660377fa0

2014 Tropfest finalist, FIXED. Picture: Supplied

2014 Tropfest finalist, Granny Smith. Picture: Supplied

Tropfest Winners

 A Lady & A Robot

 Toby Morris, (NSW, Newtown)

 Cavity

 Jacobie Gray (NSW, Cammeray)

 Little Bondi

 Michael Demosthenous, (NSW, Putney)

 Red Nuts

 Jackson Mullane, (NSW, Stanwell Tops)

 INVERSE

 Liam Connor, (NSW, Burringbar)

 Spirit Stones

 Millie Rose Heywood, (NSW, Surry Hills)

 Twisted

 Stuart Bowen, (NSW, Newtown)

 Untitled

 David Karacic, (NSW, South Hurstville) Michael Karacic, (NSW, South Hurstville)

 You wanna order pizza?

 Laura Hughes, (NSW, Birchgrove)

 The Home Video

 Nhu Hoang Dang, (NSW, Pyrmont)

One Direction On the Road Again Australian tour 2015

Much to the excitement of teenage girls, the world's biggest boy band One Direction have announced they are heading back to Australia next year as part of their On the Road Again tour.

It's just seven months since Liam, Niall, Harry, Zayn and Louis toured Australia, but they are now lining up to play shows in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth next year. The band sold all 190,000 tickets for 18 shows across Australia and New Zealand for the Take Me Home at the end of last year.

"Our Australian fans have been there for us since day one, and we always have such a great time there," Liam Payne said.

"We'll see you all in February next year!"

The band are currently travelling with their mammoth Where We Are Tour which has just visited South America and will hit Europe and the US this year. Sydney boy band 5 Seconds of Summer are supporting.

Since the band were put together by Simon Cowell in 2010, they have been an unstoppable force around the globe, amassing a $US100 million fortune along the way, according to estimates.

Get your tickets from the official Ticket master website: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/One-Direction-tickets/artist/1645840

On the Road Again 2015 Australian tour dates:
February 7:   Sydney, Allianz Stadium
February 11: Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium
February 14: Melbourne, Etihad Stadium
February 17: Adelaide, AAMI Stadium
February 20: Perth, Patersons Stadium

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/one-direction-heading-back-to-australia-for-2015-tour-20140519-zrgor.html



Need accommodation close to One Direction tour stadiums? 
Metro Hotels have hotels and serviced apartments in most major cities throughout Australia:


Sydney Hotels & Apartments (NSW):

• Metro Hotel Sydney Central
• Metro Hotel on Pitt
• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour
• Aspire Hotel Sydney

Brisbane Hotels (QLD):

• Metro Hotel Tower Mill

Melbourne Apartments (VIC):

• Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Western Australia:

• Metro Hotel Perth

Ricky Martin - Live in Sydney

THE GRAMMY WINNING GLOBAL SUPERSTAR AND CURRENT COACH ON THE VOICE WILL MAKE HIS HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED RETURN TO ALLPHONES ARENA IN APRIL 2015.

Nine Live and Sony Music Entertainment are proud to announce that GRAMMY winning music superstar Ricky Martin will return to Allphones Arena next year for his One World Tour.

Ricky Martin delighted sold-out audiences with his first Australian tour in more than 10 years last October, and fans will sure to be delighted with the One World Tour.

“I am so excited to bring my new One World Tour back to Australia next year and see all of my loving & loyal Aussie fans once more,” says Martin. “I am looking forward to playing some new material that I have been working on this year, some of my classics and perhaps a few surprises!”

Ticket Prices:

Platinum $169.90
Gold $119.90
Silver $99.90

Event Venue:  All phones Arena

ALLPHONES ARENA is situated in Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney’s newest suburb (created within Homebush Bay). It is located in the geographic and demographic heart of Sydney, approximately 17km west of Sydney’s CBD. 

It is on Olympic Boulevard and is well sign posted when you reach Sydney Olympic Park.

Buy Tickets - http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=RICKYMAR15&v=SSD

DUGONG ISLAND - Now open at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Come & play in the new Dugong Island at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium these school holidays! Great school holiday fun for the whole family.

What is Dugong Island?

Kids and parents young at heart will use their senses to explore the mysterious underwater world of Dugongs in the new Dugong Island. The all-new interactive experience allows guests to walk amongst an underwater shipwreck while admiring the only pair of Dugongs on display in the world! 

Visitors can "Do like a Dugong" plus:

• Hear like a Dugong
• See like a Dugong
• Speak like a Dugong
• Smell a Dugong
• Learn more about these amazing mammals

Who are the only pair of Dugongs on display?

Meet Pig: Affectionately named after his eating habits, Pig was rescued from North Queensland when he became separated from his mother at a very early age. After rehabilitation, Marine Biologists released him into the wild to find him yet again washed ashore so he now calls Dugong Island home.

 

Meet Wuru: Wuru, was also orphaned early. And although she's much younger than Pig, at over 400kg she's actually twice his size - as is the norm for female dugongs.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY DEAL #1

Make the most of our great school holiday activities with a Merlin Annual Pass, on sale now at 30% off!

With a Merlin Annual Pass you enjoy 12 months' unlimited entry to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium plus 10 other top attractions in Australia and New Zealand! Get sorted for summer and grab a Merlin Annual Pass from just $56 per person!

Book this deal now at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium website: http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au/news/dugong-island-now-open/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Facebook+banner&utm_content=Dugongs&utm_campaign=Sept+School+Holidays

SCHOOL HOLIDAY DEAL #2

Get Sydney's best combo pass deal in time for the school holidays with 5 great attractions for just $63 for adults, $36 for kids and families for $180 - saving up to $382!

You get entry to ALL 5:

• SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
• Madame Tussauds Sydney
• WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
• Sydney Tower Eye
• Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary

For a limited time, you can get a 4 or 5 attraction pass for the same price as a 3! Plus you get 30 days to visit them all - perfect for school holiday activities.

Book this deal now at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium website: http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au/news/dugong-island-now-open/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Facebook+banner&utm_content=Dugongs&utm_campaign=Sept+School+Holidays

Hot Deals at Metro Group of Hotels and Apartments for 2015 Sydney Festival

Every January, Sydney Festival transforms the city of Sydney with a bold, cultural celebration of the highest quality and ideas. Sydney Festival has a rich history spanning back 38 years. In 2015, the Festival will run from 8th to 26th January and will feature hundreds of events throughout the city.

Metro Group of Hotels, and official partner of the Sydney Festival 2015, is offering great value ‘Hot Deals’ at four of its Sydney properties for the duration of the festival, starting from as little as $150.

Aspire Hotel Sydney in Ultimo is offering one night’s accommodation in a standard room with own private balcony and free parking from $150 per night. A free bottle of wine will be presented on arrival. Aspire Hotel is Sydney’s best kept secret, conveniently located in a quiet street with Darling Harbour and the City within walking distance. Attractions nearby include the Powerhouse Museum, Paddy’s markets and Chinatown.

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour will appeal to families and those wanting a little more space with fully serviced loft style apartments and views over Darling Harbour. Apartments start from $199 and include free WiFi and a complimentary pack of glow bracelets to get into the Festival mood. During the Festival, don’t miss trying out the Waterfall Swing – this perfect summertime playset creates a cascading curtain of water that miraculously opens just in time to allow the rider to pass through .Suitable for all ages and a free ‘must do’ for families.

Metro Hotel Central Sydney is offering one night’s accommodation including hot buffet breakfast, complimentary WiFi and chocolates on arrival with prices starting at $155. The hotel is minutes away from everything Sydney has to offer, located directly opposite the Capitol Theatre and walking distance to the main shopping area in George Street. It would not be summer in Sydney during the Festival without the Domain free concert series. Within walking distance from the hotel or a local bus to the Domain, this year features one of Brazil’s hottest artists, singer and dancer, Seu Jorge. Concerts are held on Saturday evenings and also include Symphony in the Domain with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Opera Australia presenting ‘Traviata’ and ‘Madame Butterfly’.

Metro Hotel on Pitt has a package offering accommodation for 2 in a Superior Deluxe room, full buffet breakfast and complimentary WiFi with prices starting at $170. This boutique style hotel offers extraordinary value and has everything at your door step. Located in the very heart of Sydney, Metro on Pitt is a short walking distance to Hyde Park where the Festival Village is set up.. An oasis of arts, eats and other treats, it is also home to the Famous Spiegeltent – the ultimate cabaret and music salon. Be sure to catch ‘Limbo’- a circus cabaret act that sold out at the Festival in 2014. Camille O’Sullivan, the well-known Irish chanteuse, will be performing from her recent album, ‘Changeling’. Or light up the night combining music, comedy and dance with ‘Blak Cabaret’. There is also a special week for the family at the Festival Village – from January 20 to 25 where all outdoor activities are free.

Regardless of which hotel or apartment you chose, all properties offer quality accommodation and facilities, and all within a short walk to the hundreds of festival event performances.’ Hot Deals’ for all Metro Hotels can be booked online at www.metrohotels.com.au. Or phone reservations on 1800 004 321 toll free. ‘Hot Deals’ do not include tickets to any Sydney Festival events. For further information on events and tickets visit www.sydneyfestival.org.au.

Source: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hot-deals-metro-group-hotels-apartments-2015-sydney-festival/

Taylor Swift Wax Figure Arrives in Madame Tussauds Sydney

‘SWIFTIES’ DESCEND AS TAYLOR SWIFT’S WAX FIGURE ARRIVES JUST IN TIME FOR ALBUM LAUNCH

Sydney, October 27, 2014

Taylor Swift fans, now commonly known across the world as ‘Swifties,’ today gathered for the chance to welcome the wax figure of their favorite songstress, Taylor Swift, which has arrived in Sydney just in time for the singer’s hotly anticipated new album launch.

The American singer-songwriter’s wax figure was spotted in Hyde Park surrounded by 25 of her dedicated fans. The army of Swifties couldn’t resist getting up close and personal with their favourite star, before flocking to stores to grab a copy of her new album, 1989.

Taylor Swift will be a permanent attraction at Madame Tussauds Sydney, joining fellow performers including Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry.

To find out more about Madame Tussauds Sydney and the great Australian and international figures it is already home to, visit: www.madametussauds.com/sydney

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

Opening hours: 9:30am – 8pm daily (last entry 7pm - Please note; opening times may vary due to private events).

Sydney Festival is Getting Ready for Summer

Sydney is gearing up for its annual summer event which has taken place every January since 1977, and 2015’s offering is set to be a corker.

The Sydney Festival promises to transform the city into a haven of the arts with a spectacular offering of dance, theatre, film, visual arts and music.

In January, those attending can expect 179 events, of which 85 are free, while the others are ticketed. There will be a total of 495 performances to choose from across the 25 venues that are both indoor and outdoor.

Making The Sydney Festival even more exciting is that of the 974 artists performing, there will be 18 world premieres, 11 Australian premieres as well as 22 Australian exclusives that are not to be missed.

One of the world’s most famous circus performer, James Thierree, will be headlining with his fourth visit to the festival, with his show Tabac Rouge. It has been described as ‘an opium hallucination on a breathtaking scale’ in which Thierree plays a ruler who is held captive in a hall of mirrors.

The Griffin Theatre Company and State Theatre Company of South Australia will be offering the world premiere of Kate Mulvany’s adaptation of the much loved children’s book, Masquerade. Suitable for those aged nine and above, it tells the tale of Jack Hare who is in a race against time in which he must deliver a message of love from the moon to the sun.

Music lovers can expect an absoulte treat at the 2015 Sydney Festival as Brazil’s Seu Jorge will be offering his signature mix of transformative pop as well as the swinging songs that bring Rio’s colourful way of life to Australia.

On January 23rd and 24th, there will be a special screening of The Artist Live in Concert, which will see the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and composer-pianist Ludovic Bource bring the award winning film to life.

Metro Hotels are a Sydney Festival Accommodation Partner, and are offering great value Sydney Festival Accommodation Hot Deals