Sydney Wins Best in Show

Sydney has once again been recognised as one of the world’s best festival and event cities, taking home an award at the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) annual convention and expo held in Kansas City, USA.

“This award is a source of great pride for Sydney and demonstrates the Harbour City's position as one of the world's leading destination for tourism and events,” Destination NSW chief executive officer, Sandra Chipchase said.

“Securing major events has been a priority for Destination NSW, the Government's tourism and major events agency, as we work towards achieving our goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.”

The latest award marks five years in row Sydney has won at the festival, and also comes after Destination NSW had secured a string of major event investments and wins this year including the 2014 Opening Series Major League Baseball, international soccer tournaments, Hanada Opera on Sydney Harbour and the Australian premiere of the Lion King and Matilda the Musical, amongst others.

“Since Destination NSW was created, we have been focused on developing the Sydney and NSW Events Calendar as the most compelling in Australia and this award proves that we are achieving that goal,” Chipchase said.

“Sydney is Australia's global city. In the year ending June 2014, Sydney welcomed 32.5 million visitors who not only experienced the excellent events on offer but also our city's beautiful beaches, park, food and wine, galleries and museums, shopping and other great attractions.”

IFEA president, Steven Schmader said Sydney had  set as an example for “global peers to aspire to”.

Newcastle, NSW, was also named as a World Festival and Event City for the second time at expo and sits alongside Sydney as one of six cities Global Cities for Events and Festivals recognised at the 2014 awards.

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Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum based at Darling Harbour offers so much for adults and children. Squeeze through a real submarine, captain the HMAS Vampire Destroyer, or dive into Australia’s colourful beach culture and there’s much, much more.

This museum houses one of the world’s biggest and most diverse museum fleets.

Open daily from 0930 to 5pm except Christmas Day.

Current exhibits include: “Coming to Australia”, a collection of photographs capturing post WWII European Migration, “East Coast Encounter”, an interesting look at Captain Cook’s discovery of Australia. “Blue Whale”, an eye to eye encounter with the greatest minds of the sea.

For more information please visit: www.anmm.gov.au 

Source: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-apartments-on-darling-harbour/nearby-attractions/australian-national-maritime-museum/

The Site’s First Traditional Owners:

Opened in 1991, the Australian National Maritime Museum occupies an outstanding harbour-side site close to the centre of Sydney – Australia’s oldest city and for a long time the nation’s busiest port.

It stands on land traditionally owned by the Gadigal people who found a rich source of fish and shellfish in the sheltered waters of Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay. Indigenous culture is explored in our core exhibition Eora First People.

About:

The Australian National Maritime Museum was planned and built more than 20 years ago as part of the massive Darling Harbour and Pyrmont redevelopment.

The museum was the site’s showpiece and remains the Australian government’s most visible national cultural institution in Sydney.

Commerce:

Darling Harbour, close to the site of the first British settlement at Sydney Cove, soon became the cradle of the colony’s maritime commerce. Later, this inner-city branch of Sydney Harbour served as the industrial and cargo transport hub of New South Wales. Here cargo ships from local ports and across the world docked and departed, immigrants arrived in streams of thousands to start a new life in a new land and waterside workers – wharfies – became engaged in a struggle against work conditions and practices they found increasingly oppressive.

Darling Harbour’s importance as a transport hub accelerated through the 19th century as NSW’s railways reached out into regional areas, drawing more and more primary produce into the capital for shipment out across the seas. Large tracts of land, particularly on the western side of the waterway (where the museum now stands) were given over to railway lines and sidings, storage sheds and workshops.

And then came a period of extraordinary change. With the introduction of new cargo handling technologies, particularly containerisation, Darling Harbour’s port activities started to move away from the city centre to Botany Bay and other places.

By the 1980s Darling Harbour was almost redundant as an industrial centre and transport interchange. It would soon pass through a remarkable transformation – to become a relaxed and welcoming harbour-side recreation and tourist district.

Sydney City Food Walks - Gourmet Guide On Places To Eat In Sydney

Sydney Opera House aerial view

by Laura Hunt

Sydney has an abundance of great cafes, multicultural cuisines, restaurants, bakeries, bars and markets, and with the city's temperate climate and sunshine filled days, one of the best ways to discover these gourmet delights is by foot. Sydney-siders are proud of and passionate about their food offerings, which are varied, fresh and modern. So put on some comfortable shoes and get ready to eat, because we are off and racing on a foodie adventure around this beautiful harbour city!

Sydney Fish Markets, James Horan, Destination NSW

Start your day early at the Sydney Fish Markets

Okay, 6:30am may be an early start but we promise it's the best time of day to experience the buzzing atmosphere of the Sydney Fish Markets. At this time of morning you can join an apron clad guide on a behind-the-scenes tour, where you'll be expertly escorted around the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere. Witness a crazy, yet somehow super-efficient auction, were 20,000kg of seafood is sold every hour, and watch as more than 100 species of fish are unloaded fresh from the trawlers... all ready for purchase that day.

Sydney Fish Markets, James Horan, Destination NSW

Stop for a dose of Caffeine

After your early start to the day you are probably desperately in need of a coffee by now! A visit to Gumption, located on the ground floor of the stately Strand Arcade, is just what the doctor ordered. Gumption's coffee roasters really know their stuff, and are right on trend with the coffee bean-related nerdery that is popping up throughout Sydney’s CBD. From the roaster to the cupping table, this coffee has a bold flavor which will definitely kickstart your morning. Tip: While you're waiting for your coffee order don't forget to look up and take in the beauty of The Strand's stained glass windows and historic architectural features that date back to 1891.

The Strand Arcade, Sydney, NSW

You'll now be hungry for Breakfast in the Park

Your next stop is breakfast and maybe a second round of coffee (well, you did wake up extra early, so why not!). Leave the Strand Arcade via Pitt Street Mall, and head south to Market Street, then left and up to the café set in the sandstone building backing onto St James Station. Soak up the sunshine as you sit outside watching the locals play on the giant chess board located in front of the café. With magnificent views of St Mary’s Cathedral and leafy Hyde Park in dappled light, this is the perfect place to enjoy a big, healthy cooked breakfast.

Metro St James, Sydney, NSW

Hyde Park, Sydney, NSW

Stop to take in the Superb City Views

After a leisurely breakfast, take a stroll through the extensive food hall at David Jones which offers a range of enticing produce including seafood, fresh pasta, cheeses and even individual chocolate-dipped strawberries. In the same shopping complex is Westfield's Centrepoint Tower. Take a lift up to the highest point in Sydney for a bird’s eye view of the beautiful city, which helps to put its size and numerous suburbs into perspective. The viewing platform here has vistas that stretch as far as the Blue Mountains on a clear day.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Ethan Rohloff, Destination NSW 

David Jones Food Hall, Sydney, NSW

Spend some time walking off your breakfast, and maybe those chocolate-dipped strawberries from David Jones, as you stroll through Hyde Park. Its from here that you reach the next spot to explore; the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens. This 30 hectare oasis is located in the heart of the Sydney CBD and is wrapped around historic Farm Cove and Sydney Harbour. Established in 1816, these picturesque gardens have different landscapes and exhibitions around every corner, not to mention incredible views of the city. From here you can look straight across to the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge from vantage points such as Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair.

Stop for a lunchtime break, you've earned it

Botanic Restaurant, Sydney, NSW

If you're starting to feel peckish you won’t need to go far as your lunchtime spot is located within the tranquility of the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Botanic Restaurant boasts delicious food and is a great place to relax as you dine outdoors on a wisteria-draped verandah with spectacular views of the parklands and beyond. Here you can choose a fine dining option in the restaurant upstairs, which has an acclaimed menu featuring quality Australian produce in a seasonally changing menu. Or, if you're looking for something a little more low key, make your way downstairs to the café. Here you'll be able to pick up a takeaway picnic box and choose your very own spot in the extensive gardens for a leisurely lunch.

Now for an indulgent High Tea

The Tea Room QVB, Sydney, NSW

After lunch, follow signs through the garden to The Art Gallery of New South Wales, where you'll find a fascinating Indigenous gallery as well as rooms filled with the works of famous Australian painters including Brett Whiteley and Sir Arthur Streeton. Here, casual dining is available in the downstairs restaurant with views over the harbour foreshore and Circular Quay. Continue walking along Art Gallery Road past ‘The Domain,’ to St Mary's Cathedral - Sydney's largest - and across the road to Hyde Park. Cross the park towards the city and head a couple of blocks west to the beautifully appointed Queen Victoria Building, where you can take an afternoon break in the famous Tea Room. Located in what was once the original Grand Ballroom of the landmark building, the Tea Room offers a full high tea that's complete with fresh scones, gourmet jams and clotted cream.  

Brush up on Sydney's history in The Rocks

The Rocks, Sydney, NSW

If you're still feeling energetic take a 20 minute walk down George Street towards Circular Quay and The Rocks area, where you can get a sense of Sydney's past by exploring cobbled laneways, cozy cafés and the oldest pubs in the country. In this historic precinct you'll be able to learn more about this strip of land that European settlers chose to step ashore on in 1788, essentially making The Rocks the birthplace of modern Sydney. As it’s getting late in the day, you may as well sample one of the many hand crafted beers on offer in the local pubs, which have been created in boutique Australian breweries.

Finish it all off with a well deserved sunset drink 

Opera Bar, Sydney, NSW

A sundowner drink is a must at the Opera Bar, where you can have a glass of Australian sparkling wine accompanied by a fabulous view of Sydney's iconic landmarks - the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. As the sun sets and you say cheers to a great day, you'll be hard pressed to find a better photo opportunity! If you can make some room after a day of indulging, there are plenty of tempting bar snacks on offer. And let's face it, you've been walking all day long whilst eating your way around Sydney's restaurants and cafes so it's all pretty much guilt-free, well that's what we'll believe anyway!

Source: http://restaurant.australia.com/explore/new-south-wales/Experiences/food-by-foot-sydney-.html?cid=social_20140924_20937834

Cruise Season Begins

For the first time Australian’s who chose to spend their holidays cruising has surpassed North America taking Australian to No 1 in the world for cruises per capita.

A record 833,348 Australians took a cruise last year and it is predicted to rise to one million by 2016 as more cruising ships enter Australian waters.*

As Sydney is a key departure point for many cruises, why worry about trains being delayed, traffic jams, problem of where to park the car, feeling stressed to the max before even arriving at the ship when you can stay in central Sydney in luxury apartments.

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour will be offering passengers pre and post cruise stays with a ten per cent discount on all packages and best available rates for the length of their stay. This includes a bottle of sparkling Australian wine and chocolates on arrival.

With cruises departing from the International Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay and from the White Bay terminal in Rozelle, both are just a short taxi trip from the Apartments to the terminals.

Situated in the heart of Sydney directly across from Darling Harbour, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is an ideal location to explore some of the city before cruising.

Nearby is King Street Wharf and Cockle Bay where you can enjoy a cocktail in one of the many boutique bars, a meal in one of many harbourside restaurants to suit everyone’s budget or stroll across the footbridge to try your luck at The Star Casino.

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour are priced to be affordable for mid-week and weekend getaways starting from $199.00.

A selection of 32 recently renovated loft-style one-bedroom apartments, each with a queen sized bed and sofa bed, offer all the comforts of a ‘home away from home’ with the convenience of a perfect city location. Each apartment is appointed with a fully-equipped kitchen, washing machine, dryer and ironing facilities, air conditioning and heating.

To make a reservation, visit www.metrohotels.com and enter the code CRUISE to be entitled to the 10% discount or call the toll free reservations on 1800 114 321.

View details of Cruise Sydney Accommodation Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

* Source news.com.au

Fireworks in August 2014 - Darling Harbour Sydney

You don’t have to wait for big occasions like New Year’s Eve to see fireworks in Sydney. Head to Harbourside in Darling Harbour and you’ll see fireworks most Saturday nights. Why? Because it’s the weekend and it’s time to party!

With more than 24 bars and restaurants, state-of-the-art entertainment venues and magnificent waterfront views, Harbourside is a great spot for a romantic meal, entertaining the family and partying with friends. Relax, have fun and feast on your favourite food while the spectacular fireworks turn the night sky red, green, blue and all the other colours of the rainbow.

Upcoming fireworks dates:  8.30pm Saturday 16, 23 and 30 August

For more info, visit: http://darlingharbour.com/whats-on/fireworks-in-august.aspx?mobile=1&alttemplate=MobileEvent

Latest Reviews on TripAdvisor.com about Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - August 2014

“FANTASTIC!!!!”

Reviewed 6 August 2014 by Bayholiday NEW

Girls weekend away and had a wonderful time the 1 bedroom loft apartment is spacious, clean, comfortable and had everything we required. The view is brilliant and so are the staff very helpful even carried bags down the stairs for us. The apartments are in easy walking to Darling Harbour, Paddys Markets, The Rocks & Circular Quay. Had a fantastic time!!! :)

• Stayed August 2014, travelled with friends
• Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g255060-d256600-r219942268-Metro_Apartments_On_Darling_Harbour-Sydney_New_South_Wale.html#UR219942268

Book your next stay at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-apartments-on-darling-harbour/hot-deals/
Location: 132-136 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia (close to Wynyard station)
Phone: 02 9199 - 2517

How To Have a Stress-Free Family Day Out For Less Than $100

The weather’s warming up, and the kids are keen to get out and explore. But sometimes fun for the kids can mean stress for mums and dads, and a strain for their wallets.

So we’ve taken the stress and the expense out of the family day out. Here’s how to do Darling Harbour – stress-free, without breaking the budget.

Play

The Children’s Playground at Darling Quarter is completely free, and it’s a great place for the kids to spend some time. And the more time the better, as the huge playground has 16 separate features, including the Balance Ropes, an 18.7m rope course and the first of its kind in Australia; the Big Slide, the largest in the whole playground at over 3m high and 8m long; the 21m Flying Fox; the Giant Ring, a 3D swing experience that lets kids go up, down, side to side and around in circles; the Octanet, a climbing course that rises 10m into the air and uses 83m of rope; and the Pump Station, a cool water play feature with 26 water jets! Or just hang out in the sandpit, or chill out under the Shade Zone.

Mums and dads can grab a coffee from one of Darling Quarter’s great cafes, and take a load off on one of the playground’s many benches while the kids play.

Head over from the playground to Kingpin Bowling in the Harbourside Shopping Centre. It’s $40 for a family pass (two adults and two children), which includes one game of bowling per person and two free soft drinks.

On the way, stop off at the Carousel in Palm Grove and take a ride for only $4. Thought to be the second oldest carousel in Australia, and one of only a handful of surviving 19th century carousels, this carousel is a slice of super fun history. It’s driven by a steam engine that was made by Tidmans of Norwich (England) in 1892, and the horses were expertly carved by G & J Lines and Co, London in around 1895. It reached Australia in 1894, and has been enjoyed by roughly six generations of children!

Experience

Located in Australia’s first purpose built theatre dedicated to work for young people, Monkey Baa Theatre Company in Darling Quarter adapts the very best of Australian children’s literature to the stage. With a mission statement to “[create] exceptional theatre experiences for young people by bringing to life uniquely Australian stories”, at Monkey Baa your little monkeys will be entertained and inspired. Tickets are between $20-$25 depending on the show. Keep an eye on their website for new shows.

Enjoy a ride and a movie all at once at Harbourside Shopping Centre’s 9D Action Cinema. Melding 3D animated movies with surround sound, ‘active motion’ seats, and dramatic touch effects like rain, snow, and wind, it’s a cinematic experience like no other. Rides run all day and you don’t even have to book ahead. Just rock up; a family ticket for one ride is only $35.

Families can check out all permanent galleries at the Australian National Maritime Museum for only $17.50, or for an exciting and educational experience to cap off a weekend, check out their Family Fun Sundays. It’s $8.50 per child, $3.50 for the first adult and $7 for each additional adult, plus all day parking for only $13 (have your ticket stamped at the musuem). Every Sunday during the school term, the kids can get up to lots of maritime-themed activities, like making a long ship, or a viking helmet!

Explore the Chinese Garden of Friendship with the Emperor’s Quest smartphone app (available from Google Play and the iTunes App Store), which educates kids about the Chinese zodiac, known as ‘Sheng Xiao’ or ‘birth sign’. Fun clues and the history of each of the animals of the zodiac are hidden throughout the gardens on the way to the 12 hidden animal sculptures, and it’s up to the kids to find them! Once they’re all unlocked, a special surprise will be revealed…

Eat

There are so many great kids menus at Darling Harbour! Blackbird Cafe offers a $14.90 main with a free dessert and free colouring in, and for an extra $3 you can take home a limited edition wobble-bobble ice-cream-head.

Authentic Italian can be found at Vesta ($10), while at Adria, all kids meals are $12.50 including soft drink and dessert. On Saturdays and Sundays at Stacks, kids can get a pizza and unlimited soft drink for $5. Kamikaze offers a selection of Japanese meals for kids for $14.90 each plus a free red lemonade, and desserts for $6.50. Pontoon has a family friendly menu, with ten dishes under $10.

For kids under 12, Passello has a selection of mains for $8.50, and a scoop of free ice cream. Zaaffran has yummy Indian starters and mains for kids, ranging from $7.50 – $15.00. It may seem like a restaurant made entirely for big kids, but Pancakes on the Rocks has a kids menu too, ranging from $2.95 – $7.95.

Plan

Book ahead and you can get discounted all day parking at various Darling Harbour locations with Wilson Parking’s Book A Bay.

All Darling Quarter public amenities have baby change facilities, and Cockle Bay Wharf has a parents’ room and baby change facility.

Enjoy!

Source: http://www.hashtagdarlingharbour.com/stress-free-family-day-less-100/

Need affordable accommodation near Darling Harbour?

Stay at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour and be conveniently located to all the major attractions in the article above.

Check out Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour's latest accommodation specials: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-apartments-on-darling-harbour/hot-deals/

Location: 132-136 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia (walking distance from Wynyard station)

Phone: 02 9199 - 2517