Sydney’s New Year's Eve 2014 Fireworks Display

The annual Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks are about as good an advert for the city as it is possible to have.

Paid for by the local Sydney government, the spectacular display is one of the first New Year’s celebrations to be beamed around the globe every year.

The municipal authorities, not generally known for their modesty when it comes to Sydney’s charms, describe their city as “the New Year's Eve Capital of the World” – and they’re quite right in this instance. Each year brings a different (fairly broad) theme. Last year was “Shine”, the previous year was “Embrace”, and this year it is “Inspire”. 

It truly is one of the most memorable places you will find anywhere to welcome in the New Year, with the balmy Australian summer and the wonderful harbour setting making it ideal for spending the build-up outdoors in convivial company.

That said, its popularity does create its own problems – with some areas around the harbour throbbing with crowds. With a little bit of planning and insider knowledge, you can make sure you find the ideal spot to see in the New Year 2015.

Do I need a ticket?

The short answer is no. If you don't want to pay, you don't have to - there are plenty of vantage points that do not require payment. However, there are many ticketed events, many of which will be booked up well in advance. See here for the full rundown of what’s going on.

Many places will already have sold out – some of them with astonishing price tags.

When are the displays?

It’s not such a stupid question. There are, in fact, two firework displays in the Sydney. The first is at 9pm, a “family fireworks” event before the main event at midnight. If for some reason you’d rather watch the main event from your hotel television with children tucked up in bed (good luck with that), the early showing will allow you to get back.

Where should I watch it?

The "front row seats" – the area around Circular Quay and the Botanical Gardens – inevitably are the most popular. Many old Sydney-siders think you get a better perspective from the North Shore, as well as marginally less competition for a patch of grass to watch the show.

Those who like to toast the coming year should note that many vantage points do not allow any fizz (including the Central Business District). Some include alcohol in their ticket price. Others do not allow Bring Your Own (BYO) alcohol. If this is a New Year prerequisite for you, be sure to check.

On the water

Alternatively you could take a Harbour Cruise(newyearsevecruise.com.au). Note that you’ll be on the boat for a long evening – typically, setting off at 6pm and you usually have to bring your own food but you’ll have a great, uncrowded, view of the fireworks.

When should I arrive?

Get there early, or miss out (picture: Getty Images)

The broad advice is simply to get there early or you will miss out. Competition for spaces can be fierce. People even start camping out the day before the event in some places. Even in areas where pressure to bag a spot is less intense, plan on spending most of the day there - by noon, many places will already be full. The vantage points information on the official website will have live updates on whether or not they have reached capacity.

Specific information on vantage points will be published on the main website in November: Sydney New Year vantage points

Transport

Don’t even think about driving. Sydney – never the best city for traffic – is simply nightmarish at this time of year due to road closures and crowds.

Extra public transport is in operation to get spectators home after the event. Again, it’s worth planning your journey in advance. Do so attransportnsw.info.

The official Sydney New Year's Eve website also allows you to sign up for updates about road closures and transport disruption.

View Source

Session to help Gladstone city get ready for cruises

GET the party started when Carnival Australia comes to town with an information session on the future of cruise liners in Gladstone.

Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd and Carnival Australia will present on the P&O Cruise Liners as part of a business leaders' luncheon.

P&O Cruises announced in August that Gladstone would be a port of call for up to 10,000 passengers a year from 2016, with ships to dock at Auckland Point.

The luncheon is presented by GAPDL in partnership with Gladstone Regional Council and Gladstone Ports Corporation.

GAPDL chief executive Glenn Churchill will give an insight on destination tourism development and regional development priority projects, while product manager Sarah Budd and director Michael Mihajlov will talk for Carnival Australia.

The luncheon will be followed by an information session with a question and answer session, giving people an opportunity to expand further on individual and business opportunities/ learnings, and any other creative discussion points to ensure we are "Region Ready".

The luncheon will be held at the Oaks Grand Gladstone on Tuesday, October 21, from 11.30am-2pm.

Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/liners-on-the-horizon/2413873/

Welcome Back to Sydney Carnival Spirit

Welcome Back to Sydney Carnival Spirit

Welcome Back to Sydney Carnival Spirit

Carnival Spirit is the first Spirit-class cruise ship for Carnival Cruise Lines. She is also the first new "Fun Ship" to sail to Alaska and Hawaii. 

Eighty percent of the cabins are on the outside of the ship, and of these outside cabins, 80% have balconies. 

In January, 2012, Carnival Spirit went to dry dock and was fitted with some of the latest that cruisers want to have, including Carnival Waterworks (Waterpark at Sea), and the steepest waterslide at sea, a new creation, Green Thunder. 

Her current home port Sydney, Australia is where she then sails to New Caledonia, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Zealand

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.

View original source

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