Wild Life Sydney Zoo's Two Newest and Cutest Residents

Come take a peek at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo's two newest and cutest residents

Ringo, our adorable bare-nosed baby wombat (pictured right) who's just 10 months old, and our yet-to-be-named baby girl koala who's just seven months old.

Visitors over the school holidays can enjoy over 25 keeper talks and animal encounters, perfect for families looking to get up close to Australia's most iconic animals.

Visitors also have the chance to come face-to-face with our resident koalas and take an amazing photo with them

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah - The Beatles are back in Australia!

50 years after their first visit to Australia, Sydney welcomes George, John, Paul and Ringo again. Celebrating their arrival, The Beatles ‘walked’ in line across a pedestrian crossing in front of Sydney’s Opera House to re-enact the iconic Abbey Road album cover. 

Back on tour, just like they were in 1964, the fab four have just landed from Tokyo and will be part of an interactive exhibit at Madame Tussauds in Darling Harbour. The visit will be for a limited time only however, as the group will jet off to San Francisco for the last leg of their tour in September. 

The exhibit features the band in their late 1960s-era styling and allows fans to stand in line with the band to create their very own personalised album cover.

Just like their whirlwind tour five decades ago, these four iconic wax figures will only be on show at Madame Tussauds Sydney for a limited time. Not only can guests interact with the famous four, but can also recreate a moment of Beatles history in their very own Abbey Road album cover.
An Iconic Band

Madame Tussauds first held sittings with The Beatles in 1964, and were the first ever rock band to be featured at Madame Tussauds. 



For the new touring figures, the Madame Tussauds studio team have used a combination of the sitting measurements and additional image research including a number of image references from the 1969 Abbey Road photo shoot. The style of the figures is based on their styling around the time, not long before the band's dissolution in 1970.

Peace Train: The Cat Stevens Story

Peace Train – The Cat Stevens Story “Intimate & Acoustic”, starring Darren Coggan, is a night of music and story-telling which will strike a chord deep inside the heart of anyone who longs for something more.

A journey back in time to the well of inspiration, recreating Cat’s timeless songs as they were originally written – on an acoustic guitar and piano, seeking out the man in the music and telling the story behind the songs.

Hear twenty-four hits sung with remarkable authenticity by one of Australia’s most exciting artists.

From Moonshadow, to Morning Has Broken, Wild World, Father & Son, First Cut Is The Deepest, Hard Headed Woman and Peace Train, Darren Coggan traces the path of a man who never stopped wondering about how to make the world a better place.

When: Sun, 29 Jun 2014
Location: Stars Cafe
Time: Open 4:30 pm | Show Starts 6:00 pm
Price: from $50.00



Tickets to show available from Ipswich Civic centre website: https://www.patronbase.com/_Ipswich/Sections/Choose?prod_id=0481&perf_id=1

For more info: http://www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/peace-train-the-cat-stevens-story/


Coming to Ipswich for the show? Need accommodation at Ipswich?

Look no further than Metro Hotel Ipswich International:

This city centre hotel overlooks city parklands and walking distance to the Ipswich Civic Centre which is next door to the Hotel and this is the premier entertainment venue in Ipswich.

The hotel has a reputation for personalised service whether this is for a hotel function or conference, weddings, business or leisure accommodation or dining at Platform 9 restaurant.

Nearby tourist attractions include the Ipswich Art Gallery, the Queensland Workshop Railway Museum and for the adventure seekers and family fun there’s balloon rides to high adrenaline packages by helicopter, airboat and paintball.

Ipswich is 35 km from Brisbane and 66 km from Brisbane’s airport. Complimentary on site car parking and lift access to all floors from the car park and reception.

Visit Metro Hotel Ipswich International website: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/queensland/metro-hotel-ipswich-international/welcome/

Bob Dylan Touring Australia & Sydney Opera House

It took a while but at age 73, Bob Dylan is set to play his first-ever concert at the Sydney Opera House as part of his upcoming Australian tour.

Dylan, who is also playing three shows at the State Theatre, ends his Australian tour at the world-famous waterfront venue in the Concert Hall on September 7.

But tickets for the Opera House show - which go on sale at 8am on July 4 - don't come cheap. Standard tickets start at $199 although for a music legend the top tier is a comparatively reasonable $249.

Comparative to say, Barbra Streisand, who is considered to be the most expensive legacy act, with her lowest-priced tickets often priced over $500 and up to $1500.

There is no indication yet that luxury or plantinum-type packages will be available.

Dylan's tour begins in Perth on August 13 and takes in Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide before reaching Sydney. Tickets went on sale on June 3 and are sold out for Sydney's State Theatre shows and believed to be nearly sold out for Melbourne.

Meanwhile, Dylan's place as one of the most important innovators in contemporary music history is expected to be further underlined at a Sotheby's auction on Tuesday in New York. His handwritten lyrics for the song Like A Rolling Stone are expected to fetch over $US530,000 ($565,000).

A Sotheby's employee shows the handwritten lyrics for Bob Dylan's
 Like a Rolling Stone song that is up for auction. Photo: Reuters

Richard Austin, head of Tuesday's two-part sale at Sotheby's told AFP it was the first time a six-minute single was released, allowing people to go beyond short format, and marked one of the first cases of viral marketing.

Executives opposed its release because of its length, but an employee took it to a nightclub where it played all night, leading to DJs to clamour Columbia records for its eventual release, which came in 1965.

Austin said there was "a lot of interest" in both sets of Dylan lyrics ahead of the auction, calling them a "wonderful thing just to see."

Dylan's final lyrics for the protest anthem A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall also go under the hammer, estimated to be worth $US400,000-$US600,000 by Sotheby's.

The auction celebrates various rock performers who have gripped the world for the past 60 years.

A piano first played by Lennon when he was recording the album Imagine and later played in multiple studios by him, Dylan and Reed, among others, is valued at $US100,000 to $US200,000.

Among the other items are the infamous contract that Jimi Hendrix signed in 1965, in which he agreed to play exclusively for record label PPX for just one American dollar. It's valued at $US100,000 to $US200,000.

BOB DYLAN TOUR DATES

August 13-14 - Riverside Theatre, PCEC, Perth (All Ages)
ticketek.com.au, 132 849

August 18-20 - Palais Theatre, Melbourne (All Ages)
ticketmaster.com.au, 136100

August 25 - Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (All Ages)
ticketek.com.au, 132 849

August 29 - Royal Theatre, Canberra (All Ages)
ticketek.com.au, 132 849

August 31 - Entertainment Centre, Adelaide (All Ages)
ticketek.com.au, 132 849

September 3-5 - State Theatre, Sydney (All Ages)
ticketmaster.com.au, 136100

September 7 - Sydney Opera House (All Ages)
sydneyoperahouse.com, (02) 9250 7777


Source: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/bob-dylan-to-play-first-sydney-opera-house-gig-20140623-zsikp.html


Need accommodation in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne or Perth for Bob Dylan's Australian tour?

Try Metro Hotels - we have 3 conveniently located hotels and apartment in the centre of Sydney, boutique serviced-apartments in Melbourne and hotels in Brisbane CBD and Perth:

New South Wales (Sydney CBD):

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

Victoria (Melbourne CBD):

• Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Queensland (Brisbane CBD):

• Metro Hotel Tower Mill

Western Australia:

• Metro Hotel Perth

So whether you need hotel or apartment accommodation, Metro Hotels has got you covered.

A Beach In The Centre of Perth

Brisbane has one, Cairns has one, even Darwin has one - and Perth is set to get one within a matter of years.
A man-made beach in the heart of the city will be a feature of the Riverside Project and one that Perth-based planning expert Garry Middle welcomes.

With much of the city's focus on the Elizabeth Quay Project, the Riverside Project which aims to transform the eastern gateway to the city into a vibrant destination has not received as much attention.

The project is being overseen by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority and developed by Lend Lease.
It is split into a number of different areas, including one to be known as Waterbank.

Lend Lease project director Tim Urquhart said while the master plan for Waterbank was being finalised, stage one development applications would commence later this year.

“The man-made beach is part of this development and it aims to provide a relaxed urban waterside experience with public access, including for watercraft,” he said.

Mr Middle, a Curtin University adjunct researcher, said a man made beach created as an addition to the Swan River was a good idea.

“We need to make the foreshore diverse, we don’t want so much sameness, so this is something I’d like to see,” he said.

The concept of a man-made beach worked really well in other places, he said, singling out Brisbane’s beach in the Southbank area.

“When you go there you see it’s pretty family oriented and the way it is constructed was done really well with kids playgrounds and fountains," he said.

Mr Middle said while there were a few small beaches along the river in the South Perth area, generally there was not a lot of beach area on the Swan River.

He said issues that would need to be considered would be water quality and depth, ensuring the water did not drop off too quickly.

Mr Middle imagined the water would mostly be used for wading and as a launch point for paddlers.

He said while some in Perth were wary of swimming in the river, it was mostly a preference thing.

“There’s a spookiness about the seagrass and the water is not always exactly clear, there are jellyfish as well, and a sense of the unknown about swimming in the river,” Mr Middle said.

He said that much of the river was busy with boat activity as well, so an area set aside for people to use without too much other activity would be useful.

While the exact plans for the Waterbank area have not been finalised, Mr Middle said he would like to see a grassed area near the beach included.

He said “soft edges” such as grass were a good idea considering the other nearby river areas such as the Claisebrook Cove had a lot of concrete and “hard edges” suitable for walking but less suitable for children.

Mr Middle said the area would likely be most popular with locals rather than tourists.

”Our beaches are so good so tourists would still go to Cottesloe or Scarborough, this wouldn’t be an attraction in itself for tourists, he said.

The Riverside project is expected to be completed by 2020.

Source: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/the-beach-comes-to-perths-centre-20140619-zsf56.html

Sir David Attenborough Live in Sydney | The Third Dimension

Sir David Attenborough will appear live on stage in Sydney and Melbourne in November in a brand new show titled Sir David Attenborough – The Third Dimension.

A pioneer of the latest technological advances in program making, Sir David brings the natural world to audiences worldwide in ways not dreamt of just a few years ago.

Focusing on his latest programs, Sir David will share his most recent experiences filming the natural world, using the latest technology such as CGI and time-lapse, and showing audiences some of his programs highlights as they were meant to been watched – in 3D.

“Imagine Sir David, in person, on stage, talking about his latest filming expedition and then watching his work in 3D”, said Lateral Events CEO Simon Baggs. “This maybe the largest 3D viewing in Australia, a testament to Sir David’s continuing quest to use the latest technology to bring us closer to the natural world. It will truly be a unique experience.”

Following the sold-out tours of Australia in 2012 and 2013, the new show will provide a completely fresh look at the natural world and an insight into Sir David’s recent travels and discoveries.

PRICES:

Platinum $245.00

A Reserve $199.00
B Reserve $149.00
C Reserve $99.00
D Reserve $65.00

Payment processing and transaction fees apply

Find Nearby Accommodation at Metro Hotels in Sydney

Pre and Post Show Food and Beverages nearby at Palace Hotel Sydney

Find out more and purchase Tickets

Best Places in Sydney for Whale Watching

The National Parks and Wildlife Service's Geoff Ross shares his favourite spots for whale watching

It's that magic time of the year when Australians are privy to one of the world's largest mass migrations.

Humpback whales have started their migration up north as they travel around 5,000kms to get up to the northern warmer waters of the tropics.

Geoff Ross, Coordinator Marine Fauna Programs at NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service joined Linda Mottram to share his best whale watching locations in Sydney and the Central Coast.

The young males started their migration first, when daylight savings began, to establish breeding grounds in the warmer northern waters.

The rest of the whales have now followed suit, so it's prime time to catch these majestic animals as they make their way through the waters off New South Wales.

Thanks to Mr Ross and 702 ABC Sydney Mornings listeners, we've compiled a list of the top places to catch a glimpse of the whales making their journey north.

Sydney

* Cape Solander, Kamay Botany Bay National Park (southern side of Botany Bay)

* Cape Banks, Botany Bay National Park (northern side of Botany Bay)

* South Head at Sydney Harbour

* North Head at Sydney Harbour

* North Head at Manly

* Long Reef Headland

* Stewart House at South Curl Curl

Central Coast

* Copacabana

* Bouddi National Park - high sea cliffs

* Captain Cook Lookout

* Marie Byles Lookout

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/06/19/4029054.htm

DIRTY DANCING (Just Announced!) - Sydney Lyric in January 2015

JUST ANNOUNCED: The international hit musical DIRTY DANCING will return to Australia a decade after its World Premiere in Sydney, opening at the Sydney Lyric in January 2015! 

Featuring hit songs including “Hungry Eyes”, “Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me?” and the iconic (I’ve Had) “The Time Of My Life”, DIRTY DANCING has become one of the most popular musical productions of all time. 

DIRTY DANCING RETURNS TO WHERE THE MAGIC BEGAN
Leading Australian theatre producer John Frost has announced the international hit musical Dirty Dancing will return to Australia in January 2015, a decade after its World Premiere in Sydney.

“Dirty Dancing has been an amazing worldwide success,” said Frost. “The 1987 film was a massive hit, and the original movie soundtrack contains some of the most loved songs of all time. The stage musical gave audiences the chance to hear these songs performed live and to experience the breathtaking dance routines. People flocked to it, breaking records all around the world. 

The UK Observer called Dirty Dancing ‘The biggest live theatre sensation of all time’. Now, ten years after the World Premiere in Sydney, it returns home to where the magic began, playing at the Sydney Lyric where audiences can again have the Time Of Their Lives.”

Featuring hit songs including Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me? and the iconic (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life, Dirty Dancing has become one of the most popular musical productions of all time.

Waitlist now by adding Dirty Dancing to your favourites.

Club Lyric members will receive priority access to tickets. If you're not already a member, email club@sydneylyric.com.au to sign up.

Cool Yule at Darling Harbour Brings the Magic of a Northern Hemisphere Winter to Darling Harbour

IMAGINE walking through a Narnia-like frozen forest with 350 white fir trees standing seven metres tall, a flurry of snow bursts, icicles and ghostly lighting, right in the middle of Darling Harbour.

The enchanted forest installation is one of the corner pieces of the inaugural Cool Yule, a month long winter festival.

Project manager Cathy Levins-Byres, from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, said she wanted everyone to rug up and “come out and get cold”.

“We wanted to really go a step further and create a winter playground to really get the message out there – winter is only beginning and we will take you through it,” she said.

“There are snow cones and snow pits, a giant inflatable iceberg floating in the middle of Cockle Bay Wharf and a giant snowflake.

“It’s all about cold and celebrating everything that is cold. We want you to get out, have fun and get your adrenalin going.

“A lot of families cannot afford to bring their children to see snow so we are trying to bring the snow to Sydney.”

The foreshore authority is also bringing in a snow-making machine – using a white vapour refrigeration system – to make real snow which will be released in blasts along Cockle Bay Wharf, the Harbourside promenade and the eastern end of Pyrmont Bridge.

Ms Levins-Byres said activities were either free or very affordable, such as a cover charge of $5 for 20 minutes of play in the snow pits.

Cool Yule highlights also include an ice rink, firework displays and the Ice Men of Colorado, who will be chiselling away at huge blocks of ice creating extreme sculptures every evening in a show set to rock music.

“We are encouraging people after work to come out and have some fun,” Ms Levins-Byres said. “You do not just have to go home miserable because it’s winter.”

One of Cool Yule’s big drawcards will be an ice rink at Tumbalong Park featuring an Après Skate bar serving gourmet winter delights.

There will be a 25m Thredbo snow slide and a snow pit at the Australian National Maritime Museum’s forecourt to delight visitors.

Snow pit session times will be divided into age groups for two to six-year-olds, seven to 12-year-olds and everyone over 13 to ensure safe fun for everyone.

If you’ve ever wanted to fit inside a snow globe and let’s face it – who hasn’t? – then why not try out the life-size Air New Zealand Snow Globe which will provide an incredible backdrop for winter selfies.

There is plenty of entertainment for younger children, including the Monkey Baa Story Theatre which runs every Sunday.

As part of the festival, Cockle Bay will feature an inflatable iceberg, Palm Grove will be lit up with a giant snowflake and there will be an incredible frosty firework display featuring blue and silvery lights every Saturday.

Restaurants throughout the Darling Harbour precinct have also got on board and will serve wintry meals and drinks including mulled wine and hot toddies.

Spend $15 in the Lindt Chocolate Cafe or marquee to get a ride in one of the huge Lindt Lindor Zorb Balls at Darling Harbour Marina.

This is the first Cool Yule and is hosted by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority with partners and will be held at various spots in Darling Harbour from June 13 to July 13.

Find ideal Winter Sydney Accommodation at Metro Hotels 

Cool Yule at Darling Harbour Brings the Magic of a Northern Hemisphere Winter to Darling Harbour

IMAGINE walking through a Narnia-like frozen forest with 350 white fir trees standing seven metres tall, a flurry of snow bursts, icicles and ghostly lighting, right in the middle of Darling Harbour.

The enchanted forest installation is one of the corner pieces of the inaugural Cool Yule, a month long winter festival.

Project manager Cathy Levins-Byres, from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, said she wanted everyone to rug up and “come out and get cold”.

“We wanted to really go a step further and create a winter playground to really get the message out there – winter is only beginning and we will take you through it,” she said.

“There are snow cones and snow pits, a giant inflatable iceberg floating in the middle of Cockle Bay Wharf and a giant snowflake.

“It’s all about cold and celebrating everything that is cold. We want you to get out, have fun and get your adrenalin going.

“A lot of families cannot afford to bring their children to see snow so we are trying to bring the snow to Sydney.”

The foreshore authority is also bringing in a snow-making machine – using a white vapour refrigeration system – to make real snow which will be released in blasts along Cockle Bay Wharf, the Harbourside promenade and the eastern end of Pyrmont Bridge.

Ms Levins-Byres said activities were either free or very affordable, such as a cover charge of $5 for 20 minutes of play in the snow pits.

Cool Yule highlights also include an ice rink, firework displays and the Ice Men of Colorado, who will be chiselling away at huge blocks of ice creating extreme sculptures every evening in a show set to rock music.

“We are encouraging people after work to come out and have some fun,” Ms Levins-Byres said. “You do not just have to go home miserable because it’s winter.”

One of Cool Yule’s big drawcards will be an ice rink at Tumbalong Park featuring an Après Skate bar serving gourmet winter delights.

There will be a 25m Thredbo snow slide and a snow pit at the Australian National Maritime Museum’s forecourt to delight visitors.

Snow pit session times will be divided into age groups for two to six-year-olds, seven to 12-year-olds and everyone over 13 to ensure safe fun for everyone.

If you’ve ever wanted to fit inside a snow globe and let’s face it – who hasn’t? – then why not try out the life-size Air New Zealand Snow Globe which will provide an incredible backdrop for winter selfies.

There is plenty of entertainment for younger children, including the Monkey Baa Story Theatre which runs every Sunday.

As part of the festival, Cockle Bay will feature an inflatable iceberg, Palm Grove will be lit up with a giant snowflake and there will be an incredible frosty firework display featuring blue and silvery lights every Saturday.

Restaurants throughout the Darling Harbour precinct have also got on board and will serve wintry meals and drinks including mulled wine and hot toddies.

Spend $15 in the Lindt Chocolate Cafe or marquee to get a ride in one of the huge Lindt Lindor Zorb Balls at Darling Harbour Marina.

This is the first Cool Yule and is hosted by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority with partners and will be held at various spots in Darling Harbour from June 13 to July 13.

Find ideal Winter Sydney Accommodation at Metro Hotels 

Opera in the Reservoir | Spring Hill, Brisbane | August 1st to 30th, 2014

Opera in the Reservoir. The Spring Hill Reservoir, Wickham Terrace, Brisbane. Friday 1 August 2014, 7:30pm – Saturday 30 August 2014, 10:30pm

Brisbane’s Heritage-listed Spring Hill Reservoirs are set to become the new home for a leading Australian private opera company after being locked up and unused for decades.

Devoted to creating performance events in unusual, breathtaking spaces the Underground Opera Company (UOC) has provided a platform for professional singers and the audiences that love them for seven years.

Following negotiations over two years with the Brisbane City Council, UOC has the approval (and the keys!) to enter, clean and establish a purpose-built, high-quality performance space inside the Reservoirs. The interior is a stately, Victorian-esque space with pseudo-gothic arches and partitioned quarters conducive to comfortable, intimate seating.

A season of thirty (30) performances will be held throughout August 2014 to launch the new venue, with a maximum of 120 audience numbers per show.

“The Reservoirs are the ultimate space for our company – they are underground, rustic, earthy, conducive to good acoustics and have a special place in the historical heart of Brisbane people”, said company Director Bruce Edwards.

Built in 1871, the Reservoirs were once the main store house for drinking water extracted from hollows within Spring Hills, drawn up by the recently restored Spring Hill Windmill (Brisbane’s oldest surviving building, also Heritage-listed).

A quite achiever until recently, UOC has hosted events throughout Australia in natural, breathtaking spaces including the Jenolan Caves (Jenolan), Capricorn Caves (Rockhampton), Bli Bli Castle (Bli Bli), the Workshops Railway Museum (Ipswich), the Central Deborah Gold Mine (Bendigo) and in just a few weeks, the Hard Times Mine (Mt Isa).

“We are incredibly proud and grateful to be provided this significant opportunity by Brisbane City Council and are ecstatic to bring world-class concerts and events to the backyard of all Brisbane people”, said Mr Edwards.

Tickets for the launch season will be available for purchase from TODAY 6 May 2014 via Ticketmaster. www.ticketmaster.com.au

Our audience have said-

"I laughed, cried and cheered. Do not miss these incredible concerts!"  D. Morgan

"I never thought I would enjoy Opera so much.  Underground Opera has just converted me!"  M. Boyd

"I have seen Opera concerts all around the world and Australia and this one certainly ranks as one of the best." R. Williamson

Get a group together for a great night out or make a perfectly romantic evening for just you and your partner.  

Get Tickets HERE

See you at the show!

'Game Of Thrones: The Exhibition' confirms Sydney dates

Now that the fourth blood-soaked season of HBO’s Game Of Thrones has come to a close, fans are no doubt left wondering what to do with themselves until season five. As previously announced, however, those based in Sydney have an extra helping hand in the form of Game Of Thrones: The Exhibition, which has now confirmed its running dates of July 1 to July 5.

Being hosted at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the joint HBO-Google Play production will be open to the public, free of charge, between 10am and 8pm on its operating days. Launch day – Tuesday, July 1 – will have slightly later hours, running from 11am to 10pm.

The exhibition will feature a range of authentic costumes, props, armour and weapons seen on the show, and an Oculus Rift-powered immersive experience that puts users in the boots of some poor sap guarding the frozen, gargantuan Wall, and give attendees the opportunity to get their face snapped while lounging about on the world’s most uncomfortable-looking chair – the Iron Throne.

The announcement comes in conjunction with the release of Game Of Thrones’ fourth season on Google Play today, which includes a slew of exclusive content for Aussie buyers including the featurette A Slave To Grammar: Creating The Valyrian Language, which is a must-watch for anyone who wants to craft insults only other giant nerds will understand. A collected edition of the first three seasons is also available.

Source: http://themusic.com.au/news/all/2014/06/17/game-of-thrones-the-exhibition-confirms-sydney-dates/

Perth’s Kings Park & Botanic Garden named one of the world’s top 10 best parks

There’s no need to head to New York, Paris or Barcelona - one of the world’s top parks is right here in Perth.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden has been ranked the sixth best in the world, according to the latest rankings from TripAdvisor, based on the opinions of travellers on the international review site.

At No.6, the Perth attraction beat other well-known tourist sites including Park Guell in Barcelona (No.7) and Luxembourg Gardens in Paris (No.10).

The world’s top park was Stanley Park in Vancouver, followed by the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs and New York City’s Central Park.

The Perth park’s views and open space have been a consistent hit with TripAdvisor reviewers, being rated a “must-do” for a visit to the WA capital.

“Having travelled widely I have to say that I can’t stay away from Kings Park. Such a beautiful place and the views across the city, particularly at night are simply breathtaking,” wrote SimonHat from Middlesbrough in the UK.

“Perth should be proud of this wonderful place,” wrote PestoKing from Wodonga, Victoria. “You could spend hours here, next time we will.”

WA minister for the environment and heritage Albert Jacob said it was great that tourists were enjoying the garden overlooking inner-city Perth.

“We are thrilled to not only be ranked sixth in the world in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for Attractions, but also to read the amazing reviews posted on TripAdvisor by visitors from all over the world every day,” he said.

“Kings Park is a place of inspiration, relaxation, recreation and wonder; something we proudly share with interstate and overseas visitors.”

Source: http://www.news.com.au/national/perths-kings-park-botanic-garden-named-one-of-the-worlds-top-10-best-parks/story-e6frfkp9-1226957455562

Cool Yule: Darling Harbour's 'Icemen' ready to sculpt away

Edward Fraze and Don Harrison Jr, aka the "Icemen", have readied their tools - now all they need is a big ice block. Photo: Brendan Esposito

Darling Harbour has a pair of pocket aces up its sleeve in its attempt to draw families and tourists to the precinct as the mercury dips: two "extreme ice sculptors" from Colorado. 

Armed with chisels and chain saws, "Icemen" Edward Fraze and Don Harrison jnr will give three live sculpting performances from Tuesday night until Friday. 

The pair will have just 30 minutes to transform large slabs of ice, weighing up to 150 kilograms, into winter-theme pieces, and Fraze says audiences can expect a "very high energy, very intense performance".

"As the performance starts, one of us will take one part of the sculpture and the other will take the other part, and we just go to town. We almost race each other," Fraze said. 

The duo "like to improvise along the way", and Fraze hinted that a menagerie of icy polar bears, penguins and other snow-loving creatures would grace the Harbourside Amphitheatre before melting down to a puddle – eventually. 

While Sydney's winter is substantially milder than the Americans are used to, a supply of dry ice and water will slow the melting process. 

The free Extreme Ice Show is part of Darling Harbour's Cool Yule festival, which runs for four weeks until July 13. Other activities include a snow pit, an open-air ice-skating rink, a 25-metre inflatable snow slide, firework displays and a frozen forest installation. 

Strictly Ballroom the Musical to blitz Melbourne

PREPARE to bask in the glow of one of the world’s biggest disco balls.

Strictly Ballroom the Musical is coming to Melbourne and will open at Her Majesty’s Theatre in January.

The glitzy stage version of Baz Luhrmann’s feel-good film will transfer from Sydney’s Lyric Theatre, where the world premiere in April evoked an instant standing ovation.

The date for Melbourne’s opening night is yet to be confirmed, but it will likely be mid-January before the show runs for a limited season.

Producer Carmen Pavlovic, of Global Creatures, said she hoped the show would follow the well-worn musical path of a national tour and then a stint in Asia.

Opening night of “Strictly Ballroom the Musical” in Sydney. Picture: James Morgan Source: Supplied

“There’s no doubt audiences are loving the show. It feels like a rock concert most nights I go in,” Pavlovic said. “I think the comment we’re most hearing is that it makes you feel good and just really puts a smile on your face.”

The stage show unites Strictly Ballroom’s original creative team, with Luhrmann as director and his Academy Award-winning wife Catherine Martin the creative brains behind the dazzling sets and costumes.

Two previously little-known performers, Thomas Lacey and Phoebe Panaretos, lead of cast of 43 which includes Bob Baines, Drew Forsythe, Natalie Gamsu and Robert Grubb.

The musical’s Sydney opening received mixed reviews from critics, some of whom praised the visual spectacle but were less impressed with the show’s emotional engagement.

Pavlovic — whose company also brought us King Kong and How to Train Your Dragon: Live Spectacular — said Strictly Ballroom got off to a solid start.

“I thought the reviews overall were good. They were mixed in some ways; some of that’s fair, some of it we’re working on as we go along,” she said.

“But that’s all part and parcel of creating a new show. It’s a very dynamic process. You have to remember that we’re creating new work here, unlike a lot of shows that come from the West End or Broadway, have been mounted several times and have all their kinks ironed out.”

Strictly Ballroom combines Broadway dazzle and kitch Aussie fun to tell the inspiring story of a champion dancer who breaks the rules to follow his heart.

There is no doubting the show’s eye-popping design, which extends to bright, sparkly covers on all the chairs in the theatre.
“The idea of Catherine’s design is that it really draws the audience into the performance and that ethos will be carried over into Melbourne,” Pavlovic said.

“Something the show does very well is invite the audience in and permit them to really feel part of it. I think that invitation is extended to audiences from the minute they step into the auditorium, right through to the end of show when the last people to take a bow at the end of the night are the audience.”

Tickets for the Melbourne season will go on sale on July 21 from Ticketek.

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/arts/strictly-ballroom-the-musical-to-blitz-melbourne/story-fni0fcgk-1226955888143


Coming to Melbourne for Strictly Ballroom the Musical?

Book your next stay at Metro Apartments on Bank Place: www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/victoria/metro-apartments-on-bank-place

These serviced boutique apartments in the Mebourne CBD are located within easy reach to public transport.

It is just a walk out the front door to a large variety of restaurants, bars and coffee shops and is in walking distance to Melbourne's famous Bourke Street Mall, the Southgate complex, Crown Casino and Southbank Promenade. Major Sporting venues including Etihad Stadium, the MCG and the Rod Laver Arena are just a short tram ride away.

Stop by reception and our friendly staff will be glad to give you tram and shuttle information to get you to the South Melbourne Market, Bridge Road Richmond, Chapel Street South Yarra, Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Imax Theatre and Melbourne Museum, The Arts Centre, Old Melbourne Goal, Immigration Museum and many more cultural and entertainment attractions in the city.