Theatre and Shows in Sydney

There's always a lively calendar of theatre, musicals and other performances to experience on stages scattered around Sydney. Outstanding venues include the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Theatre and the Wharf Theatre at Walsh Bay, Belvoir St Theatre, Sydney Lyric at The Star and the Riverside Theatres at Parramatta.

In 2013 the Sydney Theatre Company offers a stunning program that includes new productions of Romeo and Juliet, Waiting for Godot and The Maids by Jean Genet while Opera Australia features classical favourites including Puccini's Tosca and Verdi's La traviata. Also performing at The Playhouse in the Sydney Opera House is the Bell Shakespeare Company, bringing to life the timeless works of Shakespeare and other prolific writers throughout the year.

Major venues that host West End and Broadway shows year-round include the Theatre Royal, The Capitol Theatre in the Haymarket and The State Theatre. The Griffin Theatre Company performs new writing theatre at The Stables in Kings Cross while King Street Theatre in Newtown has cabaret, drama, pocket opera, chamber music and more.

The Seymour Theatre Centre also in Newtown, has a wide range of performing arts - drama, music theatre for young people - and is a venue for January's Sydney Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival, Sydney Children's Festival and Sydney Fringe Festival. Riverside Theatres at Parramatta has more than 700 performances a year including opera, drama, ballet, contemporary dance and musicals.

Aspire Hotel Sydney – The Perfect Base for Aspiring Scientists

Science enthusiasts from all over NSW are preparing to converge on Ultimo in the inner city for the 11 day Ultimo Science Festival, September 12 - 22, with Aspire Hotel Sydney the perfect accommodation choice for visitors.

There will be talks to challenge your perceptions of the world, hands-on activities to puzzle over, startling exhibitions, inspiring science shows and even the chance to share ideas with real research scientists.

The Ultimo Science Festival is a joint initiative of the Powerhouse Museum, Australian Broadcasting Centre, Ultimo TAFE and the University of Technology – all of which are located a short stroll from Aspire Hotel Sydney.

Tucked away in a quiet, tree-lined street in Ultimo, Aspire Hotel Sydney offers 96 spacious standard and deluxe guest rooms, each with its own ensuite with full bath, while some rooms have excellent city views and private open-air balconies looking onto green parkland or the city beyond. Modern conveniences are standard in all rooms, with Internet data ports and ‘smart bars’ which charge any incidentals directly to your hotel account.

Each room is furnished to accommodate a minimum of three people, making the hotel attractive to families seeking a peaceful respite and park-like surrounds within walking distance to all science festival venues and to the city. It is also a short stroll to nearby Wentworth Park where active families or health-conscious couples can run, cycle or enjoy a range of sporting activities at the local sports centre add to the convenience of Aspire Hotel Sydney.

The hotel is also easily accessible to the rest of the city through a myriad of transport options including light rail and city buses. Access to the airport, Blue Mountains and other attractions is from nearby Central Station. 

Not only can families enjoy the Science Festival, they can also visit IMAX Theatre, the Sydney Aquarium, the newly-opened Wildlife World, the Maritime Museum and Chinatown - all just a short stroll from the hotel, while Cockle Bay Wharf and King Street Wharf provide vibrant eating options by day and by night, as well as the place from which to explore the harbour by boat.  

Aspire Hotel Sydney is part of the Metro Hospitality Group, and is located at 383-389 Bulwara Road, Ultimo, at the north western end of Sydney’s Darling Harbour precinct.

Guests can book at Aspire Hotel Sydney and Metro Hotels properties by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 00 4321. Alternatively bookings can be made online at the new look website, www.metrohotels.com.au. 

Book the Powerhouse Museum Accommodation Package at Aspire Hotel Sydney

See all Metro Hotels Press Releases at Metro Hotels News

Winter Warmer Accommodation Special @ Metro Apartments on King ~ Sydney

Metro Apartments on King invite you to book this Winter Warmer including:

• Free Sparkling wine
• Chocolates

$179.00 Sunday-Thursday, $279.00 Friday-Saturday (minimum 2 night stay)

• Location: 27-29 King Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
• Phone: +61 2 9290 9200
• Book Online: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/167

Terms and Conditions:

Prices are based on two occupants 

Offer is strictly subject to availability and may not be available for special event dates.

Rates are not valid with any other offer.

All other terms & conditions will be provided when making your booking

Bookings are non-refundable

Offer Valid until 31st March 2013

- See more at: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/297#sthash.6Rt5s1IL.dpuf

• Prices are based on two occupants
• Minimum 2 night stay is required.  
• Offer is strictly subject to availability and may not be available for special event dates.
• Rates are not valid with any other offer.
• All other terms & conditions will be provided when making your booking
• Bookings are non-refundable
• Offer Valid until 30th June 2013

Metro Apartments on King Street, Darling Harbour is part of a boutique block containing 6 single level one bedroom apartments in Sydney's thriving City Centre.

Metro Apartments on King Street is within easy access of all major attractions such as the Sydney Aquarium, IMAX Theatre, Cockle Bay Restaurants, Maritime Museum, Chinatown, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Powerhouse Museum and the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, while the Rocks, Sydney Habour Bridge and Sydney Opera House are all just a 5 minute taxi or Train journey away.

Part of a boutique block, all 3 star apartments offer the ideal home-away-from-home experience, with fully equipped kitchen including dishwasher and in-room laundry facilities, making it ideal for long-term stays. Each room has it’s own private balcony as well as an LCD TV with limited Foxtel and reverse cycle air conditioning.

An outdoor swimming pool can be found on the roof top for your summer enjoyment.

Attractions near Aspire Hotel Sydney: A Short History of Ultimo

'Ultimo' was originally the name of the estate of Dr John Harris, on 34 acres granted to him by Governor King in 1803. It was named for a clerical error in a legal case against Harris that had prevented him being court-martialled. His offence was listed as 'ultimo' (having occurred in the previous month) when it should have been cited as 'instant' (having occurred in the same month). Harris Street is named in his honour.

The area remained as farmland, in possession of the Harris family, until it was subdivided in 1859. At that time, most of the current streets were laid out, and the descendants of John Harris constructed the first residences in the area (at least one of which - a row of terraces in Wattle Street - was still owned by the family in the early 1980s).

Residential development accelerated in the 1880s. In 1891 the population of the Pyrmont-Ultimo area was 19,177, in 3,966 dwellings. The population peaked at around 30,000 in 1900. However, the construction of factories, quarries, woolstores and a power station in the early 20th century saw the demolition of hundreds of houses, and a steady decline in population. It was a good site for warehouses because of its proximity to Darling Harbour. Several examples of the federation warehouse style can be found along Wattle Street. By 1954, the population of Pyrmont and Ultimo was 5,000, and by 1978 it was just 1,800.

Subsequently, many industries began to move to cheaper land further from the CBD, and the decline of the wool industry made Ultimo's 15 woolstores redundant. By the start of the 1980s, derelict industrial sites began to be redeveloped for residences, mostly as apartments, a process that continues to the present.

In common with other inner suburbs such as Surry Hills, Ultimo still has some of the oldest examples of Victorian terraces. Despite constant 'slum' clearance and redevelopment during the 20th century, many fine examples exist which, as in other inner Sydney suburbs, have been progressively 'gentrified' in recent times.

Places to visit in Ultimo:

• Powerhouse Museum: http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/ 500 Harris St, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia
• Broadway Shopping Centre: http://www.broadway.com.au/ 1 Bay Street, Broadway NSW 2007, Australia
• Wentworth Park: http://www.wentworthparksport.com.au/ Wattle St, Ultimo, Sydney NSW 2007, Australia

Close by attractions in Central (Haymarket):

• Market City Shopping Centre: http://www.marketcity.com.au/ 9-13 Hay St  Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia
• Paddy's Market (Flea Market): http://www.paddysmarkets.com.au/ 9-13 Hay St  Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia (directly below Market City Shopping Centre)
• Chinatown: http://www.sydney-chinatown.info/ Dixon and Sussex Streets, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia

Hotels near Ultimo and Central:

• Metro Hotel Sydney Central: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/sydney-hotels/metro-hotel-sydney-central-1

Address: 431 - 439 Pitt Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Phone: +61 2 9281 6999

• Aspire Hotel Sydney: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/sydney-hotels/aspire-hotel-sydney-10

Address: 383-389 Bulwara Road Ultimo, Sydney NSW 2007 Australia
Phone: +61 2 9211 1499

Winter Warmer Weekend in the City @ Metro Hotel Tower Mill

Metro Hotel Tower Mill is offering this Winter Warmer Weekend in the City Special for $123.00* per night staying in an executive double room including:

• 2 full hot buffet breakfasts 
• Free car parking 
• Free wireless Internet 
• Late check out till 12 noon

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/309

Available Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights until the end of August*

Location: 239 Wickham Tce Brisbane, QLD 4000 Australia

Phone: +61 7 3832 1421

Princess Package @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Pamper yourself like a true Princess. Enjoy your complimentary wine and chocolates upon your arrival to your one Bedroom Executive Apartment. With stunning views of Darling Harbour, and see where Princess Mary met here Prince , with the Floor to Ceiling cathedral windows, brand new kitchen and a midday checkout

$229.00* Sunday - Thursday, $349.00* Friday - Saturday

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/58

Location: 132-136 Sussex St Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia

Phone: +61 2 9290 9200

Offer expires 31 May 2013!

Terms and Conditions:

• Subject to availability
• Offer valid until 31st May 2013
• Rates are based on 2 adult occupants
• Minimum 2 night stay is required
• Booking is non-refundable 

Located in the Sydney Central Business District (CBD), Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour has 26 spacious guest apartments.

Our 3 ½ star fully serviced one bedroom loft-style apartments provide you with many of the creature comforts of home. The well equipped kitchen and laundry facilities in your room are ideal for longer stays and provide you with plenty of room to relax and enjoy your stay. Each of the well appointed rooms also has a LCD television with 28 free Foxtel channels, telephone, free WiFi, ensuite bathroom and small balcony.

It's all about the views! Imagine standing on your own private balcony with a relaxing drink and watching the sun set over Darling Harbour. Well that's exactly how you could enjoy the end to another day when you next stay with us in one of our Executive Apartments located on levels 4-7.

Located perfectly in the heart of the city, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is within easy access of all major attractions such as, the Sydney Aquarium, IMAX Theatre, Cockle Bay Restaurants, Maritime Museum, Chinatown - restaurants and taverns, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Powerhouse Museum and the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Dalai Lama in Sydney 2013

“Beyond Religion, the 14th Dalai Lama on the Benefits of Living Ethically”      

The Dalai Lama will talk about the positive impact of ethical behaviour on ourselves, our loved ones, fellow human beings, communities, countries and ultimately our shared global community.

With relevance across all Australian society - the discussion of the benefits of life lived ethically will resonate with individuals, families, academics, educators, medical, legal and commercial professionals, regulators, leaders, business owners, people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. 

In Sydney he will also give a 2.5 day Buddhist Teaching on the Jewel Lamp, A Praise of Bodhichitta.

When: Sun 16 June 2013 ~ Starts at 1:30 PM
Where: Sydney Entertainment Centre - 35 Harbour St Haymarket, Sydney NSW Australia

Book @ Ticketmaster

Telephone: 1300 883 622

Official Website: http://www.dalailamainaustralia.org/

Staying in Sydney for the tour? 

Book a stay at Metro Hotel Sydney Central, a close stroll to the Sydney Entertainment Centre plus other iconic Sydney attractions: Metro Hotel Sydney Central