Family Getaway at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Family Getaway at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Enjoy a family getaway this summer at Metro Hotel Ipswich International.
Terrific value at just $150 per night including a full buffet breakfast (for up to 4 guests) in our own Platform 9 Restaurant and accommodation in a self-contained, family-friendly apartment.

Featuring a kitchenette with dishwasher, LCD TV with DVD player and Foxtel, minibar and complimentary Wifi, they are the ideal choice for families visiting Ipswich.
Complimentary car parking is also available on site.

Book this Family Getaway Accommodation Hot Deal Now 

http://www.metro-hotel-ipswich-international.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/family-getaway-hot-deal-accommodation

Easter Breaks at Metro Hotels and Apartments

Easter Breaks at Metro Hotels and Apartments

Planning an Easter holiday in Sydney with kids is easy.  There are so many family friendly attractions and activities that can be enjoyed.  Don’t miss the iconic Royal Easter Show, being held in the Sydney Showground at Olympic Park from 26th March to the 8th April 2015.

This is the time of the year when the country comes to the city, displaying the best of agriculture, produce, animals of all kinds and time to enjoy hours of fun with carnival rides and entertainment.

The Royal Easter show is Australia’s largest annual event attracting up to 900,000 during the period it is run every year.  It is a show rich in heritage having begun in Sydney in 1823 and is as popular as when it first started.

Metro Hotels and Apartments are offering Easter ‘Hot Deals’ at their Sydney properties over the Easter period.   All Deals are valid from 01 to 30 April 2015 and is subject to availability.

Easter Break Hot Deal at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Accommodation in a Loft Style apartment for up to 2 adults and 2 children

• Complimentary WiFi
• Easter chocolates on arrival
• Minimum 2 nights stay

From $209.00 per room per night

BOOK NOW

Easter Family Deal at Aspire Hotel Sydney

Accommodation in a Standard room for up to 2 adults and 2 children

• DVD player hire with 2 complimentary DVDs
• Easter chocolate bags

From $145.00 per room per night

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Easter Holiday Family Deal at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Accommodation in a Superior room for up to 2 adults and 2 children

• Complimentary WiFi
• Easter chocolates on arrival
• Buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children

From $215.00 per room per night

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Easter Family Getaway at Metro Hotel on Pitt

Accommodation in a Superior room for up to 2 adults and 2 children

• Complimentary WiFi
• Easter chocolates on arrival
• Choice of 2 attraction tickets for 2 adults and 2 children (Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary, Sydney Tower Eye, Wildlife Sydney Zoo)

From $310.00 per room per night

BOOK NOW

Take advantage of the special ticket prices that can be obtained from Metro Hotel on Pitt, to visit a number of the attractions in Darling Harbour, or catch a ferry to Luna Park, Taronga Zoo and Manly.  For the not so light headed, be game and venture out on the Skywalk at Sydney Tower, right in the middle of the city, for the best panoramic view of Sydney.

If you are visiting Sydney on a Sunday, ask about the Family Funday Sunday tickets that offer discounted travel for 2 adults and 2 children for only $2.50 per person. The ticket will take you anywhere in Sydney by public transport and even covers a day trip to the Blue Mountains and Central Coast.

For more information or to make a booking, please visit www.metrohotels.com.au or call the toll free number on 1800 004 321.

View full Easter specials: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-15/hostages-sydney-cafe-martin-place-police-operation/5967232

Christmas Lights & Christmas Projections 2014

Courtesy of www.lightsofchristmas.com.au

Light of Christmas

A light of Christmas captures and celebrates the festive season of Christmas at St Marys Cathedral, Sydney's oldest and grandest Cathedral. The event is hosted by the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, and presented by the Australian Catholic University.

The Lights of Christmas begins each evening with the breathtaking sounds of a live choir performance, and just after dusk the Cathedral becomes a beautiful light show that is so mesmerising, it makes you not want to leave.

The live choir performance begins at 7:30pm and finishes at 8:30pm, do witness this as it is so magical and beautiful as well as the light show of course!

The light show continues on till midnight and is held at the forecourt of St Mary's Cathedral (opposite Hyde Park).

This spectacular free light and sound Christmas show consists of amazing 3D digital projections that illuminate the Cathedral's 75 metre high facade. It is a visual storytelling experience that is accompanied with a soundscape and narrative that resonates with the ideals of the Christmas season of peace, joy and goodwill.

This year's 12 days of Christmas theme as well as a collective Christmas presentation notion of 'service', offering an opportunity to value and honour those who serve the community.

This is truly one Christmas Light event you do not want to miss out on. So gather your family and friends and enjoy the festive spirit of Christmas.

When: 9-25 December: 7:30pm-12am
Phone: 02 8302 3800
Where: St Mary's Cathedral Courtyard, St Mary's Road, Sydney
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.weekendnotes.com/lights-of-christmas/

Town Hall Christmas Projections

Soak up the atmosphere as we illuminate the beautiful sandstone walls of Sydney Town Hall this Christmas. Watch in wonder, as every evening after sunset, the George Street facade of the building springs to life with spectacular light projections - while exciting new digital animation gets everyone into the spirit of the season in Sydney Square.

Head to the City after sunset and watch in wonder as the Town Hall facade springs to life with vivid light projections every evening. New in 2014, digital projections will also feature on buildings at the King Street entrance to Pitt Street Mall, transforming the area into a magical landscape.

When: Thu 27 Nov - Thu 25 Dec 2014
Time: 8:30pm - 1:00am
Where: Sydney Town Hall, Sydney
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.sydneychristmas.com.au/whatson/christmas-projections/

Darling Harbour Christmas

As Christmas fever starts to sprinkle the city with festive magic, so Darling Harbour transforms into a sea of red and white jolly men. Never before will you have seen so many Santas together and so many Santas having a whale of a time on the water, as you will during the free Santa Fest Water Spectacular in late November. But that's not all, because this spectacular event is just the start of 30 days of free Christmas fun in the lead up to the big day.

When: 1 December to 25 December  2014
Where: Darling Harbour, Sydney
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/christmas-in-darling-harbour.aspx

Towers of Tomorrow with Lego Bricks

Certified LEGO builder Ryan McNaught shows off his skills in this exhibition, recreating skyscraping buildings from Australia and Asia

Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks is a world premiere exhibition of astonishing LEGO skyscrapers at the Museum of Sydney.

Constructed by Ryan McNaught, one of only 12 LEGO® certified professionals worldwide, this exhibition celebrates tall and extraordinary buildings from Australia and Asia. Some are engineering head-turners while others are technical marvels. 

Some of these eye-popping giants, like the Shanghai Tower, pioneer new ways of living, while others like Singapore's Marina Bay Sands are instant global landmarks. Some are green, others lean. Some are strange and other-worldly, others are breathtakingly beautiful.

With several models standing over 3 metres high, with stunning architectural detail and playful use of colours and textures, each of these LEGO® structures is guaranteed to amaze. They'll also inspire the young and the young-at-heart to create their own ‘towers of tomorrow’

With over 200,000 loose LEGO® bricks on hand, you’ll have more than enough to build your own towering creation and add it to the colourful futuristic metropolis rising steadily in the heart of the exhibition.

“Like the real things, super-tall LEGO® buildings are truly inspirational,” says Mark Goggin, director of Sydney Living Museums, “Not only do Ryan's models prove what's possible with everyday LEGO®bricks, but experiencing so many of them together in a world first line-up, perched together side by side, is nothing short of mind-blowing, even at 1:200 scale.”

Ryan McNaught agrees, “it's by far the biggest building job I've ever faced and certainly the most fun. My head's still spinning.”


SNAP & SHARE TO WIN


Get creative in the exhibition for your chance to win a workshop with Ryan McNaught, a LEGO®Certified Professional. Simply snap a pic of you and you LEGO® bricks masterpeice while you're at the exhibition and share via your favourite social network with the tag #SLMtowers for a chance to win this hands-on workshop for you and five friends.

Terms & Conditions apply.

BECOME A MEMBER AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS

As a Sydney Living Museums Member you'll enjoy exclusive membership benefits, including priority access, behind-the-scene events, discounts, advanced ticket sales to select events and much more.

Special Member benefits for 'Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® bricks' are:
Special Members price of only $5 - save $10
Access to pre-sale tickets on 19 November – book the session you want
Special Members ONLY preview day 12 December – be the first to see the exhibition

View Source to Book this Event Now

Ricciardo Revved up for F1 Melbourne

Ricciardo revved up for F1 Melbourne

Australian superstar Daniel Ricciardo was in Melbourne today to launch the 2015 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix, as the event prepares to celebrate a milestone of two decades in Melbourne on 12-15 March.

Ricciardo took to the steps of the iconic Flinders Street Station, posing for photos alongside a Formula One car in an Australian Flag design, as excitement builds ahead of the event.

The spectacular Albert Park street circuit will again play host to the season opener of the 2015 FIA Formula One World Championship™ – with the V8 Supercars  once again part of the line-up – and Ricciardo believes the opening weekend in Melbourne is easily the most anticipated of the year.

"The Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix is pretty much the best way to start the season for me. It's one of my favourite events, not just because it's on home soil but because it's the first race, the first time you really get to put everything on the table and see where you stack up," Ricciardo said.

"The last year has been an incredible year for me, I couldn't have wished for a better start to my career with Infiniti Red Bull Racing. The fans and the support we get at the Australian GP is incredible and last year I definitely felt it on track. I'm looking forward to getting out there already – I'm excited!"

The Minister for Tourism & Major events, the Hon. John Eren MP, was also in attendance – he said the event is a proud part of Victoria's major events calendar.

"As the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix prepares to stage its 20th consecutive race since it came to Melbourne in 1996; there is no question that the event holds huge value to the State. This significant milestone is a timely reminder of how truly entrenched this event is in the social, cultural and sporting fabric of the city,” Minister Eren said.

"We are delighted the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix has been secured until 2020, the benefits to the tourism industry and the economy are indisputable. The global broadcast of the race is the perfect platform to showcase Melbourne to the world, with images of our stunning city skyline and parklands shown to millions across the globe.”

Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman, Mr Ronald J Walker AC CBE, said with the most promising local driver in decades set to line up on the grid; anticipation for the 2015 event is particularly high.

"We have an exceptional talent in Daniel Ricciardo; his fighting spirit and infectious smile have captured the imagination of all Australians. He has built on the strong foundations of Mark Webber, and we are incredibly fortunate to have the privilege of seeing him challenge the world's very best on home soil this March,” Mr Walker said.

Sunday General Admission tickets purchased before 1 March, 2015 are available at the early bird price of just $79. For more information, visit www.grandprix.com.au.

Jessica Mauboy Celebrates Launch of free Australia Day Concerts at Sydney Opera House

The iconic Opera House will serve as the picturesque location for Australia Day celebrations in 2015.

To amp up the atmosphere, two free concerts will be held on January 26 with approximately 7,000 free tickets available to the public via ballot.

Popular children's group The Wiggles will be one of the main acts on the festive day, with another concert consisting of favourite Aussie performers, including Jessica, Justice Crew and Geronimo hit makers, Sheppard.

Actress Jessica has already performed at the Opera House and has fond memories of the venue.

'It was of course where the Australian Idol Grand Final took place in November 2006 and it was on the steps of the Sydney Opera House that I performed my first Number One single Burn,' the former reality TV star recalled.

'To be invited back to this amazing Australian landmark to perform is a wonderful opportunity.' 

Justice Crew also have an interesting link with the location, having previously busked outside the famed structure.

'One of our first career highlights was to actually be invited to perform at the Sydney Opera House as Janet Jackson’s opening act,' the group revealed.

'To be at the Sydney Opera House on Australia Day is a real magic moment and we will rise to the occasion with our performance!

Jessica is no stranger to public performances, having recently put on an energetic show at the ARIA music awards last month.

Putting her powerful voice to good use, the musician took to the stage in a strapless blue jumpsuit covered in sequins.

She performed her latest hit Can I Get a Moment, which has achieved gold sales in just over a month.

Despite her star status, Ms Mauboy failed to take out any awards after being nominated for Album of the Year, Best Female Artist and Best Video. 

Although she didn't walk away with a trophy this year, Jessica took out Best Female Artist last year and Highest Selling Single for Running Back in 2009.

Baila Brazil 2015 - Sydney Opera House

EXPERIENCE THE HEAT OF BRAZIL THIS SUMMER!

From the creators of the sell-out, smash hit 2010 sensation Balé de Rua, the bigger and brighter Baila Brazil will burst onto the Sydney Opera House stage this summer.

With a pulsating mix of African dance, hip-hop, samba and capoeira, temperatures are set to soar for this dance and live music spectacular.

As colourful as the streets from where they hail, the cast of eighteen dancers and musicians deliver a high-energy celebration of life, love and the Brazilian way.

Combining live music, breathtaking body movements, dance, dynamic percussion and songs from the soul of Afro Brazil, Baila Brazil has a contagious, exhilarating energy and rhythm that will have people dancing in the aisles.



Balé de Rua was a sell-out in Paris, a triumph in Edinburgh and a hit in London, and now will make its highly anticipated return to Sydney.

Travel to the heart of Brazil with a perfect night ‘away’ at the Sydney Opera House.

The Balnaves Foundation Open House Program provides $5 tickets for low income and disadvantaged communities. More information and bookings here.

Where: Sydney Opera House - Concert Hall
When: Performances from 9 Jan 2015 - 18 Jan 2015
Tickets: Opera House online tickets - http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/baila_brazil.aspx?utm_source=SydneyOperaHouse&utm_medium=facebook&utm_content=fb2&utm_campaign=baila

PERFORMANCE DATES

JANUARY

1. Fri 09 Jan 15 7:00pm
2. Sat 10 Jan 15 2:00pm
3. Sat 10 Jan 15 7:00pm
4. Sun 11 Jan 15 7:00pm
5. Mon 12 Jan 15 7:00pm
6. Wed 14 Jan 15 7:00pm
7. Thu 15 Jan 15 7:00pm
8. Fri 16 Jan 15 7:00pm
9. Sat 17 Jan 15 2:00pm
10. Sat 17 Jan 15 7:00pm
11. Sun 18 Jan 15 7:00pm

REVIEWS

Balé de Rua Reviews

“…stunning ... If only I’d had a sixth star at my disposal” The Scotsman, UK

“Bursting with energy and carnival spirit” Time Out

“…festive, colourful, vigorous, moving and authentic.” Figaroscope, France

“...a freewheeling mix of rhythm, high spirits and serious intent…a joy to behold.” The Guardian, UK