Soulfest Tour Australia October 2015 Sydney & Melbourne

Soulfest International in association with Channel V, are thrilled to announce the return of Soulfest for 2015. With good music, good food and good vibes,Soulfest is the only music event in Australia and New Zealand dedicated to bringing you some of the world’s finest contemporary Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop Artists. 

This unique Music and Cultural Festival saw tens of thousands of music lovers come together peacefully in 2014 to celebrate their passion for soul and hip-hop, and this year we are pleased to announce over 20 artists and DJ’s across two stages in the serene settings of The Domain in Sydney and Myer Music Bowl and Kings Domain District in Melbourne.

 

The two spectacular headlining females Mary J. Blige and Ms Lauryn Hill, plus Miguel, and Jill Scott are being joined by the 9 x Grammy Nominee Charlie Wilson, the legendary Hip Hop Mcs Black Star, R&B Duo Floetry, the beautiful and haunting vocalist Jhenè Aiko, plus new jazz star Kamasi Washington. They will be joined by Hip-Hop favourites Talib Kweliand Dwele, the soulful Eric Benet plus local stars Daniel Merriweather and Remi.

Over 25 live acts and DJ’s will feature throughout the 10-hour day across 3 stages, plus a DJ Marquee.

Soulfest will also feature an expansive array of cuisine featuring authentic Soulfood and pop-up eateries, curated by Event Producer XYZ. With an array of themed bars featuring fine wine, imported beers and spirits through to café’s serving some of the world’s best coffee, Soulfest will be a unique opportunity to see and hear some of the world’s finest artists in a relaxed atmosphere.

TOUR DETAILS

Sydney: October 24th at the Domain

Melbourne: October 25th at Sidney Myer Music Bowl

Accommodation available at Metro Hotels:

Sydney Accommodation

Metro Apartments on Bank Place, Melbourne

Find out more at http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows

- See more at: http://showsaustralia.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/soulfest-tour-australia-october-2015.html#sthash.5eamjhnz.dpuf

16 Things On In Victoria Sept 12, 2015 Onwards

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL
  
You want exhilarating? How about 3000 kids all trying to stand out as shooting stars in the State Schools Spectacular? The energy in the room will be matched by the muggy air of expectation. This year’s show features rising talent like The Voice Kids’ finalist Imogen Spendlove, budding vocalist Maddie Andreopoulos from New York Film Academy and 13-year-old jazz guitarist Theo Carbo, the youngest ever recipient of the Pat Corrigan Scholarship. Pat on the back for that one.

Don’t be late for a very important date with Alice in Wonderland or the Steampunk Fairground part with Tron Legacy skaters and circus artists performing to Daft Punk. Other music you’ll be jumping out of your seat singing include Beyonce’s Listen, American Authors’ Best Day of My Life, Bjork’s It’s Oh So Quiet as well as everyone’s favourite pop poppet Tay Tay. HiSense Arena, city. Today, 1pm and 6.30pm. $22 to $44.

ticketek.com.au

This Saturday’s State Schools Spectacular dress rehearsals at Hisense Arena. Leo Penhand, 17 is from Coburg but attends VCA, with Sarah Pace, a Principal Vocalist, also from Coburg who attends Brunswick Secondary College. Picture- Nicole Cleary

TIME TO GO NUTS

See the lock below? A genius idea (take the keys with you, though) and one that may be needed after Saturday’s Nutella pop-up shop increases its local cred. Paul and Lauren Kristoff from The City Lane are selling $10 “bento boxes” with a peanut-butter S’more, a Nutella salted-caramel truffle and a Nutella and maple tart with smoked hickory Italian meringue. There are only 500. Get in quick! 98-100 Lygon St, Brunswick East. Sat, 9am.

thecitylane.com

The Nutella lock won’t be needed on Saturday. Buy Nutella Bento Boxes in Brunswick.

GET IN THE ZONE

Lightning McQueen is tearing into the Disney Zone with Mack the Transporter at the Wilson Security Sandown 500. Kids do their best Lightning McQueen impressions and make fan videos. Sandown Racecourse, 591 Princes Highway. Sat-Sun, 10am-4pm. From $56.

Hop to it.

ticketek.com.au

Kieran Wilson from Minden in the Disney Fun Zone. Get to Sandown Racecourse this weekend for this kind of fun.

SPINNNING AROUND

Fyansford resident Kane Airey is spinning around, so get out of his way. On Sunday, the 43-year-old will be in the peloton in the Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo in Lorne. The event will welcome a record number of recreational and competitive cyclists to the Colac Otway and Surf Coast region, closing off the Great Ocean Road and furthering the Amy Gillett Foundation’s road safety messages. You can still enter the 14km ride. Family bonding.

amysgranfondo.com.au

Fyansford resident Kane Airey will be amongst the peloton at Amy’s Gran Fondo in Lorne. The 43 year-old has taken part in every Gran Fondo so far.

RACE THE TACOMETER

It’s no time to siesta, there’s a fiesta. Chefs Arturo Morales (left) and Sam Mugg are making Esmerelda Araiza (centre) the meat in the middle of the taco at The Mexican Festival.

There’s a tastebud tour with Pacos Tacos, Los Amates, Mesa Verde and more, a cantina with tequila 
(of course), mariachi bands, diverse market stalls and a Mission Foods kids’ corner. Federation Square. Tomorrow, 11.30am-8pm. Free.

mexfest.com.au

Mexican Festival at Federation Square. Chef's Arturo Morales (black shirt) and Sam Mugg (chef whites) with singer Esmerelda Araiza are getting into the Fiesta mood for this weekend. Picture- Nicole Cleary

WEEKEND MARKETS

1MORNINGTON RACECOURSE MARKET

Sun, 9am-2pm. Racecourse Rd. Dave’s coffee, Browning Orchids, Nellie Mae sweets, Twisted Mac Cheese and Memory Keepsakes.

2KYNETON FARMERS’ MARKET

Sat 8.30am-1pm. St Paul’s Park. Huge market with Annie Smither’s de Fumier and Truffle berry.
3THE SISTER’S MARKET

Sat, 10am-4pm. 233 Sydney Rd, Brunswick. Jewellers include Erin.K, Mecino, Manuela Igreja and Nanna Woo Handmade.

4KINGSBURY DRIVE COMMUNITY MARKET

Sun, 9am-1pm. Carpark 2, La Trobe Uni, Bundoora. More than 150 stalls, fresh produce from Michael Warren and Domenic Morabito.

5MARIBYRNONG MAKER’S MARKET

Sat, 9.30am-3.30pm. Gamon St, Seddon. Mr Moo kids’ creations, Merry-Go-Round Handmade upcycling and Mel Macklin’s prints

Mornington Racecourse Market boasts more than 300 stalls.

HOT FIVE - SHOW OFFS

HOW ARE YA?

It’s a Camperdown Cabaret and you’re either in or out. I spoke to the organiser, Gillian Wadds, and she’s a livewire. Wadds and co will bring the house down as you dine magnificently. Shout out to the midwife in Camperdown Bush Nursing Hospital who delivered me 37 years ago. Respect.
Madden’s Commercial Hotel, 115 Manifold St. Sat, next Sat, 6pm. $50.30.

acamperdowncabaret.com

2015 TIMELINE FESTIVAL

Re: acting, 400 re-enactors are ready at Kryal Castle. Enter the majestic grounds and more than 30 colourful and eclectic groups will be doing their best to recreate exciting battles from the Dark Ages right through to World War II. There are merchants trading in weapons and jewellery.

121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek. Sat-Sun, from 10am. $19/$35, families, $89. kryalcastle.com.au

THE BOROUGHS

This design store is kicking off its birthday celebrations with local artist Alice Oehr’s best work. See The Little Book of Australia’s Big Things and the best bits, like the Giant Koala.
345 Lygon St, Brunswick East. Wed, 6.30-8.30pm. Free, artworks for sale.
fiveboroughs.com.au

TORTE E MORT: SONGS OF CAKE AND DEATH 

Anya Anastasia is accompanied by Bec Matthews on percussion to present an electrifying live performance through exaggeration.

Melba Spiegeltent, 35 Johnston St, Collingwood. Wed, 7.45pm, Thu-Sat, 8.30pm. $15/$25. melbournefringe.com.au

ACLAND STREET PROJECTION FESTIVAL

Zoe Ali, Christos Tsolkias, Ash Keating, Ben McKeown and more will light up your life.
Acland St, St Kilda. Until Sept 20. Nightly, 6.15pm. Free. aspf.org.au

The Black Knight (black) and Sir Hector (red) do battle at Kryal Castle. This weekend the Timeline Festival is on. Picture: Mark Stewart

PLANNING AHEAD

Joey Davis is leaning over to whisper, “I’ve been expecting you.” He’s the resident (very cocky) cockatoo at the Doveton Show, an event that provides a low-cost alternative to the Royal Melbourne Show. In 2005, organisers were hoping for 1000 people and 5000 people flocked to Myuna Farm from as far as Nyora and Keilor. The show has continued since then as an annual event and last year 22,000 people attended. This year they may top 25,000, with all kinds of fun activities planned for parents and kids alike. We’re talking interactive craft stalls, a kids’ area, toys, plants, health information, cakes, delicious bickies and entertainment from The Highland Dancers, direct from their world tour. Special request: Show organisers, please reach out to Taco the Chihuahua, Doveton’s heroic canine who yapped so loudly that he scared off an intruder in a Maple Court house a fortnight ago … while an American staffy named Baxter lay asleep on the bed. Baxter, your services are not required. Myuna Farm, 182 Kidds Rd. 
Sept 20, 10am-4pm. Gold coin donation.
dovetonshow.org.au

Doveton Show resident cockatoo Joey Davis, who will be at the show next weekend, marking his territory. Picture: Valeriu Campan

- See more at: http://melbournecbdhotels.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/16-things-on-in-victoria-sept-12-2015.html#sthash.VOMlHR0r.dpuf

Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical showing at Ipswich Civic Centre - Sept 2015

Ipswich Musical Theatre Company - who staged The Phantom of the Opera in 2014 - now take great pleasure in presenting “in the most delightful way” MARY POPPINS The Broadway Musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film!

Exhilarating dance numbers, astonishing stagecraft, and a little bit of magic helps this musical soar high above the rest.

Including best loved songs from the film; Chim Chim Cher-Ee, A Spoonful of Sugar, Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Feed the Birds, Let’s Go Fly a Kite & of course Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Believe in the magic of Mary Poppins and discover a world where anything can happen if you let it!

Starring:

Mary Poppins	Lauren Roche
Bert	Simon Drew
Jane	Jessica Parcell
	Hannah Ross
Michael	Noah Bertram
	Jayden McGinlay
George Banks	Ian Schubert
Winifred Banks	Simone Behrendorff
Mrs Brill	Susan Glosko

Dates & Pricing:

	Sat, 12 Sep 2015 - 7.30 PM Sun, 13 Sep 2015 - 1:30 PM Fri, 18 Sep 2015 - 7:30 PM Sat, 19 Sep 2015 - 7:30 PM Sun, 20 Sep 2015 - 1:30 PM
	Adult $50.00 Concession/Student $45.00 Primary School Child $25.00 Family Pass (2A & 2 PSC) $135.00 Group 6+ $45.00 Group 10+ $40.00

Location: Ipswich Civic Centre - Corner of Limestone & Nicholas Streets, Ipswich QLD Australia

Buy Online Tickets: www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/mary-poppins

Melbourne Tourism Week - Another Reason to Visit the World’s Most Liveable City

Melbourne Tourism Week - Another Reason to Visit the World’s Most Liveable City

The Melbourne Tourism Week presents yet another reason to visit Melbourne, the world’s most liveable city for the fifth consecutive year. The city just turned 180 and is celebrating its tourism industry and the diversity of experiences it offers with a number of events across the city.

While celebrating tourism, these events also exhibit the value of the visitor economy to Melbourne. 

Laura Cavallo, Chief Executive, Destination Melbourne said: “Melbourne Tourism Week is the opportunity to celebrate our amazing tourism industry which provides substantial contribution towards Melbourne’s social, cultural and economic well-being. 

On the back of Melbourne recently being awarded the world’s most liveable city title in 2015 for the fifth consecutive year, we are proud to celebrate Melbourne’s global success as a dynamic international destination. 

According to the latest National and International Visitor Surveys, Melbourne received an estimated 8 million domestic and over 2 million international overnight visitors for the year ending March 2015. That’s over 27,000 people Melbourne hosted per night during the course of that year. (This estimation doesn’t include the additional 16.4 million day trip visitors the city welcomed as well.) 

Considering the total domestic and international visitor expenditure for the year ending March 2015, it is estimated visitors spent $13.64 billion dollars in Melbourne, which is the equivalent of $37.3 million per day and $1.5 million per hour. That’s a significant economic injection which keeps Melbourne businesses sustainable and residents employed.” 

Regular tourists can also check out Mozo’s Travel Money section for money saving tips and the top deals in the market. 

The events lined up through the week include:

Sunday 30 August: Melbourne Day

As Melbourne turns 180, the city will liven up with festivities including live music, Aboriginal didgeridoo performances, free ferry trips and more.

Tuesday 1 September: Melbourne Tourism Industry Exchange

Over 60 exhibitors from Melbourne and the surrounding areas will showcase their products to more than 500 tourism professionals who greet and entertain the millions of visitors to Melbourne every year. The event will take place from 1-4pm, Zinc at Federation Square. 

Wednesday 2 September: Local Council Tourism Breakfast

The focus of this event is on investment attraction and building a healthy visitor economy. The keynote speakers are Stan Liacos, Director - City Futures at City of Greater Bendigo and Mark Wilsdon, Business Manager at MONA gallery in Tasmania. The event starts at 7am, Aerial, South Wharf. 

Thursday 3 September: MTILP roundtable with the Minister for Tourism 

The Melbourne Tourism Industry Leadership Program (MTILP) participants will be take part in an exclusive round table discussion with the Hon. John Eren MP, discussing key issues and opportunities for the industry as its future leaders.

Saturday 5 September: Discover your local Visitor Information Centre (VIC) 

As the face of the tourism industry in the local community, Melbourne’s VICs are encouraging their local businesses and residents to come in and discover not only the role the VIC plays but what they can discover in their own backyard.

Top 9 Things To Do At The Royal National Park

Photo Credit: Andy Richards/NSW Government

Top 9 Things To Do At The Royal National Park

Royal National Park is a national park in New South Wales, Australia, 29 km south of Sydney CBD. Located at Audley, just 32km from Sydney city, the park offers incredible beauty and natural diversity just minutes from the highway and train station.

The Royal National Park is the world's second oldest purposed national park (after Yellowstone in the United States), and the first to use the term "national park".

In this natural haven, open ocean, sandstone cliffs and wetlands meet grassy woodland, rainforests, coastal heathland and eucalypt forests. You will also find some significant geological sites, including fascinating beach ridges at Cabbage Tree Basin.

1. Bushwalking and Hiking

The perfect escape for hikers, beginners or those who enjoy a scenic but challenging walk, you can't go past bush walking throughout the Royal National Park. There are numerous walking trails, for walkers of different levels and of different landscapes throughout the park. Over 100 kilometres of walking tracks take in a wide range of scenery - from forests to valleys to beaches - so you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to taking photos.

The most popular walk is the Coast Walk, which wraps around the park's eastern edge and delivers breath taking coastal scenery. It is a 30 kilometre track, beginning from Bundeena to Otford, or vice versa. It's recommended that walkers allow 2 days for the walk.

Coast Walk

Photo Credit: http://www.cronullabeachyha.com

2. Boating and Canoeing 

The park offers two different landscapes for boating - the river system or along the coast line. Towra Beach is an area of protected wetlands, sand flats and seagrass that can only be reached by boat or paddling. A tranquil beach that's great for padding and exploring, so pack a picnic or build a sandcastle by its calm waters. Any visitors will mostly be of the winged kind; rare migrating birds wade the coastline. To reach Towra Beach, you'll need to bring your own canoes or kayaks.

If you’d like to go on a boating or paddling adventure inside the park, you can launch your canoe or kayak from the nearby boat ramp at Fitzpatrick Park.

Inside the park resides the Hacking River which offers affordable boat and canoe hire for a fun filled day out to explore the river system. Boat and canoe hire at the Audley Boat Hire starts at AUD$20 for 1 hour hire to $40 for a day hire. At the end of the river is a beautiful waterfall and rock beds - great place to rest and relax.

Audley Boat Hire (inside Royal National Park): http://www.audleyboatshed.com/index.html

Hacking River

Photo Credit: http://blog.thinadoukasphoto.com

3. Picnics and BBQs

When you’re pining for the feel of sand between your toes, take the family and head to Wattamolla Beach picnic area. With loads of options to keep everyone happy, this is a popular place to base yourself while you’re exploring the park. Unpack a picnic under the shade of the cabbage tree palms and do some serious unwinding, or have a delicious barbeque.

Cabbage Tree Basin is a great place for relaxing and to have picnics. The area even offers gas barbecues so you can cook up a feast.

If you’re looking to escape the city for a relaxing day near the river, head to picturesque Reids Flat picnic area. When it’s time for lunch, spark up a free gas barbecue and cook up a feast, then enjoy it on a rug or one of the nearby picnic tables.

Fitzpatrick Park is another excellent place for picnics and barbeques. Let the kids to kick a ball or throw a frisbee to work up an appetite. After a tasty picnic or barbecue lunch, relax on your picnic rug, take in some sunshine or set off on an exploration of the park.

Wattamolla Beach

Photo Credit: NSW Government

4. Cycling

Lady Carrington Drive is an easy bike trail that follows the Hacking River upstream from Audley. Cycling over 15 creeks, each identified by its Aboriginal name, you’ll pass blue gums, turpentines and patches of rainforest. Keep your ear out for the mimicking call of the lyrebird and your eyes peeled for lace monitors and echidnas.

Loftus loop trail is a 10km trail that is bound to get your heart rate up. You’ll cover 8km of trail, along with 2km of designated bike track. Terrain changes from flat, wide trails to steep, single-track trails that can be a little rocky under your tyres. There are some steep sections around Temptation Creek, so it’s best to walk these if you’re an inexperienced rider. This diverse terrain makes Loftus loop trail one of Royal National Park’s most enjoyable cycling trails.

Lady Carrington Drive

Photo Credit: David Finnegan/NSW Government

5. Swimming, Surfing and Snrokelling 

Wattamolla Beach lagoon offers safe and enjoyable calm waters for snorkelling, swimming and liloing for the whole family. After enjoying a barbecue lunch, go for a walk along one of the beach tracks, with a prize for the first to see a sea eagle or oystercatcher.

Wattle Forest picnic area offers a beautifully scenic place for a swim for the family. You could be tempted to while away a lazy afternoon in the shade by the river, serenaded by the cockatoos and currawongs, or join the kids for some swimming.

Garie Beach picnic area is the spot for swimming and surfing the waves in the warmer months. It’s an ideal spot for birdwatching, so bring the binoculars for a chance to glimpse an albatross, sea eagle, and the rarer peregrine falcon as they cruise on the updraft from coastal breezes. Please note, Garie Beach does not have lifeguards on duty.

Garie Beach

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

6. Beaches

If you want a day at the beach, the Royal National park offers an array of beaches to choose from.

• Jibbon Beach - offers scenic grounds, Aboriginal tours, fishing and swimming areas.
• Garie Beach - ideal for swimming, fishing and picnics on this gorgeous and family-friendly beach.
• Wattamolla Beach - a calm lagoon and sheltered cove with a sandy bar at the inlet, perfect for snorkelling.
• Werrong Beach - a secluded beach paradise for nudists.

Wattamolla Beach

Photo Credit: Andy Richards/NSW Government

7. Jet-skiing 

Morgans Creek picnic area is a riverside picnic area in Georges River National Park. It’s large and grassy, so an excellent choice for families with children who like lots of space to roam. Popular with anyone who likes to play on the river, you’ll find waterskiers and jetskiers as well as boaters and fishermen out enjoying the water. A dual width boat ramp and easy access from the carpark means you will be out on the water in no time. So take your jet ski down for an awesome ride.

Morgans Creek

Photo Credit: Andy Richards/NSW Government

8. Fishing

Fitzpatrick Park is just the place for a spot of family fishing – cast a line to try your hand at catching a luderick, mullet or mulloway. For beach fishing, you can't go past Wattamolla Beach for a spot of fishing. Jibbon Beach also offers a fantastic spot for fishing on the sands. Reids Flat picnic area provides a calm area for fishing.

Reids Flat

Photo Credit: Andy Richards/NSW Government

9. Whale Watching

Head to Garie Beach for a spot of whale watching in the winter. Every year, humpback whales and southern right whales migrate along the NSW coastline. They head north throughout June and in the first week of July, and return southwards from around September to November. If you're unsure of when to go to spot them, try a walking tour. Sydney Coast Walks (formerly known as Royal Coast Walks) provides expertly guided half day, full day and overnight walking and hiking adventures through Royal National Parks, enabling guests to reconnect with nature and experience the wonder of whale watching.

Sydney Coast Walks: http://www.sydneycoastwalks.com.au/

Whale Watching Sydney

Photo Credit: NSW Government

Accommodation 

Looking for suitable accommodation near the Royal National Park? Then look no further than the
Metro Hotel Miranda, strictly non-smoking, conveniently located in the Sutherland area and only a 10 minute drive to the Royal National Park. Situated in the premier corner position, our hotel suites have kitchenettes and magnificent views over Sydney city. The hotel is located across from Westfield Miranda and cafes and shops. Sutherland Hospital is only a 3 minute drive away from the hotel. For those coming by public transport, the hotel is only 5 minutes walk from Miranda train station.

Metro Hotel Miranda is the only hotel near Cronulla which does not impose minimum night stays.

Location: Cnr Kingsway and Jackson Ave, Miranda NSW 2228 Australia
Book Metro Hotel Miranda Online: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-hotel-miranda/welcome/

Hugh Jackman Announces Broadway to Oz National Tour

HUGH Jackman is returning home for a national concert tour. 
  
The Hollywood star has announced a five-city arena concert tour in November and December, Broadway To Oz, based on his hit Broadway show, Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway.

The Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony Award winner promises a high-octane show taking audiences on a journey through his life so far, performing along with choirs, dancers and musicians.

“Anybody who knows me knows that keeping secrets is not my forte ... today is the announcement of a true bucket list moment for me,” Jackman told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

The production will showcase some of his biggest hits, including The Boy from Oz and Les Miserables, as well as a nod to his role as Wolverine in the X-Men film franchise.

“Broadway To Oz is a dream come true. This is THE show I’ve always wanted to bring home,” he said, promising fans, “You will get to know the real me.”

Jackman’s wife Deborra-Lee Furness and daughter Ava were present for the big announcement.
The eight-date concert tour will kick off in Melbourne on November 24, continuing on to Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

TOURING NOV & DEC 2015 

Tickets go on sale on Monday August 31 from Ticketek. 

Top 3 Things To Do Near Miranda NSW Australia

Royal National Park 

for Canoeing, Boating, Cycling, Trekking & Whale Watching

Just south of Miranda is Sydney's beautiful heritage listed Royal National Park. A picturesque and expansive park nestled in south Sydney, with its east side facing the Tasman Sea. The Royal National Park covers a wide range of different terrain and ecosystems. It varies from forests with deep river valleys, to coastal cliffs dotted by beaches to landscapes of steep plateaus to mangroves and marshes. It also has small inlets and rock pools along the coastline.

A wonderful place to take the family or for a day of adventure with friends, the Royal National Park has something for everyone.

There are numerous cycling and walking trails, BBQ areas and picnic sites throughout the park. Over 100 kilometres of walking tracks take in a wide range of scenery. Cycling is allowed on fire trails and on specially marked tracks within the park. Try the Curra Moors loop track for cycling or the Karloo walking track for a moderate trek. For views of the sea, you can't go past the coast track. Also perfect for whale watching during the months of May to October.

You can hire a boat or canoe to row along Hacking River inside the park. Boat and canoe hire starts at AUD$20 for 1 hour hire to $40 for a day hire. The river ends near a beautiful mini waterfall where shallow river beds provide an excellent place to swim or dip on a hot day.

Audley Boat Hire (inside Royal National Park): http://www.audleyboatshed.com/index.html

For swimming, fishing and snorkelling activities within the park, the Wattamolla picnic area offers a popular spot for these activities. The kids will love the calm waters of the lagoon for snorkelling, swimming and liloing. Unpack a picnic under the shade of the cabbage tree palms and do some serious unwinding, or head to the beach for a spot of fishing.

If you didn't bring a picnic or food for BBQ, there is a cafe called Weir Cafe inside the park.

If you'd love a coastal experience without all the sand then this scenic lookout has all the bases covered: Governor Game lookout is a great spot for a break on a car tour of Royal National Park. It offers brilliant coastal views and lovely heathlands, is an ideal spot for birdwatching, and a great place for whale watching during the migratory season.

To find out where the whale watching hot spots are, visit this website for tracking: http://www.wildaboutwhales.com.au/WAW/Whale-Watching/Whales-Sighting-Map

A fee of $11.00 applies when taking a car into the Royal National Park.

Location: 159 Farnell Avenue, Royal National Park, NSW

Official website: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/royal-national-park

How to get there: http://goaustralia.about.com/od/nswsightseeing/a/rnp4.htm

Sydney Tramway Museum

for a glimpse into the past

The Sydney Tramway Museum has an extensive collection of trams from cities all over Australia (including Sydney) and from around the world. There are two tram lines from the museum used to run tram rides for museum visitors. One line runs 1.5 km north almost to Sutherland railway station, paralleling Rawson Avenue. The second line utilises a former railway branch off CityRail's Illawarra railway line that is 2 km into the Royal National Park boarding Sydney's southern boundary. 

The Sydney Tramway Museum is run entirely by volunteers and self funds its day to day activities, restorations and construction programs from gate takings and donations from the public. A great place to visit and ride the trams for an interesting experience, travelling back in time.

Adult prices are $18 and kids tickets are $10. 

Official website: http://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au

How to get there: http://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au/location.html

Cronulla Beach

Cronulla beach, is a gorgeous beach located to the east of Miranda. A beautiful beach with expansive views of the deep blue ocean and clean beige sand, it's a perfect place for a swim or surf. Dotted with cafes and restaurants, there is something to do there for everyone. 

The name "Cronulla" is derived from an Aboriginal word kurranulla, meaning 'place of pink seashells'. Cronulla beach is the only beach that is patrolled in the winter months (check for flags before swimming). The beach is wheelchair accessible, has disabled toilets and a free beach wheelchair service.

If you dislike the crowds and dirty sand at Bondi, Cronulla beach offers a beautiful alternative.

Location: Cronulla NSW Australia

Accommodation 

Looking for suitable accommodation in Miranda? Then look no further than the Metro Hotel Miranda, decorated and strictly non-smoking, this brand new space also offers disabled rooms which have the option of an adjoining room. Situated in the premier corner position, our suites have kitchenettes and magnificent views over Sydney city.

For the shop-o-holics, Miranda's Westfield shopping centre - one of Australia's largest shopping and entertainment centres - is adjacent to the Metro Hotel Miranda, just a short stroll away. While at the same time Metro Hotel Miranda offers a close proximity to Cronulla Beach - a ten minute drive away or five minute train ride away. And for your peace of mind, a large public hospital is near by - Sutherland Hospital - only a fifteen minute walk away. Metro Hotel Miranda is the only hotel near Cronulla which does not impose minimum night stays.

Metro Hotel Miranda Location: Cnr Kingsway and Jackson Ave, Miranda NSW 2228 Australia

Book Here: www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-hotel-miranda/welcome/

All rooms are newly renovated, modern and beautifully furnished.