History of Darling Harbour, Sydney

Darling Harbour: Cockle Bay Wharf today - night view

Darling Harbour is one of Sydney's iconic attractions, with the area covering Cockle Bay, King Street Wharf, plus Chinatown and all the way to Pyrmont.

Shells, shipping and celebrations

Image: The earliest view of Cockle Bay drawn by John Eyre c1813. SLNSW

For more than 7,000 years Darling Harbour was a frontier; a boundary between the Wangal and Gadigal clans of the coastal Eora people who used the harbour for food and transport up the Parramatta River. The Eora people called Darling Harbour ‘Tumbalong’, meaning a place where seafood is found. The shores were littered with the remnants of oyster shells and other shellfish remains accumulated over thousands of years; and it is this that led the Europeans to call the area Cockle Bay.

Image: Cockle Bay now Darling Harbour. Hand-coloured aquatint published in London in 1823,
Major James Tayor c1819-20. SLNSW

In 1788, the arrival of the First Fleet and the ailments such as smallpox, measles, colds and flu that came with it, were devastating to the local Aboriginal population. However the Eora people survived the arrival of Europeans and their diseases. Archaeological evidence has shown that they were still continuing a semi-traditional lifestyle on the peninsula at Millers Point until at least the 1840s. Today, the descendants of the first Indigenous clans to live in close contact with the Europeans still live in Sydney. 

Long Cove to Cockle Bay

In the early years of the colony, the only European visitors to the shores of Darling Harbour were the lime-burners and hungry convicts and settlers searching for mussels and other shellfish. 

The first deputy surveyor-general of New South Wales, Charles Grimes, completed a Plan of Sydney in 1800 that accurately depicts the eastern shoreline. Poorly fired bricks and a lack of lime for mortar hampered early building in the colony. The massive middens of shellfish shells in Cockle Bay were the perfect source for lime. Darling Harbour was first named Long Cove but Cockle Bay was preferred until 1826 when Governor Ralph Darling enshrined his own name in Sydney’s history.

Maritime and industrial development

The history of the harbour has been embodied in the ships which used it, the shipyards and wharves along its shores and the myriad of factories and warehouses that grew up in the surrounding streets. The Market Street Wharf (where Sydney Aquarium now stands) was built in the 1820s and is the only remaining wharf from this era.

Image: The Sydney Markets were built in 1829, on the site of the Queen Victoria Building, they
replaced Macquarie’s earlier markets. The first wharf was built in the 1820s to service these markets.
Sydney Markets, Watercolour, John Rae, 1842. SLNSW

In the 19th century the harbour was a centre for change, and particularly for the introduction of Industrial Revolution technology. It was here that the first steam engine in Australia started work in 1815, the first iron-hulled ship was assembled and the colony’s first foundries belched smoke along its shores, as did the first steamship to be launched. Other important firsts were the Australian Gas Light Company’s gasworks, fired up on Queen Victoria’s birthday in 1841, and, in the next decade, Zollner’s galvanising plant, an important innovation in a country that was to find more ways to use galvanised iron than any other.

For much of the nineteenth century, wheat, wool, coal and timber were the principal cargoes to pass across the wharves but from the 1870's wool became the prime commodity. In 1855 the railway line that ran from the old Central Station was built as part of the first line in New South Wales. A major railway goods yard was established on the Ultimo side of the harbour in the 1870s. In 1874, the world's first full iron wharf was built where Tumbalong Park now stands. The Iron Wharf was considered one of the great engineering feats of the time and was the largest steel structure in the world until the construction of the Eiffel Tower.  

Image: The Iron Wharf 1874. Illustrated Sydney News 30 Jan 1874.

In 1861, the world's first freezing works were built by Thomas Mort after the process was developed by ED Nicolle. Thomas Mort's Fresh Food & Ice Company was established on the site of today's Chinese Garden of Friendship and the company shipped its first successful cargo of frozen meat to London in 1877. 

In the 1880s the first Hydraulic Pumping Station in New South Wales opened; remnants of it still stand as part of a hotel. Around the turn of the century the Ultimo Power Station supplied electricity for Sydney’s first electric trams and its neighbour in Pyrmont supplied power to Sydney households through the first reticulated grid. 

Image: Ulitmo Power Stations c1850s. COSA.

By the 1890s there was a shift from small-scale industry to warehousing and woolstores and by 1900, dozens of wharves had been built at Darling Harbour. The rail yards continued to grow and by 1891 they were handling most of Australia’s export produce. In 1900, the NSW Government resumed Darling Harbour. The area continued to thrive as coastal steamers plied their trade along Australia's coast and across the Pacific.

Pyrmont Bridge opened in 1902, replacing a smaller bridge built in 1857, to maintain the link between the CBD, Pyrmont and Glebe. The swingspan bridge is powered by electricity, originally supplied from the nearby Ultimo Powerhouse (now the Powerhouse Museum), and remains the oldest electrically powered swingspan bridge still operating in the world.

Image: Troops departing in 1941 for North Africa. AWM.

The First World War stimulated growth but also led to the General Strike in 1917. The Great Depression of the 1930s affected Darling Harbour in much the same way as it affected ageing industrial centres around the world. It hit the casual labourers on the wharves particularly hard and the streets where they queued for the chance of a few hours of backbreaking work became known as the Hungry Mile. 

The Second World War stimulated trade and industry but by the time it ended the coastal shopping trade had disappeared and many industries around the harbour were decaying. This process continued after the war and, although the rail yards continued their growth for a few years, in 1984 the last goods train steamed out of the yards and the industrial history of Darling Harbour all but ended. 

The rebirth of Darling Harbour, 1980s onwards

In 1984 the premier of NSW, Neville Wran, announced the Government's decision to redevelop Darling Harbour and "return it to the people of Sydney" in time for Australia’s 1988 bicentennial celebrations.

Image: Aerial view- 26 June 1983. COSA.

HRH Queen Elizabeth II formally opened Darling Harbour on 4 May 1988. Sydney Aquarium was the first attraction to open and was soon followed by a host of museums, shops, restaurants, hotels and bars, as the precinct became a different kind of heartbeat for Sydney.

In 1998, as Darling Harbour celebrated its 10th birthday, Cockle Bay Wharf was constructed. The following year massive works were undertaken in preparation for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

In 2000, Darling Harbour hosted five sports during the Olympic Games and construction of King Street Wharf was completed.

In 2009, Darling Harbour celebrated its 21st anniversary with a year of activities including a multicultural birthday festival and the publication of a commemorative book, A History of Sydney's Darling Harbour.

Source: http://www.darlingharbour.com/learn-explore/history-and-heritage.aspx

Darling Harbour today - night view

Darling Harbour today - view from Entertainment Centre facing Cockle Bay Wharf

Darling Harbour today - aerial view

Looking for accommodation near Darling Harbour? 

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour is located in the heart of the area and offers affordable serviced apartments with wonderful views of the harbour.

Visit our website today for the latest accommodation specials: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-apartments-on-darling-harbour/hot-deals/

New-look Westfield Miranda is weeks away

SHOPPERS will get their first look at the "new" Westfield Miranda on October 16 when stage one opens.

However, the bigger event will come a few weeks before Christmas with the unveiling of stage two, which is the major part of the $435 million project.

The final stage, a 10-screen cinema complex and six rooftop restaurants, is expected to be completed by the middle of next year.

Another major change will occur by the end of this year when paid parking will be introduced, using new number plate recognition technology, instead of paper tickets. [See separate story].

Despite the opening of the first stage happening two months later than projected earlier this year, Westfield said the project was "on track".

Centre manager Kate Holsgrove said the first stage, on level one [the bottom mall level], extended from what was previously the first floor of Myer into the new building facing the Kingsway.

Ms Holsgrove said it would principally be a new fresh food section, with some fashion and homewares.

"A new Woolworths supermarket will anchor the fresh-food section and around it will be retailers like Fruit Ezy, Jones the Grocer, Costi's Seafood and Christopher's Cake Shop, which is one of Australia's oldest cake shops," she said.

"We will also have Sourdough Bakery, Bannos Brownies and Ragamuffin, which makes steam-baked muffins, and Beyond the Label, a unique wine-tasting concept.

‘‘Lindt [chocolate store] will be returning and Gelato Messina will be opening in stage two.’’

Ms Holsgrove said the fresh-food section was designed to have ‘‘a market feel’’, with a demonstration kitchen and stalls ‘‘removing some of the barriers between the customer and the product’’.

‘‘Stage one will also include a new customer service desk and new car park off the Kingsway,’’ she said.

Ms Holsgrove said stage two, to open in late November or early December, would be in levels two and three of the new building, and the majority would house fashion retailers.

This will include the opening of the new Kingsway entrance.

‘‘The final stage is the cinemas and rooftop restaurants, which we are looking to open by the middle of next year,’’ she said.

‘‘There will be six restaurants next to the cinemas, making 15 in the precinct, and we are calling it a ‘garden in the sky’, because it will have lots of lush landscaping.

‘‘It is designed to be open and outdoor, but with covers, so it is still a nice place to be in wet weather.’’

Ms Holsgrove said shoppers would be glad when the disruption caused by building work was over.

‘‘It is is certainly challenging but we wanted to make sure the whole centre had an upgrade, so [the existing section] was brought up to the same standard.

‘‘Most of the floor surfaces and balustrades around the voids have been replaced and new lighting and seating installed throughout the centre.’’

‘‘It has been designed to have a lot of natural timber and gardens and landscaping to reflect the lifestyle in Sutherland Shire.’’

PAID PARKING

New number-plate recognition technology will be used when paid parking is introduced at Westfield Miranda by the end of the year.

The first three hours of parking will be free and there will be no charge after 6pm. This is more lenient than some other Westfield centres, which allow only two hours free parking and free entry after 7pm.

Motorists will not have to collect a ticket as they enter the centre. Instead, the vehicle number plate will be photographed on entry and exit.

Shoppers will have to make a note of when they arrive.

Before leaving, if they have stayed longer than three hours, they will need to put the details of their number plate into a machine and pay a fee.

Centre manager Kate Holsgrove said Westfield had received very positive feedback after trialing the ‘‘smart system’’ at another centre.

‘‘We are not aware of it being used in any other major shopping centre in Australia,’’ she said. ‘‘We will put in a great deal of support to help shoppers through the process and we will have a trial period.’’

Ms Holsgrove said paid parking would stop people parking all day while they took the train to work.

‘‘This is about freeing up bays for genuine shoppers,’’ she said. ‘‘The majority of our customers stay less than three hours.’’

FUN FOR EVERYONE

Entertainment and children’s play areas will be features of the redeveloped centre.

‘‘There will be a number of spaces where we can have anything from concerts to buskers or DJs,’’ Ms Holsgrove said.

‘‘Miranda has a huge history of great events and entertainment.

‘‘We haven’t done as much in recent years, but we will be going back to that.

‘‘I think people want to go to a shopping centre and have some different entertainment. It’s not just about shopping, it’s about lifestyle and entertainment.

‘‘We are putting in two new kids’ play areas, one of which will have a very large climbing structure for older children.’’

Are you keen for the new-look Westfield to be ready for business?

Source: http://www.theleader.com.au/story/2512048/new-look-westfield-miranda-is-weeks-away

By Murray Trembath

Prepare to Be Spellbound by Wicked | Capitol Theatre Sydney

Sydneysiders and visitors to Sydney wanting to see the biggest theatre hit of the decade Wicked, The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz, opening in Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on September 25, can now book great value accommodation Hot Deals at Metro Hotel Sydney Central.

Located directly opposite the Capitol Theatre, Metro Hotel Central Sydney is the ideal accommodation choice to see this highly acclaimed production. Awe-inspiring and spectacular, Wicked is the untold story of the witches of OZ.

Long before Dorothy dropped in, two other girls meet in the land of OZ. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood.

The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular and the story tells how these unlikely friends grow.

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is the perfect accommodation choice for visitors to Sydney, situated right in the heart of Sydney in Pitt Street, five minutes’ walk from Central Station (for visitors arriving from the country), with an eclectic mix of restaurants nearby including Chinatown and Thaitown.

With popular local attractions such as Paddy’s Markets, Queen Victoria Building and Darling Harbour close by, the use of a car would not be necessary. Light rail passes are available from the Hotel Reception and numerous bus routes provide an excellent service to explore other parts of Sydney like Manly, Bondi Beach, Luna Park and North Sydney.

This Wicked Family Hot Deal is available to be booked between September and November are $225.00 for two adults and two children in a deluxe double/double room including daily hot breakfast buffet and chocolates on arrival.

A perfect early Christmas gift, packages during December start from $205 and has the same inclusions. The package does not include theatre tickets but these can be purchased on-line or directly from the Capitol Theatre.

Book this Wicked package at Metro Hotel Sydney Central: http://www.metro-hotel-central-sydney.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/index.site.packages.package.7142.html

AFC Asian Cup Coming To Australia 2015

The AFC Asian Cup, Asia’s biggest football tournament, is coming to Australia in January 2015.

Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane will host 32 world class football matches over 23 days, culminating with a Final played in Sydney on 31 January 2015.

It will never have been easier for families to go to the football than when the biggest tournament in Asia rolls into town in 2015.

The AFC Asian Cup organising committee has announced “family friendly” ticket packages for the tournament next summer, with kids tickets starting at $5 and families (four) from $40.

The tournament, which kicks off on January 9, will take place in five host cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Newcastle. Supporters even have the option of buying “venue packs” - tickets for all the matches at each stadium.

Tickets go on sale on May 7 for the football family, starting with the venue packs, before going on sale to the general public on  June 3.

Tickets for the tournament will go on sale in two phases, the first on May 7 and the second on June 3.

The most expensive Category One tickets are $149 for the final in Sydney on January 31 and $149 for the opening match between the Socceroos and Kuwait in Melbourne on January 9. Those prices also include the opening and closing ceremonies.

“This will be a festival of football never seen before in Australia, featuring our own Socceroos battling the best 16 teams in Asia, including Asia’s three other World Cup finalists in Japan, South Korea and Iran.

“We have deliberately kept prices affordable for families and those in multicultural communities who will be keen to attend multiple matches.”

VENUE PACK TICKETS:  This is the ultimate ticket for the passionate football fan wanting the best seat in the house. The Venue Pack is your chance to secure a place at every AFC Asian Cup fixture in your city, with savings of up to 20%. Witness seven matches live in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Canberra and four games in Newcastle with your very own seat at each game: http://tickets.afcasiancup.com/venue-pricing/

INDIVIDUAL MATCH TICKETS:  Group Match tickets start from just $15.29 (Adult) and $5.10 (Children). Or secure a ticket to a Socceroos match from only $49.96 (Adult) and $24.98 (Children): http://tickets.afcasiancup.com/individual-prices/

Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/asian-cup/afc-asian-cup-ticket-packages-announced-for-2015-tournament-in-australia/story-e6frf4fu-1226872359128?nk=0b37bee270a89676325370d660377fa0


Need accommodation close to the Asian Cup tournaments? 
Metro Hotels have hotels and serviced apartments in most major cities throughout Australia:

Sydney Hotels & Apartments (NSW):

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

Melbourne Apartments (VIC):

• Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Brisbane Hotels (QLD):

• Metro Hotel Tower Mill

Stereosonic 2014 Music Event -- Hot Lineup!

Electronic dance music festival Stereosonic - which leaves you in no doubt about its musical leanings with stages named "FULL ON" and "HARD" - has announced a big-name line-up for its travelling two-day doof-extravaganza in November and December.

The festival will boast some of the genre's biggest names including Calvin Harris (who has had a number of worldwide top 10 singles since 2009, including Feel So Close in 2011), dubstep leader Skrillex and Tiesto (the world's richest DJ, according to Forbes). Not far behind are superstar Dj Steve Aoki, Major Lazer founder and producer to the stars Diplo (who has worked with Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Usher, Snoop and Britney Spears), British techno veteran Carl Cox and the duo Disclosure whose album Settle reached number 5 on the Australian charts in 2013. Disclosure will play a DJ set.

Eight of the DJs in the world's top 20 for 2014 (as named by the respected site djmag.com) will play at the event, which begins in Sydney and Perth on November 29 and 30, before moving to Adelaide (December 5 and 6) then Melbourne and brisbane (December 6 and 7). The eight (in order) are: Tiesto (4th), Steve Aoki (8th), Dash Berlin Dash (10th), Skrillex (11th), Alesso (13th), W&W (14th), Harris (15th) and Nervo (16th). 

Several high profile Australians join the line-up including Melbourne sound leader Will Sparks; Sydneysiders Timmy Trumpet and Tigerlily; Peking Duk and The Aston Shuffle (both from Canberra) and Triple J presenter/DJ Nina Las Vegas.

The festival is able to run in two cities at once by swapping each day's line-up between them, so the first night line-up in Sydney will play day two in Perth, and vice versa. The same will happen between Melbourne and Brisbane.

Organisers have decided not to keep anyone waiting around for tickets either, with the first batch of pre-sale tickets released tonight from 8pm. General sales commence on Tuesday ,August 5.

FULL LINEUPS

Group 1

Calvin Harris, Tiësto
Diplo, Disclosure (DJ Set), W&W, DJ Snake
Duke Dumont, Will Sparks, RL Grime, Peking Duk
NERVO, Cedric Gervais, Cosmic Gate, Andrew Rayel
Tale Of Us, Destructo, Ørjan Nilsen, Nina Kraviz
Oliver Heldens, Wilkinson, Scuba, Cash Cash,
Kölsch, MaRLo, Mano Le Tough, Shogun, Uberjak’d
Mark Sixma, Nina Las Vegas, Timmy Trumpet
M4SONIC, Tigerlily, Generik and L D R U & Yahtzel

Group 2

Skrillex, Alesso, Steve Aoki
Showtek, Dash Berlin, Carl Cox
Porter Robinson (Live) Laidback Luke, New World Punx
TJR, Ferry Corsten, Noisia, Deorro, Headhunterz, MK
DVBBS, Booka Shade (Live), Markus Schulz, What So Not
Joel Fletcher, John O’Callaghan, Foreign Beggars
Hot Since 82, Alison Wonderland, Crookers, Jack Beats
The Aston Shuffle, Route 94, Simon Patterson, Alex Metric
Deetron, Kaz James, Ilan Bluestone, Acid Jacks and Nick Thayer

Stereosonic Dates:

Sydney - Saturday November 29th and Sunday November 30th, Sydney Showgrounds

Perth - Saturday November 29th and Sunday November 30th, Claremont Showground *

Adelaide - Friday December 5th and Saturday December 6th, Adelaide Showground

Melbourne - Saturday December 6th & Sunday December 7th, Melbourne Showgrounds

Brisbane - Saturday December 6th & Sunday December 7th, Brisbane Showgrounds

View the Official Stereosonic Site

Welcome to the Bingham Cup Sydney

With thousands of visitors and a host of events, Bingham Cup Sydney will be a tournament to remember.

The wait is over – the world cup of gay rugby is finally here. The 2014 Bingham Cup will be held in Sydney on August 24-31.

Over 1,000 players from 30 gay rugby teams from around the world, plus many more staff, supporters, friends and family, will descend on Sydney for the biennial tournament, which also features a week-long program of social events.

“We’re very excited to be hosting the Bingham Cup in Sydney – it’s the first time it’s been held in the Southern Hemisphere,” said Bingham Cup Week Events Manager Jon Bastin.

“We want to put on the best Bingham Cup ever – one that appealed not only to those taking part in the rugby tournament, but also the locals.

“To achieve this we’ve partnered with some of Sydney’s best known community groups to put on a diverse program of events – Queer Screen,  Harbour City Bears, the Lifesavers with Pride, Sydney Rangers FC and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have all given us tremendous support – plus the Australian Rugby Union, Woollahra Colleagues RUFC and Eastern Suburbs RUFC have been great partners, ensuring that we put on a great tournament.”

Indeed, Bastin has program a dynamic and diverse line-up of events, ranging from drinks at popular Sydney venues to friendly matches at iconic location.

“Get out there and join in the fun,” Bastin says. “If you’re not into the footy then you can still be part of the atmosphere at one of the other events. With over 20 events and 30 gay rugby teams in town, you’ll be sure to have lot of fun.”

Bingham Cup Week is on August 24-31. 

What's on at Darling Harbour ~ August 2014

Daily Event:
True Blue Cruises (Sydney Whale Watching)
Two level decks and a 360-degree lower viewing deck bring you as close to Sydney's migrating humpback whales as possible.
Time: 8:45am to 12:35pm and 1:30pm to 4pm
Price: From $60
Where: Departing from Cockle Bay Marina near IMAX Theatre
Website: sydneywhalewatching.com


Daily Event:
Beautiful Whale
American articst Bryant Austin is the only photographer in the world producing life-size photographs of whales. Come eye to eye with his portraits of nature's underwater giants.
Time: 9:30am to 5pm daily
Price: Adults $15, child/concession $10
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum Darling Harbour
Website: anmm.gov.au


Daily Event:
Undersea Art Exhibition Sydney
A 5-metre tall, 15-metre long floating sea turtle has arrived inn Cockle Bay to celebrate the new Undersea Art Exhibition by BJ Price featuring at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium until 11th of September.
Giant turtle: Showing 24 hours (located southern end of Cockle Bay)
Exhibition time: 9:30am to 7pm daily
Where: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Aquarium Wharf
Website: sydneyaquarium.com.au


Sat 16, 23 and 30 August:
Harbourside Fireworks
why wait until New Year's Eve to see fireworks in Sydney when you can see them every Saturday night at Darling Harbour? It's a great way to celebrate the weekend!
Time: From 8:30pm
Price: FREE!
Where: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour
Website: harbourside.com.au


Tues - Sun: 
Luminous
Constructed from 557 LED lights, powered by 100% renewable energy and boasting unique interactive capabilities, Luminous is a shimmer canvas through which to explore your curiousity.
Time: From 7:30pm
Price: FREE!
Where: Darling quarter
Website: darlingquarter.com/luminous


Sat 16:
Stella Fella Black Tie Ball
Enjoy a three course dinner and canapes including drinks and live entertainment. All profits from tickets go towards The Salvation Army's Trafficking and Slavery Safe House.
Time: 6:30pm
Price: $190 per person (for table of 10 - $1750 using the promo code stellafella2014)
Where: Dockside Pavillion, Darling Harbour
Website: stellafella.com

For more information on any of these events, visit DarlingHarbour.com


Need accommodation near Darling Harbour?

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour has Darling Harbour views and is located only 10 minutes from Wynyard station. Located perfectly in the heart of the city, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is within easy access of all major attractions such as, the Sea Life 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.

We are offering this online discount: Book an accommodation package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour to receive 15% off. Promotion code: DarlingHarbour.
http://www.darlingharbour.com/stay/metro-apartments/receive-15-off.aspx
Select specials from here: www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-apartments-on-darling-harbour/hot-deals/

Website: www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-apartments-on-darling-harbour
Tel: (02) 9290 9200
Address: 132-136 Sussex Street, NSW 2000

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

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.

The fully serviced one bedroom loft-style apartments provide you with many of the creature comforts of home. The brand new well equipped kitchen and bathroom with laundry facillities 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 free Foxtel , telephone, free WiFi and small balcony.

More info: www.darlingharbour.com/stay/metro-apartments.aspx

Sydney Lyric Theatre Show Schedule Update for Mid August 2014

Sydney Lyric Theatre Show Schedule update for mid August 2014

Rocky Horror Returns To Sydney - Lyric Theatre April 2015

CRAIG McLachlan is “just a sweet transvestite” and he’s strutting his demented stuff on stage.

Cult musical The Rocky Horror Show will return to Sydney for a strictly limited season at the Lyric Theatre in April 2015.

First performed at London’s Royal Court theatre in 1973, Rocky Horror soon gained a cult following and was adapted for the screen in 1975, starring Tim Curry in the iconic role of Dr Frank n Furter.

The film went on to have the longest running cinema release in history and Rocky Horror continues to hold a special place in the hearts of theatre lovers and film buffs.

The new Sydney production mounted by producers Howard Panter and John Frost, will see TV and theatre star Craig McLachlan returning to reprise the role of Frank n Furter, a role for which he has been nominated for a Helpmann award.

“We are thrilled to be able to share this sexy new production of The Rocky Horror Show with Sydney audiences,” said John Frost.

“Fans in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne were so enthusiastic and just about every performance was sold out. Audiences obviously can’t wait to do the 'Time Warp' again with Craig McLachlan, and now that we’ve been able to confirm theatre availability, Sydney theatregoers can give themselves over to absolute pleasure before madness takes its toll.”

Official website: www.rockyhorror.com.au

Watch McLachlan perform 'Sweet Transvestite'



Source: http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/entertainment/theatre/rocky-horror-returns-to-sydney-14838.html


Need accommodation in Sydney for the Rocky Horror Show?

Stay at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour for a convenient location and get spectacular views of Darling Harbour when you upgrade to an Executive Apartment: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-apartments-on-darling-harbour/hot-deals/

Fireworks in August 2014 - Darling Harbour Sydney

You don’t have to wait for big occasions like New Year’s Eve to see fireworks in Sydney. Head to Harbourside in Darling Harbour and you’ll see fireworks most Saturday nights. Why? Because it’s the weekend and it’s time to party!

With more than 24 bars and restaurants, state-of-the-art entertainment venues and magnificent waterfront views, Harbourside is a great spot for a romantic meal, entertaining the family and partying with friends. Relax, have fun and feast on your favourite food while the spectacular fireworks turn the night sky red, green, blue and all the other colours of the rainbow.

Upcoming fireworks dates:  8.30pm Saturday 16, 23 and 30 August

For more info, visit: http://darlingharbour.com/whats-on/fireworks-in-august.aspx?mobile=1&alttemplate=MobileEvent

Celebrate National Science Week at Darling Harbour, Sydney

Celebrate National Science Week at Darling Harbour

The extent of human scientific discovery is both awe-inspiring and humbling; wondrous yet simple. Scientific method is democratic and honest, and the darkness yet to be lit up by science – the discoveries yet to be discovered – are indescribably exciting. Prepare to open your eyes and mind, and let your curiosity and imagination run wild as you experience National Science Week at Darling Harbour!

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

Explore Australia’s unique and varied marine environments as you snake through the exhibits at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. 

From the platypus and broad-shelled turtles in Streams and Billabongs and the barramundi and lungfish in the Mangrove Swamps, to the clown fish and weedy sea dragons of Sydney Harbour, you’ll find illumination and wonder in our nation’s previously mysterious waters. Swim with the sharks or check out their daily feed as part of SEA LIFE’s conservation program. 

Check out the amazing BJ Price underwater art exhibition and learn about Great Barrier Reef conservation. Take a behind the scenes tour, or, to really get into the Science Week spirit, become a marine biologist for a day!www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Just as you can float through the country’s watery environs at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo you can wander over this wide brown land’s sweeping plains, rugged mountain ranges, stark white ring-barked forests, and everything in between. 

Visit the Top End in the Butterfly Tropics, home to all kinds of butterflies, as well as turtles, ducks, frogs, even pythons! Get close to Tassie devils in the Devils’ Den, see the cute koalas and chuckling kookaburras in the Gum Tree Valley, see the crocodiles of Kakadu, or check out the intimidating cassowary and adorable pademelon in the Daintree Rainforest! You may even meet an echidna, a sugar glider or even a wombat going for a traipse between exhibits! 

You can even take a night time tour through the landscapes, a behind the scenes tour with friends, or have breakfast with the koalas! www.wildlifesydney.com.au

Australian National Maritime Museum

Experience Australia’s maritime history and the science behind it at the Australian National Maritime Museum. The museum’s dedicated National Science Week program includes a variety of events, from Designing Our Composite Futures, a fascinating blend of science and design, with the help of Sydney Design; and Then and Now: The History of Bush Food, an education on the science behind native foods, led by an elder; to Endeavoring Science, which returns again this year to provide a look into botany past and present, the science of cannons, how diseases spread on board, astronomy, air pressure and sailing. You can even go on a science treasure hunt, or explore the HMAS Vampire with the mobile app Tag Town.

Kids can learn about Amazing Aquatic Adventures, and those under five can enjoy Science Week fun at the August 19 edition of Mini Mariners. Check out all the dates, details and ticketing info at the Australian National Maritime Museum’s National Science Week page. Elsewhere in the museum, be awed by the gentle giants of the sea and American artist Bryant Austin’s life-size whale photography in theBeautiful Whale exhibition. Gets hands-on and pilot an airship or ride a hovercraft at Going Places, an interactive exhibit looking the technologies humans have invented for travel!

At Voyage to the Deep, you can find out about the genuine technologies and actual scientific possibilities behind author Jules Verne’s submarine Nautilis in his novel 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. Follow the stars at Navigators, which explores the various ‘discoveries’ of the land we now call Australia, and the astronomical help those seafarers received. www.anmm.gov.au

IMAX

Experience amazing documentaries on the biggest screen in the world! Go to the ice and snow and get amongst the penguins in Antarctica, enter the hidden world of insects in Bugs! 3D, be moved by volcanoes, earthquakes and tornadoes in Forces of Nature.

Swim in the deep blue with Great White Shark 3D, journey through deep space in Hidden Universe 3D, and get to know the wonders of our own biology in The Human Body. www.imax.com.au So come celebrate National Science Week with us. Discover yourself at Darling Harbour to make your own discoveries!

#nationalscienceweek #darlingharbour

Robbie Williams | The Swing Tour Live

Rumours of a return tour have been running hot since the release of his latest studio offering late last year, and now Chugg Entertainment can proudly confirm that the rumours are true. Few artists can boast that they’ve sold 55 million albums globally, but Robbie can.

One of Britain’s premier pop superstars, known for his cheeky wit as much as his hit-studded albums, the one and only Robbie Williams will be making his long overdue return to Australia for a national run of dates this September, bringing his incredible swing album, Swings Both Ways.

It’s been nearly eight years since the British superstar treated Australian audiences to his myriad talents on the live stage. In December 2006 Williams undertook a stadium tour of monumental proportion across Australia.

Williams' love for Australia has been well documented over the years, with a slew of tours and special performances (including the 2009 ARIA awards), he can also boast his most well known collaborations being with Australians; Kids, a duet with pop star Kylie Minogue and a cover of Frank & Nancy Sinatra's Somethin' Stupid with Nicole Kidman. Add to this that 2.6 million Robbie Williams albums have been sold in Australia to date – making that 1 in 10 Australians who own a Robbie album – it’s a certainty that the love affair continues.

Robbie’s latest album Swings Both Ways is the follow up to his original 2001 swing release, Swing When You’re Winning, which spent six consecutive weeks at the top of the UK charts, and likewise garnered unprecedented success in Australia, going four times platinum and remaining his best selling album of all time. Swings Both Ways sees the reunion of Robbie’s collaboration with songwriter and producer Guy Chambers; the creative pairing responsible for some of Robbie’s biggest hits (Rock DJ, Feel, Millenium, Let Me Entertain You, Angels, Supreme).

The album debuted at #1 in the UK and #5 on the ARIA charts, and within the first 4 weeks of release, the album was certified Gold in Australia. This is his eleventh chart-topping album in the UK, which now means that he draws level with Elvis Presley as the male solo artist with the most number one albums.

Armed with an arsenal packed with ballads, pop songs and massive sing-along hits, Robbie returns to the swing genre for his tenth studio album and current world tour.

Tour Dates:

Ticketek is selling for the following venues only:

Thursday 11 September - Perth Arena
Tuesday 16 & Wednesday 17 September - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Monday 22 & Tuesday 23 September - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 September - Allphones Arena, Sydney

The King and I at Sydney Opera House

The King and I at Sydney Opera House

Christopher Renshaw's triple Tony Award winning production waltzes back in Sydney 23 years after its Australian premiere. First lady of Australian musical theatre, Lisa McCune, plays English governess Anna Leonowens opposite internationally acclaimed baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes as the King. 

The cast also features Australian 70s pop legend Marty Rhone and Chinese opera star Shu-Cheen Yu, as The Kralahome and Lady Thiang. 

The beautiful score includes the songs 'I Whistle a Happy Tune', 'Getting to Know You', 'Shall We Dance?' and 'Hello, Young Lovers'. This is a dazzling musical celebration, a sumptuous production with stunning scenery and magnificent costumes, definitely an event not to be missed.

The King and I is on from 7 September until 1 November in the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House.

Visit the Opera Australia website for details on dates and times.

The King and I returns to Australia with the first lady of Australian musical theatre, LISA MCCUNE and internationally acclaimed actor LOU DIAMOND PHILLIPS as the King of Siam for Melbourne season. LISA MCCUNE will be joined by international opera sensation TEDDY TAHU RHODES for the Sydney season.

Don’t miss this legendary production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I. A triple crown award winner: The Tony, the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle for Best Musical Revival, this dazzling show is a lavish and triumphant fresh new look at a time-honoured classic.

Tickets from Ticketmaster

View official Website

Latest Reviews on TripAdvisor.com about Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - August 2014

“FANTASTIC!!!!”

Reviewed 6 August 2014 by Bayholiday NEW

Girls weekend away and had a wonderful time the 1 bedroom loft apartment is spacious, clean, comfortable and had everything we required. The view is brilliant and so are the staff very helpful even carried bags down the stairs for us. The apartments are in easy walking to Darling Harbour, Paddys Markets, The Rocks & Circular Quay. Had a fantastic time!!! :)

• Stayed August 2014, travelled with friends
• Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g255060-d256600-r219942268-Metro_Apartments_On_Darling_Harbour-Sydney_New_South_Wale.html#UR219942268

Book your next stay at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-apartments-on-darling-harbour/hot-deals/
Location: 132-136 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia (close to Wynyard station)
Phone: 02 9199 - 2517

How To Have a Stress-Free Family Day Out For Less Than $100

The weather’s warming up, and the kids are keen to get out and explore. But sometimes fun for the kids can mean stress for mums and dads, and a strain for their wallets.

So we’ve taken the stress and the expense out of the family day out. Here’s how to do Darling Harbour – stress-free, without breaking the budget.

Play

The Children’s Playground at Darling Quarter is completely free, and it’s a great place for the kids to spend some time. And the more time the better, as the huge playground has 16 separate features, including the Balance Ropes, an 18.7m rope course and the first of its kind in Australia; the Big Slide, the largest in the whole playground at over 3m high and 8m long; the 21m Flying Fox; the Giant Ring, a 3D swing experience that lets kids go up, down, side to side and around in circles; the Octanet, a climbing course that rises 10m into the air and uses 83m of rope; and the Pump Station, a cool water play feature with 26 water jets! Or just hang out in the sandpit, or chill out under the Shade Zone.

Mums and dads can grab a coffee from one of Darling Quarter’s great cafes, and take a load off on one of the playground’s many benches while the kids play.

Head over from the playground to Kingpin Bowling in the Harbourside Shopping Centre. It’s $40 for a family pass (two adults and two children), which includes one game of bowling per person and two free soft drinks.

On the way, stop off at the Carousel in Palm Grove and take a ride for only $4. Thought to be the second oldest carousel in Australia, and one of only a handful of surviving 19th century carousels, this carousel is a slice of super fun history. It’s driven by a steam engine that was made by Tidmans of Norwich (England) in 1892, and the horses were expertly carved by G & J Lines and Co, London in around 1895. It reached Australia in 1894, and has been enjoyed by roughly six generations of children!

Experience

Located in Australia’s first purpose built theatre dedicated to work for young people, Monkey Baa Theatre Company in Darling Quarter adapts the very best of Australian children’s literature to the stage. With a mission statement to “[create] exceptional theatre experiences for young people by bringing to life uniquely Australian stories”, at Monkey Baa your little monkeys will be entertained and inspired. Tickets are between $20-$25 depending on the show. Keep an eye on their website for new shows.

Enjoy a ride and a movie all at once at Harbourside Shopping Centre’s 9D Action Cinema. Melding 3D animated movies with surround sound, ‘active motion’ seats, and dramatic touch effects like rain, snow, and wind, it’s a cinematic experience like no other. Rides run all day and you don’t even have to book ahead. Just rock up; a family ticket for one ride is only $35.

Families can check out all permanent galleries at the Australian National Maritime Museum for only $17.50, or for an exciting and educational experience to cap off a weekend, check out their Family Fun Sundays. It’s $8.50 per child, $3.50 for the first adult and $7 for each additional adult, plus all day parking for only $13 (have your ticket stamped at the musuem). Every Sunday during the school term, the kids can get up to lots of maritime-themed activities, like making a long ship, or a viking helmet!

Explore the Chinese Garden of Friendship with the Emperor’s Quest smartphone app (available from Google Play and the iTunes App Store), which educates kids about the Chinese zodiac, known as ‘Sheng Xiao’ or ‘birth sign’. Fun clues and the history of each of the animals of the zodiac are hidden throughout the gardens on the way to the 12 hidden animal sculptures, and it’s up to the kids to find them! Once they’re all unlocked, a special surprise will be revealed…

Eat

There are so many great kids menus at Darling Harbour! Blackbird Cafe offers a $14.90 main with a free dessert and free colouring in, and for an extra $3 you can take home a limited edition wobble-bobble ice-cream-head.

Authentic Italian can be found at Vesta ($10), while at Adria, all kids meals are $12.50 including soft drink and dessert. On Saturdays and Sundays at Stacks, kids can get a pizza and unlimited soft drink for $5. Kamikaze offers a selection of Japanese meals for kids for $14.90 each plus a free red lemonade, and desserts for $6.50. Pontoon has a family friendly menu, with ten dishes under $10.

For kids under 12, Passello has a selection of mains for $8.50, and a scoop of free ice cream. Zaaffran has yummy Indian starters and mains for kids, ranging from $7.50 – $15.00. It may seem like a restaurant made entirely for big kids, but Pancakes on the Rocks has a kids menu too, ranging from $2.95 – $7.95.

Plan

Book ahead and you can get discounted all day parking at various Darling Harbour locations with Wilson Parking’s Book A Bay.

All Darling Quarter public amenities have baby change facilities, and Cockle Bay Wharf has a parents’ room and baby change facility.

Enjoy!

Source: http://www.hashtagdarlingharbour.com/stress-free-family-day-less-100/

Need affordable accommodation near Darling Harbour?

Stay at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour and be conveniently located to all the major attractions in the article above.

Check out Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour's latest accommodation specials: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-apartments-on-darling-harbour/hot-deals/

Location: 132-136 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia (walking distance from Wynyard station)

Phone: 02 9199 - 2517