Capitol Theatre Sydney

Beautiful and iconic Capitol Theatre plays host to world famous musicals, theatre, ballet, concerts and performers. 

The Capitol Theatre is located directly opposite Metro Hotel Sydney Central on Campbell Street in Haymarket, Sydney

Seen by over 70 million people, Disney’s landmark musical event The Lion King is a worldwide phenomenon that will redefine your expectations of theatre. 

Brilliantly re-imagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney beloved film is transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience which has won over 70 major international theatre awards.

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains, this breathtaking production explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and unforgettable music including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata and the academy award winning Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

See the Capitol Theatre Website

Visit the Official Capitol Theatre website to buy tickets and find additional information about upcoming shows such as Wicked The Musical, Shen Yun and Les Miserables.

Located Directly opposite Capitol Theatre provides excellent value accommodation and has hotel packages ideally suited to Capitol Theatre goers

See all Hot Deals at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Capitol Theatre Package at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Wicked Family Package at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Minimum 2 Night Stay at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Dugongs are back at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium!

Two of SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s main attractions are now back on display just in time for the September school holidays.

The popular dugongs Pig and Wuru have been away while their home at SEA LIFE has been renovated and they have now returned to a brand new tank with innovative features for kids and parents.

Visitors will use their senses to explore the mysterious underwater world of dugongs in the new Dugong Island at Darling Harbour.

With unique gadgets, visitors are now able to hear, talk and see like the dugongs do. A special feature is the world’s first dugong scent machine that allows guests to experience the smell of the friendly sea mammals. To get a closer look at the dugongs in the tank, visitors can also control an underwater camera. Interesting facts and stories about dugongs will teach children and adults alike just how precious the native Australian inhabitants are as they get to know their amazing life story.

Pig and Wuru, the aquarium’s two rescued dugongs, are the only pair of dugongs on display in the world

And if the kids can’t get enough of the new Dugong Island, the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Annual Pass is perfect for endless undersea adventures with Pig and Wuru and the aquarium’s 13,000 other ocean stars

Where: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour - Australia
Opening hours: Open 9:30am-7pm (last entry at 6pm)

October Long Weekend Labour Day

October Long Weekend in Sydney

Labour Day in NSW (Monday, 6th October) is celebrated on the first Monday of October. Make the most of the spring weather unwinding on Sydney's beaches or taking in stunning habour vistas on a coastal walk through one of Sydney's beautiful national parks.

The October long weekend offers a great opportunity to explore Sydney in springtime.

Take in stunning views of Sydney Harbour onboard a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. Relax on Manly Beach as you listen to the smooth sounds of Manly Jazz across the weekend with outstanding local and international musicians performing by the water.

Just a short walk from Manly, North Head lookout offers a spectacular panorama of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. It's also a great location to spot whales at this time year. Other excellent whale-watching vantage points can be found in national parks across Sydney including Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Kamay Botany Bay National Park and the heritage-listed Royal National Park.

Make the most of Sydney's springtime weather and explore the city's many vibrant outdoor weekend markets. Unearth vintage goods and discover up-and-coming designers at Bondi Markets, Glebe Markets, Rozelle Weekend Markets and Paddington Markets.

Immerse yourself in Sydney's arts and culture scene and catch the closing weekend of Strictly Ballroom the Musical on stage at the Capitol Theatre.

Source: http://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/public-holidays/october-long-weekend-labour-day/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social


Coming to Sydney for the long weekend?

Book one of Metro's Sydney hotels or apartments - conveniently located close to public transport, restaurants and major attractions:

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

YUK Cigarette Butts Display Is Back!

Eew, it's YUK

Our installation ‘YUK’ is filled with thousands of butts and highlights the real cost of this type of littering. Worldwide, cigarette butts are the most littered item. The City's street cleaners collect about 15,000 cigarette butts daily. That adds up to millions each year, contributing to significant environmental, social and economic problems.

Rain carries litter and cigarette butts through storm water pipes directly into Sydney Harbour, reducing water quality and harming marine life. Littered butts leach toxic chemicals like lead, cadmium and arsenic into water and soil as they decompose. They are a choking risk to young children and are also 'yukky' to look at. The presence of cigarette butt litter is magnetic – it encourages more littering.

Say something

If you have friends or family who smoke, remind them to throw their butts away responsibly. Let them know that it has an impact and they should bin them to avoid fines.

Fines

Littering a cigarette butt attracts heavy fines, particularly if the cigarette is lit. Smokers can instead carry a portable ashtray, use ashtrays on street litter bins or wall-mounted ashtrays outside shops and offices. Most importantly, make sure your cigarette is extinguished before you put it in an ash tray or bin.

We’re giving out free, personal ash trays for smokers to bin their butts. Our lightweight, portable and compact ash trays have a keychain so you can take it with you everywhere. 

Want one? Just pop into your nearest Neighbourhood Service Centreand ask for it today. 

Source: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/live/waste-and-recycling/clean-streets/yuk-cigarette-butts?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=yuk&utm_campaign=cosfacebook-17sep14

What's on in Gladstone this weekend

LOOKING for something to do in the Gladstone region this weekend? 
Here's a rundown of some of the events and activities on offer.

FRIDAY

Spring Morning Tea

A SPRING Morning Tea will be hosted by the St Andrew's Presbyterian Women's Association at 10am.

The morning will include a fashion parade by Limestone Clothing, prizes for the best spring outfit and best spring hat, and entertainment by the Gladstone Musical Society.

It's on at 2 Bloomfield St, Calliope. Phone 4975 6619 for more details.

Sydney Comedy Festival showcase

THE Sydney Comedy Festival has hit the road with an awesome line-up of international and local acts from the festival.

The festival's funniest have been squeezed into one hilarious night of world-class comed at the Gladstone Entertainment Centre.

The show, which starts at 7.30pm, is recommended for audiences 15 years and over.

Tickets cost $30 and are available here.

Country singer at RGs

COUNTRY singer Nicky Convine will play at RGs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

The Casino-born songwriter has won or been a finalist in numerous competitions, and in 2005 was one of the final 40 to audition for Australian Idol.

Her music has been played on Triple J's Unearthed and she recently finished recording her debut album, Parade.

The shows kick off at 8pm on Friday and Saturday, and 3pm on Sunday.

Movie session for parents and kids

MUMS, dads and bubs are invited to come along to the Gladstone cinemas to attend a child-friendly event at 9.30am.

Ticket are $8 or $20 for Gold room.

The lights will be left on and dimmed and the sound is lowered  Visit the website for more information.

SATURDAY

Gladstone Community Hub markets

GLADSTONE Community Hub will host markets and an open day at 5 Butler St, Gladstone.

There will be lucky door prizes, sample bags, sausage sizzle, face painting, Old Macdonald's Farm, live and free entertainment, and art exhibition.

The event will run from 10am to 1pm. Phone 4979 4821 for more details.

The Lego Movie screening

HILLCLOSE estate in Gladstone will host an outdoor screening of The Lego Movie.

Live music will begin at 4.45pm, with the movie screening at 6.15pm.

Food and drinks will be available to purchase. Bean bags are available for hire, and there are Lego prizes to be won.

The event will be held in Harmony Park, Sundowner Rd, Clinton. Phone 1300 650 614 for more details or click here.

Industries of Gladstone cricket match

THE annual 20/20 cricket competition where industry vs industry is on this weekend.

Game one will begin at 11am on Saturday, with the final game at 2.30pm on Sunday, when the Harbour City All Stars will take on the Queensland Bulls Masters.

Entry is free. There will be entertainment for the kids, and canteen and bar facilities will be available each day. 

The action takes place at the Boyne Island Tannum Sands Oval, Jacaranda Drive, Boyne Island.

BITS Classic Pool Competition

THE 2014 BITS Classic Pool Competition will be held at the BITS Club, Jacaranda Dr, Boyne Island from 9.30am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Prize money of $5000 is up for grabs, with up to 64 players able to register.

The top 32 players will go through to the big money round, and the bottom 32 will go through to the repo-charge.

A Calcutta will be held on Saturday from 9.30am, so get there early to buy up the big gun players.

Spectators are welcome to watch the competition over the two days. Entry is free.

Phone Tom Johnson on 0448 803 818 for more details.

Biloela Markets

HELD on the third Saturday of each month, Biloela Markets in the Park offer a wide variety of stalls for everyone to enjoy.

Those attending can enjoy fresh produce, try their green thumb with huge variety of plants, and find a special piece of jewellery, clothing, accessories and hand crafted goodies.

The markets are held in Barimis Park in Callide St, Biloela, and run from 9.30am to 2pm.

Phone 0400 162 219 for more details.

International Day of Peace

GLADSTONE Region Interfaith Network will host an International Day of Peace prayer event from 3-4pm at Anzac Park in Tank St.

The International Day of Peace, also known as Peace Day, provides an opportunity for individuals, organisations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. 

All attendees are encouraged to take a plate of food and a chair to the event, which will finish with an informal group discussion.

Phone 4976 6352.

Cent sale at bowls club

THE St John Ambulance will host a cent sale on at the Gladstone Bowls Club from 11am with a 1pm start.

There are 400 prizes to be won and a homemade cake walk. For bookings phone Cheryl on 0418 792 244 or Sue on 4975 6473.

Miriam Vale Markets in the Park

THE Miriam Vale Lions Club hosts the Miriam Vale Markets on the third Saturday of each month at Blomfield St, Miriam Vale.

Stroll through the delightful cool and shady park to view a variety of stalls, or try a sizzling fillet steak, sausage or bacon burger.

The markets run from 7am to noon.

Friends of Bindaree Markets

THE Friends of Bindaree Garage Sale is a popular market event at Boyne Island run monthly by Bindaree Lodge Aged Care Facility.

You can find lots of bargains on second hand clothing, manchester, books, footwear, toys, furniture and much more.

The markets run from 7am to noon at 1 Beacon Ave, Boyne Island.

Spend a morning with acoustic tunes

JHAM Bar Gladstone will host Acoustic JHAMS, a morning of music by local artists each Saturday from 9am-noon.

Sit and have a coffee and watch the world go by while enjoying music by Animal Throwdown, White Room and Rob (Country) Hopkins at JHAM Bar, 117 Toolooa St, Gladstone.

Get fit with Parkrun

STOCKLAND Gladstone and Parkrun Australia faciliate a unique, community run program that provides free weekly timed 5km running events for people of all ages and abilities every Saturday morning from 7am - 8am at Lions Park.

Register online here before your first run.

SUNDAY

Rotary Kmart Markets

THE Rotary Club of Gladstone Midday Markets are held on the third Saturday of each month in the Kmart car park on Phillip St, Gladstone.

There is a wide range of goods on offer including food, coffee, cakes, jewellery, hand-made soaps, plants, toys, clothes and bric-a-brac.

There also is entertainment from local artists. The markets run from 6am to 1.30pm.

Chill out at Sunday session

LIGHTBOX Espresso and Wine Bar is the hottest place to be in Gladstone at the moment and Sunday is where you can try it out.

Take your friends along to the bar in Goondoon St, next to the Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre, for a cocktail this weekend.

The Sunday sessions are a chilled way of wrapping up a weekend while listening to some live acoustic music.

You can order some tapas and sit at one of the booths from 2pm onwards for a relaxed afternoon.

Sunday Coffee Cruise

TAKE a cruise around the Gladstone harbour and surrounding island every Sunday and Wednesday on a a Curtis Ferry Services Coffee Cruise.

Enjoy a two-hour cruise with morning tea and commentary on the Gladstone region, while keeping an eye out for turtles, dolphins and dugongs.

Cruises are held 11am-1pm. Bookings are essential and can be made through the Gladstone Visitor Information Centre.

Passengers must collect their ticket from the Information Centre at 72 Bryan Jordan Drive) before departure, and ensure they arrive at Curtis Ferry Services Terminal by 10.45am.

If the Information Centre is closed, tickets and payments can be made from the departure point.

The Sunday Coffee Cruise will run until September 28.

Tickets cost $24 adults, $22 concession and $16 children aged 7-16. Phone 4972 9000 for more details.

Sunday session at Yachties

GLADSTONE Yacht Club will have a Sunday session in Yachties Beer Garden with live music by Tim Anderson from 2.30pm.

There will be great drink specials and a great atmosphere to wind-down your weekend.

The Sunday session runs until 6.30pm.

PUBS AND CLUBS

FRIDAY

• Yaralla Sports Club, bingo, 10am and 1pm
• Queens Hotel, dance until late with Karina and Mak
• Gladstone Bowls, bingo, 10am
• Wolves Soccer Club, bingo, 7.30pm
• Reef Hotel, 888 PL Poker registration, 6.30pm for 7.30pm start
• Diggers Arms Hotel, karaoke, 8pm
• Rocky Glen Hotel, Nicky Convine, 8pm
• Agnes Tavern, See You Next Tuesday, 8pm

SATURDAY

• Yaralla Sports Club, free poker, 7pm
• Queens Hotel, dance until late with Karina and Mak
• Club Hotel, 888 PL Poker, registration from 1pm for 2pm start
• Rocky Glen Hotel, Nicky Convine, 8pm
• Tannum Sands Hotel, Relics, 8.15pm
• Agnes Tavern, Uncle Arthur

SUNDAY

• Young Aus Hotel, raffles, 11.30am
• JD's Karaoke, 8pm
• Queens Hotel, 888 PL Poker, registration 1pm for 2pm start
• Yaralla, bingo, 1pm
• Railway Hotel, Sunday session, 2pm
• Gladstone Bowls, Wolves Soccer Club bingo, 7.30pm
• Rocky Glen Hotel, Nicky Convine, 3pm
• Tannum Sands Hotel, Ben Beasley, 1pm
• The Reef, Adrian Brown, 4pm
• Agnes Tavern, Steve Jay, 2pm

Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/whats-gladstone-weekend-sept19-21/2389943/

Spring is Beautiful at The Bontanical Gardens in Sydney

There is nothing like early spring at the Botanical Gardens in Sydney, clear skies, fresh air, and beautiful flowers appearing for the first time as dazzling displays of colour.

Sydney is buzzing with tourists - the sun is out and Sydney is again on its best display thrilling crowds with its natural (and man-made) beauty.

Botanical Gardens are a short walk from Circular Quay Station so are well worth the visit.

Find out more about the Botanical Gardens - http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/

Location: Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000

Cruise Season Begins

For the first time Australian’s who chose to spend their holidays cruising has surpassed North America taking Australian to No 1 in the world for cruises per capita.

A record 833,348 Australians took a cruise last year and it is predicted to rise to one million by 2016 as more cruising ships enter Australian waters.*

As Sydney is a key departure point for many cruises, why worry about trains being delayed, traffic jams, problem of where to park the car, feeling stressed to the max before even arriving at the ship when you can stay in central Sydney in luxury apartments.

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour will be offering passengers pre and post cruise stays with a ten per cent discount on all packages and best available rates for the length of their stay. This includes a bottle of sparkling Australian wine and chocolates on arrival.

With cruises departing from the International Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay and from the White Bay terminal in Rozelle, both are just a short taxi trip from the Apartments to the terminals.

Situated in the heart of Sydney directly across from Darling Harbour, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is an ideal location to explore some of the city before cruising.

Nearby is King Street Wharf and Cockle Bay where you can enjoy a cocktail in one of the many boutique bars, a meal in one of many harbourside restaurants to suit everyone’s budget or stroll across the footbridge to try your luck at The Star Casino.

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour are priced to be affordable for mid-week and weekend getaways starting from $199.00.

A selection of 32 recently renovated loft-style one-bedroom apartments, each with a queen sized bed and sofa bed, offer all the comforts of a ‘home away from home’ with the convenience of a perfect city location. Each apartment is appointed with a fully-equipped kitchen, washing machine, dryer and ironing facilities, air conditioning and heating.

To make a reservation, visit www.metrohotels.com and enter the code CRUISE to be entitled to the 10% discount or call the toll free reservations on 1800 114 321.

View details of Cruise Sydney Accommodation Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

* Source news.com.au