Sydney - Tips for Taking a Journey Down Under

Sydney - Tips for Taking a Journey 
Down Under

Sydney is Australia’s largest city and also the jumping-off point for exploring the country. It is also the city with the most inbound flights from North America. Here are some essential tips to plan and enjoy your visit.





Air fare tips



October to March is Sydney’s busiest tourism period, when the weather is most pleasant. Air fares are cheaper for travel during Australia’s winter months (the North American summer), and higher for the Australian summer, with the Southern Hemisphere’s spring and fall being shoulder season. Qantas offers the most nonstop flights, including some on Airbus A380 aircraft from Dallas and Los Angeles.



Air New Zealand also flies to Sydney (sign up for both airlines’ email alerts since they often send out promo codes with discounts of $200-$300) as does United and Virgin Australia. Expect to pay anywhere from $895 to $1,600 or more round-trip in economy class from the U.S. West Coast depending on season and whatever discounts you can find. Hotel plus air package deals can sometimes provide extra value, but always be sure to compare. Qantas also sells “Walkabout” air passes with discounted fares throughout Australia.




Getting through the airport



U.S. citizens must get an electronic visa online at least two weeks before travel (www.eta.immi.gov.­au/ETA/etas.jsp) for AUD $20. If you have an “electronic passport” with a microchip, look for the kiosks at immigration for a quicker entry into the country. You need to fill out an immigration card on entry, as well as upon leaving the country. The train from the airport costs $21, round-trip.



Getting around the city



Sydney is very walkable — it’s basically flat, with no hills to climb, and the streets are well marked. (Warning: Pedestrians do not jaywalk, and police are not hesitant to fine you for doing so, and be sure to look both ways crossing streets — they drive on the left here.) Newsstands sell the recently introduced Opal Card, a stored-value transit card similar to London’s Oyster Card and the cheapest and most convenient way to access public transportation.







The daily maximum you’ll pay for travel is capped at $15 for adults, $7.50 for children, or $60/$30 for a weeks’ worth of travel, which includes buses, trains and ferries. As for taxis, they are metered, and in egalitarian Sydney, where everyone is a “mate,” people still ride in the front seat with the driver. Uber has come to town, and is gaining popularity.



Top eats



There’s no “traditional” Australian or Sydney dish or cuisine other than, perhaps, “shrimp on the barbie,” made famous by actor Paul Hogan’s appearances in those tourism television ads. But Sydney now has a considerable food culture, even though it’s only been in existence for about 30 years. Australian beef is an especially tasty option, and you’ll find lamb dishes on many menus. For fine dining, two highly recommended options are Nomad, 16 Foster St. in Surry Hills, with its Mediterranean-inspired menu sourced with local Australian ingredients, and long-running Rockpool, now in a new location at 11 Bridge St. in the Central Business District, where chef Neal Perry also provides tasty menus for Qantas.



Top attractions



Tours of the Sydney Opera House (sydneyopera house.com/tours), which, amazingly, took 17 years to build, are extremely popular and a great photo opportunity. The standard tour takes one hour, while the backstage option lasts two hours. For many who do it, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a highlight of their trip. Do it at sunrise or twilight for the best views. Just be warned, you will take a breathalyzer test (under .05 to climb) and cameras, phones or other loose objects are not allowed, all for safety’s sake. Even jaded locals are amazed by the experience.



Annual festivals



Every January the Sydney Festival stages around 400 contemporary cultural performances: some 140 events performed by more than 1,000 artists in more than 30 venues. In October, the annual Good Food Month (www.goodfood.com.au) brings street food festivals and other culinary events to Sydney.



Off the beaten track



Don’t be confused when Sydneysiders talk about “suburbs” — these are what you and I call “neighborhoods,” inner-city enclaves similar to Sunnyside, Queens in New York City, and there are hundreds of them; they include virtually anything outside the Central Business District. For an unusual insider’s tour of “emerging” ’hoods such as Redfern and Darlington and hidden scenic spots that few tourists see, in a beautifully restored 1964 Holden sedan, sign up with My Sydney Detour, a unique private tour run by native son Richard Graham. A half-day tour costs $299 for up to three people and includes lunch.



Exchange rate



The U.S. dollar currently fetches 1.29 Australian dollars (last year it was $1.14, so your money buys even more now).



Tipping



Tips are not customary nor are they expected, perhaps because the minimum wage is $17 an hour.



Electricity



Voltage is 220-240, and you will need both an outlet adaptor and a voltage converter if you’re using appliances without built-in converters (you don’t want to fry your curling iron or WaterPik). Even many top hotels, airport lounges and other venues lack 110-volt outlets, although they usually provide adaptors on request, or you can get them from housekeeping, but it’s best to bring your own.



Useful apps



Locals give high marks to the TimeOut Sydney and Australia Good Food Guide apps. The Sydney Official Guide app from Destination New South Wales is also highly rated. Arrivo Sydney (Android) and NextThere (iOS) are useful public transit apps.


Useful websites



Destination New South Wales: www.destination nsw.com.au



Air fare listings to Sydney: www.airfarewatchdog.­com/cheap-flights/to-­sydney-australia/1941



A postcard home



You’ll pay a rather pricey $2.60 to send that cute koala to the U.S. and Europe.



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Anzac Day - April 25 2015, Sydney

In our ongoing commitment to Metro Hotel on Pitt’s corporate social responsibility program, in April on Anzac Day for the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli we have joined with our partners to be serving coffee and tea for before and after the dawn service at 1915 prices!

  

That is 10c a cup and the sales from this and any other donations made on the day, along with 50% of all food sales will be donated to Legacy Sydney to assist in their ongoing commitment to widows and widowers of our fallen heroes.

Private William Dalton Lycett; Nov 1890 – Apr 1975 Diary of his time at the front in the Dardenelles

"Sunday 25th April, 1915

Was awakened this morning about 4.30 a.m. by the sound of heavy firing. We were at the entrance to the Dardenelles and our fleet was bombarding the enemies forts and batteries, we were right in among our cruisers.

The first of the landing party went ashore about 7 a.m. and some hot fighting ensued. The "Lizzie" (Queen Elizabeth) put some of her big shells in and it was a magnificent sight, though awful.
Our fleet made the hills a hell of fire, a wonderful scene, none of our ships seemed
to be hit.

We steamed about 12 miles up the outside of the "Gallipoli" Peninsula about 10 a.m. and we expect to land here soon. Fleet is bombarding the coast all along. Some Australian troops landed at this point this morning and have been fighting all day.

The sound of rifles has not ceased, same with ships guns till about 8 p.m. Hydroplanes and an observation balloon have been up all day. No firing going on at present."

http://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/public-holidays/anzac-day

Dawn Service:

The Dawn service starts at 4:15am and the march (from 9:00am) walks straight past us (on Bathurst Street) - A Short Walk from Metro Hotel on Pitt

Metro Brasserie (Located next to Metro Hotel on Pitt)

Metro Brasserie will be open at 4:15am rising with Reveille for service of coffee and tea at 1915 prices of 10c a cup

Tea at 1915 prices of 10c a cup

Chef will be also preparing traditional homemade Anzac biscuits to enjoy during the morning
We will have continuous service up to and including the Anzac Day parade which passes by the hotel on its way to Hyde Park or until Midday

Dawn Service at Martin Place, Sydney

LEST WE FORGET!

Sydney Showground Reveals Infrastructure Upgrades

Spice caught up with Sydney Showground general manager Peter Thorpe to find out what’s in store for the year ahead.

What are the planned infrastructure upgrades?The main upgrades include site-wide fibre and data cable upgrade, kitchen equipment upgrades, CCTV upgrade from analogue to digital and an upgrade to 50,000 hour LED of house lighting and lighting controls within The Dome and Halls 2, 3 and 4, providing significant flexibility of use and the ability to dim all lights collectively or individually making further energy savings.

When can we expect them to be completed?
By the end of September 2015.

What are the obstacles to getting these upgrades approved?
No obstacles, these projects have all been funded and approved but need to go through a rigorous procurement process and take time to undertake in an operating venue where works have to be scheduled around client requirements.

Why do you think it’s important to have light rail access to Sydney Olympic Park?
Sydney Olympic Park corridor represents a significant urban renewal opportunity. It is a pivotal and suitable location for increased density in terms of residential, commercial, retail, educational and cultural activity, however site residents and users need quick and simple access to key areas such as Parramatta and the City. The proposed Light Rail route will provide this access.

How much will it cost?
Unknown at this stage.

Who will pay for it?
It is anticipated that private enterprise would provide 100% of the required funding subject to the required density uplift.

Where is this process up to?It is anticipated that the NSW Government will make an announcement soon after the upcoming state election.

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International Conference on Telecommunications Sydney (ICT 2015)

The 22nd International Conference on Telecommunications (ICT 2015) will be held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney from 27 – 29 April 2015 right after ICASSP 2015 in Brisbane, Australia.

 Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and is graced with one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. Sydney is known for its harbor lifestyle and fantastic beaches, which contribute to a relaxed atmosphere that pervades the city. 

 It is an ideal place for scientists and engineers from around the world to gather and share their ideas.

Telecommunications networks are advancing to a new era to support the unprecedented growth of the internet and cellular network usage for communications and information services. Therefore, the aim of ICT 2015 is to gather world-class researchers to share their ideas and progress on solving the future challenges that the telecommunication networks face.

ICT 2015 will feature world-class plenary speakers, tutorials and regular and special technical sessions from academia, research laboratories, government and industry to discuss and exchange ideas in the field of wireless and cable telecommunications network, services and applications.

View source post to register and find out more

The EB Expo Returns to Sydney In 2015

The EB Expo Returns to Sydney In 2015

EB Games was hardly going to turn its back on one of its best concepts ever, but just in case there was ever any doubt, today it was announced that the EB Expo is returning to Sydney in 2015.

The official date is October 2 until October 4 and tickets go on sale 9am AEDT on April 16. You can purchase them on the EB Expo website, at EB Games stores or through oztix.com.au. The event will be held, once again, at Sydney Showgrounds. It is, admittedly, a pretty cool venue.

If you’ve been to previous EB Expos you’ll know what to expect: early looks at upcoming video games, some event-style panels, and my personal favourite: a Waluigi made out of balloons.

Most major publishers seems slated to attend. PlayStation, XBOX, Nintendo, Activision, Bethesda, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment are currently confirmed.

“EB Expo continues to set the standards by celebrating the video game industry and embracing pop culture. We’re boasting the most unreleased games of any exhibition in Australia this year,” said EB Games Marketing and Events Director Debra McGrath.

A couple of cool things to note: John Robertson, of ‘The Dark Room’ fame, will be performing at the show. Turns out he’s bringing his critically acclaimed show The Dark Room to the event. I’ve been super keen to check that out, so this is a positive.

Also — bizarrely — The Umbilical Brothers are also going to be performing. That’s cool. I guess? What does it have to do with video games? No-one knows (or possibly cares).

“Every year the EB Expo team will continue to add fresh new elements to the mix and we’re really looking forward to wow-ing our existing and new crowds with original content,” said Debra. I guess that might explain it.

I’ve always enjoyed the EB Expo and it does manage to get its fair share of top notch exclusive content. I played Titanfall there for the first time. That was cool.

March into Merivale - a festival of the senses 2015

2014 March into Merivale launch party

Back for its seventh year, March into Merivale brings together food, wine, adventure and surprise for a total of 50 events over five weeks. While past years have focussed solely on food and drink, this year’s festival aims to create a holistic Merivale experience, beyond just what’s on your plate – or in your glass. Think detox yoga sessions, pastry master classes and dining with off-duty chefs. “This year, we’ve upped the ante to deliver a jam-packed five week festival of the senses,” says Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes. “I cannot wait.”

There’s plenty to do all week, with a different event offered every day. But if you can only make it to one this year, make it the Launch Party. It’s the crème de la crème of the festival, with over 20 featured venues, including Ms.G’s, Papi Chulo and Coogee Pavilion, set to take over ivy for one unmissable night.

Excitement is also building for the inaugural Coogee Foreshore Festival, set at Merivale’s newest venue, Coogee Pavilion. With a big focus on the local community, Merivale is gathering some of its biggest and best venues for a seaside celebration that will spill out onto the promenade. In the same way Coogee Pavilion prides itself on being accessible to all, games, market stalls and roaming entertainment will ensure there’s something for everyone at the Coogee Foreshore Festival.

If planning ahead isn’t your thing, book you and your friends in for a three-course Mystery Dinner. Running Monday to Saturday every week of the festival, adventurous diners won’t know which Merivale restaurant they’re going to until the morning of. But with venues including est. and Mr Wong on the cards, it’s bound to be a good surprise.

With all these events plus many more, you’re sure to find something that whets your appetite. In past years events have regularly sold out, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

• Official website and tickets: www.marchintomerivale.com.au
• Full event schedule PDF: http://marchintomerivale.com.au/assets/files/MarchintoMerivale_2015_calendar.pdf
• View full event schedule image: see below

Interview with Dan Hong, Exec chef of Mr Wong:

We chat to Executive Chef Dan Hong about food, hangovers and his top picks for the festival.

M: What do you have in store for the Ms.G’s and Mr Wong stalls at the Launch Party?
DH: We’re making really delicious, tasty dishes that are perfect for standing up at a party – we want each dish to explode with flavour in your mouth. Our menu for the launch is really reflective of the food we serve in our restaurants, so there are some of our signature dishes on there. For Ms.G’s we have the lamb ribs and for Mr Wong the lamb cutlets because they’re just so popular, but there’ll be new things to try as well.

M: Which Launch Party stalls will you be heading to first?
DH: I’ll definitely be going straight for Papi Chulo. I think they’re doing their hot smoked wings… They’re like the best wings in Sydney. I’m also excited to see what Danielle Alvarez has in store [for the Paddington Arms stall]. And Jordan Toft [at Coogee Pavilion] too.

M: What March into Merivale event are you most looking forward to?
DH: I’m really looking forward to my event [At Home with Dan Hong] where I get to cook for 22 people. I’m excited to meet and chat with all the guests. I’ll be keeping it really fun, putting all the food on the table so everybody can just help themselves.

M: We’re pretty excited for the Hangover’s Delight! brunch at Ms.G’s. What’s your fail-safe hangover cure? 
DH: I’d probably go down to Bankstown and smash down a bowl of pho, the Vietnamese noodle soup.

M: Where do you get your cooking inspiration from?
DH: I get inspiration from everywhere really – from travelling overseas, eating something off the street or going to another restaurant. I could be inspired by something I eat in a Chinatown food court, or just by an ingredient itself. I actually just came back from New Zealand where I ate loads of fresh local seafood, and I’m already thinking about how I can use it.


March into Merivale full event schedule: http://marchintomerivale.com.au/assets/files/MarchintoMerivale_2015_calendar.pdf

23 February to 29 March 2015

Sydney and NSW to shine at AIME 201

Off the back of its award-winning presence in 2014, Destination Sydney will return bigger than ever to Asia Pacific’s premier annual trade show – the 23rd Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME 2015) in Melbourne.


With 15 co-exhibitors by its side, Business Events Sydney (BESydney) will be out to show the 3,000 meetings industry professionals why Sydney and New South Wales (NSW) shine as the best places on earth to meet.  


“It’s an electrifying time with cranes creating a new skyline for Sydney. This is not the Sydney we knew a decade ago – or even a year ago,” said BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith. “ICC Sydney is just part of around A$60 billion in major infrastructure investments that will transform Sydney now and into the future.”

And, with this week’s commitment by the NSW Government to provide a $123.35 million or 25 per cent boost to the sector, the future for the State is even brighter. NSW is already home to an exceptional calendar of major events. There’ll be even more activities from Sydney to the regions for visitors to participate in and experience.

“The NSW Government’s commitment to growing the visitor economy is undisputed. In addition to its $1.1 billion capital investment in new convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities, the government is investing in a host of programs and projects to ensure the harbour city continues to be a globally attractive place to live, work and visit,” said Ms Lewis-Smith.

“The Government also understands the role that business events play in helping it to achieve broader economic development goals and BESydney is proud to be recognised by its government as contributing to both the knowledge and visitor economy.”

While at AIME this year, Ms Lewis-Smith will also represent the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) in her role as President to champion a new Federal Government agreement and explain what it means for the industry. Recently, the Australian Minister for Trade and Investment, the Hon. Andrew Robb AO MP, recognised international business events as an integral part of the government’s economic diplomacy agenda and announced an historic new framework – Attracting Business Events to Australia: Role of Government Agencies.

“Engagement across all levels of government is strong. And, while we’re counting down the months until our cutting-edge convention and exhibition facilities are complete, rest assured that Sydney is well and truly open for business in the lead up to this milestone,” added Ms Lewis-Smith.

“Last year, Sydney hosted 78 international conferences, conventions and incentive events, including some of the largest ever to be staged in Australia, breaking records along the way. Both the 105th Rotary International Convention and 6th IUCN World Parks Congress exceeded organiser expectations, attracting more than 2,000 participants above forecasts, and record country attendance.”

BESydney’s co-exhibitors include the Australian Technology Park Sydney; Australian Turf Club; InterContinental Sydney; InterContinental Sydney Double Bay; Destination Wollongong; Sofitel Sydney Wentworth; The Menzies Sydney, Novotel Rooty Hill & Novotel Rockford; Accor NSW Golf, Valley & Vines; Mercure Sydney and Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour; Accor Hotels Sydney; Accor NSW Regional Coastal Hotels; Australian National Maritime Museum; Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon Tourism; BridgeClimb Sydney and Explore Sailing; and Shangri-La Hotel Sydney.

Source: http://www.incentivetravel.co.uk/news/australia/25051-sydney-and-nsw-to-shine-at-aime-201