Local Expert
Amy Huang
I am a freelance writer based in Sydney, Australia. Having studied abroad in Germany for a year, I have contracted the travel bug and the urge to share all that I know about where I live with the rest…
I am a freelance writer based in Sydney, Australia. Having studied abroad in Germany for a year, I have contracted the travel bug and the urge to share all that I know about where I live with the rest of the world.
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It's warm, and its wonderful being outdoors right now so why not enjoy the most of it but still being able to see your favourite films at the Moonlight Cinemas on right now in Sydney's Centennial Park.
Imagine settling down with a bottle of wine, some cheese and crackers with friends and loved ones, without the restriction of small cinema seats and the smell of stale popcorn.... until the 31 March, the annual Moonlight Cinemas is the most relaxing way to watch both new and classic films under the beautiful southern skies.
New releases such as Wall-E, How to lose Friends and Allienate People, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button joins old favourites such as Grease and Strickly Ballroom to entertain viewers at the Belvedere Amphitheatre in the park, and dinner can also be fixed with some gourmet meals by Paddington's Light Brigade Hotel, available on site.
Tickets are $15 for adult, $13 for concession and $11 for a child. You can even rent bean bags to relax on for $7 each.
www.moonlight.com.au
After celebrating christmas the real party begins with Sydney celebrating summer with events and festivals. The city is most active throughout January and February with activities for everyone. It is also a time to get outdoors and enjoy the harbour and the surrounding national parks of Sydney.
26 Dec 08 - Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race - Sydney Harbour
31 Dec 08 - Sydney's New Years Eve Fireworks and celebrations - get in early for a good spot to watch the magnificent fireworks throughout the city.
10 Jan - 31 Jan 09 - Sydney Festival - from dance parties to markets to open air performances and cinemas, Sydney Festival aims to celebrate summer in style.
20 Jan - 6 Feb 09 - Sydney City Chinese New Year Festival - this is the largest Chinese new years celebrations outside Asia, showcasing the best of this multicultural city.
22 Feb 09 - TropFest - the world's largest annual short film festival in Sydney's Domain.
Wishing everyone a merry christmas and a wonderful new years. Don't forget Sydney does not stop partying there, with lots of activities throughout the summer, it is the place to be.
Summer is Sydney's favourite season. The city gets to celebrate Christmas and New Years in style, and prepare itself for the city's biggest party - Sydney Festival - in January.
The annual Sydney Festival is a month long event that incorporates all styles of gathering to celebrate this beautiful city. From symphony and opera concerts to open air cinemas to markets to parades, the festival is aimed to please everyone. International acts are always invited to the festival and this year the festival will feature Canada's theatre genius Robert Lepage, Christopher Wheeldon's ballet, energetic production from Hungary's Katona József Theatre and UK's The Cinematic Orchestra are just a few, not to mention the local talents as well, with a Shakespear play co-directed by our own international super star Kate Blanchet.
The festival brings free events such as Symphony, Jazz and Opera in the Domain in attempt to bring arts and culture to the public, as well as Movies in the Overflow at the Olympic Park.
Festival First Night is a large dance party with the entire CBD as its dancefloor. The night will be joined by over 600 major local and international musicians, dancers and artists, and YOU are invited. The streets and laneways of the city will be divided up to seven precints, each with performance stages and different acts throughout the day. A special dance -The Sydney- has been invented where everyone can joining in for fun. Make sure to visit the festival website to view the video on how to do The Sydney!
Sydney Festival First Night is on 10 January 2009. 2-7pm are designed for families where the real party kicks off at 7pm at the main stage.
Sydney Festival 2009
www.sydneyfestival.org.au
It's not really that big, and it's not really that eye catching, but that's the beauty of it. Glebe Point Diner attracts the attention of those not wanting to be fully found, and is a small oasis from the big city lifestyle.
In the midst of the inner city suburb of Glebe where it is buzzing with cafe and boutique culture, the diner itself is a refreshing addition to it all. Surrounded by shrubs and nice little old houses, those who come here are after the serene and less ecentric dining experience. Here, you can actually have a lovely chat with your friends without having to shout above the noise from everything else.
The menu is an interesting mix, mostly showcasing small and interesting producers of wine, beer and small goods. Chef Alex Kearn likes to blend the flavour a little by mixing different styles of cooking. Tomatoes with blue cheese and chook pate are both on the list of 'not-your-everyday' tastes, and the signature Burrawong chicken have proved to be a warm and hearty number.
The decor is a draw string too, with a natural brown and cream colour mix and leek lined tables, the only problem is not having enough space to fit the plates and the drink glasses on. Service is super friendly and prompt, and almost all demands are met. Not a bad place to go even for a solo diner.
Glebe Point Diner
407 Glebe Point Rd
Glebe NSW
(02) 9660 2646
Open for lunch Fri-Sin and dinner Wed-Sat.
This is an iconic Boxing Day race that has had more dramas than Neighbours, and this year marks its 63rd birthday. Not only is this Australia's largest sea sport event, it is also the most popular yacht event covered by media internationally.
Over the years the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race has drawn both sailing professionals and amatures alike from all over the world to conqure the waters on this side of the continent. The 628 miles of sails is often rough and unpredictable, and year after year tales of victory and heartache often live with Sydney residents over the new years.
Each yacht will carry on average 10-11 crew on board, and as required 50% of the crew must have completed a Sea Safety Survival course. This was a rule instated after the tragedy of the 1998 race that left six people dead after a heavy storm that affected the competition.
After departing Sydney Harbour on the 26 December the yachts will sail through the beautiful coastline of New South Wales down to Tasmania, passing the often dangerous Bass Strait. The race then finishes with the welcoming crowd in Hobart right in time for Hobart's summer - Taste of Hobart Festival. The first yacht to arrive receives an escort of official, spectator and media boats as it sails towards the finish line. It's an honour many look to gain.
Come see the competition off at Sydney Harbour and view the spectacular event as the yachts sail off towards the horizon.
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
26 December 2008
9 sleeps to Christmas! And the entire Sydney is filled with festive spirits. One of the main events, other than the tree lighting and the concerts, is the Carols in the Domain, held on the 20 December 2008 in The Domain.
This is Australia's largest christmas event and is often performed by some of the nation's biggest stars. Try names such as Delta Goodrem and partner Brian McFadden, Australian Idols Shannon Noll, Guy Sebastian and Paulini, opera princess Amelia Farrugia and the cast of The High School Musical Live. The event will be hosted by this country's favourite soap golden girl Kate Ritchie and popular tv presenter Grant Denyer.
For the fans, there will be an autograph stage to give you a chance to meet your favourite personlities face to face. Visit the website for times and further information.
Besides a whole night of entertainment for everyone, the Carols in the Domain is also a major drive for The Salvation Army's charity Oasis youth support project. Volunteers will be selling candel bags to fundraise for the project to help disadvantaged, disconnected and homeless young people. So don't forget to support the community on this joyful day!
Public catering at The Domain starts at lunch time for early goers, however the pre-show entertainment does not start until 3pm and the main event starts at 8:30pm. Don't forget to plan your travels by checking public trainsport details on www.131500.info as well as bring sunscreen if you will be arriving early.
This is a no glass event and remember not to bring along pets or other view destructive furnishing. For all rules and suggestions visit the official website of Carols in the Domain.