The Ken Duncan gallery - The Rocks
Being the top Australian panoramic landscape photographer, there is no better place to set a gallery for Ken Duncan outside one of the oldest areas in Sydney such as The Rocks.
Originally from the town Mildura in Victoria, Ken Duncan's early interest in photography has made him the most acclaimed landscape photographer in Australia. Being a devoted Christian, he uses photography as his way of showing off God's work in creating the world, "To show the beauty of God's creation."
Later in his career he started shooting overseas destinations, and has delivered the same consistency and quality in his work throughout.
The Ken Duncan Gallery in The Rocks has displays of some of Duncan's most famous photographs, from an aerial panorama of Sydney to a stunning wide angle shot of the Australian outback. The gallery holds limited edition prints for sale as well as other less exclusive prints for those just looking for a piece of Ken Duncan's work on their walls.
Even if you are just browsing, Ken Duncan's photographs really capture the essence of the places he went. Looking through his work is like taking a quick trip to some of the world's most remote and least touched places.
Books, posters, CDs and post cards are also on sale here at the gallery.
Gallery hours: Open 7 days 9am - 7pm, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Ken Duncan Gallery
73 George St
The Rocks
For information on Ken Duncan and his work, as well as to send a friend a free e-card, visit Ken Duncan Online.
Fine dining up the Altitude
Everyone is talking about it. Altitude Restaurant and the Blu Horizon Bar at Sydney's luxury hotel Shangri-La is going to be one of the most romantic, high class and exquisit dining in the city.
Hovering at thirty-six floors above Sydney harbour, the restaurant over looks the waters off Circular Quay, looking into a panorama of the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Luna Park all in one perfect frame. It's no longer dinner by candle light, rather by glittering white, red, blue and yellow lights that decorates the harbour at night.
The cuisine is modern Australian with a hint of European influence. Chef Steven Krasicki has a wealth of experience from some of Sydney's reputable restaurants and upon joining Altitude as Chef de Cuisine, has brought him modern cuisine styles infused into traditional methods, creating dishes that sound good even on paper. Should you be stumped by choices, the Epi-Curious menu containing eight courses with the best season selection the restaurant has to offer, and is available with matching wine.
The extensive wine list not only features the best of the Australian wines, but also has top international favourites from France.
The restaurant will offer two complimentary glasses of Australian sparkling wine for diners who make reservations between 6pm - 6:30pm Monday to Friday. (Must mention 'Website 36 early diner booking' to receive the offer)
Unfortunately a classy restaurant such as this can sometimes come across a little too - snobby. Expect to be deprived of the window seat when requesting for one, as they are often "reserved for certain people".
Altitude
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
Level 36, 176 Cumberland St
The Rocks
www.altitudesydney.com
Prague Czech Beer Restaurant
It's easy to find a piece of all cultures in Sydney and Prague Czech Beer Restaurant certainly fits the standard to serve a feast of the eastern European cuisines in the heart of the busy Potts Point district.
On the menu are some of the Czech favourites: Beef Goulash; roast Pork Knuckle; Smoked Pork Ribs and roasted Doung duck, each listed with their Czech language equivalent, making your mouth water as you read. The meals were hearty and not at all 'posh', making it a warm and welcoming dining experience.
Those who do like their beer will love the restaurant's extensive offering, with two of the Czech largers on tap and the friendly wait staff will gladly explain the difference between the beers and make a recommendation should you be unfamiliar with the Czech labels. My personal recommendation would be the Krušovice Lager on tap.
Vegetarian options are available and a special menu especially recommended for beer lovers has great selection of food for the peckish.
Booking is essential as this popular restaurant often cannot accommodate walk in traffic. The restaurant is also located close to trains and some buses, making it easier to have a late night out in the nearby Darlinghurst and Kings Cross districts after a satisfied dinner.
Prague Czech Beer Restaurant
42 Kellett Street,
Potts Point 2011 NSW
Online bookings available on:
www.prague-restaurant.com.au
Shark diving at Manly Oceanworld
There are people who likes the blood rushing experiences of staring danger in the face, of being locked in a cage or even freely exploring underwater areas infested by one of the world's most feared marine animal just to get a taste of what its like being around them while there are others who may even fear hearing the name of these creatures.
Then, there are those who are not game enough to throw themselves into the open water but still thirst to fulfil a curiosity about the sharks. For these type of people, there is a cure, at Manly Ocean World Shark Dive Extreme program.
Located just beside the wharf in Manly, Manly Ocean World is like a miniture Sydney Aquarium with tanks full of fish and marine life on display. However, its shark dive program is the only one in Sydney, giving visitors a chance to experience what its like being surrounded by sharks.
The sharks in the tank are Grey Nurses, a specie that is one of the most endangered shark kinds in the world. They are known for their gentle and non-aggressive stance unless provoked, and hence, visitors do not need to fear of being bothered by the sharks - they are well fed before any one even try to dip a toe into the waters.
No diving experience is required although it would be cheaper if you are a certified diver. Your guide will brief you on underwater behaviour and guide you through the dive so that your only worry would be putting on the chunky wetsuit.
Booking essential.
Manly Ocean World
Shark Dive Extreme
$245 - Introductory divers
$180 - Certified divers
www.oceanworld.com.au
Oceanworld Manly
West Esplanade, Manly, Sydney, NSW, 2095, Australia
Web Site
Danks St Galleries and Depot
Passing through Danks St you would definitely miss this exciting arts development in Sydney. 2 Danks St is Sydney's prime art gallery hub with 9 galleries exhibiting both Australian and international modern arts. This is where many of the great artists begin, and where art enthusiasts come to marvel and discover some of the hidden talents in today's arts scene.For visitors, this is where some of the genuine and heartfelt aboriginal arts are displayed. Paintings, sculptures and ceramics all pass through here under the public eye and not one notable artist is left out. The studios also allow emerging artists to rent out their halls for their own exhibitions therefore you never know what you will come across when visiting 2 Danks St.
Then, just a couple of steps down the road is the Danks St Depot, established in 2002 a cafe that focuses on sustainable and ethical sourcing of the raw ingredients for cooking and has been recommended by both NSW Tourism and Vogue magazine as a must visit when in Sydney. As if linked to the galleries somehow, their dishes are almost art like, from the way it is cooked to the way it's being served. Expect to be pleased.
Check 2 Dank St website for opening hours for each exhibition.
Dank St Depot opens everyday except for during the Christmas - New Year holidays.
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
A hotel currently celebrating being 'Deluxe Hotel of the Year' after winning the 2008 AHA (NSW) Accommodation Division Awards for Excellence.
In 2002, the French Sofitel chain came to Australian and has since opened and upgraded severe prestige locations, including the Sydney hotel which has since undergone a $60 million upgrade and refurbishment and another $10 million worth of enhancement program, the hotel is re-defining luxury and comfort in a whole new level. The beautiful, modern yet sophisticated décor wows the pickiest guests and has all the standard five star facilities.
The excellent health club and day spa will keep you fit and beautiful while dining in the Garden Court café restaurant is simply delightful. With two levels of shopping arcade available as well, you would not want to venture too far from the hotel to really enjoy yourself. Everything is five star services.
News: To celebrate their new award title, Sofitel Wentworth is currently offering free upgrades from a Club Sofitel room to a Prestige Suite Club Sofitel. Just mention the words "GM's Invitation at the time of reservation" to receive this offer. Offer ends on 31 August and is subject to availability.
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
61-101 Phillip St
Sydney NSW
Reservations: 1800 676 960
http://www.sofitelwentworthsydney.com.au/
Digi.Kaf cafe and internet - Glebe
A week into winter and Sydney has been turned from a beautiful sunny spot to a cold and wet and miserable city. Rainy weekends has stopped many outdoor activities from happening and travellers and visitors are deprived of all the outdoor things you usually would do in a city like Sydney.
However, this should stop you from still meeting up with friends in a nice cosy cafe, sipping hot coffee or having a warm serving of soup to catch up on some recent gossip or maybe, hold a traveller gathering to find out what everyone has been up to.
This is where Digi.Kaf, a cafe cum internet spot in Glebe, comes in handy. This warm and friendly cafe on St Johns Rd has some great breakfasts and light meals. A popular student meeting place and for like-minded people to gather and discuss the ways to save the world, this place is always happening come sun or rain.
Coffee is constantly excellent here and the breakfasts are certainly good value. A warm hearty soup is on the cards for those looking for a light lunch meal. Unfortunately the cafe does not open for dinner.
Those wishing for a place to hide away and concentration on work or their creative arts can bring along their laptop and access their Wi-Fi network, or, drop in to use one of their computers if you haven't got one. The down to earth atmosphere will have you relaxed and motivated in no time.
Open 7 days.
Digi.Kaf
174 St Johns Rd
Glebe, NSW
(02) 9660 3509