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

Timely Break for Lucky Winners

Exhausted from battling the recent fires: Seniors Lifestyle Competition winners Deb and Max Baigent from King Creek are delighted with their prize of a trip for two to Sydney

AFTER months of battling intense bush fires, one local volunteer will get a little respite he so well and truly deserves.

Captain of the King Creek Rural Fire Service Max Baigent and his wife Deb have been the lucky winners of the Senior Lifestyle Metro Sydney Escape competition.

The timing, the thankful and humble couple said, could not have been better.

Mr Baigent arrived home from the Harrington fires the day his wife heard the news.

"It's been a raging battle down there," he said. "We had a week of battling intense fires and I got back around midnight."

Utterly exhausted, the 57-year-old had mentioned earlier that he needed a holiday.

At first, his wife's words simply didn't register when she said they would be spending two nights in Sydney at the Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour.

"We're just so thankful to Senior Lifestyle for running this competition," he said. "All firies have just had a run of it the past five months, but all the crews have been doing such a fantastic job."

Her work with the Bundaleer Care Service also keeps Mrs Baigent on her feet. "You get so busy that you just don't take the time to rest," she said. "It makes it a bit different when you win something."

The 55-year-old said it would be nice to see her husband taking a break.

"It's an exhausting task they do, they get tired and weary but they all do it because they love it," she said. "It's their way of giving back to the community."

From the sleepy hollow of King Creek, to the hustle and bustle of the big smoke - the views over Darling Harbour will be a big change for the King Creek couple. "It's going to be very different, but it's going to be fantastic to have a bit of time to relax," Mr Baigent said.

View Source

Room with a View ~ Getaway in Darling Harbour

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor.com of view from Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour balcony

There is nothing better than the comfort of luxury accommodation when you’re away from home.

This is exactly what you will find at Metro Apartments Darling Harbour, in the heart of Sydney.

Situated directly across from Darling Harbour, Metro Apartments is a popular choice for regional visitors to Sydney eager to find a home away from home’ in close proximity to all major attractions.

This month Metro Apartments is offering an added incentive for people who book before August 30 who will get a complimentary upgrade to an executive apartment if available.

Head west from your apartment and you’ll find yourself at King Street Wharf and Cockle Bay, popular precincts on the shores of Darling Harbour.

Enjoy a cocktail in one of the many boutique bars, a meal in one of the harbourside restaurants, or a 3D movie at IMAX.

Play tourist at Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World or Australian Maritime Museum, or stroll across the footbridge to try your luck at The Star casino.

If you are looking for world class shopping, walk east from your apartment and into Sydney’s retail heart, with the Queen Victoria Building, Westfield Sydney and flagship David Jones and Myer stores.

For unique Asian food and culture, head south to Sydney’s Little Japan, Little Korea and ThaiTown.

For sightseeing, head north beside the sandstone walls of the Hungry Mile and Barangaroo, recently marked for redevelopment.

Located in two separate buildings in Sussex and King Streets, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour offers a selection of 32 recently renovated one bedroom apartments.

While the Sussex Street building offers larger, contemporary styled apartments with views over Darling Harbour, the King Street building has a more exclusive, intimate appeal.

With only nine apartments and a rooftop pool for the exclusive use of guests, King Street is perfect for those seeking a quiet getaway and the feel of being in a world class city with all the comforts of home.

All apartments are priced to be affordable for mid-week and weekend getaways.

Each apartment is appointed with a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, dryer and ironing facilities, air conditioning and heating.

Parking is provided at a discounted rate at the nearby Kings Parking on Sussex Street.

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour has a range of special packages on offer.

Book Metro Apartments Darling Harbour and other Metro Hotels properties by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternatively bookings can be made online at www.metrohotels.com.au

Top 5 Lesser Known Attractions Near Darling Harbour

If you're staying in Darling Harbour and have visited all the major tourist attractions, here are the top 5 lesser known quirky, fascinating landmarks nearby.

1. Chinese Garden of Friendship
The Chinese Garden of Friendship was designed by Sydney's Chinese sister city, Guangzhou in China. Chinatown, Sydney complements the area's already rich Chinese heritage and culture. The gardens were officially opened in 1988 as part of Sydney's bicentennial celebrations and they were named the Garden of Friendship symbolizing the bond established between China and Australia.

Location: Southern end of Darling Harbour, near Sydney Entertainment Centre and China Town.
☎ +61 2 9240 8888 Email: chinesegarden@shfa.nsw.gov.au
Website: http://www.darlingharbour.com/sydney-Things_To_Do-Chinese_Garden.htm
Open: 9:30am – 5pm. Modelled on the typical private gardens of the Ming Dynasty, the
garden offers an insight into Chinese heritage and culture. Adults $6 children $3.


2. The Pyrmont Bridge
Pyrmont Bridge in Darling Harbour is one of the world's oldest surviving electrically operated swingspan bridges. The current swingspan bridge opened in 1902 and replaced the first Pyrmont Bridge which began operating in 1857. The swingspan allows access for vessels that are too tall to travel under the bridge. In 1902, Darling Harbour was Sydney's industrial heart and served as the gateway to a bustling hub of warehouses, railway yards and international shipping.

☎ +61 2 9299-7541
Website: http://www.darlingharbour.com/sydney-Education-Heritage_and_History-Pyrmont_Bridge.htm
Opens weekends and public holidays at 10:30am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm (weather
permitting). The Pyrmont Bridge is an old swing bridge that historically was a main
thoroughfare into Sydney. Now it only carries pedestrians across the harbour and the
monorail. See the centre span swing and a tall ship leave the bay. Tours of the control cab by
appointment.


3. Darling Harbour (Harbourside) Fireworks
Darling Harbour will light up almost every Saturday from now until Christmas. The harbourside is lined with a large number of restaurants, cafés and bars that offer almost any food or drink you name. So you can feast on your favourite food while you watch the night sky go red and blue and golden and green as the fireworks begin to shoot up high in the sky. The beautiful fireworks that form attractive patterns of light come with cheerful music having a rhythm that syncs with the fire shots.

Website: http://www.darlingharbour.com/sydney-Things_To_Do-Harbourside_fireworks.htm
Enjoy the fireworks from Cockle Bay, on from 9pm every Saturday on Cockle Bay Harbour.
They last for only 15 minutes but are fun to watch especially if you have a family. A good trick
is to get a balcony seat around some of the restaurants and you can see the fireworks whilst
having dinner or drinks.


4. Harbour Cruises
On any day, the harbour is a vibrant blue and dotted with hundreds of sailing boats, cruise boats and ferries.
The only way to fully enjoy the harbour and visit its many sights is to take a cruise. Cruises are many and varied and include, cocktail cruises, lunch time cruises, dinner cruises, night cruises, sightseeing cruises and specialised cruises for Christmas, New Year's Eve, Mother's Day among others.

Depart from the King St Wharf on the eastern side of Darling Harbour, or from Circular Quay
in the City There all types to choose from:
Website: http://www.boatcruises.com/
• All Occasion Cruises (AO Cruises) operates private bookings on Sydney Harbour, dinner
with food and beverage packages to suite all budgets.
• Magistic Cruises has Sydney Harbour dinner cruise,wine cruises, lunch cruise and
sightseeing cruises.
• Sydney Show Boats Cruise has dinner with live cabaret show performances and comic
magician.
• Captain Cook Cruises. The Sydney Harbour Explorer Cruise allows hopping on and off at a
number of attractions, or a 1 1/2 hour cruise of the harbour. Coffee cruise departs at
10am and 3pm Website: http://www.captaincook.com.au/sydney-harbour-cruises/
• Matilda Cruises, (Wharf is next to the aquarium entrance). Departs 12:15pm daily.
Seafood lunch cruise. Website: http://www.matilda.com.au/


5. Events Tumbalong Park
Tumbalong Park, controlled by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, consists of 5 hectares of public open space located within the Darling Harbour Precinct. The park contains an extensive network of ornate water features, native and exotic shrub beds and a central grassed amphitheatre which hosts a wide variety of community events throughout the year.

Photo Credit: Jim Eliason

Website: http://www.eventfinder.com.au/venue/tumbalong-park-sydney
At first look, appears a bit like an oval, but is actually a large open space with a stage for
outdoor performances. Something going on here most weekends, and a good place to lay out
a picnic blanket free.



Need affordable accommodation close to Darling Harbour?

Look no further than Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour!
Right at the heart of Darling Harbour, close to the list of attractions above, within walking distance to public transport and taxis, close to shops, restaurants and cafes, plus the rooms have spectacular views of Sydney Harbour!

Website: Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Start Of Financial Year Special @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour
Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour are offering this Start of Financial Year Special for $220.00* per night (minimum 3 night stay) including:

• Guaranteed free upgrade to Executive 
• 3 Night Minimum stay is required
• Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/314

Winter Warmer Accommodation Special @ Metro Apartments on King ~ Sydney

Metro Apartments on King invite you to book this Winter Warmer including:

• Free Sparkling wine
• Chocolates

$179.00 Sunday-Thursday, $279.00 Friday-Saturday (minimum 2 night stay)

• Location: 27-29 King Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
• Phone: +61 2 9290 9200
• Book Online: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/167

Terms and Conditions:

Prices are based on two occupants 

Offer is strictly subject to availability and may not be available for special event dates.

Rates are not valid with any other offer.

All other terms & conditions will be provided when making your booking

Bookings are non-refundable

Offer Valid until 31st March 2013

- See more at: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/297#sthash.6Rt5s1IL.dpuf

• Prices are based on two occupants
• Minimum 2 night stay is required.  
• Offer is strictly subject to availability and may not be available for special event dates.
• Rates are not valid with any other offer.
• All other terms & conditions will be provided when making your booking
• Bookings are non-refundable
• Offer Valid until 30th June 2013

Metro Apartments on King Street, Darling Harbour is part of a boutique block containing 6 single level one bedroom apartments in Sydney's thriving City Centre.

Metro Apartments on King Street is within easy access of all major attractions such as the Sydney Aquarium, IMAX Theatre, Cockle Bay Restaurants, Maritime Museum, Chinatown, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Powerhouse Museum and the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, while the Rocks, Sydney Habour Bridge and Sydney Opera House are all just a 5 minute taxi or Train journey away.

Part of a boutique block, all 3 star apartments offer the ideal home-away-from-home experience, with fully equipped kitchen including dishwasher and in-room laundry facilities, making it ideal for long-term stays. Each room has it’s own private balcony as well as an LCD TV with limited Foxtel and reverse cycle air conditioning.

An outdoor swimming pool can be found on the roof top for your summer enjoyment.

Princess Package @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Pamper yourself like a true Princess. Enjoy your complimentary wine and chocolates upon your arrival to your one Bedroom Executive Apartment. With stunning views of Darling Harbour, and see where Princess Mary met here Prince , with the Floor to Ceiling cathedral windows, brand new kitchen and a midday checkout

$229.00* Sunday - Thursday, $349.00* Friday - Saturday

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/58

Location: 132-136 Sussex St Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia

Phone: +61 2 9290 9200

Offer expires 31 May 2013!

Terms and Conditions:

• Subject to availability
• Offer valid until 31st May 2013
• Rates are based on 2 adult occupants
• Minimum 2 night stay is required
• Booking is non-refundable 

Located in the Sydney Central Business District (CBD), Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour has 26 spacious guest apartments.

Our 3 ½ star fully serviced one bedroom loft-style apartments provide you with many of the creature comforts of home. The well equipped kitchen and laundry facilities 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 28 free Foxtel channels, telephone, free WiFi, ensuite bathroom and small balcony.

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.

Located perfectly in the heart of the city, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is within easy access of all major attractions such as, the 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.