The Night Noodle Markets in Hyde Park

If you’re in Sydney this October, your taste buds are in for a treat. The annual Crave Sydney Food Festival is on, and there are a number of food and wine based events planned to show off Sydney’s vibrant and diverse food culture.

From October 1-31, The Crave Sydney Food Festival brings together some of Sydney’s best chefs and restaurateurs, as well as general food enthusiasts. With spring in the air, it’s a great time to sample amazing food and wine and enjoy the buzzing community atmosphere at different events and restaurants throughout the city.  Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular events –

Night Noodle Markets: From October 10-14 and 17-21, Hyde Park is transformed into an Asian style market, with hawkers selling amazing fares from dumplings to noodles to desserts. Tables and fairy lights scatter the park complimenting a festive atmosphere. You can grab some food between 5-9 pm, and enjoy a glass of wine as you do!

Let’s Do Lunch: Throughout the month of October, a wide range of restaurants take part in ‘Let’s Do Lunch’ deals, where they offer a set main course, a matched glass of Brown Brothers wine, Coopers beer or San Pellegrino sparkling or Acqua Panna still mineral water, plus coffee, for just $38. It’s a great opportunity to try some of Sydney’s best restaurants – even those that are hatted!

Cocktail of the Month: Some of Sydney’s coolest bars are also taking part, offering a cocktail and canapé combo for just $20.

Breakfast on Bondi: The newest event on the Festival calendar is Breakfast on Bondi. On Sunday, October 23, Sydneysiders and visitors will gather on the shores of the famous Bondi Beach to welcome the day and enjoy good music, good food and good company. Celebrity chef Bill Granger will be there, and you can either BYO picnic or pick up coffee, drinks and other food options from local restaurants and cafes.

Pop up dinners: These dinners are perfect for those who like a bit of mystery when they dine. These mystery dinners are food adventures, at which attendees will eat and dine at hidden kitchens and secret food destinations. Are you game?

For more information on the above events, visit http://www.cravesydney.com/index.php. You’ll see what other events are on and be able to book and plan your next meals. If you’re visiting Sydney while the festival is on, make sure you venture from your Sydney accommodation to sample some of the delicious fares of this international food festival. If you’re looking to visit Sydney during this month of culinary delights, there are a number of hotels in Sydney to choose from.

What are you ‘craving’ at the Crave Sydney Food Festival?

Have your forms ready before you see the property

It sounds simple but having your applications form ready on the day of the viewing can help you immensely. Not only will it show the agent that you’re keen, it also saves the Monday morning rush – when the reliable photocopier at work is bound to be broken. Make a couple of copies of your passport and other forms of identification to save you time later and make sure that the people you want to move in with have everything ready as well.

Go to every viewing you can

Even if the photos online make the house look like a dump, you will never know unless you go and see the place yourself. Often the best real estate finds are those that weren’t advertised properly.

Check for bus routes

The property may look great on the morning of the viewing but make sure you keep an eye and an ear out for little things that could make a big difference when you move in. You might not initially notice nearby buses and trains, noisy local pubs and flight paths but you definitely will once you move in.

Drive (if you can)

You may be a public transporter during the week but if you can borrow a car for house viewings, it will make the day a lot easier. Not only will you be more likely to make it to viewings on time, you will also be able to see properties in different areas that you may have struggled to get to on weekend buses and trains.

Have somewhere to crash afterwards

House hunting can be an exhausting activity. If you are not from Sydney, make sure you have somewhere you can rest and relax afterwards. If you have been looking around the Eastern Suburbs in Double Bay, Paddington or Surry Hills, accommodation options are everywhere. North of the bridge, there are plenty of cute hotels and rental apartments in Milson’s Point, North Sydney and McMahon’s Point. Or if you just want somewhere to rest your feet for a while, there are plenty of chilled out pubs, bars and cafes. Try the East Village Hotel, Darlinghurst or Pocket Bar in Paddington. For a quick meal, head to the Golden Sheaf in Double Bay or Commodore Hotel in North Sydney.

Be patient

There is no doubt that looking for somewhere to live can be stressful, time-consuming and frustrating. But good things come to those who wait and the property market in Sydney is definitely a waiting game. The longer you wait, the more you know exactly what you are looking for and what you are not.

What you can do

Darling Harbour Jazz and Blues Festival, June 10-13

The legendary homegrown jazz festival is returning to Sydney’s waterfront to celebrate some great national and international jazz acts. Often described as Australia’s greatest jazz musician, James Morrison will be joined by angelic Aussie songbird Katie Noonan. They will perform alongside US legends Topsy Chapman and the Ron Carter trio for a huge three-day event. And the best part? It’s free!

Vivid Sydney

Sydney’s creative festival will be in its final days so make sure you don’t miss out on the spectacular events. The Opera House will be lit up in a photo projection display and there will be dancing fires set up every night in the Rocks.

Sydney Film Festival

The festival starts on June 8 and runs until June 19. The schedule is jam packed with new films from all over the world, including short films, Australian films and documentaries. The films are screened in a number of venues across the city including the State Theatre, the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Come Together Festival

Held inside the Big Top at Luna Park, Come Together Festival would be an awesome way to spend the Saturday of the long weekend. Australian hip hop act Drapht are headlining the festival and will be joined by fellow Aussies Illy, Urthboy and M-Phazes from Bliss’N’Eso.

Shopping

Why not use the weekend to catch up on that winter shopping you never ended up doing? See if you can handle the new Westfield, located in Pitt St Mall. Or if you prefer al fresco browsing, head to Crown St in Surry Hills for some awesome vintage stores and boutiques. And if it all gets too much, rest your weary feet at the conveniently located Clock Hotel. Paddington is another great shopping hotspot and is a five-minute walk up Oxford St from Surry Hills. Then if the thought of lugging all of your new things home is too much, why not make a weekend of it and get some accomodation? Paddington, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst are full of boutique hotels and reasonably priced option that are sure to tickle your fancy.

Catch a movie in Sydney by sunset

One of the best things about summer is doing things outside. Outdoor dining, outdoor drinking, and yes – even outdoor movie watching. During the summer months, outdoor cinemas pop up all over the city and offer the perfect setting for Sydneysiders and visitors to take advantage of the warm weather and long nights. Most open air cinemas show recently released movies as well as classics and popular films from years gone by.

If you’re interested in catching a movie at one of these open air cinemas, then here are a few of the most popular venues to choose from.

St. George Openair Cinemas, Mrs Macquaries Point. Set at Mrs Macquaries Point on the edge of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, this outdoor cinema offers sweeping views of beautiful Sydney Harbour as the sun sets. Once night falls, a three storey high screen rises from the harbour with a different nightly movie, from new releases to classics or popular indie films. If you want to watch a movie in one of the most spectacular settings in the world, then this is your spot! But make sure you book your tickets early as sessions sell out quickly. The St. George Openair Cinemas will run from January 12 – February 19, 2011.

Bondi Openair Cinema, Bondi Pavillion. On the shores of world famous Bondi Beach, this open air cinema offers a fully licensed bar, free beanbags and live music and DJs playing before the film starts. It’s the perfect way to spend a chilled summer evening. Bondi’s Openair Cinema runs from January 20 – February 5, 2011.

Ford Fiesta Moonlight Cinema, Centennial Park. Set in the lush greenness of Centennial Park, the Moonlight Cinema offers a tranquil setting in which to watch new releases as well as classics such as The Godfather and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The Moonlight Cinema will also screen some 3D movies. Hire a bean bag and settle in for a night of movie watching under the stars.

ME Bank Starlight Cinema, North Sydney over. North of the Bridge at your accommodation in Sydney, North Sydney oval offers spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. Starlight Cinema plays a mix of new releases and old favourites, but also offers the option of upgraded seating. With Star Class, customers get a drink on arrival and gourmet snacks, while the Crust Lawn Lounge tickets get you a bean bag bed from which to watch the movie.

If you’re looking for fun and different things to do while you’re staying at Sydney accommodation, then make sure you get yourself to an open air cinema.

• Book a hotel room. If you live in Sydney and are looking for a romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day, then booking a hotel room for the night is as good as a holiday. You might live nearby, but spending the night in a hotel room is a novelty and the perfect mini-break! There’s something exciting and unique about spending the night in a nice hotel and enjoying room service and being in a new and exciting location.

• Picnic on the beach or harbour. The best thing about Valentine’s Day in Sydney is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make it a memorable occasion. Sydney has parklands and beaches with views of some of the most spectacular scenery and vistas. If it’s a nice summer’s evening then head to a spot on the harbour or one of Sydney’s beaches with a picnic and enjoy the natural surrounds.

• Sydney restaurants. Sydney has a thriving food and dining industry that matches Sydneysiders love of fresh and quality food. If you’re visiting Sydney, then take advantage of its unique food culture by booking a special restaurant. There are a number of fine dining establishments in beautiful settings around the city just moments from your Sydney accommodation.

• Splurge! If you really want to go all-out this Valentine’s Day, then there are a number of unforgettable Sydney experiences to be had. Whether you want to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb, take a sailing trip around Sydney Harbour, or see a show at the Opera House there are plenty of activities to choose from that will make this Valentine’s Day especially memorable.

As February rolls around, start thinking about how you can spend your Valentine’s Day in Sydney. Sometimes the best gifts or memories are those which don’t cost anything. Even if you stay in a budget hotel, Sydney offers you plenty of ways to get creative and take advantage of its natural beauty and attractions. Alternatively, make it a night to remember by splurging on something unforgettable.

What are your Valentine’s Day plans?

Every Australian knows that the silly season isn’t really officially “over” until Australia Day. This is the day we really get to show off our pride for the country and its unique heritage. It’s no surprise, therefore, that Australia’s national day is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Australia Day falls on January 26, and commemorates the First Fleet’s arrival at Sydney Cove in 1788. This public holiday in the summer months is a chance for Aussies to celebrate everything they love about their country – their lifestyles, their history and their national pastimes. Backyards and pool sides around the country host Aussie barbecues and backyard cricket games. If the weather’s fine, then Australian beaches are also packed with those celebrating Australia’s love of the sun, sand and sea.

If you’re in Sydney on Australia Day, there are also a number of organised events for locals and visitors to get involved in. If you’re looking for accommodation, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and other inner city spots offer a number of options that will put you close to all the action. Here’s a rundown of what’s on at these nearby Sydney attractions.

-        Sydney Harbour. With thousands of boats on the water and a number of organised activities, Sydney Harbour swarms with activity on Australia Day. But you don’t have to be on the water to enjoy all the festivities. From any vantage point on the harbour foreshore onlookers can watch the annual Ferrython, where Sydney Ferries race to be the first to the finish line under the Harbour Bridge. There’s also the 17^5th Australia Day rowing regatta which is held throughout the afternoon.

-        The Rocks. This historic precinct on the harbour foreshore comes alive on Australia Day with 10 hours of free live music from more than 70 singers and songwriters across 6 open air stages. The festivities spill out from the cobbled laneways of one of the first settlements of Australia.

-        Darling Harbour. Darling Harbour is one of the most popular places to celebrate Australia Day in Sydney. Throughout the day, the area holds children’s, film and music events. At nightfall, the party really gets started with the ‘Australia Day Spectacular’! There be an address from the Governor, boat parades and a symphony of light and music and the event will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display!

If you’re in Sydney for Australia Day this year, then celebrate like the locals do. Get yourself to one of these venues to join in the festivities. Make your Sydney visit a festive one, and book some funky accommodation to suit the occasion. There are a number of options to choose from.

Happy Australia Day!

Have a very happy holiday season and a joyous NewYear – we’ll see you in January 2011.

What a great way to enjoy the warm weather!

As the weather warms up, there’s nothing better than packing up a picnic basket, getting a group of friends together and heading to one of Sydney’s breathtaking venues for a picnic. The picnic’s been around for a while, but it’s an undervalued recreational activity. What’s not to love about sitting out in the open with good friends, good food and enjoying the picturesque scenery? And with its amazing natural scenery and plethora of parks and beaches, Sydney is perfect for a picnic.

Here’s a guide to some of Sydney’s most picturesque picnic spots.

• Balmoral Beach, Mosman. Whether you pack your own spread or pick up some fish and chips at one of the beach kiosks, the shady parkland that brackets Balmoral Beach is perfect for long summer day picnics. This harbour side beach on the Sydney’s north shore is a favourite with families for the calm water swimming, parklands and play equipment it provides.
• McKell Park, Darling Point. Located at the northern end of Darling Point Road, this Eastern Suburbs park is a quiet, picturesque and well maintained spot for a picnic. Even better, it offers one of the most spectacular harbour views around – without the tourist crowds.
• Wendy’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay. This beautiful green haven was created by Wendy Whitely in memory of her husband, Brett Whiteley, one if Sydney’s most renowned painters. This garden is tucked away in the Lavender Bay cove and offers beautiful views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
• Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, Farm Cove. Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens is one of Sydney’s finest natural assets, and the perfect spot for a picnic. The 30 hectares of garden are located on some of Sydney’s finest real estate, wrapping around Farm Cove on the edge of Sydney Harbour and showcasing spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
• Jubilee Park, Glebe. Located at the water’s edge at the end of Glebe Point Road, Jubilee Park and its Moreton Bay figs are lined by a promenade that follows the shore of Blackwattle Bay. With lots of open space, a playground and sports field, there’s something for everyone at this Sydney picnic spot.

Whether you’re a Sydneysider or staying in townl, picnicking is a great way to get outdoors and experience Sydney with family and friends.

Sydneysiders get ready – a theatrical extravaganza is coming! On Friday 22 October and Saturday 23 October, Sydney’s ANZ Stadium will be transformed into a Roman amphitheatre where the stadium sized adaptation of the biblical epic will be staged and performed. Touted as being on the same scale as the Sydney Olympic Games opening ceremony, this stadium sized production retells the dramatic story of Ben Hur, a Jewish prince and merchant in Jerusalem at the beginning of the first century, who is inspired by the rise of the Christ figure to challenge Roman tyranny and fight for freedom against the Roman Empire.

This adaption, however, promises to prove the saying right and in fact be ‘bigger than Ben Hur’. With a cast of 200 actors, a powerful musical score, an impressive light show and a deep and gravelly narration by Russell Crowe, it’s set to be a production of Ben Hur unlike any other.

The show has already wowed audiences and attracted critical acclaim in France, where the production originated. The 2010 stadium adaptation is the brainchild of French director Robert Hossein. The debut of Ben Hur in Paris was watched by over 300,000 people.

Hossein’s production is a theatrical version of the 1959 Academy Award winning movie Ben Hur, which starred Charlton Heston. And just as audiences were amazed by the production of the movie back in 1959, the 2010 stadium production is sure to set a benchmark for theatrical shows.

For those making the trip to Sydney for the show and looking for a quality hotel, Sydney offers a range of first-rate accommodation. Alternatively, if you’re looking for accommodation deals, Surry Hills and other inner city suburbs have a range of accommodation options to choose from.

Ben Hur quick facts:

• 1250 tonnes of crushed rock and sand form the staging base of the production
• The total performance area is 15,000 square metres - almost two football fields.
• Each end of ANZ Stadium is occupied by massive stages representing the Roman Senate and the Town of Judea.
• Among the huge sets is a Roman Galley ship powered by 100 oarsmen.
• 24 horses sourced and trained in Australia race in teams of four in the full-scale chariot race.
• A stage crew of more than 200 works throughout the 10 action-packed scenes.
• The horses used in the production eat 100 kilograms of oats, 250 kilograms of hay, 2,560 litres of filtered water per day!

Book your tickets and accommodation today!

Absolutely not to be missed!

As a vibrant, bustling and busy world city, Sydney has just as much to offer residents and visitors in its witching hours as it does during the day. As the saying goes, it’s a city that never sleeps! There are many night time activities and attractions to keep night owls occupied and entertained. Make the most of your time in Sydney before you tuck in for the night – here are a few ideas on how to pass those night time hours.

• Drinking. Of course, the obvious answer is to hit the town for a good night out! Sydney’s nightlife is world renowned for a reason. Whatever your taste or preference, there’s a scene to suit everyone, whether that be cheap and cheerful pubs, pumping clubs or relaxed wine bars.
• Late night eating. Once you’ve had a night out on the town, who doesn’t feel like a midnight snack to tide them over? Luckily, Sydney offers a range of late night eateries that dish out more than the standard service station meat pie or fast food fix. There are a number of Thai, Chinese and Indian restaurants open til the early morning in Sydney, Haymarket and Chinatown, and it’s a great place to experience Sydney’s multicultural dining scene and enjoy great food.
• Overnight fun. There’s more to Sydney’s night scene then drinking and eating, and a great way to experience the later hours is to really make a night of it. What’s on offer? Overnight camping on Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour, the ‘Roar and Snore’ at Taronga Zoo or even your very own night at the museum with the Australian Museum’s ‘Dinosaur Sleepover’. These options are an especially popular choice with families and children.
• Sydney Observatory visit and ghost tours. Experience the splendour of the southern stars from the Sydney Observatory, which offers night time tours and telescopic viewing. Or, venture into the spooky shadows of Sydney’s convict past with ghost tours of the Rocks.

Sydney’s splendour can be experienced and enjoyed in the night time hours as well as the daylight. Of course, for those visiting, somewhere to rest your head is still essential, and there is a variety of accommodation in Sydney to suit all visitors’ needs – but with so many amazing night time activities on offer, you won’t be spending too long in your room!

image via Nik Frey