APEC week has officially shut down Sydney Until September 9th 2007. As you read through and watch some of the some of the attached serious articles and associated silly stuff, it does make one wonder about calling Australia the land of the free. A police state has been declared in the Central Business District of Sydney. While Security is obviously important, many feel Australia has gone overboard.
As one TV spokesperson stated: “George Bush wanders around the rest of the world with out all of this fuss.” …
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The APEC Summit is coming to Sydney. If you do not need to be in Sydney that weekend- It is HIGHLY recomended to get out of town! Go some where else! Starting the 2nd and running through the 10th, Sydney will encounter changed traffic conditions and area closures around the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay and main CBD areas. You can see the latest details at www.apec2007.org.
The changed conditions include a Cement Wall enclosing part of the city, “Exclusion Zones” where certain people may not be allowed to enter- you must …
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Do you know what a Balmain Bug is? Chances are you’ve read about it in your guide book on the plane ride over. No trip to Sydney is complete without trying some of the fantastic seafood on offer. If you are like me- I am completely overwhelmed when it comes to ordering seafood, knowing if it is prepared properly, and not to mention- knowing how to prepare it is a complete mystery to me. So while visiting Down Under, why not learn a new skill! If …
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Care to cuddle a koala? There are a couple of opportunites in the Sydney area and up around Brisbane. The Koala Park Sancutary in Pennet Hills is reachable by car, train and bus from Sydney. Horrifying to most, during the 1920’s , there was a growing export trade in Koala fur. One man,Noel Burnett, was alarmed enough by the rate at which the Koalas were being culled, he oened his very own Koala sanctuary.
The sanctuary lives on and has grown to include most of the iconic Australian …
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Do you live in Melbourne or Sydney, need a car occasionally, but not really enough to own one? Check out car sharing! These fun little cars are located in most of the popular neighborhoods of both cities such as St. Kilda, Manly, Newtown, Bondi, and the CBD areas. Help the environment, while helping yourself. Win win!
GoGet CarShare is perfect for people who don’t need a car everyday or want to get rid of that second car. It’s also perfect for businesses or organisations that get the …
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Hey any one need a REALLY good idea for a date? The Sydney Observatory is placed in quite arguably one of the most scenic spots in all of Sydney.
On the hill just next to the Harbour Bridge, it is a stunning vantage point. At any time of year, a visit during the day or evening is not misplaced. They quite frequently have family friendly programs and events. One that has caught my eye is coming up next Tuesday.
There is to be a Total …
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The Good news? Sydneysiders will be getting an extra Holiday on Friday September the 7th, 2007. However, that translates to a nightmare for anyone planning to visit during that weekend. The APEC Summit will basically be shutting down the CBD (Central Business District) for a few days before and after.
I just heard on the radio this morning, dear President Bush will be making an early appearance, just to make the lives of commuters even more messy. Transport, the Opera House, and street closures are all on the cards. Anyone who lives near the coast has probably noticed the recent appearance of Military ships running “Ops.”
Check out this article from Boston.com to find out more about closures. I’ll be writing a few more pieces featuring ideas of how to escape the madness. (Check out this blog for regional vacation ideas.)
CANBERRA (Reuters) - From Boston.com:
Harborside Sydney, usually a tourist and restaurant mecca, will be transformed into a high-security fortress when the leaders of 21 Asia-Pacific economies gather for the three-day APEC summit.
Breaking News Alerts More than 4,000 troops, police, federal agents and private security guards will be deployed in the city centre to guard leaders including U.S. President George W. Bush, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and China’s President Hu Jintao.
Sydneysiders are being asked to have a holiday during the September 7-9 meeting as the city centre is locked down within a 2.8-metre (9ft) reinforced concrete fence, meant to keep at bay possibly thousands of anti-globalization protesters.
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The Rocks Precinct is one of the coolest areas in Sydney. Frequented by tourists as well as locals, it is the home to pubs, entertainment venues, historic sights, markets, and one amazing pancake house. This weekend it plays host to the much anticipated Aroma Festival. Coffee, Chocolate, and Spices. Yum! If you are visiting Sydney this weekend, or you live here- come on down to The Rocks Sunday, July 22.
My commentary after attending the event: It was so much more than I had imagined! Mark …
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Hello all of you out there in TV land! Only about 2 hours from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is one of the most publicized wine regions in Australia. As far as wine goes, the Hunter generally produces quite enjoyable and popular varieties. Wine aside, most importantly to many people, it provides a great romantic get away. I know loads of people with bourgeoning relationships that have had their first weekend away there. Nothing like a few hills and some vino to create a little romance…
Not just for love birds, many tourists who are visiting Sydney often go tour the Hunter as well. Perfect for those who only have a few days such as business travellers, it provides a chance to see a bit of the country, try some of the famous Aussie wines, and then land safely back in your Sydney hotel rooms that evening just in time to try one of the fabulous restaurants. Long day- but hey you can sleep on the plane tomorrow!
For any of the wine regions in Australia, I HIGHLY recommend going with a tour group of some sort. The drink driving laws in Australia are extremely strict and there are random breath test (RBT) stops all over the place- especially around the wine regions. Besides, then you can sit back, let someone else do the driving and enjoy your newly purchased plonk (Aussie slang for wine or spirits)!
I’ve come across a few tours on offer. I have not personally tried them, but they at least give you an idea of what’s out there.
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DJ’s, Films, Live Blues Performances, Hula Hoop lessons…The Sydney Film Festival has it all!
The Sydney Film Festival is New South Wales’ pre-eminent showcase for contemporary cinema from Australia and around the world. Established in 1954, Sydney Film Festival is a major cultural event on the city’s social calendar and one of the world’s longest running film festivals. Our festival patrons include Cate Blanchett, Sam Neill, Gillian Armstrong, Jane Campion, Nicole Kidman, Baz Luhrmann, Dr. George Miller, Phillip Noyce and Hugo Weaving, among the many whose careers have been launched …
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