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VANTAGE POINTS AT VIVID SYDNEY 2019
If you thought exploring Vivid Sydney’s three-kilometre Light Walk on foot was the only way to be amazed by the creativity and innovation of this year’s installations, think again. There is an array of ways to explore the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere and still ensure you capture the most social-worthy snaps along the way.
“For 23 days, Vivid Sydney transforms the city of Sydney into a mesmerising kaleidoscope of colour with awe-inspiring light sculptures and large-scale projections. It really is a world-class event that has to be seen in person,” Destination NSW CEO and Executive Producer – Vivid Sydney, Sandra Chipchase said.
“This year, there are more ways to experience the festival than ever before, whether it’s from the water of our stunning harbour, high above the city or even whirling around on a theme park ride.”
Dinner way up high
Make the most of the restaurants with harbour views and you'll be treated to a double whammy. O Bar & Dining is a revolving restaurant that boasts 360 degree views from 47 stories up. Order two Vivid-inspired ‘Glow’ cocktails and receive a complimentary share plate as you watch the light show. Blu Bar on 36 at Shangri La Sydney has views of the entire harbour, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House as does Club InterContinental, the rooftop bar and executive lounge club at the Intercontinental Sydney, available to guests.
Sky High Slide
The Samsung Electric Playground offers some of the best vantage points to take in Vivid Sydney’s magic. Capture the perfect memory from several specially curated spots that give you an alternate view of spectacular Circular Quay, whether from the top of the 6.5-metre Infinity Slide or in the serenity of the Samsung Sky Walk. When it comes to taking the ultimate Vivid Sydney photo, the Samsung Electric Playground has over 20 Galaxy S10 handsets set-up throughout the experience, pre-curated by experts to capture the most epic Vivid Sydney memories – even in super-low light conditions.
Room with a view
If you haven't been to Taronga Zoo recently, you may not realise that it has some of the best harbour views in town. The safari-style overnight tents, part of the Roar and Snore program, allows guests to experience these views combined with an unforgettable overnight animal encounter. Want to keep the outdoor vibe, but with a little less safari? Opt for the Igloos on the Pier at Pier One Sydney Harbour. You can hire the see-through igloos for a few hours and have it catered, or stay the night where you are literally sleeping under the stars. It gives a whole new meaning to a dreamy night's sleep
Be part of the experience
The Bridge Climb Sydney offers an amazing experience at any time of year, but doing it during Vivid Sydney adds another dimension altogether. Not only do you have uninterrupted views of the Sydney Opera House, you can look down and see the light installations play out before you. You actually become part of it, how cool is that?
Find out more about how you can enjoy Vivid Sydney 2019 here.
LOCAL ATHLETE WINS IRONMAN AUSTRALIA
A former Port Macquarie resident has made history by winning IRONMAN Australia, which this year, was held in his home-town on the stunning NSW North Coast. Cameron Wurf claimed the title by more than three minutes in a time of eight hours, six minutes and 17 seconds.
The former Olympic rower and professional cyclist also set an IRONMAN Australia course record, beating the previous record set by Finnish legend Pauli Kiuru in 1992. Although he was born in Tasmania, Cameron grew up in Port Macquarie and said it was particularly special to win such as prestigious race in front of a home crowd.
Meantime, British triathlete Laura Siddall claimed the women’s title – marking her third consecutive event win with a margin of five-and-a-half minutes over Switzerland’s Caroline Steffen.
This year marked 35 years of IRONMAN, which is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
The event will again return to Port Macquarie in May 2020.
Image credit: Delly Carr
SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL FULL PROGRAM
More than 300 films from dozens of countries around the world will be screened at the 66th Sydney Film Festival this June. The impressive list of films includes 33 world premieres, 79 documentaries and 112 feature films.
The Festival will open with the world premiere of Palm Beach, a dramatic comedy by Australian director Rachel Ward set against the backdrop of Sydney’s northern beaches, which received funding and assistance from Create NSW and Destination NSW.
One of the world premieres is the eagerly-anticipated The Final Quarter, which follows the struggles faced by Indigenous footballer Adam Goodes after his public call-out of racism.
The Festival’s official competition will award $60,000 in cash for audacious, cutting-edge and courageous cinema. Those in the running include Judy & Punch, Hearts and Bones, the Oscar-nominated Never Look Away, Pain and Glory and Dirty God.
In addition to the films, the Festival will also hold a series of free talks, short-film awards and panels. Visit Sydney Film Festival to find out more.
BANKSIA IGNITE VIVID SPEAKERS REVEALED
Vivid Sydney’s sustainability partner, the Banksia Foundation, is holding an event during the 23-day festival which examines how Australia is performing in the global movement to achieve the 17 Global Goals in sustainable development.
The event will be hosted by Craig Reucassel – an Australian writer and comedian who is best known for his work with The Chaser and for the ABC’s War on Waste.
The Banksia Foundation’s Vivid Sydney event will cover a broad spectrum of topics, including carpooling, conservation of our oceans, making cities more inclusive and resilient and what is being achieved under the Sustainable Development Goals. See the full line-up of speakers and buy tickets here.
SYDNEY THE CENTRE OF GLOBAL HEALTH
All roads lead to Sydney for the world’s health community over the next five years. An influx of 36 health-related global meetings, attracted here by the city’s bidding specialist Business Events Sydney (BESydney) is set to generate an estimated $190 million in direct expenditure for the State.
In 2019 alone, 18 global meetings will bring some 10,500 healthcare professionals, policymakers and researchers to Sydney in a line-up that includes the World Congress on Inflammation, International Society for Bipolar Disorders; International Conference on Global Health Security and the 20th International Congress on Cytology.
Read more at BESydney.
DENI UTE MUSTER CELEBRATES 21 YEARS
The Deni Ute Muster has announced the full program of music and entertainment in store to celebrate 21 years of honouring the ute and country life on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 October.
This year, the Deni Ute Muster will feature international superstar Tim McGraw, Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, Beccy Cole, Ross Wilson, Travis Collins, Adam Harvey, Sunny Cowgirls, Ben Ransom and Aleyce Simmonds to the main stages.
The Deni Ute Muster also has plenty of attractions around the grounds -delivering thrills, spills and plenty of excitement for all festival goers.
Purchase tickets at Deni Ute Muster.
CORROBOREE WEST APPLICATIONS OPEN
Corroboree West will be held in Perth, Western Australia, from Monday 7 to Friday 11 October 2019.
An exclusive Australia-based trade event which will bring together over 300 qualified Aussie Specialist Agents from USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy and New Zealand for three days of one-on-one appointments and networking opportunities.
These agents actively sell Australia as a preferred long-haul destination to Western travellers with many of them being frontline retail agents as well as a mix from wholesale and online travel agents. Apply for this event here.
BE GOOD TO YOUR 'MAMA'
If you’re unsure of what to treat your mum with this Mother’s Day, consider buying her a seat to the award-winning CHICAGO. Coming to the Capitol Theatre in August, CHICAGO stars Natalie Bassingthwaighte as Roxie Hart, Alinta Chidzey as Velma Kelly and Casey Donovan as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton.
Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920s, jazz slayer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with Cell Block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth-talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.
CHICAGO has been honoured with 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards and a Grammy. Tickets are available here.
ARCHIBALD ART FINALISTS
The finalists have been revealed for the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes – one of Australia’s most eagerly anticipated art exhibitions.
The Archibald Prize is awarded to the best portrait painting, with subjects ranging from politicians to celebrities, and sporting heroes to artists. The Wynne Prize is awarded to the best landscape painting of Australian scenery or figure sculpture, while the Sulman Prize is given to the best subject painting, genre painting or mural project in oil, acrylic, water colour or mixed media.
Visit the exhibition to vote for your favourite portrait in the People’s Choice award before voting closes on 11 August.
COLD FRONT BRINGS SNOW TO THREDBO
Good news for snowsport fans – a cold front has swept across Thredbo bringing snow and strong winds, with another low pressure system building in the south likely to deliver up to 10cm of snow by the weekend. The countdown is truly on, with less than a month to go until the season opening weekend.
Meantime, Thredbo in conjunction with Heaps Gay and Absolut have announced the huge line-up for Rainbow Mountain 2019; a glitter and tinsel packed LGBTQIA Snow Week in Thredbo from 4-8 September. Check out the line-up and book tickets here.
THE STAR'S DAZZLING RE-DO
The Star Sydney is ready to dazzle its visitors, with a $65 million transformation of its Pyrmont entrance.
The ‘Grand Foyer’ is the world’s first permanent indoor light and interactive digital art foyer in an integrated resort, and includes a 25-metre long, 8K resolution crescent shaped screen to showcase the works of Australian artists, university students, cinematographers and animators.
See more information at The Star Sydney.
ENJOY FRESH HAWKESBURY FOOD
Head to the Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers and Fine Food Markets tomorrow (Saturday 11 May) to enjoy an abundance of fresh produce and beautiful blooms.
The Markets take place on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, kicking off at 8am until noon at Castle Hill Showground.
Peruse the stalls, which include freshly ground coffee beans, delicious egg and bacon rolls, freshly cut blooms, an amazing variety of herbs and spices, and much, much more. Learn more.
