Easter is early this year with Sydney offering a huge festival of activity for holiday-makers. ‘Easter in Sydney’ brings together an unprecedented array of Australia’s biggest and best sporting, cultural and social events. With Prince Frederick and Mary in town this last week, we’ll give you top tips for celebrity spotting, and an update on preparations for the return of a Sydney hotel icon. Tickets are on sale to see The Producers in town and there’s a new Sydney trend for dining outdoors. Read on for more news.

Countdown To Easter In Sydney: 17 March to 3 April

Looking for a romantic indulgence, boy’s weekend or family fun this Easter? Whatever you’re into, Sydney has all the ingredients to tailor-make the perfect break. For a romantic indulgence, frock-up with Sydney’s glamour set for Derby Day at Royal Randwick. After a day of punting, test the true depth of his love with a visit to the Yearling Sales at Newmarket - a rare chance to purchase your own filly perhaps? It’s the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, and best of all it’s free. Live entertainment can be enjoyed at Discovery After Dark -  a one-night only chance (2 April) to see 30 of the city’s museums and galleries after the sun goes down (6pm to midnight). For a boy’s weekend away, sports fanatics can choose from blockbuster matches of Rugby League, Rugby Union and AFL, and a friendly soccer match between Australia and Iraq at Telstra Stadium. Or for a chance to groove on Sydney Harbour’s largest island, join a festive village scene on Cockatoo Island for a four-day music event. If the kids are in-tow, family fun can be found when the country comes to the city for the Royal Easter Show. If 3,000 entertainers and a truckload of show-bags don’t tire them out, Darling Harbour’s Hoopla is Sydney’s premier acrobatics and street theatre event, with performances by local and international artists. With a great range of combined ticket offers and travel and accommodation packages for Easter in Sydney, you’ll have more money to play with on your trip. Deals start from $156 for 2 nights accommodation staying at the Corus Hotel Sydney. For more information on all of the 40-plus Easter in Sydney events go to www.easterinsydney.com.au or call toll free on 1800 762 800.

Five-Star Food Outdoors

An emerging trend of mobile rent-a-chefs in Sydney offers everything romantic couples could want from an evening - first-class service, mouth-watering food and a five-star Sydney location. Using Sydney Harbour’s stunning parks, bays and beaches as venues, this unique dining experience can offer an unforgettable honeymoon or proposal setting. From Palm Beach in the north to Rushcutters Bay in the east, Epicure Personal Chefs will take care of it all. Packages include setting up a formal dining table with chilled wine, starters and serving a four-course meal. Prices start from $395 for three hours. Breakfast for two, picnics for two and special occasion menus like Mothers Day are also available. If through the winter months, visitors are looking to enjoy a cosy night in at their serviced apartment, chefs from The Gourmet Saint will bring the flavours of a five-star restaurant to your room. For more information contact Epicure Personal Chefs on (02) 9356 2882 www.personalchefs.com.au or Gourmet Saint on 0438 922 948 www.gourmetsaint.com.au

The Producers Come To Town

Visitors to Sydney can now secure their A Reserve tickets to the next big musical coming to town. After months of ‘dress-rehearsals’ to a discerning Melbourne crowd, the new Mel Brooks musical opens in Sydney in May at Star City’s Lyric Theatre. Starring Reg Livermore, Tom Burlinson, Bert Newton and Chloe Dallimore, the story traces the story of a luckless theatrical producer who hatches a cunning plan to strike gold. With a plan to raise more money than needed for a sure-fire Broadway flop and pocket the difference, the theatrical fiasco that unfolds becomes a smash hit. For a chance to laugh out loud and see glamorous dance numbers, Showbiz has special Stay & See ticket and accommodation packages. Prices start from $216 per person twin-share for overnight accommodation in a Superior Pyrmont View Room at Star City and an A Reserve ticket to the show. For more information go to www.showbiz.com.au or call 1300 658 009.

An Australian Icon Returns

This winter The Hilton Hotel will reveal its new luxurious interior and re-open for visitors in the city centre. Since its inception in 1973 as the first five-star hotel in Sydney, the property is being designed by Johnson, Pilton Walker, the architects behind the Opera House makeover. Unique additions include a highly anticipated restaurant by New York designer, Tony Chi, and the Chi-designed ‘Zeta’ Bar. Set to be Sydney’s hot new venue for cocktails, the bar will reflect its award-winning counterpart in the Hilton Park Lane property in London. For a place to relive the past, the landmark Marble Bar maintains its graceful splendor, a heritage-listed watering hole. Guests can choose from 577 beautifully appointed rooms and after a day of enjoying the sights and sounds of Sydney, a LivingWell Premier Health Club offers an indoor 25 metre pool, spa, sauna and gymnasium. For those extra special occasions, 16 Hilton Relaxation Rooms include oversized beds, a home entertainment centre and hydra spa bath. 488 George St, Sydney. Visit www.sydney.hilton.com for more information on what to expect.

Where To Be Seen In Sydney – Top Ten

It’s no secret that Sydney is home to (or has been) some of the world’s biggest stars. Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman and just this week, Prince Frederick and Princess Mary. The places to be seen are almost as important as the people to be seen with - here are some current celebrity favourites for your next visit:

1. Slip Inn, City This popular city slickers bar entered the history books when Prince Frederick met Mary Donaldson here.

2. Icebergs Dining Room, Bondi Beach The in-crowd crams into a stunning space perched over the southern end of Bondi Beach.

3. Cruise Bar and Restaurant, Circular Quay Spectacular views and talented bar staff make this a popular star hang.

4. The Water Bar, W Hotel, Woolloomooloo It’s slick, stylish and right next door to Russell Crowe’s plush waterfront pad!

5. Hemmesphere, The Establishment (upstairs) Sydney The rich and famous love this elite Moroccan-inspired spot often hired out for VIP parties.

6. Otto Ristorante Italiano, Woolloomooloo It can be hard to get a table at this often star-studded eatery ideally situated on Finger Wharf.

7. Hugo’s Lounge, Kings Cross Rub shoulders with the beautiful people on weekends at Hugo’s – another local star haven.

8. The Iguana Bar, Kings Cross The Iguana’s seen everyone from Christina Aguilera to Robbie Williams.

9. Will and Toby’s, Darlinghurst This cosy, ultra-hip Darlo bar serves up great cocktails and is a favourite hang for local celebrities.

10. Harry’s Café de Wheels, Woolloomooloo Check out the wall of fame at Sydney’s iconic pie cart - from Frank Sinatra to Brooke Shields, Billy Crystal to Elton John.