Sydney Uncovered - a monthly newsletter with information on what is hip, new and happening in the harbour city.

Easter has passed, but indulgence is a year-round sin in Sydney with the opening of the world's first Lindt chocolate concept store and cafe. Visitors can continue their gastronomic journey at the inaugural Kings Cross Food and Wine Festival. Or settle into an eight-course degustation dinner that comes with your very own star in the new Observatory Hotel accommodation package. For food by the ocean and the complete escape, spoil yourself at the new look Jonah's Whale Beach.

Also in this edition, find out about the new Explore - Telstra Stadium tour and the Sydney Writer's Festival.

Explore - Telstra Stadium Tour

A new and exciting tour 'Explore - Telstra Stadium' has commenced at Sydney Olympic Park this month. After a $1million upgrade, the tour enables visitors to the Stadium to get as close as possible to major events that have captivated the sporting world since the 2000 Sydney Olympics. This interactive and educational tour begins with a kaleidoscope of sporting images and history, and the chance to toss a ball around in the change-room. It also features a ride on the new Telstra Stadium 'Explorer' which takes visitors into the Stadium via the special Olympic athlete's tunnel to the sights and sounds of roaring crowds. The one hour tour departs between 10am and 4pm seven days a week except Christmas Day and major event days. Cost is $27.50 for adults, $17 for concession and $55 for families. For more information go to www.telstrastadium.com.au or call (02) 9714 7888.

Wish Upon A Star In Sydney

Sydney Observatory and The Observatory Hotel have teamed up to develop a special 'Wish Upon A Star' accommodation package. The perfect way to romance your loved one, this unique experience begins with a complimentary cocktail in the bar followed by an eight-course degustation dinner for two at the hotel's Galileo Restaurant. Guests then make their way to Observatory Hill where a star is selected, named after your loved one and then viewed through Sydney Observatory telescopes. As a memento of your special night, you'll receive a gift certificate with a star-chart and co-ordinates showing where to find your star anywhere within Australia. The package costs $805 and includes breakfast, use of the Spa and Health Club, a welcome gift and twin share accommodation for one night. For more information go to www.observatoryhotel.com.au or call (02) 9256 2222.

World's First Lindt Chocolate Concept Store

Over the past seven years, Australians' appetite for Lindt chocolate has increased ten-fold. To satisfy these sweet cravings, the world's first Lindt chocolate concept store and café has opened in Sydney. Located in the city centre at Martin Place, it is conveniently situated to tempt passers-by with a variety of chocolate-inspired foods. The café serves cakes, pastries, special deserts and waffles, and the retail side of the business offers a range of home-made premium chocolates. Savoury lunch options are also available, and for lovers of ice-cream, look no further than their own-brand variety with a selection of flavours. With seating for 70 people, both indoors and outside, the store is open from 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. No bookings required. 53 Martin Place, Sydney. Call: (02) 8257 1600. 

Jonah's Whale Beach New Look

Jonah's Whale Beach has re-opened its doors after a major facelift to become one of Australia's most luxurious ocean retreats. Perched on a headland on Sydney's northern beaches, the new Jonah?s five-star accommodation features ten suites and one penthouse. All the rooms have been luxuriously re-appointed with floor to ceiling glass to take advantage of uninterrupted ocean views, their own balconies, jacuzzi baths and king-sized beds. If you're travelling with friends, 'Jonah's Private' is adjacent to the main lodge and features a private balcony, swimming pool and garden. Start your evening with a cocktail on the balcony followed by a sumptuous meal at Jonah?s restaurant. Award-winning chef Richard Purdue, serves up Modern Australian cuisine, and with breakfast and lunch also available, there's little reason to leave this retreat. Situated 45 minutes by car from the city, guests also have the option to arrive by seaplane from Rose Bay. Jonah's, 69 Bynya Road, Whale Beach, Sydney or call: (02) 9974 5599

What's On

In the coming weeks, some of Australia's best cultural events take place in the harbour city. From 30 April Australia's most prestigious and controversial portrait award, The Archibald Prize, opens to the public at the Art Gallery of NSW. Fashion strips around the city and surrounding villages are dolled up to party with Mercedes Australian Fashion Week celebrating ten years from 1 to 8 May. Read on to find out about two other events making headlines, or go to www.seesydney.com.au for more event information.

Kings Cross Festival Showcases Flavours

This year, for the first time, Kings Cross is celebrating the quality and diversity of its dining options with a Food and Wine Festival. It's a little known fact outside Sydney, but Kings Cross has more than 200 cafes, bars and restaurants. From 23 April to 1 May, a variety of these fantastic eating houses and bars are offering special events, food deals, degustation menus and special cocktail concoctions. The festival culminates on Sunday 1 May when locals and visitors can taste their way through a market with gastronomic delights from over 20 food providores and local restaurants. Kicking off from 11am until 5pm, there will also be entertainers and music throughout the day. The festival creates the perfect opportunity to re-visit and rediscover this historic area and neighbouring Potts Point and Darlinghurst village. For more information visit www.kingscrossonline.com.au

Sydney Writer's Festival

The Sydney Writer's Festival is Australia's boldest and most dynamic literary event returning from 23 to 29 May. With more than 200 world-leading literary, social and political writers as well as distinctive new talents from home and abroad, an estimated 50,000 visitors are expected to engage in the program. More than 150 events, stretching from the heart of Sydney to the Blue Mountains, includes Town Hall Talks, Literary Lunches, film screenings and exhibitions. The week-long festival celebrates the written word in a stimulating, accessible, highly entertaining and inspiring program for people of all ages. Best of all, the majority of the program is free. The extravaganza mostly takes place at Wharf 4/5, Walsh Bay in Sydney. For other venues and a full listing go to www.swf.org.au.