The New Year kicked off with a bang in Australia's harbour city, with millions of people from around the world joining Sydneysiders for a heart-filled fireworks display. With little rest over the festive break, Tourism New South Wales has uncovered a range of new products and story ideas. From vodka cocktails at a new ice bar, guided tours and classes at a new Artists Colony, romantic ideas for Valentine's Day and an alternative to the 11th hour postcard at the Airport - we hope you enjoy the first edition of Sydney Uncovered for 2006...

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Hot Tickets This Valentine's Day For Under $50
Need a special night to hand over that diamond this Valentine's Day, but already blown the budget? With Australia's best performing arts calendar, why not impress your loved one with an affordable night of Sydney culture. Tourism New South Wales has uncovered some great budget busters at some of the city's concert halls, theatres and comedy venues. Your loved one will never know how much you spent, but they will sure love you for how much you saved! Here are four great nights out for under $50:

(1) OpenAir Cinema, Royal Botanic Gardens: Blockbuster films with the magnificent backdrop of Sydney Harbour and the city lights - this is a perfect location to impress. Screenings are at 8:30pm until 16 February.
• Cost: From $21.50
• For film schedule: www.stgeorge.com.au/openair

(2) The Studio, Sydney Opera House: If laughter is the way to your loved one's heart,
Valentine's Day is the opening night for Kiki & Herb, a humorous cabaret show that is part of the New Mardi Gras Festival.
• Cost: $27 on February 14, or $30 for the rest of the season until 3 March
• For tickets: Call 02 9250 7777 or go to www.sydneyoperahouse.com

(3) Lyric Theatre, Star City, Pyrmont: Celebrating many happy years of love together? Treat your partner to a musical feast about life over 40 with Menopause The Musical.
• Cost: $49.50 or $44.50 for Wednesday matinees
• For tickets: Call Ticketek at 132 849 or go to www.ticketek.com.au

Click here to download an image of Menopause The Musical.

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Sydney's New Artists Colony
A new Artists Colony has been established at Lower Georges Heights in Mosman, on Sydney's lower north shore. More than 15 resident artists, sculptors, painters, art conservators and photographers operate within 18 former army buildings in the new community. Previously an Aboriginal heritage site, and later a military hospital and army depot, the site is now operated by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. Visitors can meet the artists and watch them work as they wander the walking paths or take a monthly guided tour. And, for those with an artistic streak, why not join a landscape drawing or clay modelling course? With 19th century fortifications, buildings dating back to 1890 and stunning harbour views, the location is simply inspiring. Parking is available at the site or buses run every hour from Spit Junction at Mosman. For more information and tour details go to www.harbourtrust.gov.au or call 02 8969 2152.

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Hop It To Cronulla Beach
Looking for easy access to one of Sydney's 70 ocean beaches? Within easy reach of the city, Cronulla Beach is the only strip of golden sand and surf accessible by train in Sydney. And with so many to choose from - it's no wonder this icon in Sydney's south is a drawcard for families and day-trippers. Kids can learn to ride the waves with the experts at Cronulla Surf School (www.cronullasurf.com.au) which operates along the five kilometre stretch of beach. Or if the underwater-world whets your appetite, learn to scuba dive with Pro Dive Cronulla (www.prodivecronulla.com) and see the weedy sea-dragons at Kurnell, a short drive away. After a day of surf'n'sun, take a stroll along the Promenade, and join some of the famous sports stars - Susie Maroney and Andrew Ettingshausen - for some alfresco dining at one of the waterfront cafes or restaurants. A cuisine lover's delight, it's a little known truth outside ‘The Shire' that visitors can indulge their taste buds at more than 100 eating spots. For more information on Cronulla go to www.sutherland.nsw.gov.au

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Replace The 11th Hour Postcard At The Airport
If Australia is to follow a recent trend in the US, over half of adults and their families will pack a laptop PC with them on holidays*. Beyond the usual internet cafes populated by backpackers, wireless services allow laptop-toting visitors (business and leisure alike) to stay connected whilst holidaying in the Harbour city. A new phenomenon is emerging to replace the 11th hour postcard at the Airport. Thinking about better ways to share precious moments - climbing the Bridge or discovering The Rocks - as and when they happen? Tourism New South Wales has uncovered some wireless hotspots around the city centre.

Hotspots to connect to the internet without the wires:
1. Roof Bar Café: 77 Castlereagh Street
2. McDonalds Strand Arcade: 375-377 George Street
3. The Westin Sydney: 1 Martin Place
4. Starbucks: 14 Martin Place
5. Telstra Building Foyer and cafeteria: 400 George St

* Source: ‘A Study about Laptops & Vacations', Intel and Harris Interactive, June, 2005

Click here to download an image of The Westin Sydney.

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Mardi Gras Madness
Australia's pre-eminent gay and lesbian festival, the New Mardi Gras, is getting ready to wow Sydney again. A month long festival comprising more than 100 events kick starts on 4 February with a public event at the Sydney Opera House, and culminates with the world-famous Parade on Saturday 4 March. To ensure the party doesn't pass you by, Showbiz has some great deals for interstate visitors to get involved. New Mardi Gras' partnerships with the city's leading cultural institutions have added great new events to the festival calendar including ‘Kylie, Cocktails and Canapes' at the Powerhouse Museum on 4 February. For bookings go to www.showbiz.com.au or call 1300 556 605. Other highlights include ‘Hats Off', a cabaret show at Star City Casino and ‘Shakespeare's Boys' at The Crypt Theatre. For more information on the program go to www.mardigras.org.au or to plan your trip go to www.seesydney.com.au

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First Ice Bar On The Harbour
Australia's first ice bar has opened as the newest addition to Sydney's bar scene. Minus5 is sure to take the sweat out of the Sydney summer as patrons can chill out for 30 minutes in minus five temperatures, sip on vodka cocktails, admire intricate ice sculptures, and enjoy stunning views. After paying $30pp, visitors are fitted into warm jackets, boots and gloves before entering the bar built entirely out of ice and preserved at arctic temperatures. The Minus5 experience also includes Lenin, a premium vodka bar that serves more than 70 types of vodka from around the world, and Fino, a premier wine bar and dining room - all in the same venue at Circular Quay. Opening hours are from midday until midnight seven days a week. For more information call 02 9251 0311 or email info@minus5.com.au

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For more Sydney inspiration this summer and a range of package deals, visit www.seesydney.com.au

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Contact Us
If you would like further information on anything featured, please visit:
http://www.visitnsw.com.au

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