Long Weekend and Winter

THE LONG WEEKEND AND WINTER

Winter is just about here, though this year I am not sure that it ever left.  Those of you who are new to Sydney I expect will have heard us moan and groan about the Summer!
So what is happening over the long weekend. Well the Toy and Games Expo is on at Sydney Olympic Park, I talked to one of the organisers it sounds like it will be a great family day out, possibly the first of many. Vivid will be in full swing over the weekend. The Come Together Festival is on again at Luna Park and Darling Harbour is holding a Jazz and Blues Festival. Wow yes, it is going to be a big weekend. We have some great events listed below and some special offers, I can't believe it is time again to spot the whales, i wonder if they will venture into the harbour this year?
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CITY OF QUEENS

Saturday 9 June 2012

The Mother of long all weekends is coming!
Selina's Live & Loud presents the City of Queens.Celebrate the Queens Birthday long weekend at the party of all parties.
Graffiti artist Jeremy Hession will be in Selina's creating a live graffiti interpretation of Selina on the wall!Don't miss out on this amazing artist in action!
DJ Ben Morris & McLosty headline the City of Queens night, these guys have made quite a name for themselves in the last few years featuring at Future Music Festival and supporting acts such as The Prodigy!
$9 Mother & Vodka in Selina's 8pm - 11pm
Attend the event to join the guest list & get free entry on the night

Where - Coogee Bay Hotel
Price - $10
Bookings - info@coogeebayhotel.com.au
More about the Coogee Bay Hotel
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AFTRS SCHOOL HOLIDAY COURSES -  FILMMAKING, ANIMATION & ACTING FOR KIDS & TEENS

This July School Holidays, the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) is offering exciting and fun short courses for kids and teens in filmmaking, animation and acting for screen.
There's Acting for Film & TV (2 - 4 July) for 9 - 12 year olds,
Digital Animation (9 - 11 July) for 12 - 17 year olds
and if you're 15 - 18 check out AFTRS premier course - The Real Filmmaking Workshop (2 - 6 July) where you'll get to write, shoot, cut and then screen your film in a real cinema - all in just five days! Courses are taught by industry professionals at AFTRS state-of- the-art film studios at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, Sydney.  Book 28 days in advance and receive a 10% Early Bird discount!

For details visit:  http://www.open.aftrs.edu.au/schoolholidays or contact AFTRS Open 1300 065 281
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MAT. MCHUGH / THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS
play an Acoustic gig at Newport Arms Sunset Sessions  ‘Love Come Save Me’
It’s been 10 years this year, since the rise of The Beautiful Girls and for Mat. McHugh - the man at its heart - he’s seen and tried it all. He’s recorded with the band live. He’s recorded with bits of instrumentation from band members. He’s recorded an album by himself and then taught the band how to play it. He has recorded by himself and remained by himself. He’s released under TBG and he’s released as Mat., he’s toured with horn sections and he’s toured alone. And at the end of each and every album - regardless of differences in the process – there has stood the same incredible element, the foundational purpose of the whole damn thing: the unfaltering support and love of those who have come, watched, listened and danced.

Mat. is taking LOVE COME SAVE ME out on the road and will be playing an ACOUSTIC GIG at Sydney’s
most famous pub Icon, Newport Arms Hotel as part of their Sunset Sessions, Saturday 2nd June, 3pm
More about the Newport Arms Hotel
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Better Being would like to offer readers - one month of unlimited group exercise across Melbourne and Sydney for $60 (normally $130). They will also get access to our online complimentary health and wellness pack, full of educational material regarding nutrition and wellbeing (valued at $199)

Better Being are Australia's only provider of tertiary qualified mobile exercise specialists delivering the best in personal training, group exercise, and corporate health across Sydney and Melbourne. We represent the top 2% of the industry, with a whopping 98% of the fitness industry possessing a 6 week certification, so you can be sure training is supported by the best specialists in the industry.

2011 NSW Exercise Professional of the Year Finalist, and Best Service Based Company Finalist 2012 by ActionCoach

For more information visit their website www.betterbeing.com.au
To take up this offer call 1300 761 191  or email info@betterbeing.com.au and quote "what's on Sydney"

Terms and Conditions
1.       The deal is valid for 3 months from the sale
2.       The deal is valid for new members only
3.       They must train for 4 consecutive weeks from their first group class booking.
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HALF DAY SYDNEY ECO WHALE WATCHING SAVE 10%

Highlights

• Special offer: Book now and Save 10%
• Enjoy a personalized 4 hour eco whale watching cruise (12 passengers maximum per tour)
• Observe and learn about the magnificent humpback whales
• Enjoy light snacks (tea, coffee, refreshments) while onboard the whale watching cruise

Overview

Experience seeing the majestic humpback whales up close as they pass Sydney's coastline. Our 4 hour eco whale watching cruise lets you observe and learn about these wonderful mammals. An awe-inspiring experience!

Activity Includes:

Experience a 4 hour eco whale watching tour that leaves from Darling Harbour.

Watch as the large number of whales (approx. 15,500) start their Winter migration between late May until early August and their Spring migration from mid September until November, along the Australian coastline to their feeding and breeding grounds.

Observe and learn about these wonderful mammals. This is a truly personalised and powerful experience that is perfect for a family day out.

Enjoy plenty of space and no crowds onboard due to the small number of passengers on our cruise.

Enjoy light snacks (tea, coffee, refreshments) while onbroard the cruise.

Click here for more information and booking
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2.5-HOUR Celebrate Sydney With Sparkles TOUR FOR 2

Highlights

• See the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Kirribilli House and Admiralty House
• Delicious Aussie BBQ meal including, fresh king prawns, Aussie steak and beef sausages, fresh salads, fresh fruit platter and tempting desserts to top it off.
• Choose from either a complimentary glass of bubbly, wine, beer or soft drink
• Enjoy a Goat Island convict walking tour.
• Special offer: Now 2 for 1

Overview

Departing from Campbell's Cove (The Rocks) on the restored 1920's ferry the Mulgi, you make your way to restricted access Goat Island.

After the short ferry ride you then embark on a short guided walking tour of the island, where you have the chance to see all the convict buildings and magnificent views across the harbour.

Having taken in the sights of the island, you then are treated to a delicious BBQ buffet lunch, including seafood, on the Harbour Master's Lawn.

During lunch there is nothing better than to take in the sights of the harbour while sipping on your free glass of bubbly or any other complimentary drink of your choice.

Please note: This part of the tour is completed on foot - please note that it is approximately 1.5km walk with some inclines.

Click here for more information and booking
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If you don't fancy anything here head to the website to find out more, or if you are looking for more deals, especially if you have visitors in town check out these specials!

Whatever you decide to do, say safe and have a great time.

Winter Special for Aug/ Sept in Sydney

Manly Comes Alive in Winter: Immerse Yourself in Manly
Manly in winter is bursting with life and new activities and places to discover. Whether you want to be sipping a cocktail at Hugos and secretly doing some international celebrity spotting or braving it out with our ghostly ancestors on a ghoulish sleepover, you will find a swag of new things to whet your hunger for fulfilling experiences. Immerse yourself in Manly this winter, with a range of great deals and special offers from Manly's best restaurants, cafes, attractions and more. Visit www.immerseyourselfinmanly.com.au for more details.

1. I love Shopping Manly  www.iloveshoppingmanly.com.au
I Love Shopping Manly is all about fun, fashion and champagne. Take an ‘I Love Shopping Manly Tour’ and discover inspiring Australian designers and independent stores in one of Sydney’s most expensive yet unpretentious suburbs. With labels such as Karen Walker, Something Else, Ginger and Smart, Stylestalker, Maurie and Eve, Camilla Kaftans, True Religion, Cheap Mondays (to name just a few!) You'll be in Fashionista Heaven.
The tours include a 2 1/2 hour shopping trip of Manly complete with lunch, champagne, store discounts and your own personal fashion stylist.
You will simply enjoy beautiful scenery and gorgeous shops without any pressure to buy. There are four different tours on offer and they cost from $65.

2. Shark Camp at Oceanworld Manly www.oceanworld.myfun.com.au
This new camp lasts for three hours and is held during school holidays. Learn all about sharks at Oceanworld and then head for two amazing snorkeling experiences, one is with tropical marine residents in the new Tropical Reef, and the second is in the main Oceanarium which is packed with fish, turtles and stingrays. Cost: $149 per child. Exclusive Oceanworld Manly Winter Special - 20% off Shark Dive Extreme or General Admission - quote 'Winter in Manly' when making a booking or purchase to receive the offer. Valid 1st June-31st August 2011

3. Power living yoga - The Yoga of Eating Cooking Course www.powerliving.com.au
This brand new cooking course is offered at the Power Living Manly studio. Delight in the discovery of a diet that best supports and nourishes you. In each class we'll journey into the magnificent world of wholefood cuisine and turn fresh organic produce into tasty meals that nourish and balance your body, mind and spirit. Learn some of the basic principles of Ayurvedic, Raw, Macrobiotic and Traditional wholefood philosophy and empower yourself to create your ideal meal. You'll receive a comprehensive booklet with recipes and nutritional notes and generous tastes of everything we prepare in class, so you'll leave with a full belly and head full of fascinating food facts.  Cost: $349 for 4 sessions or $200 for 2 sessions. Special Winter Offer - Power Living Yoga ten class pass, only $100 - 'quote Winter in Manly' when making a booking or purchase to receive the offer. Valid 1st June-31st August 2011.

4. Whale watching NEW Vessels www.manlywhalewatching.com
Accompany our experienced skippers past the 300ft vertical cliffs of the Sydney Heads into the Pacific Ocean in search of the magnificent Humpback and Southern Right whales.
Manly Whale Watching would like to welcome 2 new vessels to the fleet of operators.Ocean Dreaming II (the largest Whale Watching vessel on Sydney Harbour) and Totally Wild to compliment our cruise and high speed tour options.
Manly Whale Watching provides our Sydney, Manly and Northern Beaches whale watching enthusiasts with the ultimate location and vessels to embark on a Whale Watching Sydney adventure.  The Manly Whale Watching base is located on Manly Wharf, and this enables you to avoid the extra commuting time to get into the Sydney CBD, where all the rest of Sydney's Whale Watching operators are based. Our Manly Wharf location is only 5 minutes to the start of the Sydney whale watching area maximising our time with the Whales. Cost from $60 per person

5. Manly bike tours www.manlybiketours.com.au
Run by expert local guides, this two hour tour reveals all the hidden corners of Manly. Hear the stories and relive the history that makes Manly what it is today. Included in the tour is bike and helmet hire, light refreshments, tour guide, and exclusive access to landmark attractions. The tour follows the Sydney Harbour National Park Explorer and Bike the Beach routes. Tours run every day at 10:30am and are approximately 2 hours in duration (including 15 min safety demonstration).
$89 (includes cruiser bike and helmet hire, light refreshments, tour guide and exclusive access to landmark attractions). Gift vouchers are available. Winter Special - hire a bike from just $14 for one hour, or $28 for the whole day! Quote 'Winter in Manly' when making the booking or purchase to receive the offer. Valid 1st June-31st August 2011

6. Celebrity spotting FREE
Spot everyone from the world's elite surfing celebrities where you may even be lucky to share a wave with the likes Layne Beachley or Mick Fanning. Other regular Manly eye candy include Guy Leech, Kieran Perkins, the Manly Sea Eagles, competitors from the Biggest Loser, or wannabe surfers the Olsen Twins, Avril Lavigne, Eric Bana who have all been seen surfing on the waves at North Steyne.

7. Quarantine station ghost tours www.qstation.com.au
There are a huge number of ghost tours to choose from including the Ghostly sleepover where you can maximize your chances of experiencing paranormal activity. Join your guide on a late night walk around the former Quarantine Station. Listen to experiences people had with the ghosts. Test equipment used by real ghost hunters. Will you encounter paranormal activity during the night? Retire for the night in one of the site's most haunted buildings! Can you sleep with one eye open? This really will be a night to remember! Warning: M18+ This tour is not suitable for anyone under 18 years. Proof of age may be requested.
Costs $155 Guests need to bring their own sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toiletries and towels. Winter Offer - Receive a $50 credit towards food and beverage or tours during your stay. Quote promotion code 'Winter11' when booking to receive the offer. Valid 1st June-31st August.

8. Walk FREE
From short, scenic strolls suitable for all including those in wheelchairs or with prams, to lengthy and challenging treks for more avid walkers, on foot the visitor can explore Manly’s many natural wonders as well as its history and architecture.
Blessed with one of the finest networks of walking tracks in the world, one of Manly’s most famous is the Scenic Walkway from Manly to the Spit (map available with points of interest). Through harbourside suburbs and native bushland, past Aboriginal landmarks and pockets of subtropical rainforest, enjoy scenic views across Sydney Harbour and trails passed hidden coves to clifftop vantages and the chance to spot migrating whales.
Together with five dedicated bicycle trails (map available from Manly Council) and an annual program of free guided tours along Manly's beautiful harbour foreshore areas run by Manly Council's Community and Environmental Partnerships Branch (bookings essential on +61 2 9976 1661).

9. Manly Kayaks Tour www.manlykayaks.com.au
There is no better way to explore the famous Sydney Harbour than by paddling a kayak. Embark on our Manly Kayaks  tour and you will be shown this widely historical and majestic water way. Knowledgeable and energetic guides will teach you the basics of kayaking before departing on a journey to remember. Soft caramel sand, spectacular look out points and isolated swim beaches are just some of the things you can expect to see on the tour.
A guided kayak tour to visit some of the more remote beaches of Sydney Harbour.  Included is a short walk up to Dobroyd head where you can view the Manly Peninsula and the famous Headlands of Sydney Harbour.  In addition to all the necessary kayaking equipment, morning or afternoon tea on a stunning beach is included as well as an experienced and enthusiastic guide.

Cost: $89 per person

What's on Sydney Survey Results

Website Survey 2010

A summary of the results

The survey confirmed our demographic to be young females who generally like to go out once a week. Our readers not only like to go out they like to be social, try new places and eat and drink out too.

The people who use the website to promote their events or attractions are mainly from Not for Profit organisations. As hoped over 60% of them add and manage their own events on the website.
The list of websites/publications that are used to promote events/attractions was interesting; it was extremely varied. I suppose given the wide range of events we have this should be the case. Facebook and Twitter were mentioned by a few and I would expect that if we run the survey next year this would increase.
It was good to confirm that listing on What’s on Sydney was as easy or better in terms of use than 88% of other websites.
Most people who completed the survey were not paid members 90% and the main reason for not becoming members was budget restrictions, even with a guarantee. This really was not a surprise as it is one of the reasons the website was developed to give free promotion to events with no budget!
The question regarding our box office did highlight that people as still unsure about what we can do and people rely on one booking agent. There were some very positive comments from organisations who do use our box office.
The results around banner advertising were virtually the same as membership; no budget! Again positive comments from those who have had a banner ad.

We had a range of responses regarding improvements here are a few –
• We would love to see you listed on more search engines
• You’re doing great, thanks!
• Offer more discount for paid event otherwise why people use this website
• More competition offers
• Editorials for one company and maybe a promotion offer for that month
• I love What's on just as it is. Competitions are great- love the friendly emails and website looks great.

As expected people use a range of different media to find out What’s on. The main places were Ticketek, SMH, Time Out and Facebook was quite popular too. What people got from other websites and not ours; well I was pleased to see that most people said none or not sure! Some said more events, pictures, weblinks, editorial, restaurants, recommendations of what events users may like based on previous events they have attended.
Most comments regarding our box office were positive. 80% of people said they would book online and not use our telephone service if we offered one.
The question regarding what we should put in our blog was very surprising. I think there is a huge misconception over what a blog is. The major of people said they wouldn’t read it and they don’t blog. However, people did want to see reviews and my personal recommendations (both for events and restaurants) and interviews.
The newsletter; yippee was very positive! Most people didn’t want anything to change and the part most people were interested in was the events. Of course more competition came up and as expected, they are popular.

We got top marks for our customer service and information.

Thank you for helping us move forward, next week I will give you a little more information about what we are planning to do it light of this information.