Easter Specials at Metro Hotels

Metro Hotels have available the following Easter Accommodation Packages for those travelling over this festive period:

Advance Easter Special at Aspire Hotel Sydney

Early Easter at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour 

Easter Special at Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone

Easter Early Bird Special at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Easter Sparkly Special at Metro Hotel Perth 

A Booming Easter Show Still True to its Roots

EASTER SHOW 2012 – ALL YOU NEED TO NOW

IT began as a market store at Parramatta in 1823, when farmers from across the state gathered to sell their animals and compete for ribbons – and bragging rights.

Today, the Sydney Royal Easter Show has evolved from those humble beginnings to become the largest annual event in the southern hemisphere, attracting almost one million visitors each year. Royal Agricultural Society heritage centre manager Karen Finch said the vegetable and livestock contests were established in 1823 to improve breeding throughout the colony.

In the early years, the competitions were predominantly for horses and cattle but it has since grown into a chance to showcase 14,000 animals, including rats, rabbits, reptiles and goats.

The show’s first days were tough. Drought and a lack of organisation stopped the competition from the 1830s until 1869, when it was re-established at Prince Alfred Park with animals, fruit, vegetables and arts and crafts.

A decade later a concept for the district exhibits was mooted but it wasn’t until 1900 that the now popular agricultural display was showcased.

Rising rents forced the show to relocate to Moore Park in 1882 – and just under two decades later the fun arrived. The first ride was a two-carriage car that had a top speed of 50km/h, while showbags began as samples from exhibitors. The show went on during WWI but not surprisingly attendance numbers dropped.

It was closed during WWII. Just 20 years later sideshow alley was created, where curious visitors could leer at freak shows that included the world’s tallest man, shortest man, a hairy woman and siamese (conjoined) twins.

The voyeuristic exhibits were banned in 1954. That same year Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, attended.

A subsequent brush with royalty came in 1988 when the Queen’s daughter Princess Ann visited. In more recent years celebrities including Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman and Elle Macpherson have brought their children to experience the thrills and spills.



In 1998 it was relocated to Sydney Olympic Park, which is where the show will kick off tomorrow with more rides, showbags and animals than ever before.

This year also celebrates 50 years of showgirls, which is no ordinary beauty pageant – winners are judged on their passion for the land and knowledge of rural affairs.

“The difference these days is that women are more educated and worldly,” Ms Finch said. She added that the show concept had not changed over the years and was true to its original idea of bringing the country to the city as well as improving breeding standards through competitions.

“It promotes agriculture’s best and still serves its purpose of bringing country people together,” she said.

Aussies Ready for a Sweet Break

AUSTRALIA'S big cities and Queensland's main beaches are the most popular destinations for those holidaying in their own back yard this Easter, travel agents say. 
 
The top five destinations for Australians over the four-day "weekend'' are the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne and over to New Zealand, according to Flight Centre.

Meanwhile, Travel.com.au says this year Sydney is the most popular Easter destination, followed by Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne. Adelaide beat Melbourne as an Easter destination for the first time in several years, it says.

Domestic flights have accounted for 51 per cent of all flights booked through Travel.com.au for travel during the lead up to the Easter break (April 5-7), it says.

Quick domestic getaways continue to remain popular during this time of year, Travel.com.au general manager Renee Welsh says.

"Despite the recent trend of Aussies jetting abroad, over Easter we consistently see Aussie travellers looking to their homeland for a holiday break.''

Online experience booking company, GoDo.com.au, says for the people in Sydney over the break, Blue Mountains and Sydney Harbour experiences have proven extremely popular.

In Melbourne, a dinner River Cruise along the Yarra River has been a hit, while Gold Coast visitors have locked in trips to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Reef Ryder Island Cruise.

Currumbin Sanctuary

Currumbin Sanctuary's Linda Thomas introduces a four-month-old puggle (baby echidna). Picture: Tim Marsden

Source: The Courier-Mail

LAST MINUTE EASTER FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND HOLIDAYS
Here are some suggestions for a last minute Easter getaway that won't break the bank:
CAMPING BEYOND MELBOURNE, VIC
Victorian Caravan Parks Association says there are still vacancies for Easter at many caravan and holiday parks throughout Victoria. Big4 parks in Port Fairy, Phillip Island, Badger Creek and Inverloch, for instance, all have cabins still available. For a list parks with Easter availability see: www.vicparks.com.au
SHOW BAGS, RIDES AND FAIRY FLOSS, NSW
The Sydney Royal Easter Show, held from April 5 to 18, is an annual extravaganza of show bags, adrenalin pumping rides, animals on show, displays of farm produce, live music and food and wine. It takes place at Sydney Olympic Park and starts early in the morning and ends each evening with a fireworks display. See: www.eastershow.com.au
EASTER BUNNY IN BENDIGO, VIC
The Bendigo Easter Festival has been in existence since 1870, and is the oldest community festival in Australia that occurs every Easter, this year (April 6-8). The festival includes a giant Easter egg hunt, plenty of entertainment for kids and opera under the stars for grown ups. While in Bendigo, the Grace Kelly exhibition is on at Bendigo Art Gallery (until June 17).

Bendigo Easter Festival

Bendigo's Chinese dragon and lions are a feature of the city's annual Easter festival. Picture: Supplied

Source: Supplied

FALL ASLEEP IN A FORMER CHURCH, QLD
If you're looking to get closer to God this Easter without attending a religious sermon, then head to one of these former convents, churches and cathedrals now operating as guesthouses, B&Bs and eateries throughout Queensland:
- In Warwick you can rest your head on a pillow at Abbey Of The Roses - a heritage-listed ex-convent. Built in 1891, this guest house has metal-pressed ceilings, antique furniture and stained glass. Stay in a Nun Cell or the Mother Superior room. See: www.abbeyoftheroses.com

- The Church at Hillview Cottages, located on the outskirts of Kingaroy, celebrates its 100th birthday this year. The property features a four poster-bed with lace canopy, wood fireplace and a double spa bath. See: www.hillviewcottages.com.au

- Spend the night under the high-gabled roof of a traditional Queensland country church. The Chapel at Prendergasts Vineyard Retreat, just two and a half hours from Brisbane in Moffatdale, features a private bedroom and ensuite decorated in traditional period furnishings. See: www.prendergasts.com.au

- Perched close to heaven, high in the Gold Coast hinterland, the Old Saint Johns Church at Beechmont on the Scenic Rim offers self-contained accommodation. See: www.cloudsonbeechmont.com.au

- The Old Church B&B is a character-filled historic church in the little village of Milford, just five minutes from Boonah. It was built by locals in the 1870s and features vaulted ceilings, church pews, pulpit and fireplace. See: www.oldchurchbnb.com.au

chapel b&b

At The Chapel at Prendergasts Vineyard Retreat, visitors spend the night in a traditional country church. Picture: prendergasts.com.au

Easter Holiday Deals and Autumn Specials from Metro Hotels - Metro Hotels

The Following Easter Acccommodation Packages are now available at www.MetroHotels.com.au:

 

Autumn Special at Metro Hotel Sydney Central 

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering an Autumn Special Package for $175.00 for two people.  This includes one night’s accommodation in a Superior Room, daily hot buffet breakfast for two people and a $30 Food & Beverage voucher from Yardhouse Bar and Brasserie.  Valid until March 31st. Terms & conditions apply. Visit www.metrohotels.com.au
 
Easter Package at Metro Hotel on Pitt 

For $199 per night (maximum 2 adults and one child) includes: One night’s accommodation in a Superior Queen Room, extra single bed for one child (12 years or under), buffet breakfast, Easter eggs on arrival and one Metro travel mug, one drink voucher on arrival (buy one drink at Paradiso Restaurant and receive a second drink of same or lesser value free).  Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.metrohotels.com.au
 
Aspire Deluxe Package – Ultimo, Sydney 

Aspire Hotel Sydney is offering a Deluxe Package which includes one night’s accommodation for two people in a deluxe room, buffet breakfast for two people, complimentary parking and wireless internet internet. The deal is +$40.00 on top of our deluxe room best available rate of the day.  Terms and conditions apply.  Visit www.metrohotels.com.au
Indulgence Package – Darling Harbour, Sydney
Stay in a one-bedroom Executive Suite with amazing views over Darling Harbour. Package includes accommodation for two people, a box of chocolates and bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, and late check out until 12 noon. Valid until April 30.  Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.metrohotels.com.au
 
Corporate Bed & Breakfast Package at Metro Inn Ryde

Visiting Sydney for business?  Metro Inn Ryde is ideally located just 10 minutes from Rhodes, North Ryde, Macquarie University and a short stroll to the train station. The Corporate Bed & Breakfast Package is $109.00 and includes one night’s accommodation in a standard Queen Room with full hot buffet breakfast for one person. Valid until   .  Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.metrohotels.com.au

Complimentary Breakfast with Superior Floor Bookings at Metro Inn Miranda

Book a room on the new Superior Floor and receive a complimentary breakfast for two people daily. Monday to Thursday $145.00 per night. Friday and Saturday $190.00 per night.  Sunday $160.00 per night.  Valid until March 31, 2012. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.metrohotels.com.au

Easter Holiday Special at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Metro Hotel Ipswich International is offering an Easter Holiday Special for $552.00, a saving of $96 on the standard rate of $648.00.  The deal is for a minimum 2 night stay in a Superior room, including complimentary continental breakfast both mornings for two people, a two course dinner for two people at the hotel’s restaurant Platform 9, and entry to the Railway Workshops Museum in Ipswich.  The Museum is a world class rail museum which offers 15 larger-than-life exhibits to discover the enormous impact rail has had on our lives. Valid from April 5 -10, 2012 inclusive. To book call the hotel direct on 07 3812 8077 or book online on www.metrohotels.com.au

Bed and Breakfast at Metro Apartments Gladstone

Book a bed and breakfast package at Metro Apartments Gladstone, which includes one night’s accommodation in an apartment with continental breakfast for two people at Rocksalt restaurant.
Monday to Thursday for $305.00. Friday to Sunday for $225.00 per night.  Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.metrohotels.com.au

Taxi on us this Easter at Metro Hotel Perth

Enjoy Easter out and about in Perth, then taxi back to the hotel on us.  Stay in a Superior Riverview room, with two taxi vouchers to the value of $30, and a late checkout at 12 noon for $199.00. Valid from April 6-9, 2012 inclusive. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.metrohotels.com.au

Weekend Escape at Dugong Beach Resort

Dugong Beach Resort, an exclusive luxury eco resort located in the Groote Eylandt Archipelago north of Darwin, is offering a saving of $640 on its 2-night Weekend Escape Package.  For $1399 for two people the package includes:
• 2 return airfares from Darwin to Dugong Beach Resort (flying to the island on Friday afternoon – flying back to Darwin on Sunday evening – flying Vincent Aviation)
• 2 night’s accommodation for 2 people in an Executive Suite
• Spa voucher to the value of $200
• Food & Beverage voucher to the value of $199
• Offer valid until March 31, 2012
• Direct bookings only on 1800 877 077

Book all Metro Hotel properties by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternatively, receive 10% off the Best Available Rate when you book online www.MetroHotels.com.au using the booking code METRO123. 

Metro Hotels: Easter Holiday Deals and Autumn Specials from Metro Hotels - Metro Hotels

Easter Australian Style - Easter Australia

Britain has lots of Easter traditions such as the kids favourite Easter animal; the Easter bunny and the joys of the Easter egg hunt. You may think that most other countries that celebrate Easter would have many of the same traditions and whilst that is true, some of the traditions have a rather surprising twist to them. So let’s have a look at how Australia celebrates Easter.

Easter is traditionally associated with spring and new birth. It’s the time when blossom starts to appear on our bare trees and the first daffodils are peeping out of the ground. Lambs and chicks are popular images with children as the dead, dark, dreary days of winter finally give way to the life and joys of Spring. But of course April in Australia is not in the Spring, instead Easter is celebrated in the Autumn when the countryside is bathed in glorious colours of gold, burgundy, deep purples and dazzling orange hues. So for Australians, Easter is when they bid farewell to summer and start making preparations for the coming of winter.

The Australian Easter is generally a four day weekend, starting on Good Friday and ending on Easter Monday. Every shop is closed on Good Friday and it is the only day of the year when newspapers are also unavailable – an event unheard of in the UK! The religious significance remains the same, with many Christian Australians observing mass on either Good Friday or Easter Sunday.

The Easter Bilby

Now the Easter bunny – what could be cuddlier? This friendly little chap traditionally goes around with a basket of eggs hiding them in your garden all ready for that Easter egg hunt. The tradition started in Germany and the bunny was seen as a symbol of fertility, perhaps some couples hoped the bunny would bring more than eggs to their houses. However in Australia the bunny has a rather different perception and it’s none too friendly.

Rabbits are responsible for the destruction of vital vegetable crops in Australia and because of that destructive trait they are not generally welcome sights at Easter, in fact the Foundation for a Rabbit-Free Australia discourage shops from stocking chocolate bunnies. Rather than the Easter bunny therefore, the Aussies came up with their own Easter animal – Bilby.

Chocolate Bilbies are now popular in Australia.

The bilby is a rabbit-eared Bandicoot that is currently endangered in Australia. The idea of the bilby replacing the Easter bunny is thought to have come about from the South Australia National Parks Service. The Foundation for a Rabbit-Free Australia have successfully campaigned for the Bilby to become the traditional Australian symbol of Easter. And with its long floppy ears, large dark eyes and pointed nose it’s just as cuddly and cute as its British counterpart. The famous Australian author Jeni Bright wrote a story about Burra Nimu, the Easter Bilby for children to further the cause of replacing the traditional bunny with the bilby.

Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

The Hot Cross Bun also has a different variation in Australia. Not to be seen to be missing out on life’s treats, the dried fruit is replaced with chocolate chips and the spiced mixture of the dough has another ingredient – cocoa. Making the Australian hot cross buns deliciously different.

Royal Easter Show

Each Easter Sydney plays host to the famous Royal Easter Show, a unique agricultural show where the very best of Australian produce is proudly showcased and exhibited. Everything from farm animals to fruit and veg is displayed here – but only the best of the best! The event has now become a spectacular carnival and a much celebrated date in Sydney’s calendar. Other highlights are fairground rides, fireworks, amazing robot displays, parades and of course the tasting of Australia’s finest cuisine.

Egg Knocking

In families all over Australia the Easter game of egg-knocking will be played. Everyone involved has to find a partner and then choose an egg each – these can be chocolate eggs, hard boiled or for the more adventurous, fresh eggs. One partner then taps the other’s egg with their own and so on, each taking it in turns to tap the egg. The first egg to crack loses and the winner is then free to challenge the winner of another pair. The game continues until there is only one egg left which the winner presumably has to eat. Especially if it’s a fresh egg and the winner is being all smug about winning.

Easter Egg Hunts

The huge Easter egg hunt in Bendigo.

Of course Australia observe the traditional Easter egg hunts, but this being Australia, some of the egg hunts are organised in slightly unusual places, such as the Dolphin Scuba Diving Centre in Perth where chocolate eggs are hunted by divers. One of Australia’s biggest Easter egg hunts is organised by Vision Australia, a charity that works with visually impaired people. Over 75,000 eggs are hidden in Bendigo, Victora on Good Friday and around 2,500 children participate in the egg hunts every year. Blimey, that’s 30 eggs per child!

However you choose to celebrate Easter this year, everyone here at Embrace Australia wishes you a happy and peaceful Easter. Do remember to bookmark us for all the latest news on Australian immigration, travel and culture and visit our online forum for friendly chat and debate. Don’t eat too much chocolate – save some for us!

Looking for Easter Holiday Accommodation? Metro Hotels


By Lisa Valentine www.embraceaustralia.com

Easter Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

See the following Easter Packages at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour:

$20.00 above Best Available Rate (14th April - 21st April)
$370.00 per night (Min 2 night stay) Standard Apartment  (22nd April - 27th April)

$420.00 per night (Min 2 night stay) Darling Harbour View Apartment (22nd April - 27th April)

Easter packages include a Privilege Card offering discounts off attractions and dining in Sydney

Book this Easter Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour 

View Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Terms and Conditions:

• Minimum 2 night stay
• Offer valid 14th April - 27th April 2011
• Based on 2 people sharing
• Extra $40.00 per person with a maximum of 4 persons per apartment