It’s just become even more valuable to families, with Velocity and Tourism New South Wales giving members the chance to take kids to local hotels, restaurants, attractions and events for free!

Families will love the savings at places like Sydney Wildlife World, the Crown Plaza at Darling Harbour, and the Lindt Chocolat Café.

This offer is valid until 28 February 2009, allowing you to take full advantage of the Christmas holidays!

Click here to see all the places Velocity members can save!

Image source: Mia3mom @ Flickr

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

With just five weeks until Christmas (I know, I know) the Glebe Street Fair is the perfect opportunity to start the shopping. More than 200 stalls offer an awesome selection of original and unusual goodies for all the special people in your life. You might even find something to treat yourself with!

But it’s not just about shopping. You can taste a delicious selection of international cuisine and enjoy the live entertainment while the kids play on the rides. They’ll also love the baby animal farm in Foley Park and the roving street performers.

So that’s the adults and the kids catered for, but what about dogs? Don’t worry – the fair won’t discriminate against your four-legged friend. They can enter the Doggie Olympics, or show their sense of style in the Doggie Fashionista events!

The Glebe Street Fair is run on a not-for-profit basis, with proceeds helping to support a variety of local community initiatives.

Date: Sunday 16 November
Times: 10 am to 5 pm
Address: Glebe Point Road, Glebe
Public transport: Catch the #431, #433, #436,#461 or #483 bus from the city
Parking: Due to road closures, the most convenient place to park is at Sydney Uni
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.glebestreetfair.com

Image source: Glebe Street Fair website

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

The festival takes in two of the city’s biggest icons. You’ll run (or walk, or skip, or dance!) over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finish up at the Sydney Opera House.

The festival features four events catering to athletes of all ages and abilities. Serious runners can enjoy the marathon, or take it a little easier with the half marathon. There’s also the 9 km bridge run, and the relaxing 4 km family fun run.

But it’s not just about fun and fitness. You’ll also be able to raise funds for your favourite charity. Make sure you register at the Sydney Running Festival website by 5 pm on Friday, and get training!

Date: Sunday 21 September
Times: Races start from 6:20 am, ending with the family fun run which commences at 8:30 am
Location: Race starts at Bradfield Park
Address: Broughton Drive, Kirribilli
Public transport: The starting point is a short walk from Milson’s Point train station
Parking: On site parking is limited, so runners are advised to use public transport
Cost: Adult entry starts from $40, depending on the race entered
Website: http://www.sydneymarathon.org/

Image source: That Jones Boy @ Flickr

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Sydney’s inner city will come alive this Saturday with the inaugural Millers Point Festival. The event has got plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.

History buffs will love the guided walks, social history exhibition and heritage talks. Some of the area’s most beloved landmarks including Sydney Observatory, St Brigid’s Church, Kent Street Tennis Courts and St. Patrick’s Church will also open their doors to the public.

Make sure you bring along the whole family, even the furriest! Your favourite pooch will love the pupacinos! There’ll also be roving entertainers, children’s activities, and stalls featuring local produce.

So come and help celebrate one of Sydney’s most important historic regions.

Date: Saturday 6 September
Location: Various venues around Millers Point
Public transport: Catch a train or ferry to Circular Quay. A free shuttle bus will take passengers from Circular Quay (outside Customs House) up to Observatory Hill. It will also take passengers from Observatory Hill down to the Art Exhibition at Sydney Dance Cafe and the Sydney Theatre on Hickson Road
Parking: Parking is limited, so visitors are advised to take public transport
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.millerspointfestival.org.au

Image source: Bl1nk @ Flickr

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

The Kids Dig Program is a one-hour hands-on session which will see budding archaeologists discovering genuine artefacts at one of Sydney’s oldest historical sites. They could find bones, pottery, and other exciting treasures!

Sydney Learning Adventure guides are on hand to ensure all little ones have a fun, and educational, experience.

It all takes place in The Rocks Discovery Museum, a building which has so many other things to explore. Interactive exhibitions will help kids and grown-ups learn all about Sydney’s fascinating history.

Dates: From 7 to 11 July
Times: Dig sessions at 10:30 am, 12:15 pm, and 2:15 pm
Location: The Rocks Discovery Museum
Address: Kendall Lane, The Rocks
Public transport: The museum is a short walk from Wynyard and Circular Quay train stations
Parking: Secure parking is available at 121 Harrington Street, 155 George Street, and at the Clock Tower Square
Cost: $11 per child for one-hour session. Museum entry is free
Website: http://www.rocksdiscoverymuseum.com/

Image source: Joe Zlomek @ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Are you planning a trip to Sydney in the July or October school holidays? It could cost a whole let less than you think if you travel on a CountryLink train.

During the holidays up to four kids can travel to any CountryLink destination for just one dollar! It seems crazy, but it’s absolutely true.

To receive this special promotional fare, kids need to be from the same household and travelling with two paying adults.

This fare applies to first and economy class seats. Travel must be taken between July 5 and 20, or between September 26 and October 13.

To take advantage of this fantastic offer call 13 7245 or visit your nearest CountryLink travel centre.

Image source: Misswired @ Flickr

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

A host of beasties and creepy crawlies have taken over Darling Harbour these holidays. But don’t fret! These electronic creatures are all part the Beasties Zoo, an exciting new interactive installation.

These weird and wacky creations love to meet people, and might even let you pat them! I love the great big snails that blow smoke, play music, and leave a slimy trail behind them! Yuck!

See them at Darling Harbour while you can!

Date: Until April 20
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Location: Darling Harbour
Public transport: Take the train to Town Hall station and walk down Druitt Street, take a ferry to Aquarium Wharf, take the monorail to Darling Park or Convention station, or take the light rail to Convention station
Parking: Parking is available at Harbourside Car Park and Kings parking stations at 182 and 383 Sussex Street
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.darlingharbour.com.au

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Toy Boats from Paris 1850-1950 is sure to delight boat enthusiasts big and small. The kids might even learn to appreciate these simple playthings with a large hands-on toy boat display. But Mums and Dads needn’t stress about any rough handling. While these models look like the real things, they don’t come with the hefty price tags!

Kids can also dress us as Marie Antoinette with the cool French costume display. They might not know who she was, but they’ll love these classic clothes!

Little ones can also take home their own decorated toy boat by participating in the arts and crafts sessions.

The exhibition’s highlight is sure to be the Battle of the Bayeaux on April 27. Boat enthusiasts are invited to bring their own remote controlled boat, or borrow one from the museum, to compete in this epic boat battle. There’ll be plenty of prizes and giveaways, so make sure you get involved!

Dates: Until 17 August 2008
Time: Open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm
Location: Australian National Maritime Museum
Address: 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour
Public transport: Catch a train to Town Hall station and walk across Pyrmont Bridge, take the light rail to Pyrmont Bay station, or the Monorail to Harbourside station
Parking: Discount parking is available at Harbourside Carpark, Murray Street, Darling Harbour for $11.50. Present your parking ticket at the museum foyer ticket desk for validation
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.anmm.gov.au

Image source: Simona Dumitru @ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

This history is reflected in the choice of traditional entertainment, including wood chopping competitions, agricultural shows, market stalls, and of course, plenty of rides.

Support from the local community promises to make this show bigger and better than ever before.

“We’re trying as much as we can to promote the local element, and it’s still a city/country type show,” senior vice-president of the show society Christopher Smith told The Sunday Telegraph.

“We have steam train rides to and from the show on the Sunday. We’ve not had that before. We have a Drover’s Camp, where people can have a cup of tea and damper.”

It all sounds like heaps of fun!

Dates: Friday 4 April to Sunday 6 April
Times: Friday 10 am to 9:30 pm, Saturday 9 am to 9:30 pm, Sunday 9 am to 4:30 pm
Location: Menangle Park Raceway
Address: Racecourse Road, Menangle Park
Public transport: Take a train to Menangle Park on the Southern Highlands line. The raceway is across the road from the staion. Or take the steam train from Cambelltown or Picton on Sunday.
Parking: Parking is available on site for $3
Cost: $20 for adults, $8 for children (5-17 years), children under five are free. Family tickets are also available for $45
Website: http://www.campbelltownshow.org.au/

Image source: David Ritter @ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Whether you like surf pop, soulful R&B, or a jazz-a-billy hoe-down the annual event will have music to get your toes tapping. Belly dancers will dazzle with their sensual dancing, and the crazy stilt walkers need to be seen to be believed.
There’s also plenty to see, with a photo exhibition of Australia’s female swimming champs, a doll collection display, and craft and international food stalls.

The kids will have loads of fun too, with a bungee trampoline, jumping castle, magic shows, pony rides, face painting, and a reptile display. Best of all, it’s all free! So wear your best “poolside” outfit and join in all the fun!

Dates: Saturday 29 March
Time: 11 am to 4:30 pm
Location: Quarry Green
Address: Quarry Street, Ultimo
Public transport: Take the light rail or monorail to the Exhibition Centre and walk up
Parking: Secure parking is available in the nearby Exhibition Centre and Sydney Entertainment Centre car parks
Cost: Free

Image source: Nahele @ Flickr

Post from: The Sydney Traveler