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Tuesday 25 August 2009

Discover a Different Side of Sydney Harbour with Island Hopping



This October, the National Parks and Wildlife Service will bring Sydney’s protected Harbour Islands to life like never before. Get on board for SYDNEY HARBOUR ISLAND HOPPING, part of Crave Sydney – a major new celebration of Sydney’s unmatched way of life, offering 31 days of food, outdoor art and fun throughout October.

For the first time, Fort Denison, Shark, Clark and Garden Islands will be linked with an Island Hopper ferry ticket, with exciting and unique experiences and activities planned for each island. Sydney Harbour Island Hopping is a full day excursion with something for everyone, from the youngest school-age children through to their grandparents.

Also in October, will be the first ever RODD ISLAND TEA DANCE for lovers of the music and dances of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, and the PERFECT PICNIC for anyone looking to chill an afternoon away with their mates on Clark Island.

SYDNEY HARBOUR ISLAND HOPPING – every Saturday and Sunday between 3-18 October

Departing Circular Quay each half-hour on the first three Saturdays and Sundays of October, the Hop will be a celebration of our Harbour islands’ colonial and cultural history and natural beauty.

Be astounded by Fort Denison, which began its colonial life as a sinbin for the garrulous and unruly before becoming the centrepiece of Sydney Harbour’s defence. Learn about Sydney’s last line of maritime defence while taking tea from the battlements, as the clash of the stonemason’s hammer keeps time for the island’s all-day musical entertainments.

Marvel at the mysterious and exciting prehistoric predators and mythical indigenous creatures on Sydney’s original animal quarantine station, Shark Island. Picnic as life-sized Jurassic carnivores and their more amenable herbivorous counterparts literally bring the untouched wilderness of Shark Island to life, courtesy of groundbreaking live theatre company, Erth.

Learn to survive Australia’s natural conditions from the very people who thrived here for thousands of years, living in harmony with their environment. On Clark Island, hang out with Tribal Warriors and learn how to fish, dance and appreciate Aboriginal culture.

Discover amazing relics of Australia’s Naval history and experience the mighty power of our nation’s maritime fleet on Garden Island – the traditional home port of Australia’s Navy for over two centuries. Hold the con on a simulated open bridge of a World War II Destroyer, view the depths through the only fully operational submariner’s attack periscope available for public use in Australia, and learn about military technology and ordnance of yesterday and today.

The Sydney Harbour Island Hop will depart Circular Quay every half hour between 9:00am and 3:00pm on the first three Saturdays and Sundays of Crave Sydney, between 3 and 18 October. Ticket prices, which include all ferry passes, and the exciting and captivating experiences planned on each, are $48.50 for adults, $35.00 for concessions and $16.50 for children. A transaction fee will apply. For more information or to book, visit www.harbourislandhopping.com.au or call Ticketmaster on 136 100.

RODD ISLAND TEA DANCES – Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 October

Be transported to the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s as Rodd Island hosts Tea Dances on 21 and 22 October. Offering up everything from the Charleston to the pulsating rhythms of Latin America, the New Trocadero Dance Orchestra will set the mood for the romantic and sophisticated Tea Dances.
The dances will be held in the colonial style dance hall, built in 1889 and home to one of the best spring dance floors in the southern hemisphere. Dance the day away or just enjoy the atmosphere, whether reliving the majestic musical period or experiencing it for the first time.
With three two hour sessions per day at 11am to 1:00pm, 1:30pm to 3:30pm and 4:00pm to 6:00pm, the Rodd Island Tea Dances will be great for anyone keen on the music and dances of the era. The ticket price of $50.00 per adult ($40.00 concession) includes return ferry transfers from Circular Quay and all dining and entertainment on the island. A transaction fee will apply.
For more information or to book, visit www.harbourislandhopping.com.au or call Ticketmaster on 136 100.

PERFECT PICNIC – Sunday 25 October

If the idea of an afternoon hanging out with your mates on one of Sydney’s harbour islands grabs you, the Perfect Picnic on Sunday 25 October is for you.
DJ Lady Tre will set the ambient mood for an afternoon chilling on Clark Island. Bring your own picnic and drinks, with prizes throughout the day for the best costumes and picnic setups. Explore the island and get into group games, or just lay back among the trees in the biggest picnic Clark Island has ever seen.
The ticket price of $50.00 per adult ($35.00 concession) includes ferry shuttles to and from the island, which will leave Circular Quay every half hour between 11am and 5:30pm on the day. A transaction fee will apply. For more information or to book, visit www.harbourislandhopping.com.au or call Ticketmaster 136 100.

About Crave Sydney
Sydney Harbour Island Hopping is one of seven events in Crave Sydney. Other events include Sydney International Food Festival, Art & About, Darling Harbour Fiesta, World’s Funniest Island, Seven Bridges Walk and Breakfast on the Bridge. To plan your Crave Sydney experience visit www.cravesydney.com .
Crave Sydney is one of five anchor events in the NSW Master Events Calendar created by Events
NSW on behalf of the NSW Government.

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