Australian Poetry Slam 2026: The Road to the Sydney Opera House National Final

The Australian Poetry Slam 2026

The Australian Poetry Slam 2026 season is heading towards its biggest moments, with poets across the country competing in a series of state and city finals before the national competition reaches the Sydney Opera House on Sunday 25 October.

From Sydney and Melbourne to Queensland and beyond, the remaining Australian Poetry Slam finals offer audiences the opportunity to experience powerful live poetry, spoken word and storytelling as emerging writers take to the stage.

Australia’s National Celebration of Spoken Word

Australian Poetry Slam is a nationwide spoken-word competition presented by Word Travels, giving writers an opportunity to perform their original work before a live audience.

The 2026 season has taken poetry beyond traditional literary venues and into communities across Australia. The competition includes heats and finals in more than 60 locations, with performers progressing through the stages towards the national final.

The format puts the audience at the centre of the experience, with audience members involved in judging performances and helping determine which poets progress.

The Remaining Australian Poetry Slam 2026 Finals

The Australian Poetry Slam 2026

For audiences looking for live entertainment and cultural events in October, several major Australian Poetry Slam finals are still to come.

The Sydney Final takes place on Friday 9 October from 7pm to 10pm at Word Travels – International Performing Writers Centre at Impact Lab in Darlinghurst.

Melbourne hosts the Victoria State Final on Saturday 10 October from 5pm to 7.30pm at The Performance Space at The Wheeler Centre.

The NSW State Final follows on Friday 16 October from 7pm to 9.30pm at the State Library of New South Wales in Sydney.

Queensland's State Final takes place on Saturday 17 October from 7pm to 9.40pm at the Queensland Multicultural Centre in Kangaroo Point.

Event times and venues are subject to change, so audiences should check the official Australian Poetry Slam listings before attending.

Sydney Opera House Hosts the National Final

The journey reaches its national finale on Sunday 25 October when the Australian Poetry Slam National Final takes over the Sydney Opera House.

The 2026 National Final is scheduled from 5pm to 8pm, bringing together leading poets who have progressed through the national competition.

At the National Final, the highest-scoring Australian resident aged over 18 is awarded the Australian Poetry Slam Champion title and a prize package valued at $20,000. The package includes publication opportunities, paid performance opportunities and professional mentoring.

Where Words Take Centre Stage

The Australian Poetry Slam 2026

Australian Poetry Slam offers more than a traditional poetry reading. Performers deliver their original words live, while audiences become part of the atmosphere through the competition's interactive format.

The result is an energetic evening of spoken word, personal stories, ideas and performance, making the remaining 2026 finals worth considering for anyone searching for cultural events, live entertainment and things to do in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

With the national final approaching, the Australian Poetry Slam 2026 season is entering its final and most anticipated stage.

Australian Poetry Slam

Website: https://www.australianpoetryslam.com/
Email: info@australianpoetryslam.com

For event dates, tickets, venues and the latest 2026 Australian Poetry Slam information, visit: https://www.australianpoetryslam.com/all-events

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A Beautiful Noise: Neil Diamond Musical Brings His Greatest Hits to Sydney

BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL

Sydney audiences will soon have the chance to experience the music and story of one of popular music’s most enduring performers when A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL arrives at Sydney Lyric.

Following its Melbourne season, the Broadway musical will begin Sydney previews on Saturday 14 November 2026, with the season now extended through to Sunday 14 February 2027. Final tickets have been released for the Sydney season at Sydney Lyric in Pyrmont.

The Story Behind the Songs

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE tells the story of how a Brooklyn kid became an international singer-songwriter and rock icon.

The musical traces Diamond’s extraordinary career through the songs that became part of the soundtrack of generations. His catalogue includes enduring favourites such as “Sweet Caroline”, “America” and “Forever in Blue Jeans”, bringing the familiar music together with the story behind the performer.

With more than 140 million albums sold, membership of both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Diamond’s career provides plenty of material for a large-scale musical biography.

A Broadway Musical Comes to Sydney

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE

The Australian production features Broadway star Will Swenson as Neil Diamond – Then, bringing his performance to Australian audiences for the first time.

He is joined by an Australian cast including Terence Crawford as Neil Diamond – Now, Ashleigh Rubenach as Marcia Murphey, Monica Sayers as Doctor, Alana Tranter as Jaye Posner and Tim Wright as Fred Weintraub and Tommy O’Rourke.

The creative team includes Tony Award winner Michael Mayer as director, Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett as choreographer and four-time Academy Award nominee Anthony McCarten as writer.

A Musical Celebration of a Remarkable Career

For Australian audiences, Neil Diamond has a particularly strong connection with the country. His music has been part of Australian popular culture for decades, while his 1972 live album Hot August Night became a major Australian chart success.

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE brings those songs and memories to the theatre in a production combining live performance, storytelling, choreography and a catalogue of songs that has travelled across generations.

The Sydney production runs for approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Ticketmaster currently lists the production at Sydney Lyric through 14 February 2027.

Plan a Sydney Theatre Night

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE

Sydney Lyric is located at The Star on Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, overlooking Pyrmont Bay. The theatre can be reached by light rail, ferry, bus and train, making it convenient for audiences travelling from across Sydney and beyond.

The theatre also has bars for pre-show and interval refreshments, while nearby restaurants and accommodation make it possible to turn a visit to A BEAUTIFUL NOISE into a complete Sydney night out.

Sydney Season Details

Venue: Sydney Lyric, Pyrmont
Previews: From Saturday 14 November 2026
Season: Through to Sunday 14 February 2027
Performance times: Various Wednesday to Sunday sessions
Tickets: From $69, plus applicable transaction fees
Bookings: Ticketmaster
Group bookings: Available for groups of 10 or more

Sydney Lyric

Website: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Phone: 02 9509 3600
Address: 55 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia

Tickets: Ticketmaster – A Beautiful Noise

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Silk Estate Marquee Events: Extraordinary Canterbury Events in Extraordinary Locations

Silk Estate Marquee Events

Imagine a business event surrounded by Canterbury’s spectacular landscapes, with a stylish marquee designed to bring the outdoors into the experience. That is the concept behind Silk Estate Marquee Events, an award-winning Canterbury specialist creating premium marquee events in some of New Zealand’s most inspiring locations.

Silk Estate Marquee Events was one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026 in Auckland, where New Zealand’s business events industry gathered at the New Zealand International Convention Centre on 17 and 18 June. The company is listed by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) as a multi-region service and venue provider.

Canterbury Marquee Events with a Difference

Silk Estate offers a distinctive alternative to conventional conference and event venues. Its premium marquees can transform a field, private property, garden, lakeside setting, historic homestead or other meaningful location into an elegant event space.

The company works throughout Canterbury, combining contemporary design with the region’s spectacular natural scenery. Panoramic sides allow natural light to flood into the marquee while providing guests with views of the surrounding landscape.

Premium Marquees for Corporate Events

Silk Estate Marquee Events

For business events, Silk Estate offers contemporary structure marquees with clear or solid roof panels, traditional peg and pole marquees and elegant Hampton-style marquees.

The marquees provide a flexible blank canvas that can be styled to reflect a company, brand or event theme. Furniture, tableware, linen, lighting and bespoke décor can be incorporated to create everything from sophisticated corporate functions and gala dinners to relaxed incentive events and special celebrations.

More Than Marquee Hire

Silk Estate provides a collaborative event design and delivery service rather than simply supplying a marquee. Its team can assist with site visits, event planning, layout design, styling, logistics, compliance and onsite management.

Corporate event services can also include furniture, tableware, catering facilities, audiovisual equipment, lighting, heating and cooling, electrical requirements, generators and restrooms. This integrated approach allows event organisers to bring together the practical and creative elements of an outdoor event through one experienced team.

Creating Memorable Canterbury Experiences

Silk Estate Marquee Events

For conference organisers, incentive planners and companies looking for a venue with a difference, Silk Estate opens up possibilities beyond traditional hotel function rooms.

Its approach makes Canterbury’s landscapes part of the event itself, creating opportunities for delegates to experience New Zealand’s scenery while enjoying a carefully designed business or social event.

Silk Estate’s participation at MEETINGS 2026 also placed its Canterbury marquee experiences before buyers and event professionals from across the business events industry.

Silk Estate Marquee Events

Contact Person: Kate Blundell
Website: silkestate.co.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SilkEstateMarquees/
Email: hello@silkestate.co.nz
Phone: +64 3 975 8688
Toll Free: 0800 558 558
Address: 81 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch, New Zealand

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at The Holiday and Travel Magazine.

5 More Things to Do This Fall in New York State

New York State corn maze

Autumn is one of the best times to explore New York State, with colourful landscapes, family attractions, cultural celebrations and exciting entertainment taking place across the state.

Beyond traditional fall foliage viewing, travellers can discover giant corn mazes, meet fascinating animals, explore diverse cultures and enjoy world-class performing arts. Here are five more things to do in New York State this fall.

1) Get Lost in a New York Corn Maze

A giant corn maze is a classic New York fall activity and an entertaining adventure for families, couples and groups.

At Springside Farm in Fabius, visitors can navigate a three-acre corn maze before tackling tree and jungle mazes. Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa features the Amazing Maize Corn Maze, which takes about 90 minutes to complete, while younger children can enjoy the easier Kiddie Maze.

Near Rochester, Long Acre Farms has a five-acre corn maze, including Friday moonlight maze nights. At Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain, the Heroic Corn Maze combines autumn entertainment with history.

2) Discover New York's Love of Baseball

National Baseball Hall of Fame

For sports enthusiasts, autumn is a great time to visit Cooperstown, where baseball history remains a major attraction all year round.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum explores the history and cultural influence of America's pastime, with exhibits featuring legendary players, women's baseball and the development of the sport in Caribbean nations.

Visitors can also see Doubleday Field, widely recognised as the birthplace of baseball, and enjoy meals at local establishments including Doubleday Cafe and Cooperstown Diner.

For an overnight stay, The Otesaga Resort Hotel combines lakeside dining, a spa and golf with an ideal base for exploring Cooperstown. Fenimore Farm & Country Village also provides seasonal entertainment, including Harvest Fest and Halloween activities.

3) Enjoy World-Class Theatre, Music and Dance

Shea's Performing Arts Center

New York State's performing arts scene comes alive in autumn, offering theatre, opera, ballet, concerts and Broadway entertainment.

The Metropolitan Opera begins its 2026-27 season on September 22, featuring a new production of Verdi's Macbeth and Mozart's The Magic Flute. The New York City Ballet and New York Philharmonic also return for their new seasons.

Broadway presents new productions alongside popular returning shows, while venues outside New York City provide further opportunities to experience live entertainment. Broadway Week in New York City also offers two-for-one deals on participating shows from September 8 to September 20.

4) Meet New York's Amazing Animals

African penguin

New York's zoos and wildlife attractions provide memorable autumn experiences while highlighting conservation and animal protection.

Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester offers encounters with species from different parts of the world. At the Bronx Zoo, visitors can combine autumn foliage with exotic animals on a monorail journey through the Asian wilderness.

Buffalo Zoo offers seasonal Halloween activities, while Animal Adventure Park in Central New York provides opportunities for close encounters with animals such as rhinos and giraffes. Its sister attraction, The Preserve, offers a drive-through safari experience.

For an extended countryside adventure, Rocking Horse Ranch Resort combines accommodation and activities including horseback riding across more than 500 acres.

5) Celebrate New York's Cultural Heritage

MURAL: Homeland, Perhaps It Is
Because I Wish to See You Fly

Fall is an excellent time to discover the diverse cultures and histories that have helped shape New York State.

Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15 to October 15, provides opportunities to explore Hispanic culture, cuisine, neighbourhoods, history and performing arts across the state.

LGBTQ History Month in October offers opportunities to learn about important events and landmarks, including the Stonewall Uprising site in Greenwich Village.

November's Native American Heritage Month provides another opportunity to discover Indigenous history and traditions at destinations including the Iroquois Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City.

Plan Your New York Fall Holiday

From family-friendly corn mazes and wildlife adventures to baseball history, live performances and cultural experiences, New York State offers far more than autumn foliage.

With attractions and events spread across the state, travellers can create an autumn itinerary that combines outdoor adventure, entertainment, history and culture.

I LOVE NY

Website: https://www.iloveny.com/
Phone: 1-800-CALL-NYS
Address: Empire State Development, 633 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017, USA

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Shangri-La Phnom Penh: A New Luxury View of Cambodia's Capital

Shangri-La Phnom Penh

There are many ways to arrive in Phnom Penh, but arriving at Shangri-La Phnom Penh provides an immediate impression of how dramatically Cambodia's capital is changing.

Located in the rapidly developing Koh Pich, or Diamond Island, district, the hotel opened in December 2024 as Shangri-La's first hotel in Cambodia.

The most memorable introduction, however, comes from high above the city.

Phnom Penh From Level 54

Rising above Koh Pich, Shangri-La Phnom Penh provides panoramic views across the capital and the rivers that surround it.

From Level 54, Phnom Penh appears almost endless. The Mekong, Tonlé Sap and Tonlé Bassac weave through the urban landscape while traditional neighbourhoods sit alongside modern towers and new developments.

Shangri-La Phnom Penh

The effect is particularly striking around sunset, when the changing light reveals the scale and diversity of the city.

The hotel's Altitude rooftop bar occupies Level 54 and is officially promoted by Shangri-La as Cambodia's highest rooftop bar. Beyond the bar is an infinity pool surrounded by tropical planting, creating an elevated setting for dining and drinks above the city.

Contemporary Luxury With Cambodian Influences

Shangri-La Phnom Penh

Shangri-La Phnom Penh offers 303 rooms and suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows making the most of the city and river views.

The design combines contemporary international luxury with details reflecting Cambodia's architectural and cultural traditions.

For visitors, the result is a hotel that feels modern without being disconnected from its destination.

The property also includes restaurants and lounges, spa and wellness facilities, meeting and event spaces and other services expected from an international five-star hotel.

Its location makes it particularly convenient for visitors wanting to combine a luxury hotel stay with exploring Phnom Penh.

A Base for Exploring the Capital

Phnom Penh

From Shangri-La Phnom Penh, visitors can explore the Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Phnom, Central Market and the riverside districts.

The hotel is also positioned in an area that illustrates the changing face of Phnom Penh.

Koh Pich has become one of the most visible symbols of the city's development, with high-rise buildings and contemporary commercial projects transforming what was once a very different part of the capital.

Yet the traditional city is never far away.

A short journey can take visitors from modern towers to markets, temples, street-food stalls and neighbourhoods where everyday Cambodian life continues much as it has for generations.

An Evening Above the City

One of the pleasures of staying in Phnom Penh is watching the city change after dark.

At Altitude, the experience begins with the view.

As the sun sets, Phnom Penh's skyline gradually becomes illuminated and the rivers become ribbons of light through the city.

The rooftop setting provides an ideal place for an evening drink or meal, with the infinity pool and panoramic outlook adding another dimension to the experience. Shangri-La describes Altitude as an elevated dining and drinks venue combining rooftop views with seafood, steaks and handcrafted cocktails.

From the Hotel to the Mekong

Toum Tiou 2

The Shangri-La Phnom Penh experience can also be combined with a journey along the Mekong.

The Toum Tiou II, operated by CF Mekong, offers Discovery cruises between Siem Reap and Saigon, giving travellers the opportunity to experience Cambodia and the Mekong region from the river.

Current 2026 and 2027 schedules include nine-day, eight-night Discovery cruises aboard Toum Tiou II, with routes operating between Siem Reap and Saigon.

This creates an appealing combination: the energy and modern luxury of Phnom Penh followed by the slower rhythm of life along the Mekong.

A New Chapter for Phnom Penh

Shangri-La Phnom Penh reflects a city that is becoming increasingly confident about its future.

The new Techo International Airport, which commenced operations in September 2025, is improving the capital's international connectivity, while new hotels, restaurants and developments are changing the city's skyline.

Shangri-La Phnom Penh

From the 54th floor of Shangri-La, that transformation is impossible to miss.

The hotel provides more than a luxurious place to stay. It offers a high-rise perspective on a capital balancing its Khmer heritage with a rapidly modernising future.

And from that viewpoint, Phnom Penh looks like a city worth staying to discover. Phnom Penh is no longer simply somewhere to pass through.

It is somewhere to stay, and you will always be warmly welcomed by veteran Shangri-La General Manager, the affable Ody Odayappan and his professional and knowledgeable staff.

The GM hosted some special guests who had just experienced the New Discovery Tour on the Mekong aboard the 14-cabin Toum Tiou 2. Discounts are available for 2026/27 cruises www.cfmekong.com

Shangri-La Phnom Penh

Address: Village No 14, Sam Dach Hun Sen Road, Tonle Bassac Commune, Chamkarmorn District, Phnom Penh 120101 Cambodia
Phone: (855) 23 913 888

Website: https://www.shangri-la.com/phnompenh/shangrila/

E-mail: phnompenh@shangri-la.com

CF Mekong

Toum Tiou 2

Address: 313 Preah Sisowath Quay Office 20 Phnom Penh 12207 Cambodia

Phone: +855 (0)23 216 070
Website: https://cfmekong.com/

Email: office@cfmekong.com

*Written by John Savage and Grahame Cox

For more travel inspiration read the daily online “The Holiday and Travel Magazine”
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Where Tokyo Tradition Meets Business: An Exclusive Japanese Cultural Experience at Eko-in Temple

Eko-in Temple

For international visitors, discovering Tokyo can mean much more than visiting its famous landmarks. Japan's capital also offers distinctive cultural experiences that allow business travellers to step beyond the conference room and connect with the city's history, traditions and local character.

One such experience took place at Eko-in Temple in Ryogoku, where 26 lawyers from Europe, the United States and other regions enjoyed an exclusive Japanese cultural program during an overseas bar association regional meeting. The experience combined Japanese sake tasting, sumo and the history of one of Tokyo's distinctive cultural venues.

Discover Eko-in Temple in Historic Ryogoku

Eko-in Temple dates back to 1657 and has a strong connection with sumo, Japan's national sport. The temple has been associated with kanjin-zumo, historic sumo tournaments held to raise funds for charitable purposes, since the Edo period.

Today, Eko-in provides a distinctive setting for meetings, dinners, exhibitions and cultural events. Its Nenbutsudo devotional hall was constructed in 2013, combining traditional Japanese influences with contemporary architecture.

For visitors to Tokyo, Ryogoku offers the opportunity to explore an area closely associated with sumo while discovering another important part of the city's cultural heritage.

Experience Japanese Sake in a Traditional Setting

The overseas bar association event began with a sake-tasting experience in the Kakuden Room on the second floor of the Nenbutsudo Hall.

The tatami-floored room was arranged with tables and chairs, allowing international delegates to enjoy the Japanese-style surroundings comfortably. A selection of Japanese sake was presented alongside decorative sake barrels and a colourful catering display.

The experience also showed how traditional Japanese spaces can be adapted for international business events. Delegates enjoyed Japanese sake with a Western-style menu while learning more about the cultural setting around them.

For travellers exploring Japan, a sake tasting can provide an engaging introduction to Japanese food and drink culture, particularly when experienced in a traditional environment.

Step Into the World of Sumo

Eko-in Temple

The group then moved to the Nenbutsudo Room for a special sumo experience.

The room is normally used for exhibitions featuring ukiyo-e prints and other artworks connected with Eko-in and the Ryogoku area. For the event, tatami mats were placed across part of the room, creating a suitable space for a former sumo wrestler to demonstrate sumo techniques.

Rather than simply watching a sporting performance, delegates experienced an aspect of Japanese culture directly within a venue historically connected with sumo.

The combination of history, demonstration and participation created a memorable cultural experience for the international visitors.

A Unique Tokyo Experience for Business Travellers

Eko-in Temple

Eko-in demonstrates how Tokyo's distinctive venues can add a cultural dimension to conferences, incentive programs and corporate events.

The temple's historic character provides an atmosphere very different from a conventional conference centre or hotel ballroom. Its available spaces include the 76-square-metre Kyakuden Room, which can accommodate up to 60 seated guests, and the 81-square-metre Nenbutsudo Room, which can accommodate up to 50 seated guests.

For international business travellers, experiences such as sake tasting and sumo demonstrations can turn a networking event into an opportunity to discover Tokyo through its culture and history.

Explore Tokyo Beyond the Conference Room

Eko-in Temple

A visit to Eko-in can form part of a wider Tokyo itinerary. Ryogoku allows visitors to explore the city's sumo traditions while discovering the historic atmosphere of Tokyo's traditional downtown districts.

For international event organisers, Eko-in also demonstrates how cultural venues can provide more than a location for a meeting. They can become part of the destination experience itself.

Tokyo Unique Venues features a range of distinctive locations across the capital, including temples, shrines, museums, gardens, theatres, galleries and other character-rich spaces.

For travellers seeking Japanese cultural experiences, Eko-in Temple offers an opportunity to combine history, hospitality, sake and sumo in one distinctive Tokyo experience.

Tokyo Unique Venues

Website: https://uniquevenues-en.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/
Email: tokyouniquevenues@tcvb.or.jp
Phone: +81-3-5579-8870
Address: Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tokyo, Japan

Eko-in Temple

Website: https://uniquevenues-en.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/venues/private/21704/
Address: 2-8-10 Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0026, Japan
Contact: Tokyo Unique Venues
Phone: +81-3-5579-8870
Email: tokyouniquevenues@tcvb.or.jp

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Ningaloo Stars in Esperance: Discover the Wonders of the Southern Night Sky

Ningaloo Stars 

Stargazing Under the Dark Skies of Esperance

Esperance is famous for its spectacular beaches, turquoise waters and untouched natural landscapes, but after sunset another extraordinary attraction appears above the region.

Ningaloo Stars brings guided astronomy experiences to Esperance, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the southern night sky using premium telescopes while learning about astronomy, science and ancient stories connected with the stars.

As part of its regional Western Australia program, Ningaloo Stars conducts seasonal astronomy sessions in Esperance at locations including Esperance Bird and Animal Park and Esperance Stonehenge.

A Guided Journey Through the Night Sky

The experience begins with a laser-guided tour of the sky, helping visitors identify stars, planets and constellations that might otherwise be difficult to recognise.

The Ningaloo Stars team combines modern astronomy with storytelling and cultural perspectives, explaining the science behind what can be seen overhead while exploring the ways people across generations and cultures have understood the night sky.

For visitors who have never looked through a telescope before, the experience provides an accessible introduction to astronomy. For experienced stargazers, the opportunity to observe celestial objects through high-quality telescopes provides another reason to spend an evening beneath the Esperance sky.

See Planets, Star Clusters and Deep-Sky Objects

Ningaloo Stars 

One of the highlights of an Esperance astronomy night is the chance to view celestial objects through Ningaloo Stars' telescopes.

Depending on the season and conditions, guests can explore planets, star clusters, nebulae and other deep-space objects that are difficult or impossible to see clearly with the naked eye.

Rather than simply pointing out objects in the sky, the guides explain what visitors are seeing and encourage questions throughout the session. The experience is designed for both beginners and astronomy enthusiasts.

An Evening for Families and Travellers

Ningaloo Stars describes its Esperance sessions as welcoming to families, photographers, travellers and local residents. Sessions include comfortable seating, blankets and warm drinks, creating a relaxed way to spend an evening outdoors.

The experience also provides an opportunity to appreciate the importance of dark skies. Away from major urban centres, reduced light pollution allows visitors to see more of the stars and experience the southern sky in greater detail.

Add Stargazing to an Esperance Holiday

Ningaloo Stars 

For travellers exploring Western Australia's south coast, Ningaloo Stars offers a different perspective on Esperance. After spending the day discovering beaches, coastal scenery and natural attractions, visitors can finish the day looking upward at planets, stars and distant objects across the universe.

Ningaloo Stars is based in Exmouth and travels to regional Western Australian communities during the summer months, bringing astronomy experiences to locations such as Esperance. Current dates, venues and availability should be checked through the operator's booking calendar.

Ningaloo Stars

Website: https://ningaloostars.com.au/
Email: paul@ningaloostars.com.au
Phone: 0437 881 905
Address: PO Box 1362, Exmouth WA 6707, Australia
Esperance sessions: Seasonal locations across the Esperance region, including Esperance Bird and Animal Park and Esperance Stonehenge.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Cà Phê Mai: Sydney’s Next-Generation Vietnamese Cafe and Wine Bar

Cà Phê Mai

Sydney’s dining scene has welcomed an exciting new destination with the arrival of Cà Phê Mai, a Vietnamese cafe and wine bar in Double Bay combining treasured family recipes with a fresh, contemporary approach to food and drink.

Opened in June 2026 by co-owners Cindy Mai and Ed Loveday, Cà Phê Mai brings together Vietnamese culinary tradition, creative brunch drinks, relaxed daytime dining and an evening menu designed for lingering over dinner and dessert.

A 40-Year-Old Pho Tradition

At the heart of Cà Phê Mai is its signature pho, a much-loved family recipe originating with Cindy Mai’s grandmother more than four decades ago.

The fragrant chicken noodle soup has already been ladled more than 10,000 times, reflecting the recipe’s long history and popularity. The pho is available throughout the day, making it a signature choice whether visiting for lunch, dinner or a casual Vietnamese meal in Double Bay.

The dish represents more than just a bowl of soup. It connects Cà Phê Mai’s contemporary setting with a Vietnamese family food tradition that has been enjoyed by generations of Sydney diners.

Creative Vietnamese Drinks for Brunch

Cà Phê Mai

Cà Phê Mai takes a playful approach to its daytime drinks menu, adding tropical and citrus flavours to familiar favourites.

Dragonfruit strawberry matcha lattes provide a colourful brunch option, while the cafe’s distinctive Mont Blanc combines airy kumquat-infused cream with misted yuzu for a refreshing citrus twist.

The daytime menu also features dishes such as lemongrass pork sausage and egg muffins and breakfast banh mi, providing plenty of reasons to visit for a relaxed breakfast or brunch.

From Daytime Cafe to Evening Wine Bar

As the day changes into evening, Cà Phê Mai transforms its offering with dishes and drinks suited to dinner and late-night dining.

Guests can enjoy chicken laksa, shiitake and wood-ear mushroom spring rolls and the signature pho, while evening-only treats add another dimension to the menu.

One standout dessert is Vietnamese coffee crème brûlée, bringing the distinctive flavour of Vietnamese coffee into a classic French dessert.

Dinner guests can also discover dragonfruit-inspired margaritas, extending Cà Phê Mai’s creative approach to drinks beyond its daytime matcha creations.

A New Double Bay Dining Destination

Cà Phê Mai

Located on New South Head Road in Double Bay, Cà Phê Mai offers a contemporary take on Vietnamese cafe culture while keeping family recipes and traditional flavours at its heart.

With its heritage pho, inventive drinks, all-day favourites and evening-only dishes, the new Sydney cafe and wine bar is a destination designed for different times of day.

For visitors exploring Double Bay and Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Cà Phê Mai provides a fresh Vietnamese dining experience where four decades of family culinary tradition meet a new generation of Sydney hospitality.

Cà Phê Mai

Website: https://caphemai.com.au/
Address: 377-383 New South Head Road, Double Bay NSW 2028, Australia

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Titanic: A Voyage Through Time Brings the Legendary Ship Back to Life in Sydney

Titanic: A Voyage Through Time

Step Aboard the Titanic Without Leaving Sydney

Sydney visitors can journey back more than a century and experience the legendary RMS Titanic in a completely new way with Titanic: A Voyage Through Time, an immersive virtual reality experience at Fever Pavilion, Sydney Showground.

Open now, the experience combines virtual reality, historical storytelling and interactive exploration to transport visitors from the Titanic wreck as it appears today to the ship's final voyage in 1912. The approximately one-hour experience allows participants to explore the famous ocean liner and discover stories connected with real passengers and crew.

Explore the Titanic from Bow to Stern

Titanic: A Voyage Through Time allows visitors to move through virtual recreations of some of the ship's most recognisable spaces.

Guests can stand beneath the famous Grand Staircase, walk along the decks and explore the grand corridors while experiencing what life aboard the Titanic may have felt like during its historic voyage.

The experience is designed to be interactive, allowing participants to move freely and engage with their virtual surroundings rather than simply watching a film.

Dive to the Titanic Wreck

Titanic: A Voyage Through Time

One of the most striking parts of the Sydney Titanic VR experience is the journey beneath the Atlantic Ocean to the wreck site.

Visitors first encounter the Titanic as it rests on the seabed today before travelling back through time to 1912. This combination of modern underwater exploration and historical reconstruction creates a powerful connection between the ship's past and its present-day resting place.

Meet the People Behind the Story

Titanic's story is not only about a famous ship. Titanic: A Voyage Through Time also introduces visitors to characters based on real passengers and crew.

Their stories provide a human perspective on the voyage and help visitors understand that behind the enormous ship were hundreds of individual journeys, hopes and experiences.

This makes the attraction suitable for history enthusiasts, Titanic fans, families and visitors looking for an unusual educational experience in Sydney.

A Family-Friendly Sydney VR Experience

Titanic: A Voyage Through Time

The experience is suitable for visitors aged 10 and over, with a minimum height requirement of 1.30 metres. Visitors aged 10 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult, while those aged 15 to 17 attending without an adult require a pre-signed waiver.

The experience is wheelchair accessible. Visitors should also check the health and safety requirements before booking, as people with epilepsy or heart conditions cannot participate.

Visitors are asked to arrive around 15 minutes before their session to check in, store personal belongings, sign the required waiver and collect equipment.

Plan Your Titanic VR Experience in Sydney

Titanic: A Voyage Through Time is located at Fever Pavilion, Sydney Showground, Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park.

With its combination of history, technology and immersive storytelling, the experience offers a memorable way to discover the Titanic's story while stepping directly into the world of 1912.

Titanic: A Voyage Through Time

Website: https://feverup.com/m/624265
Email: vr.sydney@feverup.com
Address: Fever Pavilion, Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
Age: 10 years and over
Location: Sydney Showground

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Horizon by SkyCity: Auckland’s Five-Star Hotel Where Business Meets Luxury

Horizon by SkyCity

For business travellers and conference delegates visiting Auckland, location can make all the difference. Horizon by SkyCity places guests in the heart of the city, with direct connections to the New Zealand International Convention Centre and the wider SkyCity precinct.

The five-star hotel at 85 Hobson Street offers 303 rooms and suites, including 10 suites, combining contemporary design, Auckland city views and touches of Aotearoa throughout its interiors.

Horizon by SkyCity was one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, New Zealand’s national business events tradeshow, held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland from 17 to 18 June 2026.

Directly Connected to the NZICC

One of Horizon by SkyCity’s greatest advantages for conference delegates is its direct connection to the New Zealand International Convention Centre via air bridges across Hobson Street.

Guests can move between their accommodation and the convention centre without needing to cross busy city streets, making the hotel particularly convenient for conferences, conventions, meetings and corporate events. The SkyCity entertainment precinct is also connected, putting restaurants, attractions and entertainment close to the hotel.

For event planners, having accommodation and a major convention facility so closely connected can simplify the experience for delegates attending multi-day events.

303 Rooms with a Sense of New Zealand

Horizon by SkyCity

Horizon by SkyCity has been designed to provide more than a conventional five-star hotel experience. Locally commissioned artwork and sculptures, locally crafted furnishings and New Zealand-inspired amenities bring elements of Aotearoa into the guest experience.

The rooms are designed around views of Auckland, with the cityscape providing a constantly changing backdrop. The hotel's 10 Horizon Suites feature expansive views, floor-to-ceiling windows, separate entertaining and working areas, and locally commissioned artwork.

The hotel also provides a 24-hour fully equipped gym, complimentary Wi-Fi and concierge services.

Dining and Auckland Experiences

The Grill is Horizon by SkyCity’s signature restaurant, serving New Zealand steak and seafood and featuring a private dining room and outdoor courtyard. Onyx provides another setting for drinks and relaxation within the hotel.

Beyond the hotel, guests have easy access to SkyCity’s extensive dining and entertainment precinct, including the iconic Sky Tower. Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, Queen Street and Britomart are also within walking distance, while ferries provide access to destinations including Waiheke Island.

Auckland Accommodation for Business Events

Horizon by SkyCity

With its five-star accommodation, direct NZICC connection and central location, Horizon by SkyCity provides a convenient base for conference delegates, business travellers and visitors attending major events in Auckland.

For organisers searching for Auckland conference accommodation, luxury hotels near the NZICC or five-star Auckland CBD accommodation, Horizon by SkyCity offers a combination of convenience, contemporary design and connections to one of New Zealand’s most important business events precincts.

Horizon by SkyCity

Contact Person: Danielle Ouwejan
Website: https://horizonbyskycity.skycityauckland.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HorizonbySkyCity/
Email: info@horizonbyskycity.co.nz
Phone: +64 9 363 6000
Mobile: +64 21 222 8529
Address: 85 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/.