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Madame Tussauds waxworks on Sydney's Darling Harbour, is where you get to make friends with the stars..
It sounds like a dream. You're in a room full of celebrities who are all smiling and waiting to have their photo taken with you. Not one to disappoint, you oblige, placing an arm around each celebrity and smiling cheesily at your friend who is pointing their iphone in your direction, ready to shoot and upload straight to Instagram. Suddenly you realise Britney Spears, and in fact all the celebs, are actually made of wax. Quickly, you pinch yourself to wake up from the bizarre dream. Except it's not a dream, you are at Madame Tussauds waxworks, otherwise known as the closest you may ever be to placing your arm around Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Best make the most of it then.
Reviews International writers Autumn Mooney and Sarah Doran visited Madame Tussauds during a three month visit from Britney Spears and Beyonce Knowles (waxworks.) Madame Tussauds has waxwork studios all around the world, and occasionaly the statues travel to cities abroad. Of course, this meant Sarah got to shake her booty with beyonce, and Autumn got to hold Britney's MTV award. Followed by both immediatley social media posting to Facebook and Instagram, claiming to have new BFF's with the pics to prove..
Aside from the social media opportunities and pretending to be best friends with a re-incarnate Michael Jackson, Madame Tussauds offers a great 3D gauk at people you see images of in mainstream media all the time. Viewing a life-size waxwork lets you view details you often can't tell from a photograph. See how tiny Kylie Minogue and Lady Gaga really are in comparison to yourself, or how teensy Olivia Newton John's waist really was back in the 1978 movie Grease. Remember what John Farnham looked like in his heydey, and see the extraodinary heights Justin Biebers fringe really does boof up to. The leaders room lets you pose in the office with Obama, contemplate with Nelson Mandela, Stand by Julie Gillard at the lectern, or sit on the royal throne by the queen.
Recommended - to people who love to social media, and celebrity stalkers - you will adore Madame Tussads
Feel on top of the Word with a 45 minute walk in the Sky, on the skywalk tour, Sydney Tower Eye.
Watching the lights turn on over the city of Sydney with a sunset Skywalk tour at Sydney Tower, aka Sydney’s iconic Centrepoint, is exactly how to feel on top of the world; because you are!
Smack-bang in the middle of Sydney city is an historic tower called Sydney tower (often referred to as Centrepoint) where tourists and locals dine at sky levels as the building and view rotate 360 degrees. For those not hungry and slightly more brave, there’s a sky high tour on the very outskirts of the building. Forget vertigo, this amazing view is worth 45 minutes of any height fear!
ON ARRIVAL
On arrival you will check-in with friendly staff, and follow directions to take the lift. Not just any lift. It’s a tiny spacecraft vessel! As you realize the elevator is taking a little longer than normal, your ears will pop with the altitude. How high are you? Well, upon exit you can see for yourself, as 360 degrees of floor to ceiling glass window in the observation deck shows off the city of Sydney in all it’s glory. Sydney Tower escorts will direct you from here; first a breathaliser to test your alcohol limits, I’m guessing so you don’t drunkenly stumble, fall and dangle over the edge at any time, (!) then change into the signature blue wind protective clothing. Designed to catch any falling items from your own clothing underneath, the sexy attire may have you wanting to perfect those long lost 80’s hammertime dance moves, however you will definitely feel protected from the wind.
THE WALKOUT
Next, strap on the harness which attaches to a rail stretching along your walking path around the building. A friendly tour guide gives instruction and information along the way. Music blares as the special roller door rises. Revealed, is a staircase to pull your harness along, which makes a loud clanking noise to get the adrenalin pumping, while walking in single file with your group. Anyone a little nervous of heights will walk at the front and rear of the group, closest to the tour guides - who seemed to be experts at taking the mind off any worry with jokes and funny anecdotes. PHEW!
NOW YOU'RE WALKING IN THE SKY
The pathway wraps 360 degrees around the outskirts of centrepoint Sydney Tower, so stepping out to this view will kind of take your breath away. You are now standing on Sydney's tallest free-standing structure, at a height double the Sydney Harbour bridge, overlooking the entire city of Sydney at a birds eye view. You are standing above all the highrise buildings, looking down and through them via a transparent glass foothpath - people and cars below become like ants. If you’re lucky enough to book in for a sunset tour, the ambience is striking. As the city lights turn on, sun sets, and the world is an amazing place. Your tour guide points out viewing hotspots like the purple water haze of lavender bay, Hyde park’s fountain donated from the French, next to Australia’s largest cathedral illuminated in magnificent tungsten lighting, and the western suburbs as far out as the Olympic stadium and airport. This view is nothing short of amazing.
RECOMMENDED: To those who love a magnificent view, and are too afraid of Sydney's bridgeclimb, this is the tour for you. With my vertigo I found this tour has a safe sense of security, and enjoyed hearing interesting facts on the city.
RECOMMENDED: To those who love a magnificent view, and are too afraid of Sydney's bridgeclimb, this is the tour for you. With my vertigo I found this tour has a safe sense of security, and enjoyed hearing interesting facts on the city.
FINDING THE ENTRANCE:
First find the Westfield shopping mall entrance on the city’s busy Market St. Here, opposite David Jones. Here, there’s a lift to the left, take this to level 5. Turn left for Sydney Tower, which is right next door to Madame Tussauds.
DEETS
Tel: +61 2 9333 9222
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pricing:
From the suburban Brisbane street, Spicers Balfour Hotel evokes a tinge of mystery with its modern, bold design sprouting a distinctly Queenslander-style wraparound verandah. Swathed in moody indigo hues that shimmer beneath the lights by night, one can’t help but wonder what’s inside.
Originally a Queenslander house built in 1901, a three-year long overhaul transformed the building into a suave yet welcoming boutique hotel far from its airy timber origins. The newest addition to the luxury Spicers brand, it’s the only inner-city residence, yet still captures the same intimate escape. Stepping into the lobby and wandering upstairs to reception, the blues that captured me were met by chirpy purple tones, a sparkly chandelier suspended over the counter.
Although the feel is now more European than Queenslander, a few telltale signs hint at its 110-year heritage. A replica of the original front door leads onto the verandah, original mouldings and trims feature in the common area along with revamped exposed beams overhead, and leadlights have been switched around to create an interesting mix combined with the dramatic furnishings.
Standing at the reception counter, a wooden chessboard over to my left caught my attention, perched in the common lounge area by a congregation of velvety chairs, sidelined by a tall, dark bookcase offering anything from fiction to art history reads. My host, friendly and without the stiff smile, then showed me to my room down the dimmed hallway lined with colourful artworks by leading Australian artists.
Rooftop bar
After a poke around my room – comfortable yet stylish – to the sound of the smooth jazz radio beats left on for my arrival, I ditched my bags and head upstairs having arrived in perfect time for canapés at the rooftop bar, served daily between six and seven o'clock.
From cocktails to cognacs, liqueurs, beers, wines, port and vintage champagnes, the high-end class of the hotel is represented in the bar list. But there are plenty of options still priced at the same you’d find anywhere down the road in hip and happening New Farm. Whilst the small outdoor bar area would have been tempting if there were stars, I instead found refuge from the drizzly weather inside by the bi-fold windows.
Looking over and between the local tin rooftops and sturdy Jacaranda trees, the Story Bridge dominated the night skyline in front of the city, its peaks lit in lines of blue lights. Whether it was the view or the smooth latin beats that soon switched into jazz – amplified by the wondrous and free Friday night feel – my crisp drop of sauvignon blanc glided down ever-so-smoothly.
The rooms
After heading out and about until nearly midnight, returning to a warm towel rack was the deal-breaker that landed me in a hot bubble bath. Of the nine rooms, four have baths and deep ones at that, which are spread across the room types. The four Executive Rooms on the central level are great for short stays, whilst the one-off Terrace Suite boasts a well-sized private slice of the verandah overlooking the front garden.
On the bottom level, as well as a small room with some exercise equipment for guests, the Courtyard Rooms offer a little extra breathing space with a small courtyard lined by green bamboo plants. Bold and sleek inside, unique furniture pieces complete the style whilst laptop workstations come in surprisingly handy. And the LCD TV provided perfect Will and Kate royal wedding replay screening.
Local grooves
Located on the cusp of the city, in trendy New Farm, here you reap the benefits of being close to the city but without the sounds of traffic whirring below. Walk out the front and turn right, pace 300 metres, and you’ll discover a grassy cliff-top park with one of Brisbane’s quietest and nicest views down over the winding Brisbane River, through the Story Bridge and to the city. Otherwise turn left, pace 100m, and find yourself standing on Brunswick Street amongst the plethora of quality cafes, restaurants and bars. Try restaurants Ortiga, Dell’Ugo or Anise.
Room packages are inclusive of continental and à la carte breakfast, which can be enjoyed inside or out on the verandah speckled with rays. Also open to the public by reservation, chef Tyson Buchanan offers a great selection to start the day – from exotic jams and granola to French toast brioche and eggs how you like.
Asking the host for her opinion, I went with her favourite, Eggs Benedict, to accompany my cappuccino and freshly made pear, pineapple and ginger juice. Upon placing my reservation, Spicers Balfour confirmed any special dietary requirements, so my breakfast came perfectly on gluten-free bread as well.
With a flick of the paper and a gaze over the quiet street, it was time to pack my bags and say goodbye. This special spot may be more European than Queenslander these days, but the homely feel still lingers.
Hearty breakfasts
Room packages are inclusive of continental and à la carte breakfast, which can be enjoyed inside or out on the verandah speckled with rays. Also open to the public by reservation, chef Tyson Buchanan offers a great selection to start the day – from exotic jams and granola to French toast brioche and eggs how you like.
Asking the host for her opinion, I went with her favourite, Eggs Benedict, to accompany my cappuccino and freshly made pear, pineapple and ginger juice. Upon placing my reservation, Spicers Balfour confirmed any special dietary requirements, so my breakfast came perfectly on gluten-free bread as well.
With a flick of the paper and a gaze over the quiet street, it was time to pack my bags and say goodbye. This special spot may be more European than Queenslander these days, but the homely feel still lingers.
Guest book peek
There are no ‘good’s or even ‘great’s scribbled in here, it’s more like ‘wonderful’, ‘amazing’ and ‘fabulous’, as well as ‘homely’ and ‘welcoming’.
Set on three acres in the majestic Port Stephens, at the south-east edge of Tomaree National Park, The Batch is a charming bed and breakfast perfect for a weekend getaway for two. Nestled at the end of a quiet street, but off a busy main road, this warm home-style oasis lies almost hidden amongst the array of activity in the port, radiating a sense of old-world charm and seclusion.
Boasting beautifully manicured gardens, a salt-chlorinated pool and backing onto a block of bush land, geese and ducks wander about, you may spot a koala or two clinging to trees nearby, and the proud resident peacock often loves to show off his exotic fan of colourful, metallic-fringed feathers.
The Donga
The standout choice would have to be The Donga, perfect for a romantic getaway. It’s your answer to a private ‘adults only’ flee from everyday life. Nestled in its own garden at the back of the property away from the main house, The Donga features its own jacuzzi, an outdoor shower for starry night-sky views, and a fully self-contained bush kitchen including cook top, microwave, fridge and BBQ facilities.
Also boasting an air-conditioned queen-size bedroom and expansive wooden decks to relax on, you could easily hide away for days, if you please, without ever leaving. The flat screen TV and DVD player may be tempting, but the nature at your doorstep is so much more inviting. Relax on the deck at night, bubbly in hand, and hear the surf pounding the shores in the distance.
Grevillea Room & Upstairs Wing
Back at The Batch, the expansive two-level cedar house, there are two other cosy accommodation options. The Grevillea room, on the bottom level, is ideal for nature lovers with direct access onto the verandah.
The Upstairs Wing offers two rooms, a queen-size master bedroom and a single bedroom (an additional room can be used as another single or for storage). Spread over two levels, downstairs has its own lounge/dining room with enclosed verandah and a private entrance.
Recommendation: whilst all options are great – indulge, go for The Donga!
Robert Connell Close, One Mile Beach 5, Anna Bay, Australia
Contact tel: +61 2 4981 9918, fax: +61 2 4981 9874, e-mail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.