But, what is there to do on this year’s Easter break in Sydney?  Here are some ideas on how you can enjoy the company of friends and family making the most of a precious long weekend:-

The Royal Easter Show – The iconic Royal Easter Show brings back warm fuzzy feelings for adults who used to love to go as a kid and will do the same for this generation.  The sprawling show out at Homebush will house hundreds of types of animals, entertainment to keep you amused all day, fresh produce and of course the legendary show bags.  Great fun for all the family.

Darling Harbour – The successful Hoopla! Festival heads back to the harbour for the long weekend.  The event is free to attend and will inject colour and acrobatics to the harbour area.  Stuntmen, twirlers, acrobats, dancers and street performers will all be in attendance to amaze and excite you.  The kids will love this one.

Hunter Valley Gardens – If you want to look escape a little further out of the city then head to the Hunter Valley Gardens.  The gardens will host a phenomenal Easter egg hunt with thousands of little coloured eggs hidden for the kids to find.  Each child receives a Cadburys chocolate gift.  But book your accommodation now as the Hunter will be busy!

Check your local press for listings of events, or better still think about a memorable Easter event out on the water, peace and quality time with the ones you love.  Now that’s a great Easter long weekend.

Image Courtesy of News.com.au – Image

Here are our tips for the best fishing spots in and around the harbour:-

Kirribilli – Kirribilli is translated from the aboriginal words “good fishing spot” so you are off to a great start at this part of the harbour.  Add to this the dramatic backdrop of the harbour bridge and the stunning Opera House which looks magical at dawn or dusk and you are in one cracking spot to fish.  You can catch anything from leather jackets to sometimes even squid here.  Best spot is right from Jeffery St Wharf right down by the harbour bridge pylon.

LilliPilli – Port Hacking is home to LilliPilli, a great little spot which gets crowded but delivers some great fishing.  Take some live bait for best results and get down there at dawn to set up a good spot to catch bream, flathead and whiting.

Gladesville Wharf – Start heading west and you will quickly find Gladesville and Gladesville Wharf. Here is where the secretive Jewfish resides, if you have patience and want to catch one of these fish, this is a good spot to try.

Brighton Le Sands – If you want to experience fishing from the beach then head on south to Brighton-Le-Sands.  Make sure you bring a rod which will get your line out past the wave breaks and you might get lucky and catch a snapper!  If the fish aren’t biting you can take a swim or top up your tan!

Get out on the Water- To experience something a little different and luxurious  get yourself on a yacht on the harbour.  You can club together with your friends and take a fishing trip to a whole new level. Search for some great spots a little further out and experience fishing without the crowds, with a lunch which is a little more appetising than a tuna sandwich with the peace and serenity of the Sydney Harbour.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia – Image

Located at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers, Cockatoo Island stands as one of the most interesting historical landmarks you can reach on a short boat ride from Cockle Bay Wharf. Known by most as a convict island first and foremost, prisoners here in the early 1800s were sentenced to a life of hard labour, building the docks and cutting the sandstone blocks to create the buildings that still stand today whilst always being fearful of the looming gaol which prisoners were also made to build themselves.

What most may not know is that Cockatoo Island in the late 1800’s was a reformatory school for wayward girls. This would turn out not to be one of the governments brightest ideas. Based just offshore of the island was a training ship for nearly 500 neglected, orphaned, unruly male youths that had been picked up on the streets of Sydney.

As you can imagine it wasn’t long before secret trysts and inappropriate meetings began to occur between the two camps. Once these dalliances were discovered the school was quickly relocated to Parramatta in Sydney’s West. The Island regained its pride though in later years becoming Australia’s largest shipping yard and contributing to the industrial development of this new country and even newer city.

To learn more or to take a trip to Cockatoo Island visit http://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/

But where is the best place to be to see them? Here are our top picks:-

Kirribilli

Nestled right under the harbour bridge, this little village bursts at the seams full of tourists and locals alike. You need to get there for breakfast to get yourself a good spot and stay there for the day but the payoff for being so close to the fireworks will make it worth your while. Make sure you take a good camera!

Balls Head Reserve Waverton

If you don’t fancy fighting tens of thousands of revelers around the city and harbour you may want to consider Waverton on Sydney’s Northshore. The reserve only holds 2000 people so won’t be too overwhelming and there are great picnic facilities to set up for the day and to bring your own food and drink. The extensive views of the harbour will mean you won’t miss a thing. Just get there early!

On the water

There is no better place to see in the New Year in a harbour city than on the water in a charter yacht. No queue for the bar, battling an overpriced food stand or negotiating the chemical toilets. No chance either of a tall guy standing in front of you just as the clock strikes twelve. Just a great view of the fireworks with friends, family and loved ones without the crush. Book early!

New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour

New Year’s Eve on MV Enigma

Our crew have grown up cruising and sailing our local waters, so you can depend on genuine in-depth knowledge, as you cruise the harbour and its foreshores. The New Year’s Eve menu and beverage selection is substantial and tailored to suit any palette. If you have specific dietary requirements please feel free to let us know and we will accommodate.

Mv Enigma participates in the inaugural New Year’s Eve Harbour of Light Parade, so you are guaranteed prime viewing for the 9pm and 12am fireworks display. MV Enigma is also available for an overnight charter on New Year’s Eve for up to six people.

Embarking is approximately 7pm and disembarking is approximately 1am. You are welcome to choose from the many wharves available throughout Sydney Harbour.

MV Enigma Vessel Information

• 62 foot Pilothouse Design
• Powered by 2 x 725 Yanmar Turbo diesel engines
• Cruising speed of around 20 knots
• Stabilisers built in as well as a wide17’6” beam – very stable
• Cruise with a maximum of 37 passengers and crew in enclosed waters.
• Accommodates up to 12 passengers and crew up to 30km off-shore
• Long range fuel tanks plus a 400 gallon per day fresh water maker
• Fully air conditioned
• 5 passenger high speed dinghy to hit those quiet, secret spots
• Huge swim platform and easy climb ladder system for those who want to cool off
• 3 distinct deck levels with cabins and bathrooms – plenty of room to roam or lounge around
• Spacious Saloon
• Owners cabin – full walk around king bed, granite en suite, walk in cedar lined robe
• VIP cabin – queen bed, access to full size granite lined head-shower vanity and toilet
• Guest cabin – 2 single beds, access to full size granite lined head-shower vanity and toilet
• Both bow and stern thrusters
• 2 x 240volt generators producing 20kva plus a 3kva inverter, 24 volt and 12 volt
• Hull built and certified by Beura Veritas international

Entertainment System on board MV Enigma

• 4 Plasma & LCD screens
• CD / DVD
• Bowers & Wilkins THX sound system
• Satellite TV including Foxtel
• Wireless broadband
• A large selection of latest release DVD’s

New Year’s Eve Boat Hire Pricing & Info

If you would like a quotation or more information about a private New Year’s boat cruise on Mv Enigma phone +61 418 600 835 or email info@mvenigma.com.au

New Year’s Eve Sydney Harbour – timelapse

New Year’s Eve Sydney Harbour – ‘Make Your Mark’

2010 New Year’s Eve Fireworks Sydney

A crowd favourite, the Harbour of Light Parade features specially lit vessels sailing on a 15km circuit around Sydney Harbour. Selected from design entries, the vessels chosen to take part in the Parade will be illuminated to represent the 2012 Sydney New Year’s Eve theme. The Parade will include tall ships, Sydney’s Heritage Fleet, commercial charter vessels and Sydney Ferries.

Official Harbour of Light Parade vessels are given access inside the Harbour exclusion zone on Sydney New Year’s Eve. Passengers onboard will be treated to exclusive views of the 9pm Family fireworks, the stunning Bridge Effect and Midnight Displays from designated viewing areas. For more information about each official Harbour of Light Parade vessel and ticket sales, contact the individual vessel operator by clicking on the vessels listed below. Get your tickets early. Don’t miss out.

[via cityofsydney]

Menu option 1

No better way to enjoy Sydney harbour than to spoil yourself with some of Australia’s best seafood. Simply served au natural or marinated and cooked to perfection we have some thing to please everyone. Unless of course you don’t like seafood and if that’s the case alternatives can be ordered.

Cold Seafood Buffet
Sydney rock and pacic oysters served with lime and shallot dressing
King prawns with Asian pesto and baby herbs
Mediterranean avoured octopus salad, whole blue swimmer crabs
Mussels topped with tomato crumble
Rock lobsters served with a true mayonnaise
Plus a selection of salads
And to finish of your meal an Australian cheese and fruit platter

Menu option 2

For something a little more casual enjoy a Gourmet BBQ cooked right on MV Enigma.

Gourmet BBQ
Lamb llet coated w/ olive tapenade and served with seared eggplant
Harrissa infused prawns w/ bbq’d spinach and Spanish onion
Citrus avoured salmon llet on a bed of snow pea shoots
Rocket strawberry & caramelized walnuts with balsamic reduction
Roast pumpkin pecan shallots tossed with lemon myrtle dressing
Butter lettuce radicchio & sprouts drizzled with red wine vinaigrette
Baked apple and almond tart w/ vanilla cream strawberry jus

Indulge in fine wine from anywhere in the world and allow the experts to talk you through their wealth of knowledge and expertise followed by a blind tasting.

Wine tasting cruises are a popular way to entertain friends or clients while sharing mutual interests in wines and its complementing foods.

Sydney Harbour is without a doubt a spectacular when it comes to waterfront weddings and quality waterfront dining. Nothing breathes romance quite like the elegance and glamour of a nautical wedding.

Treat yourselves and your guests to a reception or ceremony or perhaps you’d prefer a transfer for the perfect opportunity to capture those special photographs with canvas-like backdrops of Sydney Harbour. MV Enigma will cater to you needs whether it be to the ideal location for photographs or a quick exclusive transfer for the Bridal party to your wedding reception.