Right on Darling Harbour at Pyrmont is The Star. A huge Casino and entertainment complex which offers so much more than a blackjack table and some Pokies. You can put on your best glad rags and head for a weekend of glamour and fun exploring the many restaurants, bars, clubs and attractions The Star has to offer.

Get your groove on at the Cherry. Cherry offers up $5 drink specials between 5-7pm Monday to Friday with Afro beats, Electro jazz, Reggae and DJ mixes to get you grooving. There’s also a great selection of champagne cocktails if you fancy something a little bit special.

If the club scene isn’t your thing then you may want to seek out Rock Lily. Rock Lily offers great live bands with a full line up each month. Rock Lily also offers drink specials so get there early for a few cheap beers and a good spot to see some of Australia’s best live bands.

You can eat at one of The Stars many restaurants or explore the vast food court. Nestled in the food court is the famous Adriano Zumbo patisserie complete with a dessert train for those late night sugar hits.

If you fancy something more traditional you can get tickets to see one of the many musicals and shows on offer at the Lyric or even try your luck on some of the casino tables and Pokie halls.

All in all a great weekend to be had on the harbour, so while your there explore the surrounding foreshore on a yacht or even charter a trip to and from the casino and arrive in real style!

On March 25^th James completed a world first solo dive to the deepest part of the ocean, a spectacular 11km down to the little known ‘New Britain Trench 7’.  Cameron’s ship, the Maroon Sapphire was on had to support the submarine and the whopping 2.4m satellite dish for which to catch the first glimpses of the deep.

James explained that the darkness was overwhelming and that the pressure felt like ‘a train car sitting on your thumbnail’.  A unique, exciting experience and I’m sure some of the creatures that lurk below will become inspiration for his next movies, just like The Abyss.

If you aren’t a billionaire movie mogul then it might be wise to first explore the warm, clear, sparkling waters of the top of the ocean rather than the depths.  Get on a yacht and do a little exploring of your own local coves, harbours and waterways in a little more comfort that James’ super sub!

• Balmoral Beach.  Live like the beautiful people of the lower north shore and visit Balmoral Beach.  Pristine Beaches, picturesque sunsets and five star dining are all here at Balmoral.  If your budget wont stretch to dinner at Bathers Pavilion, grab some of the freshest fish and chips around, a bottle of wine and a great spot on the grass to watch the sun go down.

• The Hawkesbury River is the perfect place to take a yacht out on the water.  This area is vast and chock-full of native wildlife, indigenous history, flora, fauna and secret little coves and beaches. You could easily spend a week out here on the water and not see the same view twice.

• Dee Why Beach offers the best of both worlds with great café culture and an even better surf.  The large family friendly beach is playing host to the Beechley Classic Women’s World Surf Championships between the 18-23^rd April 2012.  The place will be brimming with surfboards and beautiful surfer types.

Getting out on the water gives you a whole new perspective on the area you live and you will feel like you’ve been on a relaxing holiday without the traffic jams, flight delays and over priced tours!

The Bicentennial Park Wetlands are situated right near the Olympic Park out at Homebush.  The wetlands are stunning and you will soon forget the urban sprawl of the city.  The park also offers sculptures, an interactive fountain, lookout towers and some great bird watching opportunities.

Elizabeth Farm is Australia’s surviving farmstead.  Built in 1793 this homestead is as it was all those years ago.  You can wander freely around the homestead, sitting on the old couch or the veranda and really get a feel of what it would have been like for these early settlers.  There is also a tearoom too.

The Royal NSW Lancers Memorial Museum is a little slice of military history and well worth a visit.  The museum is only open on Sundays but you can spend a great afternoon seeing some interesting historical pieces.  Armour, uniforms from the last century, weapons and banners.  There are also tanks and armoured cars to see.

The Parramatta River is the main tributary of the Sydney Harbour and there is plenty more to discover along the Parramatta river which is best discovered by boat.  Uncover some great places of interest and beautiful waterways right on Sydney’s doorstep.

It’s the birthplace some say of modern Australia but there is also a sadness regarding the indigenous people who would have seen the ship come in and have no idea that their worlds would change forever.

The park has a great little walk that isn’t strenuous at all and takes you on a loop down to the coast via  an aboriginal meeting place and lots of interesting information signs as you walk around.  There is added atmosphere with a soundscape coming from speakers in the bush and you can take a pit stop in the cafe.  If you’re feeling brave you can roll up your trousers when the tide is low and wade out to the landing plaque.  The last part of the walk takes you past the flag pole and back up to the visitor centre for a cup of tea.

If you are looking for a longer walk you can take a short drive from the visitor centre to Cape Solander and wander along the stunning cliff tops.  It’s also a great fishing spot and a whale watching platform so bring your binoculars if you are visiting in June or the first week of July.

Get those walking shoes on and take the family for a great day of walking, wildlife, history and water!  It may inspire you to have your own boating adventures out on Sydney’s harbour and waterways.

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

Min 15 guests
Choose 10 items $53.00 – Ideal for 2 hr cocktail party
Choose 14 items + substantial $70.00 – Ideal for 3 hr cocktail party
Choose 14 items + 2 substantials $79.00 – Ideal for 4 hr cocktail party
Includes: All platters, garnish and napkins Availability and seasonal substitutes may be supplied

Cold
Crisp banana bread flaked blue eye fillet with curry mayo and toasted coconut
Pacific oyster with lime and sweet soy and shallot dressing
Cucumber cup filled with crab coriander and shallot salad
Classic prawn cocktail served on a Chinese spoon
Crisp olive ciabatta topped with roast lamb and babagnoush
Thai Chicken Salad in Crispy Won-Ton Cups
Mini dampers filled with Smoked salmon horseradish and rocket
Lobster salad with passionfruit jelly
Goats cheese crostini with pine nuts and pears (v)
Tomato Boccocinni salsa on sourdough (v)
Citrus and pepper tuna with seaweed and soy Crab and toasted corn salsa served in bread basket
Blue cheese polenta cake with vegetable ragout (v)
Roast chicken with coriander onion jam in spinach tortilla basket
Asian duck rillettes on crisp pastry and pickled ginger
Mexican flavoured scone with bean salsa and avocado (v)
Crisp beef tortilla with seaweed coriander and sweet soy
Thai flavoured beef tart with carrot and ginger jelly

Hot
Mini beef burgers with beetroot relish
Baby potato filled with Persian fetta & prosciutto
Mini poppadom spicy beef curry & banana raita
Spicy Beef Skewers with onion relish.
Moroccan lamb skewers served with an eggplant dip
Pork belly confit topped with Asian slaw and apple
Mediterranean vegetable tartlets (v)
Pumpkin ricotta lemon thyme wonton (v)
Moreton bay bug and snow pea fritter with toasted sesame and soy mayo
Choux puffs with mushrooms in port cream (v)
Prawns in coriander batter with ginger vanilla dip
Mini chicken burgers with avocado salad and tomato
Baby bread pudding with Persian fetta and tomato (v)
Confit of Asian duck served with a grape salsa
Yorksire pudding topped with horseradish beef and pea puree
Duck confit turnover with peppered cherry dip

Substantial
Soba noodles with mirin roasted pumpkin rocket and sesame dressing (v)
Traditional Pad thai with prawns bean shoots and coriander
Pan seared duck breast with fried rice drizzled with sweet soy
Soft baked potatoes with chives and slow roasted salmon fillet topped with orange dressing
Butter chicken on saffron rice
Lamb tagine with preserved lemon and cows cows
Wild mushroom and parmesan risotto with crisp onion
Stir fried beef with soy and garlic served on fried rice

Sweets
Caramelized banana pastries with banana cream
Lemon bavarois with citrus fizz
Chocolate mousse served with caramelized orange segments (v)
Coffee tartlet and shaved chocolate
Roast hazelnut brulee Lemon tart with meringue
Pavlova with crème and berries

Equipped with state of the art audio and visual facilities, your corporate event has no limits. Take advantage of MV Enigma’s surround sound system with integrated wireless internet and huge pop up plasma. Impress guests onboard this beautifully appointed vessel for your next meeting, presentation or conference.

Team building cruises are a great way to reward your hard working staff or loyal customers. Nothing motivates, encourages and thanks your staff or clients more than a fun corporate team building activity away from the office. So why not enjoy a little friendly competition during your corporate cruise.

Enigma Charters offers great team building adventure activities for your corporate cruise including laser shoot, fun casino and wine tasting which are great for networking and building relationships. We all know that your staff and customers are equally important, so why not give something back to them as your way of saying thank you!

Guests can then relax with delicious canapés and a glass of Champagne on a Sydney Harbour Cruise taking in the magnificent sites of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Watsons Bay, Anzac Bridge, Balmain and more.

Enigma Charters will make your event run smoothly. Your staff, guests and clients will experience business professionalism with a vacation style ambience.

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/