Great opportunity for a memorable day experiencing the Australian bush.
The award-winning Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk claims to be one of Australia’s premier rainforest experiences.
In the Southern Highlands of NSW above the South Coast, less than two hours from Sydney or Canberra, it offers a unique way to experience the bush with breathtaking views of the Illawarra Escarpment.
With vistas from the rainforest out to the ocean, a visitor’s centre and gift shop and a licensed café, the Illawarra Fly makes for a great day out for families, couples or groups of
friends. The Grand Pacific Drive is the perfect start to a day at the Fly if you’re travelling from Sydney, returning via the Southern Highlands and the Hume Highway.
More information on Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk can be found at www.illawarrafly.com or phone(02) 4885 1010

Whether you're a first time visitor or a regular, there's always something new to discover at Sydney Olympic Park with an irresistible choice of parks that offer extensive facilities and different vistas to suit your mood.
There's nothing like a relaxing alfresco meal in one of our picturesque parks with superb facilities that include free BBQs, picnic shelters and shade areas, walking trails, cycle paths, playgrounds and playful fountains that encourage you to get wet - just for the fun of it!
The Park is an urban biodiversity hotspot with significant habitats for hundreds of species of plants, birds, frogs, bats, reptiles and fish. Amongst the protected wetlands and woodlands you can bird watch, spot endangered frogs such as the endangered Green and Golden Bell frog, or just de-stress in the cool green calmness under the trees.
Well-behaved dogs on leashes are always welcome but please comply with the signposted 'no dogs' areas that are protecting sensitive habitats for local wildlife. 
There's a host of activities including exhibitions, Art & Culture events, Heritage Railway Tours, Golf Classesand Birdlife Tours. For more information go to www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au

ST IVES SHOW 2012 ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL

The St Ives Show will be held at the St Ives Showground Mona Vale Road (between north St Ives and Terrey Hills) on the weekend of May 19 and 20, 2012.
Presented by the Northern Suburbs Agricultural and Horticultural Society, this event showcases the best in arts, horses, cats, horticulture, craft, cooking and baking, photography and more.  Come along – you be the judge.
This family friendly show will feature lots of displays and entertainment over the two days and will be celebrated by a fireworks display by All Occasions Pyrotechnics at 8pm on the Saturday evening.
Visitors will see:
·  Australian Light Horse Brigade’s A-Troop Richmond Windsor.
·  Animals All animal nursery – lots of cuddly creatures great and small.
·  Championship cat show.
·  Wildlife Kingdom – see spectacular macaws up close.
·  Smart farming and milking demonstration.
·  Blue Mountains Reptile Awareness show.
·  Clydesdales heavy horses and Sunday horse show.
·  Championship woodchopping events;
·  Displays of vintage farm equipment
There’ll be plenty of food and refreshments and places to sit and have a picnic. For more information about the expo and performance and activity times, visit www.stivesshow.com.au or call (02) 4579 9436.
Open:  9am – 9pm, Saturday and 9am – 4pm, Sunday May 19 - 20.
Entry cost: $5.00 Free parking available.

100 years later… museum remembers Titanic

Until November 11, 2012 at The Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour
Arguably one of the most significant events of the 20th century, the sinking of Titanic has captivated people and generated controversy for decades. Now 100 years on the Australian National Maritime Museum will mark the centenary of the disaster with an intimate memorial exhibition and events program.
Titanic was to be the greatest ship afloat, shining proof of the industrial power of the modern world. But tragically, this vision was shattered on its first voyage when it struck an iceberg and sank on 15 April 1912 with the loss of over 1500 lives.
The exhibition Remembering Titanic – 100 years presents the history of this epic tragedy from construction to fateful sinking and rediscovery, and the controversy surrounding it.
On display in Remembering Titanic – 100 years will be nine costumes and selected props from the film including outfits worn by Kate Winslet, Leonardo Di Caprio and Billy Zane. The exhibition will also focus on the story of the unsinkable Molly Brown, played by Oscar Winner Kathy Bates in Titanic 3D.
A ‘Fateful Feasts’ event will also be held on Sunday May 20 with gastronomy lecturer Diana Noyce discussing the food served on the ship. For more information on the museum’s Titanic memorial program or to book visit www.anmm.gov.au/titanic or call (02) 9298 3777.
Entry is included with general admission: $7 adults, $3.50 child/ concession or $17.50 families. Open daily from 9.30am to 5pm

Above: Fun at the Australian Standing Stones, venue for the Australian Celtic Festival

If you’re moved by the spine-tingling skirl of pipes, beat of drums, colour and spectacle, be in Glen Innes - Celtic Country, in the New England Tablelands of northern NSW, May 2-7 with clans and spectators from across the nation for the Australian Celtic Festival’s 20th birthday.
The festival will honour remote Galicia, Asturias and Brittany in line with the tradition of singling out a Celtic nation each year.
A dance spectacular from the traditions of the three Celtic nations will be a highlight of the festival. Spanish Oye Ritmo, from Brisbane, with all Spanish descendant performers who’ve been acclaimed at Canberra’s National Folk Festival, will present a fusion of dance from Galicia and Asturias.
Perth-based Souleiado French Dance Group, in demand for Celtic dances from Brittany, include Breton women as advisers on dance authenticity. Multi-instrumental Senor Cabrales, from Bathurst, will make their first appearance at the festival with traditional Asturian and other Celtic music.
Canadian dancer and choreographer Shawn Silver, from Newfoundland, who has performed with Ireland’s Riverdance, will return for his second appearance at the festival.
Bodhran (hand-held Irish drum) teacher and player Kevin Kelly, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records for organising the world’s biggest Bodhran ensemble, will perform and give workshops on the May 5-6 weekend.
Noted Tenterfield puppeteer Peter Harris will also give workshops for children with puppets inspired by Australian native fauna.
A definitive history of the Standing Stones by former teacher and pioneer of the array John Mathew will be launched at a festival welcome at the Services Club on Thursday night, May.  
The skirl of pipes from a lone piper in the autumn mists at dawn at the Standing Stones on the Saturday will signal the weekend’s 20th birthday festivities - including a gala street parade through Glen Innes’s CBD with song and dance simultaneously on Standing Stones stages, massed pipebands, variety show, Strongman events, clan ceremonies, parade/kirking of the tartans, fun run, yard dog championships and Celtic foods. There will be ticketed night events with pubs, clubs and restaurants participating with entertainment and special menus.
Festival entry passes and accommodation can be booked online. More information: Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre (02) 6730 2400, www.gleninnestourism.com/accom_result1/australian-celtic-festival

IMPERIAL HOTEL PADDINGTON GOES UPMARKET

With a new look, stylish lounges, courtyards and function spaces, and a private boardroom, the Imperial Hotel at Paddington offers entertainment, a social club and a relaxed dining experience.
Being family owned for over 100 years, this neighbourhood public house is passionate about community involvement. The Imperial Hotel offers a host of activities as well as beer, fine wine and dining.
Sports fanatics can gather to show some team spirit while watching the latest game, budding artists gather after a local gallery event.
Activities include a weekly running club to Sunday Night Slow Dancing, pub theatre night, 2-4-1 cocktails and pizza night, Paddington Wine Markets, casual canvas art and wine tasting, and Sunday evening Roast and Red dinner.
Imperial Hotel outings and activities include:
• Sydney Harbour Sailing Expedition
• Centennial Parklands Horse Riding Safari
• Instructed Deep Sea Fishing Safari
• Casual round of golf
• Art Gallery Tours
These arranged off-premise adventures include equipment and trained staff members to make your day carefree from start to finish. Afterwards, come on back to the pub, kickback and reminisce near the fireplace or a comfortable dining experience.
Imperial Social Club
This club offers discounts and free gifts, invitations to exciting events, use of private rooms, discount wines and spirit offers, and use of the Imperial Courtesy Safari Truck for pick ups and drop offs.
Address: 252 Oxford Street Paddington.
Web: www.imperialhotelpaddington.com.au

DARLO DRAMA ACTING CLASSES & PERFORMANCES

Darlo Drama at Potts Point is a Destination Theatre and Drama Studio for beginners to advance students. Plays and dramatic roles require people of all ages and maturity and the acting studio welcomes and encourage adults of all ages.
Established since 1990, Darlo Drama attracts people from all walks of life for a variety of reasons; from wanting to improve confidence and public speaking skills to the desire to create, act and perform on stage.
Darlo Drama offers a dynamic and supportive place where you can practice and grow your skills and get involved in a range of exciting opportunities with like-minded people. It is all about enjoying drama, theatre and performance.
The Level One beginners course is open to all and culminates in the performance of a monologue. The course is 10 weeks, one night per week, 6.30pm - 9.30pm and the cost is $350. For more details phone Talya on (02) 9331 3107 ext. 2 or go to www.darlodrama.com

As the sun rises on Australia’s Army personnel around the globe, they are united by a small yet significant piece of military tradition: the Rising Sun badge.
Australia Post has honoured this badge and its importance to the Australian Army, by releasing five stamps depicting the changes in the Rising Sun badge design since it was first issued in 1902.
The stamp issue features five of the badge’s key design changes – the first, third, fifth, sixth and seventh design iterations.
The year of creation and changes to the inscription and design are as follows:
• 1902–04: Inscription “Australia”; the badge has simple star points to indicate the rising sun.
• 1904–49: Inscription “Australian Commonwealth Military Forces”; the refined radiating elements more obviously reflect the rays of a rising sun.
• 1954–69: Inscription “Australian Military Forces”; the crown changed from the King’s Tudor crown to the Queen’s St Edward’s crown.
• 1969–91: Inscription “Australia”; the Federation star and Torse wreath are integrated into the design.
• 1991–: Inscription “The Australian Army”; the badge was changed to resemble the 1904–49 design.

The Rising Sun stamp issue comprises five x 60c stamps, a minisheet, stamp pack, first day cover, maxicard set of five, self-adhesive booklet of 10 x 60c stamps, postal numismatic cover and a designed gutter strip of 10 x 60c stamps. The stamps are available from participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps from 17 April 2012 while stocks last.
Further to the standard products listed above, a limited edition stamp and badge boxed sets are available.

Alexander the Great: 2000 Years of Treasures

The blockbuster exhibition, Alexander the Great: 2000 Years of Treasures, has been secured exclusively for Sydney at the Australian Museum from November 2012. Featuring the largest collection of treasures ever to come to Australia from the world famous State Hermitage in St Petersburg, Russia, the exhibition includes over 400 objects from classical antiquity through to the modern age from both Western and non-Western origins, spanning a period of almost 2500 years.

VIVID SYDNEY TO ILLUMINATE THE CITY 

Vivid Sydney is back for its fourth year and is set to once again transform the city into a colourful canvas of light, music and ideas from May 25 -  June 11, 2012.
Lighting of the Sydney Opera House sails this year is by German light collective, URBANSCREEN. The artists will design magical illuminations that will be projected onto the sails from 6:00pm to midnight each evening.

FAITH, FASHION, FUSION: MUSLIM WOMEN'S STYLE IN AUSTRALIA

A new exhibition, Faith, fashion, fusion: Muslim women’s style in Australia, developed by the Powerhouse Museum 500 Harris Street, Sydney, will explore the emerging modest fashion market in Australia. It is open May 5 2012 – February 2013.
Through the profiles of a group of Australian designer-retailers, the exhibition showcases a new generation of brands that are designing, retailing and marketing stylish clothing for Muslim women to meet their desire to dress creatively and fashionably while still expressing their faith.
Glynis Jones, curator of Faith, fashion, fusion at the Powerhouse Museum, said: “The words ‘faith’ and ‘fashion’ do not often appear in the same context. This exhibition aims to show that they are not incompatible; rather ‘modest fashion’ is one of the fashion industry’s largest potential growth areas.”
“The market for these designers is not limited to Muslim women and women of other faiths, but any woman who for various reasons may not feel comfortable in the often body-conscious styles currently available, but want looser, fashionable clothing that offers more coverage.”
Phone: (02) 9217 0111 or infoline (02) 9217 0444
Web: www.powerhousemuseum.com
Hours: 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day)
Entry: $12 adult, $6 child, $8 student/concession.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN SYDNEY

New website with comprehensive What's On in Sydney listings including Festivals, Top things to do, Top Free Events, The Bucket List, How to Get Cheap Cinema Tickets and much much more:

The National Calendar - get involved and make a difference

Website: www.nationalcalendar.com.au

Do Something's Guide to Community Events

Southern BiPlane Adventures

Southern Biplane Adventures, at Illawarra on Sydney’s south coast,  may be a new company it but represents more than 20,000 flying hours and over 30 years of aviation experience of its energetic owners Chris and Tony Clark.
Southern Biplane Adventures wants to share a revived version of the golden era of aviation where sexy muscle planes ruled skies; aviation was the new frontier; and all the guys and gals talked about it round the bar at the end of the day.
“We believe that this part of aviation history and way of life should be preserved and shared with everyone. Whether you are looking for a nostalgic scenic flight or want to become an aerobatic stunt pilot for the day, we have the experience to make that dream come true,” said Chris Clark.
For more details phone (02) 4257 9440 or email: info@southernbiplanes.com.au
Physical Address:
Hanger 3, 32 Airport Rd,
Illawarra Regional Airport,
Albion Park Rail NSW 2527.
Websit: www.southernbiplanes.com.au

Above: Ferntree Gully in the Dandenong Ranges 1857.
Oil on canvas. National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.
Gift of Dr Joseph Brown AO OBE 1975

The National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, has opened Eugene von Guérard: Nature revealed, an exhibition, one of the most important retrospectives of Australian colonial landscape art. This exhibition will be on display from April 27 - July 15, 2012, at the National Gallery of Australia. Open daily 10am–5pm. Entry is free.
This is the first exhibition dedicated to von Guérard since 1980 and includes works from various private collections in Europe and Australia alongside many other state and regional galleries with featured works from the NGA including, Dandenong Ranges from Belura (1870), From the Verandah of Purrumbete (1858)and View of granite rocks at Cape Woolamai (c. 1872).
Visitors can explore von Guérard’s magnificent Australian, New Zealand and European landscapes that were so elegantly captured during his expeditions abroad.
Von Guérardwas born in Vienna and trained as a painter in the European art centres of Rome, Naples and Dusseldorf before migrating to Australia in 1852. His experience in Düsseldorf as an open air painter encouraged his close observation of the details and the diversity of the natural world. Many works discovered in the course of the research leading up to this exhibition will be on display for the first time.
Eugene von Guérard: Nature revealed is supported by the Australian Government International Exhibitions Insurance Program, an Australian Government program which provides funding for the purchases of insurance for significant cultural exhibitions.