Opera's harbour highlights
Opera-lovers rejoice: the spectacular Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of La Traviata will finally open in March 2021.
The large-scale production in the Royal Botanic Garden, which takes the crew weeks to set up, was abruptly halted in March last year due to the pandemic. The set is being reinstated this year with the breathtaking nine-metre-high chandelier and its glistening 10,000 crystals taking centre stage.
An outstanding cast will perform Verdi favourites, such as show-stopping aria "Sempre Libera" and legendary drinking song "Brindisi", and acclaimed maestro Brian Castles-Onion will conduct the opera, with a live orchestra hidden under the stage. The season runs from March 26 until April 25.
Explore more: opera.org.au
Speak of the devil
Head to the NSW Barrington Tops where Aussie Ark officially opened the 400-hectare Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary last year.
The Ark is holding open day tours three times a day until January 27. First established in 2011 as Devil Ark, the group's focus was on saving the iconic Tasmanian devil from extinction. The effort was an overwhelming success and late last year Aussie Ark returned the first Tasmanian devils to the mainland in over 3000 years. Eastern quolls and rufous bettongs are also now in Animal Ark's spotlight. You can stay overnight in one of two lovely retreats near Aussie Ark with the 2.5-hour Devils in the Wild tour included.
Explore more: aussieark.org.au
Cheers to beers
The Mercure Canberra will host the 14th Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival on Saturday March 20.
The special Beer Fest 2021 accommodation packages offer a capital weekend for visitors wanting to enjoy Australia's premier brews, fine food and entertainment.
Some 40 local and interstate exhibitors will be presenting up to 250 craft beers and ciders for tasting.
There will also be beer and cider food-matching sessions, guest speakers and sessions where you can meet the brewers. A range of dining options (including local gourmet food trucks), live entertainment and family activities will be available throughout the day.
Explore more: canberrabeerfest.com.au
A Frozen summer
To celebrate the launch of Disney's Frozen: The Broadway Musical, Jemma Rix (who plays Elsa) and Courtney Monsma (Anna) are exploring Sydney with some Frozen-inspired ideas.
In a special video tour the two star theatre performers will show you some iconic Sydney destinations as they grab a coffee poolside at Bondi Icebergs, get up close to penguins at Taronga Zoo and tuck into treats from the Frozen menu at Auvers Café in Darling Square. Frozen is playing now at the Capitol Theatre and tickets have been released up until May 2. The Novotel Darling Square is a five-minute walk to the theatre and is offering special Frozen stay packages.
Explore more: sydney.com/frozen
While you're here...
...you might also enjoy