Winter Magic Festival

To some of us it feels like winter is already upon us! But the real move into winter will be “celebrated” in a big way in the Blue Mountains.

On the weekend of June 23-24, the Winter Magic Festival takes place in Katoomba to mark the changing of the season. This year there will be a special emphasis on responsible energy use.

The festival kicks off with a grand street parade of court jesters, community groups, a town crier, etc. For two days, the town is taken over with buskers, jugglers, musicians, and street stalls.

So if you’re looking for something different to do as winter moves in, keep that weekend free. http://www.wintermagic.com.au/

The Terminal

Sydney Airport’s Terminal 2 has undergone a $20 million refurbishment.

The upgrade has included the addition of an extra 15 food & beverage outlets, bringing the options to 41 outlets. They have even added a day spa and a pub.

A new look has been achieved through an increase in natural light and space, new floor surfaces, and improved signage.

Terminal 2 is the domestic terminal, utilised by more than 10 million passengers each year. The redevelopment was performed over a six stage process, to allow the terminal to continue operating with minimum disruption to passengers.

Launch of a real hotel in the virtual world!

In September, Starwood hotels became the first company in history to open a new hotel brand in the virtual world! In the months leading up to the opening of the Aloft hotel, its development can be followed through their site in the virtual world of Second Life.

Through the site, see the project unfold – from the development of the exterior and interior of the hotel to a virtual official launch party. http://www.virtualaloft.com

The actual Aloft hotels are innovative and contemporary, with in touch entertainment kiosks that recommend attractions and places to eat, download music, and surf the net. Music, aroma and lighting programs are used to set the mood in the hotels, and the design is very modern.

And the exciting news is, Starwood have announced that they are opening their first Australian Aloft hotel at Sydney airport in 2009.

Rent a Cave

Imagine spending a night in a cave in the middle of the mountains! “Hatters Hideout” in the Blue Mountains gives you the opportunity to stay in a magnificent natural cave with cathedral ceiling of ancient sandstone. An open fire is provided (the wood is already cut for you!); plus a BBQ, solar powered lights, camp beds, etc.

There are also Cave Concerts available, for a “Mountains Dreamtime” experience – imagine hearing the didgeridoo played in the acoustics of the huge sandstone cave! You will also be treated to Dreamtime stories and billy tea around a camp fire. What an experience!

http://www.hattershideout.com.au/