Matilda puts a spell on Sydney
Matilda the Musical is officially upon us, opening a whole world of magic and music to visitors to Sydney.
And to mark the occasion, there’s plenty of stuff going on in the travel industry to promote it.
First things first, Qantas has jumped on board as the official airline of Matilda the Musical, set to collaborate with Matilda and offer a broad range of packages to get people to the busy city.
On top of that, Destination NSW has launched an official guide to Sydney, especially from Matilda, which guides visitors with hints and tips on what else to check out when they visit, and hopefully extend their stay.
“Matilda is an extraordinary girl and Sydney is an extraordinary city, so it’s a perfect time for Matilda the Musical fans and travellers to book their trip to New South Wales to see the award-winning production for the first time it is seen in Australia and to experience the nation’s major events capital, Sydney,” Destination NSW’s ceo Sandra Chipchase said.
Roald Dahl’s beloved character, Matilda is an extraordinary girl with a vivid imagination and sharp mind and started sharing her story when the Royal Shakespeare Company’s musical adaptation kicked off on July 28.
So looking for a way to boost clients’ trips to Sydney, or help extend their stay a few days longer? Well look no further. Here’s your hot tips:
Matilda’s Top 5 Guide to Sydney:
1. Luna Park Sydney
The famous 1930s amusement park is a great spot for someone like Matilda to be an adventurous thrill-seeker.
Whether riding the gut-wrenching Tango Train, taking a more relaxing ride on the Ferris Wheel or learning about the heritage-listed sites’ history through an onsite tour, Luna Park Sydney is a favourite place for fun.
2. Observatory Hill
Matilda loves to escape with a great book. In Sydney, a great place to do exactly that (with a Roald Dahl classic!) is Observatory Hill, where anyone can read the afternoon away whilst enjoying the stunning Harbour view.
3. Sydney Theatre Walk
The Sydney Theatre Walk at Walsh Bay honours 22 legends of Australian stage and screen with commemorative plaques set into the paving stone along the waterfront.
Someone like Matilda would love to take a stroll and learn about local performing arts talent including Geoffrey Rush, Jacki Weaver, Cate Blanchett and of course Matilda’s composer and lyricist, Tim Minchin.
Located along Pier 2/3, be sure to walk to the end of the wharf to get a photo with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background, like the young performers playing Matilda – Molly Barwick, Sasha Rose, Georgia Taplin and Bella Thomas – did recently.
4. Sydney Museums and Libraries
Matilda has a thirst for knowledge and loves to learn so Sydney Museums and local libraries are ideal places to visit to discover Sydney’s rich history.
The Museum of Sydney, Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Justice and Police Museum or Susannah Place Museum are full of facts about Sydney’s past and present.
The State Library of NSW, the oldest library in Australia, boasts its own incredible story and is full of books from all over the world, so it’s an ideal spot for any inquisitive visitor to spend some time.
5. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Fresh air is a great way to recharge and re-fuel someone’s imagination, and a trip to Sydney is not complete without seeing the city’s iconic sandy beaches, rock pools and quiet bays. So Matilda fans should be sure to take some time for a stroll along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
While there, keep an eye out for whales that might be making their annual migration north, along the famous coastline.
Matilda fans from near and far are encouraged to book their trip to Sydney now to take advantage of Qantas Holidays’ competitive rates and offers, with flights, accommodation and show tickets starting from $535 (AUD) per person twin share.
Latest News
Luxury Travel Collection’s Nikki Glading spills all on member network perks: Travel Weekly TV
We urge you to enjoy this in true LTC style and pop a glass of bubbles with lunch today.
Auckland’s new domestic terminal comes with all the modern gadgets
Auckland Airport has revealed a first detailed look at the planned interior for the city’s future new domestic jet terminal and what it will deliver for coming generations of passengers. Expected to open by 2030 the terminal takes design cues from the Manukau Harbour and surrounding landscape include a range of modern airport services. “Easy […]
Air New Zealand crew sign up for Sign Language Week
Air New Zealand cabin crew used sign language to communicate with passengers, including signing the inflight announcements and onboard service offerings, in a world-first to mark the beginning of New Zealand Sign Language Week, from 6-12 May. Customers on NZ421 from Auckland to Wellington were also encouraged to give New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) a […]
Holland America Line’s giving one lucky winner the Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience
Holland America Line is offering a “Win The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience” as its latest incentive to lure Aussie cruisers to the northern hemisphere hotspot. One lucky winner will embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the perfectly mid-sized Koningsdam, departing from Anchorage, Alaska on August 13, 2024, and arriving in Vancouver on August 24. The […]
Tag’s Byron Carr excited about K-Pop induced Asia expansion
Carr to go all Gangnam Style with TAG's Asian expansion
CATO commemorates 25 years with anniversary dinner
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has announced its 25th Anniversary Dinner that will not only commemorate CATO’s historic milestones but will also provide an invaluable opportunity for members to network and reflect on numerous significant achievements. This prestigious event for members will be held at the Sydney Hilton Hotel on Thursday, 20 June, […]
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.
Qantas cops $100m penalty with passengers to get $20m back over cancelled flights
Qantas cops a $100m civil penalty, passengers to get back $20m over cancelled flights to resolve ACCC court battle.
Body found off Sydney Heads suspected to be missing cruiser
Tragic developments onboard Pacific Adventure this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
More for less... Great news for all apart from Wendy's wallet.
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com launches new AI feature in Aus. We're hoping AI never gets the nuance involved with writing these jokes.
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.