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Australia Day Fireworks in Sydney – 2015

What would Australia Day be without fireworks? We know how important it is for you to have the best Australia Day possible that’s why we have all the information you need to plan your night with the family or friends to see what tourists flock in their thousands to see on our Sydney harbour foreshore.

Darling Harbour’s Cockle Bay plays host to the Australia Day Fireworks in 2015 – with the event being called the Australia Day Spectacular. The whole Darling Harbour area is involved to create an inspiring multi-media and fireworks display which serves as a fitting finale to national celebrations. This year, international DJ sensation Havana Brown will be providing the music live on stage in the Darling Quarter Precinct followed by a special concert by various acts.

Pyrotechnics, light and laser technology and specially created buoyant sculptures will serve as the backbone to support the main fireworks display with this year more fireworks being used than ever from special positions in Tumbalong Park and across rooftops around Darling Harbour – bringing the show closer to Sydneysiders than ever before.

Food and drinks will be available from various venues and alcohol is not permitted except for licensed venues. There is a full ban on glass and in the event of rain – the performance will go ahead regardless. The Australia Day Spectacular will commence at 7pm and end at 9:15pm with fireworks a chance of occurring in the last half hour of the show. We would advise that the best place to watch the fireworks in Sydney would be Cockle Bay Wharf but to arrive at the venue early to avoid disappointment as crowd numbers are expected to be quite large.

Public transport is the best method of accessing the venue with vantage points being an easy 5-10 minute walk from Pitt St Mall. Light rail is also available to Darling Harbor from Central Station and ferries stop at King Street and Pyrmont Bay Wharves on a regular basis. If driving is a must – there are a number of carparks in the area but hourly charges are in excess of $10 per hour at most venues.

April 25, 2015 | admin-lst

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Australia Day at the Rocks – 2015

Only being five minutes walk away, Pitt St Mall is extremely close to The Rocks on Sydney’s harbour foreshore which proves to be a favourite with locals and tourists alike on Australia Day – here’s why!

Free croquet, beautiful scenic ocean views and live music by local talent make the Rocks unbeatable on one of Australia’s rare public holidays. Events run by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority operate from 10am-6pm in George St, First Fleet Park and Atherden Street.

On Playfair Street, George St and Jack Mundey Place – the Rocks Market will reopen for the third day in the row to provide wonderful examples of locally designed fashion, jewellery and unique Australia art. There will also be food vendors and fresh produce available for sale not just from Australia but from around the world – trust us when we say your taste buds will thank you for coming!

On The Green at First Fleet Park will be a barefoot music spectacular featuring home-grown artists such as Indigenous signer and songwriter Benny Walker, Lolo Lovina, The Bombay Royale and Dustin Tebbutt. The artists demanded beer on tap to keep their thirst quenched throughout the day and you also can benefit with hand-craft beer and ciders being served all day long at The Rocks Brewing open air bar.

In Atherden Street, The Laneway provides another set of live acts of a different variety with singers and songwriters drawing inspiration from the cobbled street pavements and ageing aesthetics of the venue, located in the very heart of The Rocks. Artists include Little May – a fresh indie act with elements of folk music and contemporary sounds, Winterbourne – a Central Coast folk rock duo and the Lulu Raes – a Motown inspired pop ‘n’ roll band from the inner city.

Finally The Common on George St is where the party is at – with Astroturf being rolled out to facilitate a live countdown of Triple J’s Hottest 100 – with the Pit Stop featuring live beat boxers and DJs who are sure to keep the crowd entertained as we look for Australia’s favourite song.

Pitt St Mall is the perfect place to come to for a break before the Australia Day fireworks and also with many stores embracing the Australian spirit – you should be able to find some unique items at bargain prices!

April 25, 2015 | admin-lst

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Snag Stand – Sydney’s Best Hot Dogs

Snag Stand – Sydney’s Best Hot Dogs

Snag Stand is hands down the best place to get a hotdog in Sydney!

Word has spread quickly about Snag Stand and for good reason – with the store in Westfield at Pitt Street Mall proving to a new local hotspot for a quick bite to eat! One taste of their devilishly delicious hotdogs and you might join hundreds of other Sydneysiders who are hooked!

Snag Stand lives up to the hype, and there are many things to love about it!

Firstly, their hotdogs are superb – especially their best-selling Wagyu Beef hotdog which almost begs to be devoured. Other bestsellers are the Horseradish Beef, Toulouse and Spicy Spanish Chorizo varieties. In fact, almost every item on their menu is completely mouth watering, from the chicken hotdogs to the lamb, pork and vegetable varieties.

They sell hotdogs, yes. But these are not your typical sausages – these are ‘haute dogs’. Snag Stand adds a unique gourmet twist to their products, serving customers a delightful gastronomic experience in every bun. The grilled hotdogs are juicy and bursting with flavour with all the condiments and spices combing to melt on the palette. On top of that, they have a selection of awesome dipping sauces along with perfectly crisp chips on the side.

A hotdog for $11 might seem a tad pricey, but given the other food prices in Pitt St Mall and the surrounding Sydney streets – it isn’t really that bad! Once you taste the hotdogs, you surely will agree that the Snag Stand experience is totally worth the price.

If you are on a special diet and hotdogs are a no-go, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. You won’t feel guilty about stuffing your face with hotdogs from Snag Stand because a. they are 100% gluten free and b. they are made with natural ingredients.

Who would have thought hotdogs can be healthy? Well, Snag Stand definitely has found the magic formula – we should tell some of our baseball loving friends in the US! Their hotdogs are handmade from lean, low-fat meat and stuffed in natural casings. On top of that, their sausages have no artificial colour or flavourings in them. It’s pure meaty goodness.

So if you want something healthy yet filling, then head over to the Upper Food Court on Level 5 of Westfield the next time you visit Pitt Street Mall in Sydney.

There is usually a long line, especially around lunchtime during workdays, but don’t be intimidated by the crowd! Snag Stand keeps those dogs flowing, so your grumbling stomach won’t have to wait too long.

Whether you are a foodie or not, gourmet hotdogs at Snag Stand are definitely a must try for you.

April 25, 2015 | admin-lst

Witchery Sydney – Variety at a Great Price

Variety, quality and great promotions – three things you can expect from Witchery!

Witchery is an Australian brand that plays at par with high-end global brand names in the fashion game. In fact, Witchery is not just a follower but a trendsetter in global fashion. They stay ahead of their game by offering new styles and cuts you won’t find elsewhere and they regularly add new items to their collection to give themselves the creative edge. It’s a fashion mecca for ladies, men and kids – who are looking to express their own unique taste

But don’t be intimidated. Trendy clothing is not all there is to the brand. Witchery also stocks fashion must-haves, which are well fitting and flattering on any body type.

Another thing you will love about Witchery at Pitt St Mall is the huge variety of clothing they have in store. From everyday outfits to eveningwear, they have everything you need in one convenient shopping spot. Witchery also has a makeup line which will allow you to complete any look you want.

Shopping at Witchery Sydney is always a delight. Their store at our own Pitt Street Mall in Sydney’s CBD is always well presented. The displays are as elegant as the store itself. With clothing, bags, shoes and accessories neatly displayed, it is easy to browse and everything is within easy reach. As you enter the shop, you will see displays of their newest collections with matching accessories. Witchery changes these displays on a regular basis to give shoppers inspiration for mixing and matching pieces.

Although most of their clothes lean more on the elegant, chic side – Witchery has nailed that sweet spot between classic and funky. On top of that, they have a rainbow of stylish colours to choose from.

The Witchery store at Pitt Street is spacious, so you can roam around the shop with ease. It can get a little crowded at times but their changing rooms are clean and their friendly staff are more than happy to assist at all times so it is definitely worth wait!

You might find some of their prices are a touch more expensive than other stores in the Mall but their clothes definitely make the expenditure worthwhile. To reward its loyal customers, Witchery offers great promotions and discounts on a regular basis. For instance, a minimum purchase of $150 will allow you to become a member and get $15 off your next purchase. You can also get $20 worth of store credit on your birthday and a $100 voucher for a total spend of $1000 in a year.

Witchery has an online shop as well, which is easy to navigate and offers great fashion tips. You can use it for when you want to check new items or get outfit ideas. They also offer fantastic sales and deals online.

Nevertheless, nothing compares to an actual shopping experience, where you can feel the actual fabric in your hands and see how a particular dress or shirt looks when you try it on in person. So if you want to try on the elegance and glam of Witchery collections, please visit them at our Pitt Street Mall in Sydney

April 25, 2015 | admin-lst

Uniqlo Sydney – Bargains at Rock Bottom Prices

Uniqlo Sydney – Bargains at Rock Bottom Prices

Uniqlo in Pitt St Mall is a treasure trove for fashion staples.

Buying new clothes for your wardrobe is all about finding the perfect fit at the right price. After all, who would want to spend an awful lot of money on basic tees, sweatshirts and pants? Unfortunately, not too many stores in Sydney offered great quality at a great price – until Uniqlo came along.

While the Japanese clothing brand has been around for a few years, the first store in Sydney opened recently in November 2014. Their store at the MidCity centre in Pitt St Mall attracts hundreds of shoppers looking for great buys. Here are three things you can find at Uniqlo in Pitt St:

1. Fantastic quality and fit

The clothes at Uniqlo are generally simple and casual, but what they lack in style they more than make up for in quality and fit. The brand focuses more on fabric rather than fashion. Their clothes feel great to the touch and are flattering for all figures. And since they offer only the essential items like basic tees, knitwear and tunics, they make up for their lack of selection by offering each clothing style in almost every colour imaginable and also in different fabrics.

If you visit their store at the Pitt St Mall in Sydney CBD, you can see over 50 colours of the same shirt on the floor. Some people might still prefer the more classic hues but still the wide range available, Uniqlo ensures there is always something for everyone.

Uniqlo also gives shoppers a wee bit more for their money by offering quality features in their clothing that are hard to come by at a similar price- these include special characteristics like dry fit, odour proofing and super lightweight materials.

2. Range of sizing options

True to their promise, Uniqlo’s clothing is made for everyone. Since their clothes are manufactured in Japan, they come in one size smaller than most American apparel which makes them a great option for people who find smaller or tight fitting clothes a better option. Uniqlo proves to be a favourite for petite women in Sydney, who would often need to resort to shopping at the kids’ section of boutiques or department stores.

3. Pocket-friendly prices

The superb quality and sizing options already make Uniqlo clothes a great bargain, but the affordable prices just put the icing on the cake. You can buy certain items at a fraction of what their price would be at higher-end retailers. For instance, Uniqlo’s selvedge jeans are priced at $59.50, while a similar pair of jeans at the Sydney Gap store cost around $90.

If you are finding time finding things to wear everyday but don’t want to burn a hole in your wallet then do yourself a favour and drop by the Uniqlo store at Pitt St Mall to stock your wardrobe at a fraction of the price.

April 25, 2015 | admin-lst

The Epic Lego Christmas Tree at Pitt Street Mall Just Made the Holidays a Whole Lot Better

A breathtaking Christmas tree built entirely of LEGO bricks has come to life at Sydney’s Pitt Street Mall.

The tree did not magically appear overnight though! The awe-inspiring LEGO installation took 1,200 hours, five people, and half of a million bricks to complete. At 10 metres high, it stands as the tallest LEGO tree in the Southern Hemisphere and has been featured on blogs, news and social media all around the world.

Huge candy canes and baubles the size of basketballs adorn the Lego Christmas tree, while a nutcracker, a life-sized Santa with a surfboard, and a sleigh filled with gifts surround it. The impressive tree stops people in their tracks and puts them in a festive mood, especially at night when it lights up and blinks cheerfully to the rhythm of Christmas carols. It also brings a special Christmas cheer to Pitt St and the Pitt St Mall area – with the tree providing a beautiful festive contrast to the countless office megastructures and skyscrapers which surround the mall.

The tree was built especially for Australian LEGO fans with visitors from all over Sydney coming to catch a glimpse. In fact, the tree also features a koala providing that unique Aussie touch.

Lego senior manager Dale Chassy called upon Australia’s LEGO certified professional, Ryan McNaught, to work on the project. Also famously known as ‘The Brickman’, McNaught has also recently built a 70,000-brick model of the Melbourne Cricket Stadium and a model of the Sydney Opera House. However, the Christmas tree at Pitt St Mall is his biggest project so far.

McNaught also added special touches to the LEGO tree that visitors can see on closer inspection. He is hoping that his model will serve to inspire fans to make their own LEGO memories – especially those of us who are young enough to belief in Santa Claus.

November 27 marked the official unveiling of the LEGO Christmas tree at Pitt Street Mall, which was preceded by a special musical performance by the Sydney Philharmonic Choir. The tree has nightly light shows, and it will remain there for public enjoyment until December 27.

In addition, there are also a number of attractions that visitors can see, including a series of free concerts, fireworks, elaborate decorations, and a special appearance by Santa himself, which are all part of wider holiday celebrations in Sydney.

Watch how the majestic LEGO Christmas tree came to life in this 53-second video:

April 25, 2015 | admin-lst

Surf Dive ‘n’ Ski Review

Surf Dive ‘n’ Ski Review

As the name suggests, Surf Dive ‘n’ Ski (“SDS”) stocks a selection of clothing brands for surfing, in-line skating, skateboarding, and skiing – and serves as one of Australia’s leading retail chains in this space. Billabong, Quiksilver, Rusty, Insight, Von Zipper, Seafolly and Havaianas are only some of the prestigious brands that Surf Dive ‘n’ Ski carries in its store in Pitt St Mall.

SDS has become a household name for three main reasons: style, quality, and great service and is one of the most popular stores in Pitt St Mall for Sydney’s youngest generation of shoppers.

Since it was founded in 1964, Surf Dive ‘n’ Ski has been the go-to retail store for fashionable, high-quality streetwear, swimwear, and activewear. SDS now has over 40 stores across Australia, making it easier for customers to access the latest range of women’s tops, bikinis, tees, dresses, jeans, skirts, boardshorts, bags, shoes, and accessories. They also have fantastic selections for men and kids, as well.

Besides clothing, SDS Pitt St Mall offers a variety of sporting goods, such as surfboards, skateboards, cruiser boards, snowboards, wet suits, tail pads, surf wax, leg ropes, and fins – virtually everything you need is here.

Like its brick-and-mortar stores, Surf Dive ‘n’ Ski’s online store is also great. Products are organised into many different categories, so it is very easy to navigate. Here, you’ll also find discount offers and sale items on a regular basis.

Probably the best thing about the website is that it doesn’t require you to register at checkout, unlike many other online sites – with express delivery for free on purchases over $25.

In-store, the staff at SDS Sydney make shopping convenient and fast. There is no such thing as a line – with the only waits coming during the Christmas and Boxing day period, where crowds are a nightmare for most retail outlets until the New Year. The fitting rooms are located at the rear of the women’s fashion aisle – with staff being generous in relation to the number of items customers can bring in simultaneously – allowing shoppers to try a number of unique combinations of clothes and accessories pror to purchase.

The next time you need to shop for streetwear or surf-inspired clothing, it is definitely worth visiting the Sydney SDS Store in Pitt St Mall – who knows you may pick up a bargain!

April 25, 2015 | admin-lst

Zara Review

Zara Review

Hailed as one of world’s biggest fashion icons, Zara is a brand that stands out from the crowd.

Despite coming to Pitt St Mall only a short time ago, Zara has already made its mark amongst shoppers. Despite its largely avant-garde collection, the Sydney Zara store not only caters to the fashion-obsessed but also to those who are more comfortable with wearing most conservative pieces. Every Zara piece bears a signature appeal that makes it, without fail, a standout purchase. That’s why Zara has consistently been the go-to store for both the basics and trendy buys in both the winter and summer seasons.

What makes Zara so appealing to millions of people is that it offers great quality at a surprisingly budget friendly price point. This has also made it popular amongst Sydney shoppers who want to look good but without paying an arm and a leg.

Even in Pitt St Mall or the surrounding CBD shops – not many brands offer the same quality for such low prices. With prices that range from $15 to $300, Zara’s collection works for shoppers with a variety of budgets.

Despite its affordability, many celebrities and high-profile personalities, including the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and reality star Kim Kardashian, have been spotted sporting the brand and mixing it with other luxury shoes and jewellery. They are “walking endorsements” which showcase the versatility of Zara’s extensive collections.

Although we don’t have to many A-list celebrities in Sydney – by visiting the Pitt St store you can have your own small taste of the celebrity life – with Zara stocking many of the same items worn by the rich and famous in the Sydney outlet.

In terms of style and durability, the clothing and accessories from Zara stand the test of time. Unlike many trendy pieces that only last for a season, most items from Zara can be easily mixed and matched with other pieces to create ensembles that remain en vogue for years.

Browsing the aisles of a Zara store is always a joy. Whether you are looking for wardrobe staples or new items to experiment with, Zara stores are a treasure trove of great buys and beautiful styles. In the Sydney store, the displays normally change twice a week, which means you always have something new to look forward to seeing every few days – enabling you to stay ahead of the latest trends and keep a constant eye on your level of ‘swag.’

Shopping online at Zara.com is also fantastic, especially if travelling to the Sydney Store is too far or if parking in Pitt St is inconvenient. Aside from great deals, the site provides up-to-date fashion inspiration right at your fingertips. Best of all, with Zara’s free shipping and fast delivery service, your purchase arrives at your doorstep in no time.

Visit Zara Pitt St Mall today to get a small taste of the glam-life, at only a small expense to your back pocket – with Zara truly being one of Sydney’s newest fashion hotspots.

April 25, 2015 | admin-lst

LEGO Christmas tree and Magical Christmas Light Forest installation light up Pitt Street Mall

A spectaclar line up of light projections, installations and events is set to light up the Pitt Street Mall for the 2014 holiday season as part of the Sydney Christmas festival. A magical Christmas Light Forest installation is captivating shoppers with a virtual forest of ‘trees’ in spectacular changing colours. Created by using thousands of special LED lights, the tree canopy is suspended along the length of the mall and appears to float and undulate as if by magic. In line with recent international trends towards more interactive experiences, this event also offers the opportunity for crowd participation with a free smartphone app allowing users to play with the sequence of colours for some free holiday fun and then share their experiences with the hashtag #sydxmas.

In another first for 2014, dazzling new digital light projections will transform the facades of buildings after dark at the Pitt Street Mall’s King Street entrance into spectacular vivid dreamscapes. This is a new addition to the City of Sydney’s Christmas Projections which also includes the dramatic projections on the Town Hall façade and likewise should become an unmissable highlight of the festival. Another ‘must see’ at the Mall this year is the spectaclular LEGO Christmas tree in front of Westfields, built completely from LEGO bricks with its own Santa and Sleigh, it will also feature a nightly lightshow set to all your favourite carols from 8pm onwards. Setting a record for the largest LEGO Christmas tree in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s a marvel to behold and sure to delight the kids as well as the kid in all of us. To bring even more Christmas cheer to holiday shoppers, there will also be Carols at the Pitt Street Mall every Thursday evening with a schedule of groups performing between 6-8pm.

Many more light installations, decorations and events are planned to illuminate the streets of the city centre as part of this year’s Sydney Christmas festival series of events. This season sees the return of the popular Martin Place Christmas Tree which is also encouraging participation with a new jump-on interactive dance pad that can change the tree’s colours. You can also interact with it by sending messages by text to 0427840851 or #sydxmastree that will then appear on the tree’s branches for everyone to see. Also at Martin Place, a new ‘Street Light Disco’ transforms the promendade with shimmering banners creating a mirror ball effect of sparkling light. This new initiative has been developed through Art & About Sydney as a joint initiative by City of Sydney and Office Feuerman design to jazz up the festive atmosphere so there’s never been a better excuse to get into the season’s spirit. With all these events and attractions within walking distance, why not make a night of it?

The festival is being produced by the experienced event team at Sydney of City, who are also responsible for producing such successful and popular events such as Sydney’s New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year festivals with the talented Gil Minervini as its creative director. Minervini has announced the overiding theme for the City’s Christmas decorations and events to be the Christmas Tree, “the evergreen symbol of celebration, life and giving.” This theme will be developed over the next three years to transform a different area of the City each year and form a cohesive narrative for the events. As a result, this evolving festival of light and celebration seems destined to grow in popularity in line with the City’s other succesful events and perhaps become as iconic as making the annual pilgrimage to see the Christmas window displays once was.

Post by City of Sydney.

April 25, 2015 | admin-lst