Month: October 2015

Random Acts of Kid-ness … Wheel of Brisbane

| Kidding Around Australia

We were so happy to hear about a Home Schooling group in Queensland who enjoy reading our posts! They are always looking for fun and educational things to try so we put our thinking caps on and came up with a Random Acts of Kid-ness that ticks all the boxes.

wheel of bris

We have a great relationship with The Wheel of Brisbane and they have generously given us two Wheel of Brisbane Ambassador Exclusive Cabin Passes for the Home Schooling kids! Not only can the kids have a great time, they can also study engineering, geography and meteorology!

I spoke with one of the parents, Katrina, who said that they “all met through Homeschool Facebook Groups, as there are a huge number of groups on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. The children still study all the same areas of the National Curriculum however they can also do external classes such as Art, Drama, Photography, Robotics/ Electronics, and Aboriginal culture from Gold Coast elders in sessions about their Art, culture and land.  There are a variety of reasons parents choose to home school their children. Some have been verbally and physically bullied at school, others have special needs and do not receive the help that they need to fit into and cope in a regular classroom setting, some children do not have special needs but may have some learning difficulties and other children have never been to a traditional school because the parents believe they can provide a better learning environment at home. From my perspective, home schooling my son has made him happier, more confident and independent. He’s thriving.”

The Wheel of Brisbane is recognised as one of the most exciting additions to the Brisbane City Skyline. With breathtaking views across the iconic Brisbane River, this must see attraction provides something for everyone, young or old, tourist or local and is a “must do” for anyone in Brisbane. All gondolas are fully enclosed and air-conditioned and seat up to 6 adults and 2 children in safety and comfort, except for the VIP gondola which seats up to 4 adults.

The Wheel of Brisbane is located in the Parklands at South Bank in the heart of Brisbane’s cultural, lifestyle and entertainment district. Cultural Forecourt, The Parklands, South Bank, Brisbane.

We can’t wait to hear about your experience kids – have a fantastic time!

MORE INFORMATION

Website: www.thewheelofbrisbane.com.au

Phone: 07 3844 3464

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If you would like to nominate yourself, or someone you know, for a Random Acts of Kid-ness please fill out the form located HERE.

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Kidding Around … Myer Giftorium

| Kidding Around Australia

Alegría and I were excited to go on a Mummy and Daughter date to the launch of Myer’s Giftorium – which is a wonderful place that has Christmas all wrapped up!

Myer Giftorium 2015

Upon arrival we were given a personalised gift bag – which, much like a kid on Christmas morning, we ripped right in to! In our gift bag we discovered toys, a custom Peanuts licensed print, a monogrammed mug, The Spirit of Christmas CD, Dilmah Tea, a leather pen, Roller Lash, gift vouchers and a personalised jar of Nutella. So. Much. Fun!

Myer giftorium

 

We were welcomed to the launch by Myer Ambassador Kris Smith who is a self-confessed “Selfie King”. I was happy to take him up on his offer – Alegría, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with him! I apologised and told him not to take it personally … to which he replied “Don’t worry, I have that affect on women”. Yeah, sure you do Kris!

Kris Smith at Myer Giftorium 2015

Exploring the entire 6th floor of Myer Melbourne is a Christmas shoppers dream! There are gifts for everyone catering for every budget, from stocking fillers to music systems and if you don’t know where to start you can book an appointment with Myer’s trained “Gifticians” who will steer you in the right direction!

Myer Giftorium 2015

Personalised gifts are definitely all the rage this festive season with everything from embossed leather goods, to embroidered Santa sacks and stockings, custom Mr Men, Little Miss and Peanuts licensed prints and the hugely popular Nutella jars.

Star Wars is set to be a popular gift choice this year – Alegría and I participated in a Jedi training at the launch, which I am sure will be a hit with the kids whilst Mum and Dad decide on gifts! We bought Isaac a Mr. Potato Head Star Wars toy as a consolation for not coming with us! Star Wars along with Build A Bear Workshops are setting up in-store pop-up shops in every Myer store.

Myer Giftorium 2015

On November 10, Jennifer Hawkins will unveil the 60th season of the Christmas windows display at Myer’s flagship Bourke St store and Santa will take up residence in Santaland. Children can meet him, have a photograph taken and tell him all the goodies on their wish list. As a bonus, there is no more waiting in line with screaming kids! You can get in early and book* your time to meet him, so you can enjoy even more fun at Santaland. The Santaland Express train is only available at Myer Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Height requirements to ride the train safely: minimum 80cm, maximum 122cm. *Photo bookings are only available at Myer Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Hobart.

The Myer Melbourne Giftorium will officially open on November 14 with performances by Dami Im and Hi5. If you are not in Melbourne, don’t worry, the Giftorium experience will be available in all 67 Myer stores nationwide.

Thank you Myer and Kids Business for inviting us – on the way home, Alegría said “I had such a fun day with you Mum. Can we go again one day?”

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MORE INFORMATION

Website: www.myer.com.au

Competition Time … CATS the Musical, Melbourne

| Kidding Around Australia

CATS Logo with backgroundDid you know that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical CATS is coming to Australia for a strictly limited season?

Following its triumphant season in London’s West End, the acclaimed revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical CATS comes to Sydney’s Capitol Theatre from 30 October, 2015.

Based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the show is set amongst a larger-than-life junkyard playground and is alive with our favourite feline characters including Rum Tum Tugger, Mr. Mistoffelees, Macavity, Jennyanydots, Old Deuteronomy, Grizabella and Skimbleshanks.

CATS, one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, received its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981 where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances.  The ground-breaking production was the winner of the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical.  In 1983 the Broadway production became the recipient of seven Tony awards including Best Musical, and ran for 18 years.

CATS is quite simply a phenomenon. Featuring a fantastical oversized set, a superb score, inspired choreography and mischievous costumes. CATS is a brilliant song and dance spectacular not to be missed and because we have two double passes to give away, you won’t have to!

We have 2 Double passes to CATS the Musical on Friday 18th December, 8pm at the Regent Theatre to give away! Tickets are valued at $119.90 per ticket, so $239.80/double pass.

TO ENTER:

  1. Like us on Facebook
  2. Like CATS The Musical on Facebook
  3. Click on this link https://gleam.io/p5LWv/cats-the-musical-melbourne-ticket-giveaway and enter your details!
Terms and Conditions
Open to residents of Victoria, Australia only.  By entering this competition, you agree to subscribe to the Kidding Around Australia mailing list, if you are not already subscribed. Your privacy is protected and you can unsubscribe at any time. By entering this competition, you are also agreeing to all other terms and conditions.
This is a game of skill not a game of chance. Entries not filling in all the required fields and answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, by a non involved party. The Judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
The winner will be drawn 02/11/15 11.59pm AEST and announced on this website. The winner will also be contacted via email. There are two (2) prizes each consisting of two (2) tickets to CATS the Musical on Friday 18th December, 8pm at the Regent Theatre. Tickets valued at $119.90 per ticket, so $239.80/double pass.
One entry per household. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash. Kidding Around Australia will not be held responsible for any loss, injury or damage that occurs in connection with the prize or the winners participation in the promotion.

MORE INFORMATION

Website www.catsthemusical.com/australia

Facebook Facebook.com/CatstheMusical

SEASON DETAILS

SYDNEY

Venue:  Capitol Theatre

Dates:  From Friday 30 October 2015

Times:   Wednesday 1pm & 8pm; Thursday 8pm; Friday 8pm; Saturday 2pm & 8 pm; Sunday 1pm & 6pm

Prices:  from $74.90 (transaction fees may apply)

Bookings:  Ticketmaster 136 100 or ticketmaster.com.au

Groups 12+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278

HOBART

Venue:  Derwent Entertainment Centre

Dates:  Thursday 10 December – Sunday 13 December 2015

Times:   Thursday 8pm; Friday 8pm; Saturday 2pm & 8 pm; Sunday 1pm & 6pm

Prices:  from $79.90 (transaction fees may apply)

Bookings:  Ticketmaster 136 100 or ticketmaster.com.au

Groups 12+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278

MELBOURNE

Venue:  Regent Theatre

Dates:  From Friday 18 December 2015

Times:   Wednesday 1pm & 8pm; Thursday 8pm; Friday 8pm; Saturday 2pm & 8 pm; Sunday 1pm & 6pm

Please note there will be no performances on Friday 25 Dec 2015   and Friday 1 January 2016

Please go to Ticketmaster for special holiday week schedules.

Prices:  from $74.90 (transaction fees may apply)

Bookings:  Ticketmaster 136 100 or ticketmaster.com.au

Groups 12+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278

BRISBANE

Venue:  Lyric Theatre, QPAC

Dates:  From Friday 29 January 2016

Times:   Wednesday 1pm & 8pm; Thursday 8pm; Friday 8pm; Saturday 2pm & 8 pm; Sunday 1pm & 6pm

Prices:  from $74.90 (transaction fees may apply)

Bookings:  QPAC 136 246 or qpac.com.au

Groups 12+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on (07) 3840 7466

ADELAIDE

Venue:  Festival Theatre

Dates:  Friday 18 March to Sunday 10 April 2016

Times:  Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday 8pm, Thursday 8pm, Friday 8pm; Saturday 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 1pm and 6pm

Prices:  from $69.90 (transaction fees may apply)

Bookings:  BASS 131 246 or bass.net.au

Groups 12+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 08 8205 2220

PERTH

Venue:   Crown Theatre

Dates:    Saturday 16 April to Sunday 8 May 2016

Times:   Wednesday 1pm & 8pm, Thursday 8pm, Friday 8pm Saturday 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 1pm and 6pm Prices:   from $74.90 (transaction fees may apply)

Bookings:   Ticketmaster 136 100 or ticketmaster.com.au

Groups 12+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278

Competition Time … Santa’s Magical Kingdom

| Kidding Around Australia

Smooth_SMK_Horiz Colour copy 2We have been eagerly awaiting Santa’s Magical Kingdom’s return to the Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne this year, as it promises to be bigger and better than ever! We are also excited that our friends in Sydney are also able to join in the magic of Christmas this year when it opens for the first time at Sydney Olympic Park.

If you are new to the world of Santa’s Magical Kingdom – it is a festive family-friendly event with tickets selling out in Melbourne for the past 3 years!

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The event includes:

• A magical Christmas walk-through wonderland

• Snowland with the all new Snow Castle

• A free gift, when you meet Santa

• A brand new International Christmas Show Spectacular

• Roving Christmas characters

• Meet the Original Snow Queen and Snow Maiden from Hans Christian Anderson

• Gingerbread Land, where you can decorate your own gingerbread man

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• Interactive Letter Writing area with Mrs Claus

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• Amusement Rides & Games, including laughing clowns, a Carousel, Santa’s Sleigh Ride, the Giant Ferris Wheel and one of the Largest Super Slides in the country!

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WE HAVE AN EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR TWO LUCKY FAMILIES!

We have one family pass to Santa’s Magical Kingdom in Melbourne (on Saturday 21st of November at 10am) and another family pass to Santa’s Magical Kingdom in Sydney (on Saturday 12 December, 6pm – 9pm)!

For your chance to win:

  1. “Like” Kidding Around Australia on FACEBOOK ;
  2. “Like” Santa’s Magical Kingdom in your city – MELBOURNE or SYDNEY ;
  3. Leave a comment on this post (this will save you time when filling out the form – you won’t have to come back!)
  4. Click on your city’s link below!

ENTER HERE FOR MELBOURNE

https://gleam.io/DB4Rp/santas-magical-kingdom-melbourne

ENTER HERE FOR SYDNEY

https://gleam.io/mBxtc/santas-magical-kingdom-Sydney

Competition closes at midnight on the 1st of November, 2015. Good Luck!

Terms and Conditions:
Open to residents of Victoria and New South Wales, Australia only.  By entering this competition, you agree to subscribe to the Kidding Around Australia mailing list, if you are not already subscribed. Your privacy is protected and you can unsubscribe at any time. By entering this competition, you are also agreeing to all other terms and conditions.
This is a game of skill not a game of chance. Entries not filling in all the required fields and answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, by a non involved party. The Judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
The winner will be drawn 02/11/15 9am AEST and announced on this website. The winner will also be contacted via email. The Prize is a family pass (4) tickets to Santa’s Magical Kingdom in Melbourne (on 21/11/15 at 10am) and Sydney (12/12/15 at 6pm).
One entry per household. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash. Kidding Around Australia will not be held responsible for any loss, injury or damage that occurs in connection with the prize or the winners participation in the promotion.

MORE INFORMATION

DATES: Melbourne 21/11/2015 – 24/12/2015 and Sydney 12/12/2015 – 24/12/2015

TICKETS: On sale now, via Ticketmaster or through the booking office, 1300 307 740.

WEBSITE: www.santasmagicalkingdom.com.au

FACEBOOK: Santa’s Magical Kingdom – Melbourne and Santa’s Magical Kingdom – Sydney

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Competition Time … Silvers Circus, New Gisborne

| Kidding Around Australia

ROLL UP, ROLL UP!

SILVERS CIRCUS IS HEADING TO NEW GISBORNE, VICTORIA

AND WE HAVE TICKETS TO GIVE AWAY!

Logo larger style Silvers Circus

For the past ten years well known and seasoned circus performers Tony Gasser has resided in Gisborne with wife Debbie and 15 year old son Jordan. 

Tony’s parents Anna & Anton Gasser own and operate Silvers Circus are looking forward to showing for the first time in their home town of Gisborne. 

They bought their property over twenty years ago and until now Silvers have never performed in Gisborne. 

Anna Gasser explains “We bought in Gisborne as it was close to Melbourne airport, the shopkeepers in the then small village were so friendly and after performing in large cities for most of the year, it was a pleasure to be able to drive to the shops without being in peak hour traffic. Yes, the town has grown since those days but we still look forward to coming home for our break each year” 

Silvers will bring their entire show to Gisborne including all the International acts like the Highwire, The Globe of Death and the Wheel of Steel.

We loved the show – you can read about it HERE and HERE!

silvers circus (1)

This competition has now closed!

Congratulations to:

Michelle Sillery, Fiona Muller and Sarah-Jane Wills!

Competition closes 11:59pm AEST Monday 12 October 2015.  Winners will be announced shortly thereafter.

Terms and Conditions:

Open to residents of Victoria, Australia only.  By entering this competition, you agree to subscribe to the Kidding Around Australia mailing list, if you are not already subscribed. Your privacy is protected and you can unsubscribe at any time. 

By entering this competition, you are also agreeing to all other terms and conditions.

This is a game of skill not a game of chance. Entries not filling in all the required fields and answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, by a non involved party. The Judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The winner will be drawn 13/10/15 at 7:00 am AEST and announced on this website. The winner will also be contacted via email.

There are three (3) prizes each consisting of four (4) tickets to the Silvers Circus, New Gisborne, Victoria valid for any show.

One entry per household. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash. Kidding Around Australia will not be held responsible for any loss, injury or damage that occurs in connection with the prize or the winners participation in the promotion.

MORE INFORMATION

Website: www.silverscircus.com.au

TOUR DATES AND TIMES

Location: Steam Park Oval, New Gisborne

Dates: Wednesday 14th October – Sunday 18th October

Tickets: Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au or call the circus direct on 0413 880 044 or  0400 456 157

Prices: Adults From $30 Child (3-12 years) From $25 Concessions from $25

SHOW TIMES

October 2015

Wednesday 14th – 7.30pm

Thursday 15th – 7.30pm

Friday 16th – 7.30pm

Saturday 17th – 1.00pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 18th – 11.00am