The Sydney Royal Easter Show 2012

An event that is truly a must for everyone in Sydney to see and experience is the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Although its roots can be traced back to 1823, it is only in 1984 that it found its home at the Sydney Olympic Park in Homebush. It is very conveniently located beside the train station. A purchase of a ticket whether online, at the station or at the gates give you free access to bus and train ride to and from the venue.

There is a showcase of the finest agriculture achievements. The most anticipated of which is The Great Backyard Pumpkin Challenge. This year's winning entry for the Giant pumpkin weighed in at 430kg - and was 30kg heavier than the runner-up.

The winner of the miniature pumpkin (which has to be ripe) won by only 2mm from the runner-up.

Another crowd drawer are the cattle. livestock and other farm animals exhibit. Visitors are allowed to pat and feed chicks, piglets, rabits and lambs. Milking cows are for the braver ones.

After some interactive time with the animals, you can still enjoy the animals as you sit back and chillax. Get really excited as you watch the polo match, the rodeo and horse jumping show.

These shows are held at the Commonwealth Bank Arena where there is live entertainment everynight and fireworks display to cap the night. This is also where the ShowTime Freestyle MotoX is at, with the 360 degree backflip with a quadbike shown for the first time this year. Below are our Showlink tickets. Couldn't wait for hubby who was about to finish work so we decided we'll just hand him his ticket over the gate when he arrives.

So far, everything I've metioned won't cost you a thing once you got in the gates. And there's more...I could still go on and on...

There's so much happening, you'll need to spend at least a whole day (and night) at the Easter Show...the sights and the sounds...and I haven't mentioned the food galore, the rides and the fanfare at the carnival. Well, the last three, of course is not included in your showlink ticket. So, you have to be ready to put some cash out. It's crazy indulging and not indulging in them.

Well, I've got to end somewhere somehow. I've got to say it's definitely the showbags that will keep you coming back for more. Here's what I grabbed from the Coca-Cola showbag I got...the smallest Coke In Can radio with earphones...

and yes, we got showbags from Glee, Dare, Pepsi-Cola, Men's Health and XBox, too. Now that's indulging... Don't miss next year's Sydney Royal Easter Show from 21st of March to 3rd of April 2013.

Parramatta Park

The park is inscribed in UNESCO's list of World Heritage. By private car, you can enter from Pitt Street or O'Connell Street. By public transport, it is accessible by taking the Parramatta Free Shuttle Bus. Below is the photo of the main entrance. Don't be overwhelmed by it's appearance. There are no guards or ticket booths at all. It is open to everyone everyday.

This gate leads you directly to the Old Government House.  It is the oldest public buiding in Australia that is still standing. From the late 17th century to early 18th century, this was the seat of the colonial government. This was both home and office to the first ten governors of Australia, Governor Arthur Philip being the first.

They charge a minimal fee of  $9 per person for a guided tour (special discounts for family and big groups apply).

Behind the Old Government House is  the Lachlan's Cafe and Restaurant with a very beautiful garden ambience.  It is available for private dining, social functions, wedding receptions and even for filming and photography venue hire. Sweet.

Around this structure is a 260 hectare haven for bikers, runners and hikers with uphill and downhill trails that run alongside the Parramatta river. It is also ideal for family picnics. Many historical and cultural events are also held here. The Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Australia Day Concert, the Carols at the Park, the Mother's Day Fun Run Classic (which I have joined for three years now) are all held here annually.

The park is also home to a recorded 120 bird species. Interestingly, there is also a place that has served as a resting place for flying foxes. I took this photo in one of my visits there around 11:00 noon just before the rain poured.

After a nice stroll and some bird watching, it's nice to enjoy some coffee or tea with a toast or sandwich to match at the Parramatta Park Cafe and Parramatta Park Event Centre. It sits right beside the riverbank where you can enjoy this nice view.