Chinese New Year Monkey’s Lift Off

From the 6^th to 21^st February, the Sydney Chinese New Year celebrates the Red Monkey. Keeping with typical, flamboyant Aussie tradition, the festival will max to new swinging heights. From tours to exhibitions, entertainment and cultural events, most being free, if you’re a huge fan of this celebratory time, then grab your banana and let’s get this blog post jumping from tree to tree.

 

The streets of Sydney are going to come alive with enormous lunar lanterns, street fairs and the traditional Dragon Boat Race on the Harbour. They’re 12 metres long with up to 20 paddlers so you absolutely won’t miss them and their beating drums. The event comes with 80 attractions, yes 80, and the website includes a full calendar of what’s on every single day. From Lunar Lanterns of the Horse, star attraction Monkey, Rabbit and Tiger, if you’re visiting the city for only a few days during this time, you’ll be entertained to the hilt.

Also make a note of the starting date on the 6^th where you can enjoy the Chinese Garden Highlights tour, Lion Dance and Kids at the Arthouse. Following this is the Outdoor Fair, Yin and Yang of the Monkey, Children’s Day and Kensington Street’s Chinese New Year Celebration.  

 

On the 10^th is the Chinatown Historical Walking Tours, Legend of Qin Dynasty:Shaanxi followed by the 12^th with a Red Fire Monkey Banquet. Other attractions we’re keen for you to check out are the Australian Chinese Brush Painting Society expo, Chinese Cultural Folk Dance Seminar and Monkey Tales (or Tails?). How about all visitors coming to the city around the 20^th? You can wow over the One Hundred Names in Tofu, Wushu Workshop, Poon Choy Feast and Chinese Tea Ceremonies & Tastings. 

The website also features an ‘Our Pics’ page for specific personalities such as the Freebies, Most Popular and the fantastic ‘Hipsters’ categories. If you’re really going to venture right into the culture of the city, check out For The Brave featuring Dames of Thrones Burlesque Show, Slide The City (water included) and Speed Dating (32-42 year olds). Want to veer off the beaten track, learn the Art of Taxidermy, Sound of Music Singalong or Risque Revue. For all Brits or lovers of British comedy, way past the expiration celebration dates, how about booking yourselves into Faulty Towers: Dining Experience. Don’t presume you’ll get seated, served or receive anything you ordered from the menu.

As all the events are taking place downtown, dodge the water attractions, plop yourself on a ferry and within 10 minutes, you can be back at Cremorne Point. There’s no monkey business about our hotel, it’s all straight up serenity and stunning Harbour views. With the king of the jungle nearby at Taronga Zoo, you may hear the lions roar at night from Cremorne Point Manor, competing with the roosters who are lined up for 2017, as your personal alarm clock.