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SYDNEY HOSTEL NEWS 1 JUNE

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -1100

Even though Winter has started Sydney still hosts some great FREE events..

Manly Food and Wine Festival is on this weekend Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th on The Corso and continues down to the beachfront. Starts 11.30am to 5pm daily. The best way to get to Manly is on the Ferry, which you can catch from Circular Quay.

VIVIDSydney is still happening from now until 14 June click here for more information

JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL DARLING HARBOUR SYDNEY - this weekend, and its FREE

Sydney Sports -

NRL

STATE OF ORIGIN RUGBY LEAGUE WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 8pm!! Its billed as the best game of Rugby League in the WORLD!!!

Tigers vs Panthers at Leichhardt Oval Friday 5th 7.30pm

Sea Eagles vs Roosters at Brookvale Oval Saturday 6th 5.30pm (check it out after the Food and Wine Festival!)

Sydney Weather -

MON	Showers Late. Afternoon Clouds. Mild.	18
TUE	A Few Showers. Cloudy. Cool.	17
WED	Numerous Showers. Morning Clouds. Mild.	18
THU	Light Rain Early. Mostly Cloudy. Mild.	21
FRI	Partly Cloudy. Mild.	20
SAT	Showers Late. Afternoon Clouds. Mild.	19
SUN	Showers Early. Morning Clouds. Mild.	17

Vivid Festival Sydney

Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 -1100

After such a succesful year last year VIVID festival Sydney is back - bigger and better! From 27th May to 13th June Sydney will be lit up and glowing with pride. The Opera House will be transformed into a massive canvas and alley ways will be reborn.

The Opera House sails will be lit up every night at 6pm.

From 7pm catch the firey show Fire Dance at Campbells cove. You will experience the magic of 40 jets of flames higher than a three-story house explode 5 times a night.

The Jolly Swagman budget accommodation Sydney is the perfect place to stay to explore the festival. For Vivid accommodation we offer private rooms and dorms an excellent option for a weekend getaway.

HOSTEL SYDNEY NEWS MAY 11

Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 -1100

Sydney has a massive selection of markets to choose from, this is a great way to spend the day.. so even if your not wanting to buy you can still browse the stalls and check out the homemade projects or second-hand gizmos. I really enjoy the Glebe markets on a sunny Saturday, its quirky and you'll always stumble across something strange and artsy! I've listed some that you should check out..

Paddington Markets - Every Saturday 10am to 4pm

Glebe Markets - Every Saturday 10am to 4pm

The Rocks Markets - Every Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm

Bondi Markets - Every Sunday 10am to 4pm

Balmain Markets - Every Saturday 8.30am to 4.30pm

SPORT NEWS-

This weeks NRL and AFL fix

Spend your Saturday arvo at the Footy - NRL Roosters vs Knights Sydney Football Stadium 5.30pm AFL Sydney Swans vs West Coast ANZ Stadium 7pm

Or finish your weekend off at the Footy - NRL Wests Tigers vs Rabbitohs Sydney Cricket Ground 3pm

Beautiful Autumn Weather

MON		Partly Cloudy. Mild.
TUE		Mostly Sunny. Mild.
WED		Mostly Sunny. Mild.
THU		Mostly Sunny. Mild.
FRI		Mostly Sunny. Mild.
SAT		Mostly Sunny. Mild.
SUN		High Level Clouds. Mild.

Make the most of this glorious weather and join a day tour! Click here for more information..

JOLLY SWAGMAN BACKPACKERS SYDNEY HOSTEL NEWS 24/07/2010

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -1100

THIS WEEK AT THE JOLLY SWAGMAN BACKPACKERS SYDNEY HOSTEL:

We were fortunate enough this week to finally have the common area's toilets opened! The upgraded and brand spanking new facilities look amazing and are here for your enjoyment- a gentle reminder to our gentlemen guests if they sprinkle when they tinkle to please be neat and wipe the seat- remember they are unisex!

THIS WEEK IN SYDNEY:

For a great, seedy but fun night out that is low cost and thoroughly local, why not hit up the Wentworth park Greyhound races (the dogs- or ‘dishlickers')!

It includes TAB greyhound racing with totalizator and bookmaker betting located at Wentworth Park Road, Glebe. Every Friday and Saturday night has 10 races, its fun for all with full bar and catering facilities. Plenty of parking in adjacent Council car park (fee applies) if you have the camper vans, the carpark in itself is quite a spectacle with all the trainers getting their dogs psyched up!

SYDNEY TIP OF THE WEEK:

Have you purchased a VIP card yet? Available at reception for only $37, this card is a must for any serious backpacker. It includes hostel discounts at thousands of premises across Australia, Fiji and NZ as well as a points reward scheme, a concession pass for coaches and non-local trains as well as a FREE 500KM GREYHOUND BUS PASS!

Get yours today!

SYDNEY WEATHER:

Cloudy today (Saturday) but still topping a balmy 18 degrees celcius. Rain is forecasted for Sunday, clearing on Tuesday for a pretty much cloudy week with tops of 17 degrees celcius.

DID YOU KNOW?:

For those who cannot quite afford to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge "Bridge Climb", you can also do the pylon climb for a fraction of the price, which affords equally spectacular views. If you climb it think of the French man who once in the 1970's illegally set up a tightrope across the two structures and walked across without safety!

Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel, 27 Orwell Street, Kings Cross, NSW 2011
SKYPE: Jolly.swagman.backpackers | E: stay@jollyswagman.com.au | PH: (02) 9358 6400
FREECALL: 1800 805 870

JOLLY SWAGMAN BACKPACKERS SYDNEY HOSTEL NEWS 10/07/2010

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -1100

THIS WEEK AT THE JOLLY SWAGMAN SYDNEY BACKPACKERS HOSTEL:

With such a large European clientele, the Swagman family has certainly been hard hit by World Cup fever, especially with the nail biting grand final on the way!

To experience it at its Sydney best, why not head down to the SYdney FIFA Fan fest at Darling Hrabour, where four giant screens will broadcast live all 64 games of the FIFA 2010 World Cup - over the four week Sydney International FIFA Fan Fest - sponsored by the NSW Government. Sydney is one of six official international host sites and the only city in the Asia-Pacific. The other exclusive hosts are: Paris, Rome, Berlin, Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro.

The four screens - three on floating stages - will be set up at Cockle Bay and one in Tumbalong Park and will give football fans round the clock coverage of the FIFA World Cup - from Friday 11 June to Monday 12 July. The screens - up to 9.6 by 6 metres in size - will also beam back to world images of Sydney - its fans, performances and events. It is all part of an exciting schedule of events arranged by the NSW Government, and there's no better way to experience it other than at sydney's own darling harbour!

THIS WEEK IN SYDNEY:

With more moiserable wintery rain on the way by the end of the week it may be time to take another look at Sydney's fanitastic indoor attractions. Art lovers will love discovering the work of the most influential artists of the modern era and how they changed the course of art forever in the Art Gallery of NSW's Paths to Abstraction Exhibition.

Experimenting with colour and form, these artists explored exciting new ways of seeing and imagining. This major exhibition of over 150 paintings, drawings and prints reveals how abstract art emerged around the world. Best of all, its just minutes away from the Jolly Swagman.

SYDNEY WEATHER:

Looking forward to sunshine after a few cloudy days early in the week. Top temperature 18 degrees celcius, with a wintery chill settling in through by the end of the week and, sadly, more rain by the end.

SYDNEY TIP OF THE WEEK:

Have you purchased a VIP card yet? Available at reception for only $38, this card is a must for any serious backpacker. It includes hostel discounts at thousands of premises across Australia, Fiji and NZ as well as a points reward scheme, a concession pass for coaches and non-local trains as well as a FREE 500KM GREYHOUND BUS PASS!

Get yours today!

DID YOU KNOW?:

The kangaroo and emu are featured on the Australian Coat of Arms as a symbolism for prosperity as neither of them can walk backwards. Ironically, they can both be eaten and their meets feature in the delicacy known as "coat of arms sausages".

Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel, 27 Orwell Street, Kings Cross, NSW 2011
SKYPE: Jolly.swagman.backpackers | E: stay@jollyswagman.com.au | PH: (02) 9358 6400
FREECALL: 1800 805 870

JOLLY SWAGMAN BACKPACKERS SYDNEY HOSTEL NEWS 26/06/2010

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -1100

THIS WEEK AT THE JOLLY SWAGMAN:

Did you know that the Jolly Swagman reception now has mobile phone handsets for sale? For just a bargain rate of $50, you get a quality colour handset with 3G web browsing, a 2 Megapixel camera, as well as stereo Bluetooth connectivity.

And with Virgin Mobile recharge cards also available as well as free Sim cards which staff pre register before your arrival, rest assured that the Swagman has all of your Australian telephone and calling needs covered even before you arrive!

THIS WEEK IN SYDNEY:

A new tour company, Peek Tours, is operating FREE WALKING TOURS of Sydney daily. And best of all, they come to the Swagman daily at 9am to pick you up! The 3 hour walking tour takes you through the heart of Sydney.

Explore the city's rich Aboriginal, convict and colonial past with our unique guiding style of combining history and entertainment. Expert guides will take you places where buses simply can't go, as they invoke a Sydney you couldn't find on your own. You'll also pick up some great tips on eating, drinking and experiencing Sydney from those who live it.

How is it free? The way the tour works is after going on it, you then decide yourself how much it was worth; and tip the guide accordingly. Simple!

SYDNEY WEATHER:

Some light but clearing showers predicted for the latter days of the week; Min 9 degrees Max 16.

Tuesday despite thunderstorms is set to be a scorcher (well, for this time of year...).

DID YOU KNOW?:

The Prime Minister Leadership swap this week brought Julia Gillard to power, who is made history as being Australia's first female prime minister. Aside from also being the first prime minister to never marry, Sydney-siders now have a female Prime Minister, Governor, Governor General, Premier and Lord Mayor. Who said the world doesn't need a woman's touch!

Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel, 27 Orwell Street, Kings Cross, NSW 2011
SKYPE: Jolly.swagman.backpackers | E: stay@jollyswagman.com.au | PH: (02) 9358 6400
FREECALL: 1800 805 870

JOLLY SWAGMAN BACKPACKERS SYDNEY HOSTEL NEWS 20/06/2010

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -1100

THIS WEEK AT THE JOLLY SWAGMAN:

A big welcome to the Swagman's new entertainment manager! Toby assures us he looks forward to collaborating with the Swagman's other entertainment managers to provide guests with the best entertainment and social programs yet- this week guests enjoyed free entry and a free bar tab at the World Bar's most exclusive level. Teapots, live music and followed by a trip to the empire hotel, it was certainly a memorable (or imbibously forgetful) night out!

An enhanced entertainment program is just part of the plan to provide guests with a more enjoyable and comfortable stay; this was introduced inline with the hostel fastening the alcohol tolerance belt up another notch: the swagman's common areas are now alcohol free zones between the hours of 1am and 12 noon, with alcohol being completely banned at all times outside the front of the hostel as well as tables and chairs being packed up at 7:30pm. Please contact reception should you have any more questions.

THIS WEEK IN SYDNEY:

For backpackers on a budget, never fear- Sydney has plenty to do for free which will keep you both entertained and fugal. The best way to appreciate the city centre and its architecture is to walk the streets and laneways. Stop in one of the many parks for a rest or enjoy a break at a sidewalk cafe. Listed below are some of the many attractions you might consider visiting. Here are some of our favourites:

Anzac War Memorial
This Art Deco memorial is a tribute to those who died during World War I. The memorial was built using pink stone and is decorated with poignant sculptures.
Hyde Park South,
Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 1am-4pm

Art Gallery of NSW
Some of Australia's finest artists have their work on display here. The Aboriginal material is an exciting part of an interesting collection which includes Asian and European art. There is always a program of special exhibitions.
Daily 10am-5pm, Wednesday until 9pm

SYDNEY WEATHER:

A sunny weekend followed by showers developing early on in the week, to remain for most of it. Tops of 19 degrees, minimum 9 Celsius.

DID YOU KNOW?:

The Fish Markets of Sydney rank as the 2nd largest in the world, in terms of variety- and its well worth a visit, the spectacle makes for a fascinating day out even for those who aren't really into seafood.

This is second in size only second to the Tsukiji Fish Markets in Tokyo, Japan!

It is located in Pyrmont, just a stones throw away from Darling Harbour.

JOLLY SWAGMAN BACKPACKERS SYDNEY HOSTEL NEWS 05/06/2010

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -1100

THIS WEEK AT THE JOLLY SWAGMAN:

A select pair of the Jolly's most esteemed staff members attended a very useful travel forum at Base Backpackers in the city last Thursday, explaining all about exciting package deals and products for everyone travelling round Australia and the pacific.

Always remember that the jolly reception is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all of your travel needs where you can purchase fantastic packages specifically created for those who want to have a big time on a small budget, or simply just enquire about bus tickets and accommodation deals anywhere in Australia.

Exciting new products presented at the travel road show included MojoSurf- an amazing surf safari experience to camp-X on the NSW North Coast where you can enjoy a surf lesson in the morning with a professional instructor and all wet gear; chill in the afternoon around the campsite jam packed with activities such as kayaking, bushwalking and more, before partying at night "festival" style with DJ's on the beachfront.

Afterwards, continue up the east coast to Byron Bay and join a Grasshoppers Tour of Nimbin! For only $60 you get free pick up from Byron, lunch, waterfall swimming, pub visit and a tour of the famous hippie town: definitely a recipe for a high time! (and if it isn't, try a muffin or two...).

Be it finishing with sailing around the Whitsundays or skydiving or Cairns, we can even assist with your travel needs in New Zealand, with the best tours from the truest locals at the lowest prices.

THIS WEEK IN SYDNEY:

Have you seen the "Sydney Lights" yet? You may be wondering why the city skyline and opera house are evocatively lit up at night- the answer is its all part of the Vivid festival of "light music and ideas". But to get a condensed performance of all the best bits, book yourself in for a night of culture at the Opera House for Vivid LIVE, an artist-curated winter festival. In 2010 it will be led by two of America's most influential artists - rock musician Lou Reed and performance artist and musician Laurie Anderson. The two week festival will run from 27 May - 11 June and will feature a program of music, theatre and visual art which offers bold visions of contemporary American life and celebrates fearless innovation and ambition. The festival will continue to build on the worldwide recognition and acclaim of Brian Eno's Luminous in 2009 which attracted more than 40,000 people.

Not-to-be-missed performances include Rickie Lee Jones, Lou Reed's Metal Machine Trio, Transitory Life by Laurie Anderson, Metric's Emily Haines and many more. For artists such as Bardo Pond, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Boris, Holly Miranda, Melt-Banana and My Brightest Diamond - it will be their ONLY AUSTRALIAN SHOW. Get your tickets from the Vivid website or pop over to the Opera House Box Office. Contact reception for more details brochures and a free season guide!

SYDNEY WEATHER:

After a period of freakishly torrential rain (which saw a twister in the eastern suburbs, floods in the Central Business District and the State Emergency Service having to answer hundreds of calls), we are definitely glad to get some lovely today! Profit as much as you can from it though, as the rains are forecast to set in again tonight and for all day tomorrow, before clearing on Tuesday for a "mostly sunny" rest of the week. Top temperatures 19 degrees Celsius, minimum nine degrees.

DID YOU KNOW?:

According to the Stats Bureau, Chinese and Arabic are the second and third (respectively) most spoken language in greater Sydney after English! Goes to show Sydney really is one of the most cosmopoliotan and cosmopolitan metropolises in the world!

Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel, 27 Orwell Street, Kings Cross, NSW 2011
SKYPE: Jolly.swagman.backpackers | E: stay@jollyswagman.com.au | PH: (02) 9358 6400
FREECALL: 1800 805 870

JOLLY SWAGMAN BACKPACKERS SYDNEY HOSTEL NEWS 29/05/2010

Sat, 29 May 2010 00:00:00 -1100

THIS WEEK AT THE JOLLY SWAGMAN:

Be it finishing with sailing around the Whitsundays or skydiving or Cairns, we can even assist with your travel needs in New Zealand, with the best tours from the truest locals at the lowest prices.

THIS WEEK IN SYDNEY:

SYDNEY WEATHER:

DID YOU KNOW?:

Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel, 27 Orwell Street, Kings Cross, NSW 2011
SKYPE: Jolly.swagman.backpackers | E: stay@jollyswagman.com.au | PH: (02) 9358 6400
FREECALL: 1800 805 870

JOLLY SWAGMAN BACKPACKERS SYDNEY HOSTEL NEWS 22/05/2010

Sat, 22 May 2010 00:00:00 -1100

THIS WEEK AT THE JOLLY SWAGMAN:

The Jolly Swagman has slowly commenced a re-painting project of all rooms; the first to be done are on the 3rd floor. Please note that occupants of dorm rooms on this floor may be temporarily relocated while we carry this out! As this is all part of many of our exciting new renovation progress, we appreciate your patience and co-operation as we work to bring you a more comfortable and pleasant hostel environment!

The Jolly Swagman's new alcohol restrictions kicked off this week, with alcohol being banned in all common areas from 3am-12 noon. Staff have noticed that this has had an extremely positive effect and thanks guests for their compliance.

With the winter season on approach, reception has come into possession of a fantastic FREE discount voucher to three of Sydney's most famous attractions. For only $49.95 ($29.95 for kids), you get admission to the Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World and Sydney Tower! This amazing low price is a saving of over 40%!!

THIS WEEK IN SYDNEY:

Well we weren't wrong last week when we said there was to be rain, rain, rain for most of the week, hope you found some of the many great ‘undercover' activities that Sydney ahs to offer. One of the best cultural attractions on at the moment, definitely not to be missed, is the 17th annual Biennale of Sydney . The theme this year is "the beauty of distance", and will feature a variety of amazing art exhibitions and performances at the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), the Sydney Opera House, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Cockatoo Island and more! Guests who have gone have all returned with highly positive reviews, insisting you should too! You can even take advantage of a specially supplied ferry between Circular Quay and Cockatoo Island as well as pier 2/3 and Walsh Bay- FOR FREE!

SYDNEY WEATHER:

More bad news, sorry to report that rain is scheduled for each day of this week, with no indication of clearing. How about that biennale then...

Top temperatures 21 degrees, minimum 12 celcius.

DID YOU KNOW?:

Greater Metropolitan Sydney's population is greater than all of New Zealand's!

Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel, 27 Orwell Street, Kings Cross, NSW 2011
SKYPE: Jolly.swagman.backpackers | E: stay@jollyswagman.com.au | PH: (02) 9358 6400
FREECALL: 1800 805 870