Australian themed events Made Easy | Right in the Heart of Sydney

So much about Australia makes us unique; from our iconic harbour to our spectacular wildlife, people love to be immersed in our culture. So, when it comes to planning your next event, why not consider a fair-dinkum experience, harbourside no less!

Merlin Events Sydney has not one but three exceptional venues, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Sydney, each situated in the heart of the city by the glistening harbour. An Australian themed event is undoubtedly fitting for international and incentive groups and with the help of Merlin Events Sydney, you don’t need to plan a day outside the city to see our wildlife or experience a great Australian adventure.

An Aussie themed event is not just for guests visiting our shores, don’t rule out how much fun it is for Aussies too. Choosing an Australian theme is superb for a summer event, Christmas party or your next staff party. Each of Merlin’s venues offers an immersive and interactive experience, creating a memorable Aussie themed event.

Here are three ways to plan an extraordinary Aussie-themed event:


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  1. Choose The Ultimate Aussie Venue

Merlin makes choosing an “Australian theme” venue easy. Each of their venues has an unmistakable Australian atmosphere.

Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Although located in Sydney’s bustling CBD, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is ideal for an Australian Outback event. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo’s stunning exhibits have been authentically designed to recreate the iconic habitats of our sunburnt country. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is a fun, informative and interactive animal attraction that showcases a wide variety of Australia’s most unusual and iconic animals.

Guests will be wowed as they embark on an Australian animal adventure, a unique opportunity to meet the animals up close and personal. Take a photo with a Koala, pat a Python, or come face to face with a Bearded Dragon.

Have your arrival drinks at the Kangaroo Walkabout, an outback exhibit designed for the Kangaroo Island Kangaroos; Meet Davey the Quokka, Diesel & Tonka the Echidnas as well as a variety of beautiful birds.

Join the adorable Koalas on the Koala Rooftop, with glimpses of the city skyline through the treetops. Host a delicious three-course meal or feasting dinner; perfect for formal events or for a more casual cocktail party; enjoy drinks and canapes as the sun sets.

TIP: COMPLEMENT OUR LOCAL FAUNA WITH FLORA

If you are looking to take your event to the next level, incorporate striking bouquets and table settings of native florals in the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Australiana setting.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium will transport you to a magical underwater world, the ideal venue for an underwater or beachside event. Guests can experience Day and Night on the Reef – taking your guests on a colourful journey of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.

Guests can experience the breathtaking magic and beauty of the world’s largest coral garden with rainbow-coloured tropical fish. Or explore a bioluminescent beach at night, that glows under guest’s footsteps – a sensory experience that is sure to excite (and a perfect dancefloor).

Enjoy arrival drinks amongst a glowing world of jellies then explore the reef under the moonlight, splash through waves of bioluminescent algae or search for lurking predators on the night-time reef. Dinner is hosted in the aquarium’s largest ocean tank with floor to ceiling viewing, allowing guests to take in the beauty of the reef – an unforgettable event experience.

Madame Tussauds Sydney

For fun and frivolity, plan your next event by rubbing shoulders with your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds Sydney. Arrival drinks can be served in amongst some of Australia’s key figures in the history zone, including Ned Kelly, Captain Cook and Banjo Patterson. Hang out with world leaders including some of Australia’s favourite PMs – Bob Hawke, Julia Gillard, and John Howard or meet the legendary Don Bradman and run side by side with Cathy Freeman.

If sipping bubbles is more your thing, take a sneak peek behind the scenes at Sydney Fashion Week with Megan Gale, Miranda Kerr and Elle McPherson or join Sydney’s star-studded VIP party alongside the Hemsworth Brothers, the Minogue sisters, Nicole Kidman, Delta Goodrem and Rebel Wilson.

Madame Tussauds Sydney offers a fully interactive experience. Play games and take the opportunity to get up close and personal with over 90 Wax Figures – your guests will be snapping pictures all night long!

TIP: PLANNING A TEAM DAY OUT?

Consider an Aussie WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo tour. Accompanied by two keepers, this 90-minute intimate zoo tour includes access to restricted areas, plus up-close photo opportunities with the koalas and other Aussie animals. The tour will finish with Australian wine and cheese served on the koala rooftop overlooking Sydney.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is family-friendly too and excellent for team family days. Captivate the kids at storytime, come close to some furry friends at the animal encounters and finish off with an Aussie BBQ lunch.

  1. Taste Australian Food Fare

Each Merlin venue can cater to a range of Australian cuisine requirements. From Australian inspired three-course meals, feasting menu, gourmet Aussie BBQ buffet, grazing station with local Aussie meats and produce to a great selection of Australian wines and beers in their beverage packages.

TIP: DINE WITH THE ANIMALS!

Dine on the Koala Rooftop; Guests can enjoy a feasting menu cooked in front of them, revel in a cocktail masterclass with local craft spirits or explore our local Australian wines at a tasting. Better yet- why not enjoy breakfast with the Koalas. Guests have the chance to escape the crowds and experience a highlights tour of WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. Included is a delicious buffet breakfast in the company of the adorable koalas and an informative koala keeper talk. Best of all, guests have the chance to get up close with the koalas, for the perfect photo op.

  1. Top It Off – Entertainment

When you are ready to party, impress your guests with some home-grown entertainment and fun. At WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, you can dance the night away with a DJ playing classic Aussie hits. Live on the edge as you party on the dancefloor; in Kakadu Gorge overlooking a huge saltwater crocodile. Keep the party going with Aussie summer lawn games or amuse your guests with a themed photo booth.

TIP: MAKE IT MEMORABLE!

To make your event really stand out, Merlin Events Sydney can arrange a traditional smoking ceremony or indigenous performance to welcome your guests.

Don’t forget to leave an impression by including a goody bag filled with Australian memorabilia; nothing says Australia like an Akubra, Thongs and a bag of our favourite chewable treats – Minties!

With so much to offer, Merlin Events Sydney can create a true blue Aussie-themed destination for your next event.