The Caffeine Rush is on in Sydney, Australia

                Everything coffee that you need in one spot, the largest gathering of coffee lovers on any continent, where will you be? 

Sydney will be hosting its 11th anniversary The Rocks Aroma Festival on July 6, 2008 with over 100 stalls, including 25 Australian coffee roasters, spices, chocolatiers and teas of the world. Entry is free and it runs from 10am to 5pm with cuppas for $1.00. Want more incentive? There is also the Domestic Coffee Machine Expo and the Australian Latte Art Championships.

Sydney-based baristas have won the World Barista Coffee Championship and the World Latte Art Championship – making Australia the only country to have won both titles. Where else would you find the finest coffee but where the champions are.

“How good is The Rocks Aroma Festival! The smell of freshly ground coffee carried on the brisk July breeze is a total treat, and the thought of a meander around the Rocks with a wonderful coffee on a lazy Sunday is too exquisite for words. All in all it was a fantastic day of coffee appreciation.” Numero Uno Coffee

The coffee culture is exploding in Australia. The cafe’ markets are the only other 100% espresso-based markets in the world outside Italy. There are over 16,000 restaurants and cafes employing over 190,000 people operating throughout the country.

Enjoy samplings of different Australian roaster’s delights as you walk through Sydney’s heritage quarter. Go to the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay for live music, cooking demonstrations and spices to add flavour to your own dishes. George Street, First Fleet Park, The Rocks Square, and Campbells Cove all have something to offer the festival attendee.

The Domestic Coffee Machine Expo will feature: Saeco, Breville, Sunbeam, Gaggia, Group SEB, Di Boartoli Coffee Centre, Barazi Bezzera, Cafetto, Espresso Company of Australia and Jura. Last year Sunbeam held demonstrations by former world barista champion, Paul Bassett and former Australian latte champion, Dominic Majolandzic; what will they do to top that for this expo? 

Watch as baristas from around the country contend for The Australasian Specialty Coffee Association (AASCA) Australian Latte Art Championships. The winner is flown to Copenhagen, Denmark to barter for the world title. Australia has already held two previous title; with winners, Jack Hannah in 2007 and Scottie Callaghan in 2006.

One of Sydney’s own roasters, Karmee Coffee, has been attending the Festival year after year. They hope to be back behind Cadman’s Cottage once again. They carry 25 varieties for seven savoury blends. Owners, Paul and Sara Laurence-Wilmot, travelled across Europe to learn everything about roasting to bring you the best cuppa they can bestow. It is the sensual, buttery, caramel/cream quality of their classic blend to be offered at this year’s event. They also carry over 20 teas handmade chai blends sure to delight you.

“There are so many people from around the world; it is interesting who you meet.” Paul Wilmot of Karmee Coffee.

“It is great to get out there and meet so many new people and present our coffee.” Coffee Click.

Coffee production in Australia has had some bumpy rides. It actually began in 1788 as the colonies began to cultivate goods for the people. That was before Mexico, Columbia, Hawaii and some of Africa. Commercial coffee growing took off in the 1800s, but a major cyclone in 1918 destroyed most of the crops. Today a viable collection of plantations are throughout Queensland and New South Wales regions offering over 120 producers to choose from.

The first espresso machine in Sydney (and possibly Australia) seems to have been installed in 1952 by the Andronicus brother’s cafe on George Street (now the Four Seasons Hotel). The Andronicus brothers immigrated to Australia in the late 1800s from Greece. They opened the shop in 1904 roasting over 90kg of coffee every day, it remained open in 1973

For over 40 years the Bushells Coffee and Tea Company had a warehouse at the Rocks. It was the first purpose built production store in the country. Bushells tea has been a part of Australian life for over 120 years, whole generations of Aussies have grown up with one of their cuppas to savour. They have a smooth, full-bodied taste that is enjoyed again and again.

Want more from the trip? The Forsyth Coffee and Tea House in Naremburn of Sydney have coffee tastings of Asia, Indian, Africa and South America. There is also a coffee appreciation course for $90 (discounts for 2 or more). This is the only place in New South Wales that you can sample the infamous Kopi Luwak coffee too, so much experience for one’s tastebuds to endure.

There are many places to stay around Sydney within walking distance of the festival in a variety of offerings for your budget and needs. Four Seasons Hotel is right on the Rocks with all comforts and pampering a traveller needs. For the budget minded, Y Hotel at Hyde Park has studio to dormitory rooms on a park side location close to activities. Google maps lays out all the hotels in the area and contact information to find your perfect relaxation spot. Prices in Sydney will range from $36 to $435 a night.

 Transportation around the city is no problem. We have a wonderful public system that will suit any travellers. Buy a day tripper ticket for all day pass on any bus, train or ferry in the city for $15.95. Also available is the monorail all day passes for $9.50 or light rail all day for $9.00. Discover Sydney passes are available for monorail/light rail at $6.00. The purchase of Day passes and Day Trippers also give 20% discounts for some area attractions.

Come join in the caffeine rush of the Sydney Aroma Festival. The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge is in Circular Quay for you to enjoy along with the excitement. Taking in the atmosphere while enjoying your coffee is a spectacle you don’t want to miss.

NOTE: We had to take an event and try to sell it. Then send query letter and story to the teacher for review. I couldn't sell it anywhere so I am still back to the drawing board. I'm finally finished with the Blue Mountains Family restaurant reviews so getting back to work on learning. hehehe Thought I would post it here so all that research isn't wasted and someone may want a great caffine fix.