Capella Lodge, Lord Howe IslandCredit: Rhiannon Taylor
Dining area with scenic coastal views of Mount Gower. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales #northcoastflavour
Indulge in sublime fine dining in Sydney and take your taste buds on the road to discover dazzling destination dining experiences across the state. Pair these culinary delights with equally atmospheric stays and you have the ingredients for the ultimate gourmet holiday.
Get a bird’s-eye view of Bondi at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar in Sydney
Drink in the views of Australia’s most photographed stretch of sand along with an expertly crafted cocktail at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, perched above historic ocean baths at the southern end of Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Taste for yourself how restauranteur Maurice Terzini’s heritage inspires a modern Italian menu elevated by the freshest Australian produce available, from sustainable seafood to hints of native ingredients. Ease deeper into holiday mode at QT Bondi, a boutique hotel that plays up to its seaside location with bright pops of colour and fun, beachy furnishings.
Celebrate a special occasion at Bennelong in Sydney
Get a buzz dining inside an Australian icon at Bennelong in the Sydney Opera House. Admire the intricate concrete bones of the building’s vaulted ‘sails’ as you peruse the modern Australian menu by renowned Australian chef Peter Gilmore. Save room for desserts that feature a fabulous, fine-dining spin on Aussie favourites such as the humble lamington. Enjoy the glittering harbour views for longer by staying at one of the neighbouring Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour’s chic one- and two-bedroom garden-view and harbour-view luxury apartment-style suites.
Embrace fermented flavours at Sixpenny in Sydney
Step through the doors of an unassuming terrace house in Stanmore, in Sydney’s inner west, and into one of NSW’s most coveted degustation experiences at Sixpenny. Indulge in fresh and innovative flavours driven by fermentation that dance on your palate long after you have finished dessert. Strap in for a culinary adventure and opt for wine pairings hand-picked from small artisanal producers. Then retire to the comforts of the urban-chic Old Clare Hotel, a 10-minute drive away in Chippendale, which also wows with its multitude of facilities, including a sparkling rooftop pool.
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
A delicious seafood platter served at the Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, Bondi.
#feelnewsydney
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
A delicious seafood platter served at the Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, Bondi.
Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying an evening out with friends at Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney Opera House.
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying an evening out with friends at Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney Opera House.
Recharge and refuel at Ates in the Blue Mountains
Relax after an invigorating day of bushwalking through the Blue Mountains at Ates in Blackheath, where the 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven (Ates means ‘fire’ in Ottoman Turkish) invites you to unwind and feast on contemporary share plates and fun wines with all your senses. Tuck into charcoal-grilled fish and wood-roasted dishes from the a la carte menu, or prep your appetite for the chef’s banquet for carnivores or vegetarians. Drift off to sleep as you recall each morsel of your memorable meal in a stylish suite at nearby Kyah boutique hotel, where fresh mountain air collides with Palm Springs-inspired design.
Lean into the theatrics at Muse Restaurant in the Hunter Valley
Prepare to be just as dazzled by the presentation as you are by the flavours of the refined contemporary dishes served up at Muse Restaurant in the Hunter Valley, a two-hour drive north from Sydney. Observe how the relaxed elegance of the moody restaurant at Hungerford Hill winery allows head chef Troy Rhoades-Brown’s creative yet unfussy seasonal creations to shine as you sit back and enjoy each act. Retreat to the nearby Spicers Guesthouse to soak up its modern farmhouse ambience, heart-warming hospitality and the convenience of the region’s top cellar doors within easy reach.
Make a grand entrance at Printhie Dining in Orange
Seize the opportunity to travel to one of the newest restaurants in the Country NSW wine region of Orange by helicopter. It’s just one of several memorable experiences you can add to a decadent meal at Printhie Dining, where considered Printhie Wines pairings elevate each beautifully plated dish you savour in the estate’s sophisticated restaurant. Feel right at home at the welcoming Byng Street Boutique Hotel in Orange, just a 10-minute drive from the estate, which combines the history of an original homestead with contemporary furnishings.
Dine like the stars at Raes on Wategos in Byron Bay
Take your seat at the intimate, light-filled Dining Room at Raes on Wategos, overlooking the most exclusive beach in Byron Bay on the North Coast. Dive into the Mediterranean-inspired three-course menu, or treat yourself to executive chef Jason Saxby’s thoughtfully curated tasting menu (vegetarian and vegan menu available) and settle in for the afternoon. Afterwards, it’s only steps to your suite or penthouse in the Spanish mission-style boutique hotel. Revel in the exclusivity of an early beach swim at Wategos Beach before the crowds arrive the following morning.
Printhie Wines Cellar Door, Orange Credit: Destination NSW
Located in the cool climate region of Orange, NSW, Printhie Wines' state of the art Cellar Door includes Printhie Dining offering a set degustation lunch overlooking vineyards and the undulating hills of the Orange wine region. You can enjoy oysters shucked to order from Printhie Wines' innovative oyster tank or go beyond the Cellar Door with a choice of luxury experiences.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Printhie Wines Cellar Door, Orange Credit: Destination NSW
Located in the cool climate region of Orange, NSW, Printhie Wines' state of the art Cellar Door includes Printhie Dining offering a set degustation lunch overlooking vineyards and the undulating hills of the Orange wine region. You can enjoy oysters shucked to order from Printhie Wines' innovative oyster tank or go beyond the Cellar Door with a choice of luxury experiences.
Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay Credit: Madeleine Johnson / Sean Fennessy
Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay
#feelnsw
Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay Credit: Madeleine Johnson / Sean Fennessy
Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay
Relish amazing local produce at Bistro Livi in Murwillumbah
Discover the delicious bounty harvested from the fertile fields and waterways of the Northern Rivers region at Bistro Livi, a popular neighbourhood restaurant in Murwillumbah, a 45-minute drive from Byron Bay. Bond over shared plates featuring freshly caught seafood — depending on the day’s catch you might find Ballina pipis with XO sauce or Pottsville spanner crab on the Spanish-influenced menu — as you admire the Art Deco architecture of the Murwillumbah’s M|Arts Precinct. Fortify yourself with one of the restaurant’s rich desserts before you begin the 30-minute drive to your luxe private glasshouse at Avion Retreat, in the foothills of the Tweed Valley.
Slurp oysters to your heart’s delight at Bangalay Dining in Shoalhaven Heads
Taste the NSW South Coast on a plate at luxuriously relaxed Bangalay Dining, nestled in the sand dunes at Shoalhaven Heads, a two-hour drive south of Sydney. Connect with the coast on a whole new level as you savour plump local oysters before sinking your teeth into a rack of local lamb. Or allow executive chef Simon Evans and his team to delight you with a sumptuous dinnertime tasting menu before you retire for the night with a smile on your face at the attached Bangalay Luxury Villas, which offers 16 stylish self-contained one- and two-bedroom villas (and a four-bedroom holiday house).
Lap up island-style dining at Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island
Be astonished by the diversity of the culinary bounty of Lord Howe Island, a two-hour flight from Sydney, on a stay at Capella Lodge, spectacularly situated at the secluded southern end of the tiny island. Top off days exploring Lord Howe’s mesmerising landscapes with a daily-changing three-course celebration of island produce, from fresh kingfish sashimi to grass-fed beef, complemented by homegrown delights from the lodge’s own kitchen garden. Savour the exclusivity of the setting along with the cuisine, as the lodge’s restaurant is open only to guests of its nine luxurious suites.
Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Anna Wiewiora
The breezy Bangalay Dining restaurant at Bangalay Luxury Villas in Shoalhaven Heads.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Anna Wiewiora
The breezy Bangalay Dining restaurant at Bangalay Luxury Villas in Shoalhaven Heads.
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island Credit: Capella Lodge
Lidgbird Pavilion with scenic ocean views of Mount Gower. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island Credit: Capella Lodge
Lidgbird Pavilion with scenic ocean views of Mount Gower. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
More Inspirational Stories
Mulwala Water Ski Club, MulwalaCredit: Destination NSW
Mulwala Water Ski Club located in the Riverina Murray region in Mulwala, offers an outdoor bar and casual relaxed dining overlooking Lake Mulwala. Learn to water ski on a world-class, private, twin lake the Max Kirwan Ski Park.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Cool off with an adventure: NSW is a watersports playground
Mulwala Water Ski Club, Mulwala Credit: Destination NSW
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Hot sands, wild rivers, bays with towers of coral and waves that curl like a rockabilly quiff – NSW is a paradise for adventure on and under the water. For adrenaline-chasers, there are world-class waves and whitewater runs, foils and jet boats built for speed, and reefs home to sharks and turtles. For the quiet adventurers, try paddleboard expeditions, fishing for rainbow trout and bass in pristine rivers, and colourful snorkelling spots.
Your next adrenaline hit
Surfing may be the famous action-hero of the NSW watersports scene, but the state’s rivers, lakes, bays and beaches also host a huge diversity of aquatic adventures to get the heart racing. Take in Sydney Harbour’s icons, while spinning, splashing and thundering past in a jet boat with Oz Jet Boating or Thunder Jet Boat. In Western Sydney, Penrith is a hub for adventure. Penrith Whitewater Stadium, purpose-built for the 2000 Olympics, is uniquely set up for both beginner paddling and intense raft adventures, as well as kayak courses where you can test yourself against Olympic times; Cables Wake Park teaches you to wakeboard via zipline (jumps and obstacles included); and Jet Pack Adventures lets you feel like a water-powered Iron Man.
In Brooklyn, on the Hawkesbury River, Jet Ski Safaris will take you around the bends of the river at 30 knots, while Fliteschool Manly and OzFoiling (with multiple locations on the Mid North Coast) will teach you how to cruise the coastline via eFoil, a motorised surfboard that glides above the water like an elegant seabird. Outside of Sydney, on the Murray River, encounter one of the greatest and oldest waterski clubs in the world at Mulwala Water Ski Club.
Find a wave
With reliable breaks on some of the world’s most picturesque beaches, NSW is a premium spot on the international surf circuit. Surfers with their own board and years of experience behind them can find world-class waves all up the coast while newbies can join in on a surfing lesson, all you have to do is choose which one and which beach. You can also practice on a perfectly shaped, perfectly reliable wave (with multiple options suitable for beginners or experts) at URBNSURF, Olympic Park’s surf park, and finish off with a meal at RAFI, the onsite Applejack-run restaurant and bar that overlooks the waves.
URBNSURF Sydney Credit: Applejack_Sandy’s_URBNSURF Sydney
URBNSURF Sydney
#feelnewsydney
URBNSURF Sydney Credit: Applejack_Sandy’s_URBNSURF Sydney
URBNSURF Sydney
Oz Jet Boating, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Experience the incredible speed of the red shark boats as they blast across Sydney harbour at high speed with Oz Jet Boating.
#feelnewsydney
Oz Jet Boating, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Experience the incredible speed of the red shark boats as they blast across Sydney harbour at high speed with Oz Jet Boating.
Explore NSW’s coral reefs
The pristine, ecologically rich seas of NSW have seen the development of 10 protected marine parks covering more than 100,000 square kilometres, offering a haven to wildly diverse range of sea life. Beyond those areas, in the harbour and the bays of the coastal cities, there are also vibrant ecosystems ripe for snorkel or scuba dive trips. Self-guided snorkelling can be done in most places along the coast and, provided you have the equipment and training, so can diving. Or learn the ropes with a tour. Woebegone Expeditions and Courses will teach you how to explore the reefs of the South Coast with safe, freediving techniques; Region X Snorkel Tours has you jumping off a kayak with a snorkel around Batemans Bay; and Ecotreasures fits in a headland walk between time in the aquatic reserve around Manly. For new divers, you can explore the lower North Coast with Jetty Dive Centre or the tropical far North Coast with Cooly Eco Adventures. While Sydney Underwater Scooters will set you up with a handheld swim-assister and show you the clear waters and underwater fauna of Sydney’s Gordon’s Bay.
Paddling sunrise to sunset
Every river, bay and lake has a different scene and a different story, and cruising on a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lets you discover at your own pace. NSW is also full of explorers and local experts ready to guide you along the way. In Sydney, Sydney Harbour Kayaks and Sydney by Kayak will introduce you to the harbour at its multicolour best with dawn and dusk paddles. Manly Kayak Centre has both hire and guided options for kayaks and SUP, as well as giving you the opportunity to try your hand at SUPBALL, which is like polo but replaces the horse with a SUP. Cronulla SUP and Balmoral Paddlesurf let you explore less famous, but no less beautiful, beaches of Sydney’s south and north respectively.
On the Sapphire Coast combine your next river adventure with a story, like on Navigate Expeditions’ Aboriginal Culture Tour, where you journey into the land’s Indigenous heritage, or a Kayak and Shuck Tour where you visit the oyster farms. On the North Coast, social enterprise and SUP tour guides Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours offers cultural eco-tourism on a paddleboard around the pristine waters of Solitary Island Marine Park. Not far away in The Tweed, Watersports Guru offers SUP lessons and hire, allowing you to cruise the waters Cudgen Creek while taking in the local birdlife – if you’re lucky you may even see a pod of dolphins.
Reel in a new experience
With pristine rivers and wild oceans, NSW is a dream for fishing for both newbies and those looking for the next big catch. Out on the oceans of the South Coast Kiama Charter Service will help you pull in your first deep-sea fish (go for blue-eye trevalla, gemfish or hapuka). While Port Macquarie Fishing Charters, Reel Ocean Adventures (in Tuncurry) and Evans Head Deep Sea Fishing Charters, provide the boats, deep-sea equipment and vibes on the North Coast. Inland, learn traditional yabbying in the bush at Narrabri Fish Farm, or set up your own line on NSW’s most epic jetties at Coffs Harbour, Lake Macquarie and Lake St Clair in the Hunter Valley. If you know the ways of a fly fisher, the Snowy Mountains and Blue Mountains are the hot spots.
Kayaking, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a day of kayaking on Sydney Harbour.
#feelnewsydney
Kayaking, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a day of kayaking on Sydney Harbour.
Navigate Expeditions, Kalaru Credit: Destination NSW
Guests on a walking tour with Navigate Expeditions in Kalaru
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Navigate Expeditions, Kalaru Credit: Destination NSW
Guests on a walking tour with Navigate Expeditions in Kalaru