Murrays Beach, Jervis BayCredit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoy Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay, NSW
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At last, a shiny new year is here! Across New South Wales, the memorable moments and possibilities are as limitless as the bright blue skies above, with experiences and places found nowhere else on the planet including this selection of 12 must-do’s for 2024. From sparkling beaches to ancient bush havens; secret villages to glittering cities, NSW is the ultimate playground to make 2024 your best year yet.
1. Discover a new haunt
Sydney’s always adding new sparkles to its skyline – become part of it at new landmark bars, restaurants and hotels, including Harper Rooftop, The Waratah, Martinez, Alfie’s, Clam Bar, Jacksons on George, Bar Copains, King Clarence and W Hotel Sydney.
2. Be moved by sacred places
Aboriginal culture pulses across the land in NSW. It stirs your spirit as you walk the sacred Bingi Dreaming track on the NSW South Coast; climb Mount Gulaga with your Yuin cultural guide in Tilba, sand-board down Worimi’s towering dunes in Port Stephens and as you enjoy bush-tucker tours in Byron Bay.
3. Connect with friendly creatures
NSW’s animals are as welcoming as its locals. Be energised by an enriching new bond as you swim with wild whales in Jervis Bay, seals around Montague Island and dolphins in Port Stephens; and befriend koalas in Port Macquarie, Gunnedah, Narrandera and Port Stephens.
4. Remix your road-trip soundtrack
Create your ultimate live music playlist as you follow the beat across NSW as the Great Southern Nights festival (8-24 March 2024) cranks up the volume from Wollongong to Wagga Wagga and beyond, with G Flip, Alex Lahey, Gretta Ray, The Teskey Brothers and more headlining.
Harper Rooftop Bar Credit: Dexter Kim
Perched high above the CBD on Level 7 of Kimpton Margot Sydney, Harper Rooftop Bar is a sprawling retreat designed by FiveFootDesign.
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Harper Rooftop Bar Credit: Dexter Kim
Perched high above the CBD on Level 7 of Kimpton Margot Sydney, Harper Rooftop Bar is a sprawling retreat designed by FiveFootDesign.
Moonshadow Cruises, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying a dolphin watching cruise with Moonshadow Cruises in Port Stephens.
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Moonshadow Cruises, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying a dolphin watching cruise with Moonshadow Cruises in Port Stephens.
5. Feel new in the big blue
Sprout fresh green shoots in the Blue Mountains, where you can renew your sense of adventure with canyoning and climbing, recharge in World Heritage serenity at Spicers Sangoma and heal yourself with Japanese bathhouse experience.
6. Light up your inspiration
Why hibernate this winter when you can go outside and play in the world’s most dazzling playground? The Vivid Sydney festival fills the city with an inspiring kaleidoscope of light, performances, workshops and talks to renew your imagination.
7. Have an adventure fit for royalty
New adventures await in Australia’s oldest protected area, the Royal National Park, just an hour’s drive south of central Sydney. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art, camp at Bonnie Vale campground, hike the Coast Track, and paddle to peace in picturesque Audley.
8. Upgrade your winter long-weekend
Treat yourself to a right-royal knees up with a Sydney staycation this King’s birthday weekend. Book in to a plush harbourside palace such as Park Hyatt Sydney, Crown Sydney, Pier One Sydney Harbour, Capella Sydney or the Ovolo Woolloomooloo for next-level luxury fit for royalty.
Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain Credit: Destination NSW
Woman relaxing in the bath with views at Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain.
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Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain Credit: Destination NSW
Woman relaxing in the bath with views at Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain.
Crown Sydney, Barangaroo Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a coffee and harbour views from their luxurious Crown Towers hotel suite at Crown Sydney, Barangaroo.
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Crown Sydney, Barangaroo Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a coffee and harbour views from their luxurious Crown Towers hotel suite at Crown Sydney, Barangaroo.
9. Make the Harbour your playground
Sydney Harbour is a living postcard and taking your place in it is life-affirming. Savour a new perspective with an exclusive dinner cruise, glamp on one of 13 historic islands, learn to sail, paddle a kayak, or experience a rush at Luna Park’s new Dream Circus.
10. Be awed by unique landscapes
Feel connected to something bigger than us as you explore Mungo National Park's otherworldly moonscapes, the ancient forests of the Rainforest Way, rainbow-draped cascades along the Waterfall Way, or the spectacular desertscapes of Mutawintji National Park.
11. Soak up the serenity
Explore more than 100 idyllic ocean pools along the NSW coast, make a glamorous splash at Sydney’s highest pool at Crown Sydney and Bondi Icebergs, feel your worries float away in Bermagui's sparkling ocean pool, and immerse yourself in Yarrangobilly and Moree’s thermal pools to feel revitalised inside and out.
12. Relish your rainbow connection
Get set for a new sense of belonging as NSW celebrates every colour of the rainbow. Go bush and party with the LGBTQIA+ community at the Broken Heel Festival and Rainbow on the Hay Plains, or polish up your sparkles for Sydney’s iconic Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Mutawintji National Park, Mutawintji Credit: Destination NSW
Keanu Bates sharing Aboriginal art and culture on a guided tour through Mutawintji National Park.
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Mutawintji National Park, Mutawintji Credit: Destination NSW
Keanu Bates sharing Aboriginal art and culture on a guided tour through Mutawintji National Park.
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
A Summer's day at the Bondi Icebergs Club, Sydney.
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Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
A Summer's day at the Bondi Icebergs Club, Sydney.
Peppers Craigieburn, BowralCredit: Destination NSW
The heritage property at Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral.
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Promenade back in time as Netflix’s Regency-era romp returns for Season Three, escorted by the elegant Bridgerton in Bowral extravaganza from 16-23 April. And whether you’re visiting The Ton for these enchanting festivities or simply searching for a sophisticated sojourn, all year round Bowral offers decadent feasts, opulent stays, charming countryside and more – all just 90 minutes from Sydney. Read on, Gentle Reader, to learn why the Southern Highlands are the Diamond of the Season and beyond.
Make your grand entrance
Emerald hills garnished with vineyards, grand estates and a bewitching village atmosphere… Bowral’s highlights harken back to a most refined moment in history – and now they’re celebrating Bridgerton’s greatly anticipated return with a host of soirees. As befits such a momentous occasion, Empire Cinemas Bowral will host four exclusive screenings for The Ton before the new episodes hit Netflix (from May 16). Plus, you’re cordially invited to a Regency-themed Garden Party amid the stately grounds of the Milton Park Country House Hotel, where you’ll see and be seen in sprawling formal gardens, and enjoy a host of Bridgerton-themed entertainment. Nearby, Retford Park also entices with a picturesque 1887 homestead, self-guided art trail and a picnic-perfect historic garden for all seasons.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
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Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
Sip your way around The Ton
Raise a toast to Lady Whistledown’s long-awaited new chapter with Sohi’s mouth-watering tipples – their premium gin, vodka and vermouth are available to quaff all over town, including at Hearth by Moonacres, Bistro Sociale and The Royal Hotel. And, let your thirst for discovery lead you along the Southern Highlands Wine Trail, where you’ll sample the region’s cool-climate drops at more than 60 vineyards and 15 cellar doors. Swill Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Albariño, Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer at Centennial Vineyards; unwind between the vines at the grand Bendooley Estate; and clink glasses at Mount Ashby Estate, where red, white and culinary delights are served alongside French antiques and lashings of bucolic charm.
Shall we promenade?
Whether you’re courting a suitor or slipping out of the drawing room for fresh air, a gentle wander is one of life’s simple pleasures. Take a leisurely turn through historic Berrima; Australia’s best-preserved Georgian village unveils an intriguing selection of Regency-era relics, including the 1830s Courthouse, convict-built Surveyor General Inn and the National Trust-listed Harper’s Mansion. Bask in the majesty of manicured gardens in Bowral, Mossvale, and Robertson, where lavish plantings reveal nature’s extravagance – especially during the Tulip Time festival each spring. Afterwards, assemble your favourite dukes and duchesses to while away the day with croquet, cycle between quaint villages, or saddle up your trusty steeds for a relaxing meander along the Canyonleigh Trails.
Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
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Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
Discover the talk of The Ton
Bowral boasts a bounty of treasures old, new and noteworthy if you’re seeking a modiste-crafted frock for your society debut, exploring the arts, or collecting key pieces to makeover your manor. Start with a visit to Dirty Janes, a unique marketplace where 90 individual sellers peddling all manner of retro, vintage, antique and artisan-made finds. Indulge your guilty pleasure for scandalous storytelling at Books Ever After, a romance-genre specialist home to an impressive selection of special editions to tantalise your imagination. And, take your cue from Bridgerton’s elite and let your impeccable taste in art and furnishings do the talking. The Ngununggula Southern Highlands Regional Gallery, Bowral Art Gallery and Milk Factory Gallery showcase the cultured art and soul of this inspired region, while Suzie Anderson Home has a wide range of premium style essentials to create your own Regency-influenced sanctuary.
Retreat to elegant chambers
From plush private residences to luxe suites catering for your every whim, the Southern Highlands offers a host of auspicious accommodations worthy of society’s highest echelon. Revel in the prestige of a grand estate to call your own on the grounds of The Rift Estate. This palatial 19th Century mansion presents a self-contained Coach House to accommodate 13 people, complete with cosy fireplaces, claw-foot bathtubs and lush lawns perfect for croquet and bocce. For a gracious stay amid rustic vistas reminiscent of the English countryside, look no further than the five-star boutique hotel, Osborn House. Nearby, the chic comforts continue at the Georgian Moss Manor, where thoughtful creativity and interior design unite for an exclusive art-hotel experience. Around the town, the historic flair also rolls into the early 20th Century, with the Berida Hotel, Peppers Craigieburn and the Links House Hotel delivering memorable stays where modern amenity and heritage flourishes converge. Wherever you choose to rest your tiara-toting head, you can find your own Bridgerton in Bowral all year round.
Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
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Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands
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Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands