Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lord Howe Island captured by Eugene Tan
#feelnsw
You’ll feel like you’ve entered another realm when you touch down on UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, just a two-hour flight from Sydney. Indeed, its otherworldly landscapes have been compared to the fictitious Isla Nublar from the Jurassic Park movies. With Jurassic World Dominion, the sixth film in the series, hitting Australian cinemas on 10 June, satisfy your appetite for adventure in New South Wales’s own Jurassic Park with these eight itinerary highlights.
Get a buzz scaling an ancient volcano
Like Isla Nublar, Lord Howe Island has volcanic origins — it’s a remnant of a shield volcano that erupted some seven million years ago. Rising up from its southern tip is one of the small island’s most distinctive volcanic features, the hulking basalt peak of Mt Gower (875m). Get your adrenaline pumping on a guided scramble to the summit, a challenging full-day hike that rewards you with misty-eye-inducing views across the 11km-long island. On the way up, you’ll pass through ecosystems so surreal you’ll feel like you’re in a fantasy film of your own.
Be awed by an ancient icon
Marvel at another volcanic wonder in the form of the world’s tallest volcanic stack, Balls Pyramid, which shoots 551m out of the ocean. Located 23km offshore, Balls Pyramid is home to another ancient relic, the Lord Howe Island phasmid, a giant stick insect thought to be extinct for decades before it was rediscovered here in 2001. While climbing Balls Pyramid isn’t permitted, some of the region’s most beautiful coral reefs fringe the sea stack. Admire them on a thrilling snorkelling or scuba diving tour.
Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lord Howe Island captured by Eugene Tan
#feelnsw
Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lord Howe Island captured by Eugene Tan
Discover species that live nowhere else
While you won’t find any man-eating prehistoric reptiles lurking on Lord Howe Island, you can delight in encountering dozens of plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. Among its most famous endemic creatures is the Lord Howe woodhen, a chocolate-coloured ground-dwelling bird that has made a remarkable comeback following a recent major conservation initiative. Look out for these curious birds as you explore the island.
Jump on a bike and lap up the lack of crowds
Revel in the solitude as you cycle around Lord Howe Island, the most popular way to get around. With less than 400 residents, and daily visitors capped at 400 to help preserve the island’s natural beauty and laidback vibe, this is one destination where you’ll never need to worry about crowds, let alone dinosaurs. Some accommodations offer complimentary bikes, or you can rent one.
Dive into idyllic beaches
Take your pick of Lord Howe Island’s dazzling beaches, with 11 to choose from — and not a Mosasaurus in sight. Chase waves at Blinky Beach, go paddleboarding or kayaking on the island’s famed aquamarine lagoon. Hike over land or take a tour to North Bay’s beach, strap on a snorkel and be wowed by the vibrant colours of the corals just metres offshore from Ned’s Beach, which teem with rare reef fish. Or fully immerse yourself in the world’s most southerly barrier reef with Pro Dive.
Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lord Howe Island captured by Eugene Tan
#feelnsw
Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lord Howe Island captured by Eugene Tan
Hike through forests from another era
Lord Howe Island may not have been formed until more than 50 million years after the last dinosaurs died out, but as you hike along trails weaving through subtropical forests that have evolved over thousands of years, it’s easy to think you’ve stepped into a bygone era. Take an energising 1.5km hike up Malabar Hill at the northern end of the island to pair ancient forests with awe-inspiring views. Between September and May, be dazzled by the airborne courting rituals of red-tailed tropicbirds at the top.
Feast on fresh island produce
Located 600km east of the Australian mainland — much further from land than its Jurassic Park doppelganger — Lord Howe Island’s remoteness means local produce is king, from freshly caught kingfish to home-grown vegetables. There’s even beer brewed locally; head to The Nursery Lord Howe Island to taste ales from the taproom, perhaps also picking up some fresh veggies to cook in your accommodation. Or leave the cooking to local restaurants such as the Coral Cafe, where succulent local kingfish is usually on the menu, or Earl’s Anchorage, also known for its local produce-led fare.
Kick off your hiking boots at a luxury stay
Jurassic Park fans may remember the luxe Hilton Isla Nublar from Jurassic World, the fourth film in the series. On Lord Howe Island, you have the luxury of choosing from a wider range of special stays. Gaze out towards Mt Gower from the infinity pool at Capella Lodge, soak up the heritage along with the relaxed vibe at Pinetrees, be soothed by the kentia palm forest cocooning Arajilla Retreat, or channel your inner Hemsworth on an ultra-luxe stay at Island House.
Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lord Howe Island captured by Eugene Tan
#feelnsw
Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lord Howe Island captured by Eugene Tan
NSW Wine MonthCredit: Eight Communications
November will mark the first ever NSW Wine month - marked by the return of Sydney Cellar Door to be held on November 9 and 10.
#feelnsw
Friday November 1 saw the NSW wine industry come together in Sydney to find out who the big winners were and who took away the top trophies from this year’s 2024 ICC Sydney NSW Wine Awards. Hosted in Darling Harbour at ICC Sydney, 20 trophies were handed out including the ‘NSW Governor’s Trophy for the 2024 NSW Wine of the Year’, presented by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW.
This year’s top trophy winner breaks an almost decade long winning streak by Hunter Valley wines, with Tamburlaine Organic Wines winning with its 2023 Reserve Orange Syrah. A wine that Chair of Judges Adam Walls described as "A brilliant example of cool climate Shiraz. The judging team not only loved its latent power but also its structure and balance".
With trophies going to winners across seven different wine regions it was a fantastic acknowledgement by this year’s judges of the quality of wines been produced across the state from the Hunter Valley to Mudgee, to Canberra and the Riverina. However, it was a particularly strong showing for the Orange Region in 2024 as its producers walked away with seven trophies in total, including for Best Pinot Gris, Best Pinot Noir, Best Shiraz, Best Cabernet Sauvignon and Best Organic Wine.
The NSW Wine Awards Ceremony is also the time each year to recognise individuals who have made a positive and ongoing contribution to the NSW wine industry with NSW DPIRD presenting the 2023 Graham Gregory Award.
This year’s recipient is someone who has continually given back to the industry through leadership roles across the wine and tourism sectors. The first female President of the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association, Destination Sydney Surround Director, Wine Australia Committee Member and CEO of Tulloch Wines in the Hunter Valley, Christina Tulloch has made an enormously positive contribution to her region and the industry.
The NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, the Hon Tara Moriarty MLC said, “I would like to congratulate Christina on receiving the Graham Gregory Award and thank her for her significant contributions to the NSW wine industry.”
“The Graham Gregory Award is the highest honour within the wine industry, recognising those who have made significant contributions to winemaking, education, and market development. Christina’s achievements in these areas truly reflect the values of this award, and we are proud to celebrate her impact on both the local and national stages.”
NSW Wine President Mark Bourne added, “Christina is an incredibly well-deserving recipient of this year's Graham Gregory Award. Recognising far-reaching and ongoing contributions to the wine industry, Christina's leadership in the Hunter Valley and at a state and national level across both wine and tourism has left a positive mark on the NSW wine industry. NSW Wine thanks Christina for her service and her commitment to the industry."
Full results are available online HERE.
The 2024 ICC Sydney NSW Wine Awards trophy winners are:
- NSW Governor’s Trophy for 2024 NSW Wine of the Year
- Tamburlaine Organic Wines 2023 Reserve Orange Syrah
- RIEDEL Trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc - Hungerford Hill 2024 Sauvignon Blanc
- CSU Agripark Trophy for Best Riesling - Robert Stein 2024 Dry Riesling
- NSW DPI Trophy for Best Semillon - Silkman Wines 2014 Reserve Semillon
- MCC Trophy for Best Pinot Grigio/Gris - Nashdale Lane Wines 2023 Pinot Gris
- Impresstik Trophy for Best Chardonnay - Silkman Wines 2023 Reserve Chardonnay
- Blue NRG Trophy for Best Other White Single Varietal - Yeates 2024 Albarino
- Impresstik Trophy for best Light Red/Rose - Bunnamagoo Mount Lawson 2024 Rose
- ICC Sydney Trophy for Best Pinot Noir - Cooks Lot 2023 Allotment 9 Handpicked Pinot Noir
- Blue NRG Trophy for Best Shiraz - Tamburlaine Organic Wines 2023 Reserve Orange Syrah
- Finlayson’s Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon - Canobolas 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
- Finlayson’s Trophy for Best Other Red Wine Varietal - Mercer Wines 2023 Malbec
- CSU Agripark Trophy for Best Red Wine Blend - Thomas Wines 2023 Shiraz, Touriga
- NSW DPI Best Organic Wine Award - Tamburlaine Organic Wines 2023 Reserve Orange Syrah
- Chair of Judges Trophy for Best Exhibitor - Silkman Wines
- ICC Sydney Trophy for Best Sparkling Wine - Mount Majura Vineyard 2011 The Silurian Late Disgorged
- MCC Trophy for Best Sweet Wine - Lillypilly 2021 Noble Blend
- ICC Sydney Trophy for Best Fortified - McWilliams Wines NV 20-Year-Old Topaque
- Blue NRG Trophy for Best White Wine - Silkman Wines 2023 Reserve Chardonnay
- RIEDEL Trophy for Best Red Wine - Tamburlaine Organic Wines 2023 Reserve Orange Syrah
NSW Wine Month Credit: Eight Communications
November will mark the first ever NSW Wine month - marked by the return of Sydney Cellar Door to be held on November 9 and 10.
#feelnsw
NSW Wine Month Credit: Eight Communications
November will mark the first ever NSW Wine month - marked by the return of Sydney Cellar Door to be held on November 9 and 10.