Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic ParkCredit: Destination NSW
Family exploring Bicentennial Park in Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush
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Take a culture trip to Western Sydney during New South Wales’ month-long music festival, Great Southern Nights, where Penrith, Parramatta and surrounds offer riverside beauty, an ever-blossoming arts and dining scene, and incredible staycation-worthy excursions alongside a star-studded line-up of gigs.
Great Southern Nights Gigs
The Buoys will have the Albion Hotel in Parramatta (14 Mar) attracting punk rockers from far and wide, while the Evan Theatre in Penrith will reverberate with the swing sounds of David Campbell (23 Mar). At Riverside Theatre, Parramatta, soul sisters Vika and Linda (23 Mar) will guarantee a good time.
Great Southern Nights 2024 - David Campbell Credit: Morse Code
Great Southern Nights 2024 - David Campbell
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Great Southern Nights 2024 - David Campbell Credit: Morse Code
Great Southern Nights 2024 - David Campbell
Great Southern Nights 2023 Taster Series Credit: Morse Code
Great Southern Nights 2023 Taster Series
#feelnsw
Great Southern Nights 2023 Taster Series Credit: Morse Code
Great Southern Nights 2023 Taster Series
Eat & Drink
Checho’s
Enjoy cooking that is somewhere between American-style Mexican, real Mexican and modern Mexican, think fried chicken tacos, mezcal spiked halloumi and Mexican spiced watermelon and feta salad.
The Union
Savour a classic Portuguese experience – paprika-spiced seafood, bread on the table, Iberian wines and a Portuguese tart to finish.
Oribu
Embark on a new era of dining with Parramatta’s first Japanese fine dining experience at Heritage Lounge. Our new head chef, Harry Cho, brings over two decades of culinary expertise to create a menu that is unparalleled in taste and quality. Experience a perfect balance of flavours, textures, and aromas with every dish, crafted with only the freshest ingredients and a keen eye for detail.
Nick & Nora’s, Parramatta
From this lofty rooftop locale, let your eyes drift 26 floors down as you marvel at just how grown-up Parramatta has become with its elegant bars and polished eateries. Raise a martini to this coming of age in the post-prohibition-inspired cocktail bar that is Nick & Nora’s, where you can sip perfectly formed tipples and sup local oysters.
Lilymu, Parramatta
Chopsticks at the ready for this contemporary-edged interpretation of Chinese and Southeast Asian fare from executive chef Brendan Fong. Dine by the light of a neon-lit lotus flower and relish the classics reimagined with care and using ethically sourced ingredients.
CicciaBella, Parramatta
An easy-going Italian trattoria to service all your pizza, antipasti and pasta needs. Restaurateur Maurice Terzini of Icebergs Dining Room & Bar puts his signature polish on this Parramatta Square diner that serves up robust flavours with all the affability of Italian-style hospitality.
Mr Watkin’s Bar, Penrith
Named after a bygone Penrith personality, Mr Watkin Tench, this establishment is a café by day, but once the sun sets, transforms into a restaurant and speakeasy-style bar. Staff have excellent hospitality pedigree, to supply delicious fare and good times for all.
Nick and Nora's, Parramatta Credit: Destination NSW
Young people having a drink at Nick and Nora's rooftop bar
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Nick and Nora's, Parramatta Credit: Destination NSW
Young people having a drink at Nick and Nora's rooftop bar
Lilymu, Parramatta Credit: Cole Bennetts
Lilymu, located within Parramatta Square, adds a delicious twist to the flavours of China and South East Asia.
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Lilymu, Parramatta Credit: Cole Bennetts
Lilymu, located within Parramatta Square, adds a delicious twist to the flavours of China and South East Asia.
Play
Sydney Zoo
After seeing the musicians on their stage, be sure to make time to see mammals play in their arena. A visit to the Sydney Zoo will keep the family entertained: talk to the apes on Primate Boulevard, let a meerkat perch on your shoulder, and stroke the shiny scales of a snake. There’s also a giant Ferris wheel, many bookable close encounters with resident animals, and even the opportunity to be a zookeeper for the day.
Raging Waters Sydney
Throw yourself directly in the deep end on a sun-soaked excursion to Raging Waters. From gentle waterslides to suit the smaller and less adventurous among us to the more intense Bombora that hurtles adrenaline-hunters into swirling currents, this fun park offers all manner of waterlogged thrills.
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
If you’ve never had much luck happening across Australian fauna in their bushland habitats, you can be guaranteed to meet furry, feathered and scaly friends at Featherdale, which lays claim to the largest collection of Australian native animals in the world. Visit Koala Kindy, encounter a quokka, and feed a roo or two.
Sydney Coliseum Theatre at West HQ
Be immersed in a revolving door of talent at the architecturally, technically and culturally significant Sydney Coliseum Theatre. As well as electrifying live music shows for Great Southern Nights, there’s plenty more to entertain, from theatre and dance to comedy shows.
Skyline Drive-In
Enjoy a night out under the stars watching a blockbuster, having a beverage and enjoying a tasty treat from the diner menu... sounds like a perfect night.Skyline Drive-In offers a nostalgic yet new experience with the latest Hollywood blockbusters, a 'Happy Days'-style retro diner, and a truly unique night of fun. The Skyline Drive-In screens a range of retro and popular blockbusters.
Raging Waters Sydney, Prospect Credit: Destination NSW
Visitors enjoying a day out at The Beach located at Raging Waters Sydney, Prospect.
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Raging Waters Sydney, Prospect Credit: Destination NSW
Visitors enjoying a day out at The Beach located at Raging Waters Sydney, Prospect.
Anderson's Tours, Featherdale Wildlife Park Credit: Destination NSW
Anderson's Tours offers a small group touring experience to the Blue Mountains including Featherdale Wildlife Park.
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Anderson's Tours, Featherdale Wildlife Park Credit: Destination NSW
Anderson's Tours offers a small group touring experience to the Blue Mountains including Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Explore
Taste Cultural Food Tours
Expand the horizons of your palate as Western Sydney’s diverse food offerings unfurl before you on a global tasting tour. From Cabramatta’s Vietnamese eateries to Liverpool’s Middle Eastern fare, these flavours will linger in your memory long after you’ve taken the last bite.
Western Sydney Parklands
Spanning from Blacktown to Leppington over 27 well-maintained kilometres of parklands, this green space has been designed for the recreation of everyone, including their pooches. There’s the Warrigal Run, Sydney’s largest off-leash dog area, picnic areas, mountain bike trails, kids’ playgrounds, and even the TreeTops Adventure Park, should you feel the desire to test your heart rate on a hurtle through the canopy via zipline.
Elizabeth Farm
Commenced in 1793, Elizabeth Farm contains the oldest surviving European building in Australia. Once home to Elizabeth and John Macarthur, pioneers of the Australian wool industry, it is a rare example of an early Australian colonial homestead. It is also one of the most accessible house museums you will ever visit. There are no inhibiting room barriers, so you can wander freely through the house, draw up a chair to a table, read family letters and newspapers, relax on shady verandas or warm up before an open fire and imagine life in the early colony.
Elizabeth Farm, Rosehill Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to the historic Elizabeth Farm estate, Rosehill in Sydney's west.
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Elizabeth Farm, Rosehill Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to the historic Elizabeth Farm estate, Rosehill in Sydney's west.
Western Sydney Parklands, Eastern Creek Credit: Destination NSW
Young people enjoying a day out at Western Sydney Parklands
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Western Sydney Parklands, Eastern Creek Credit: Destination NSW
Young people enjoying a day out at Western Sydney Parklands
Stay
Pullman Penrith
Experience $110 million of luxury development with a stay at the new Pullman Penrith. Across 153 rooms, a new Modern-European bar and restaurant, a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness centre (designed in partnership with the Penrith Panthers) and an incredible function centre, the new hotel is a destination stay between the Blue Mountains and Sydney’s west.
SKYE Suites, Parramatta
With all the necessary luxe details to feel thoroughly pampered, earmark this one for a city staycation. Located within easy reach of Western Sydney’s most covetable attractions, such as Parramatta Square, Parramatta Park and Riverside Theatre, SKYE Suites offers a contemporary place to relax after your Great Southern Night. Plunge into the infinity pool, ascend to the rooftop bar, Nick & Nora’s, and exhale at the onsite spa.
Novotel Sydney West HQ, Rooty Hill
Located at Western Sydney’s most happening address, this 4.5-star hotel puts you squarely in the action. Close to restaurants, bars and the Sydney Coliseum Theatre, it’s the perfect end to a night watching Jimmy Barnes on stage.
Mercure, Penrith
In downtown Penrith, just a short drive from the enlivening air of the Blue Mountains, Mercure Penrith is within easy reach of Western Sydney’s urban and natural highlights. Soothing tones and an understated aesthetic make this a fuss-free and entirely agreeable stay.
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For more information on Great Southern Nights and to purchase tickets go to greatsouthernnights.com.au. Start planning your Great Southern Nights road trip and learn more about New South Wales’ diverse destinations and experiences at sydney.com and visitnsw.com.
Share your Feel New moments with #FeelNSW and #FeelNewSydney.
SKYE Suites Sydney Credit: SKYE Suites Sydney
SKYE Suites Sydney
#feelnew #feelnewsydney
SKYE Suites Sydney Credit: SKYE Suites Sydney
SKYE Suites Sydney
Parramatta River, Parramatta Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk along the banks of the Parramatta River, Parramatta.
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Parramatta River, Parramatta Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk along the banks of the Parramatta River, Parramatta.
More Inspirational Stories
Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
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Connect with the true essence of Sydney by mingling with the friendly locals and discovering the vibrant energy that defines the city. Beyond its stunning landmarks, Sydney invites you to experience its warmth and charm.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
Salute the Dawn at Bronte Beach
The 440 Run Club is a free Saturday morning running club that is open to everyone at any fitness level. Meet in the park in front of Bronte Beach in the dark, and join a crew of all ages and backgrounds to run, jog or even walk up and down a hill in a continuous loop. Sunrise over this beautiful beach never looked so good.
Afterwards go cafe hopping at the beachside strip and nabone of the outdoor tables for pinch yourself views. The Bogey Hole Cafe is a great place to start.
If you’re still full of beans, do the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Follow the scenic pathway back to Bondi or go further afield to another action-packed beach suburb, Coogee. This is also where you’ll find one of Sydney’s Insta-famous restaurants, Mimi’s.
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
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The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
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Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,but it also has a Boho beating heart. At North Bondi (which is where the locals swim), refill at heritage cafe, Speedos or drop into the laid back Bondi RSL filled with interesting characters and extraordinary views of the beach.
Explore the shopping thoroughfare of Gould Street with signature store, Tuchuzy and keep walking all the way to the Bondi Farmer’s Market
Other boho outposts include Gertrude & Alice bookstore and cafe on Hall Street, Up South on Bondi Road, Bondi Tony’s for Aussie Burgers in Glenayr Avenue, and Shop & Wine Bar in Curlewis Street Bondi.
Heritage, Art and Harbourside Delights
Sydney’s Parliament House, steeped in colonial history, is open to the public every Monday and Friday. The Legislative Assembly chamber (also known as the bear pit) is the place where laws are made with vigorous debate. Afterwards take a stroll across the Domain, spread out in front of you like a green carpet to the Art Gallery Of NSW. Head to the newly opened and architecturally amazing North Wing - Naala Badu - for lunch at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
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Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
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Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Pining for Manly
Board the Manly Ferry for the 30-minute voyage to Manly - the beachside suburb, ringed with ancient Norfolk Pine trees where it always seems to be holiday time.
Check into the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. The Corso runs from the Harbour side to the beachside and offers interesting eateries including Butter Boy for their famous cookies baked on the spot. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
Go for a stroll to Shelly Beach where you may encounter some harmless Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the rocks along the way and ready for their close up. Dip into the water at the beach or the ocean pool then head to The Boathouse where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In Double Bay
Double Bay is Sydney’s most luxe village. It boasts plenty of hair salons along with decadent day spas, excellent shopping and five-star restaurants and bars.Head to All Saint Clinic founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors for pure indulgence where the treatment menu includes the Fire & Ice facial.
Next visit the famous Joh Bailey Salon for a blow out or head to La Boutique in Transvaal Avenue, where owner Belinda Jeffries is the blonde whisperer.
Celebrate the newly refreshed you with a lunch at Margaret Double Bay, owned by prestigious Icon Awards winner, Neil Perry. Take an outdoor table to make your own contribution to Double Bay’s street life, then duck downstairs to the newly opened cocktail bar, Bobbie’s.
You could also have a drink on the deck at a popular locals’ hang out, the 18 Footers Bar Restaurant & Cafe, which is right next to the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun setting over the harbour and then hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
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Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
#feelnewsydney
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.