Bangalay Villas, Shoalhaven HeadsCredit: Destination NSW
Guests at Bangalay Villas enjoying a beach horse ride experience on Seven Mile Beach, Shoalhaven Heads.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
New South Wales is blessed with beautiful beaches all along its spectacular coastline. It’s also blessed with some incredible luxury beachside stays, from chic boutique hotels on Sydney’s most famous beaches to opulent retreats tucked away beside secluded stretches of sand on NSW’s south and north coasts. Here’s how to have the perfect beach holiday, filled with memorable experiences and indulgent dining as well, of course, as lazy afternoons soaking up the warmth of the sun.
Settle into a luxe beachside stay in Sydney
Marvel at how easily you slip into carefree holiday mode when arrive at QT Bondi, a boutique hotel that’s as bright and breezy as the famed Bondi Beach across the road. Drop your luggage in your light-filled room and change into swimwear for a revitalising plunge into the curling surf. Alternatively, chill out as you swim a few laps at the iconic ocean pool at Bondi Icebergs, before returning for an exquisite dinner of modern Italian at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar. Lean into Bondi’s wellness vibe with a power yoga session with Yoga by the Sea, melt into a rejuvenating spa treatment at Slow House, or simply take in deep breaths of the sea breeze as you tackle the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
Across the other side of Sydney Harbour, lose track of time as you stare out to the Pacific Ocean from your suite at Manly Pacific Hotel, a buzzy boutique hotel in the Northern Beaches hub of Manly, a ferry ride away from central Sydney. Slip under the waves to find a hidden watery world of brilliant blue gropers, weedy seadragons and giant cuttlefish on an Ecotreasures Manly Snorkel Tour of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, or simply laze under the shade of a Norfolk pine tree on Manly Beach. As the sun sets, dine on refined modern Australian fare as you look out over Sydney Harbour at Manly Pavilion, or watch the ocean darken with dusk from your table at the acclaimed Italian restaurant Pilu at Freshwater, to the north of Manly Beach.
Coastal views from Tamarama to Coogee. Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the coastal view, Tamarama
#feelnewsydney
Coastal views from Tamarama to Coogee. Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the coastal view, Tamarama
QT Bondi, Sydney Credit: QT Bondi
Your dog will love a fur-friendly stay at QT Bondi.
#feelnewsydney
QT Bondi, Sydney Credit: QT Bondi
Your dog will love a fur-friendly stay at QT Bondi.
Tap into the natural beauty of the Central Coast
Soak up sweeping views of the deep blue ocean from countless vantage points as you make your way from Pretty Beach House, a 90-minute drive north of Sydney on the NSW Central Coast, to postcard-perfect Tallow Beach in Bouddi National Park. Refresh with a swim at this marvellously secluded beach before heading back to one of Australia’s most exclusive luxury lodges for lunch. You may want to keep your midday meal light in anticipation of the freshly harvested oysters you’ll savour on a private tour of Broken Bay Pearl Farm, and the indulgent degustation dinner with paired wines that awaits in the evening.
Discover another of the national park’s great swimming spots, Putty Beach, with Elixir Journeys’ Bouddi Coastal Walk In Style, featuring a gourmet picnic under a cabana on the beach. Or delve deeper into Bouddi National Park with Walk Into Luxury’s 3 Day Bouddi Coastal Walk at Pretty Beach, which includes two nights at Pretty Beach House and a guided hike along the Bouddi Coastal Walk.
Stay in the flow a little longer on your last day with lunch at Bells at Killcare’s Wild Flower Bar & Dining restaurant, or make a detour to Saddles Mount White, a homestead restaurant overlooking a lake and farmland at Mount White, off the Pacific Motorway on your way back to Sydney.
Pretty Beach House, Pretty Beach Credit: Anson Smart
Woman relaxing in the pool at Pretty Beach House, Pretty Beach.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Pretty Beach House, Pretty Beach Credit: Anson Smart
Woman relaxing in the pool at Pretty Beach House, Pretty Beach.
Commune with sea life in Port Stephens
Experience a sense of calm as you stroll along one of the sheltered sandy beaches lining the inlets and bays of Port Stephens, around a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney, or one hour from Newcastle. Check in to a luxurious room at the Hamptons-esque Anchorage Port Stephens at Nelson Bay’s Corlette Beach or the barefoot-luxe Bannisters Port Stephens, which overlooks a long stretch of sand on nearby Salamander Bay.
Then head out to sea to explore the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park, home to a large population of resident dolphins as well as turtles, seabirds and abundant fish species. Kick back and relax on a leisurely cruise on Blue Water Sailing’s luxury yacht Champagne on Ice, which sets sail from Anchorage Marina. If you visit between November and April, hop onto a catamaran with Imagine Cruises for a thrilling swim with wild dolphins (this ECO-certified experience is the only permitted wild dolphin swim in the state). In the cooler months, Imagine Cruises offers whale watching cruises where you can thrill to the spectacle of migrating humpback whales, with sightings guaranteed from June 1 to November 1.
Back on dry land, relive your aquatic adventures over a delicious dinner at the Anchorage’s The Galley Kitchen, the Rick Stein at Bannisters seafood restaurant, or the modern Australian diner Little Beach Boathouse at Nelson Bay’s Little Beach Marina.
Bannisters, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Woman relaxing by the pool at Bannisters, Port Stephens.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Bannisters, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Woman relaxing by the pool at Bannisters, Port Stephens.
Bliss out in Byron and beyond
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you immerse in the heady bohemian atmosphere of Byron Bay’s town centre before retreating to rest and recharge at your peaceful suite at Byron’s most exclusive hotel, Raes on Wategos. Note how the sparkling white exteriors of the hotel echoes the stark white of Cape Byron Lighthouse on the headland above as you walk across the lawn to swim at sheltered Wategos Beach.
Try to resist the temptation to spend every single day of your stay grazing on Mediterranean-influenced modern Australian fare at Raes Dining Room in between swims at Wategos. Be tempted by one of Kiff and Culture’s food-focused experiences, such as its tour combining a long lunch at Byron icon The Farm and a tour of the popular Husk Distillery, or a Byron Shire Food Safari with Localing. Savour the best of the far North Coast’s fresh produce and seafood at restaurants along the shoreline and in the Byron Bay hinterland, from Murwillumbah’s Tweed River House to Pottsville’s Pipit restaurant and Potager, a much-awarded farm-to-table restaurant inland from Tweed Heads.
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
Soothe your soul on the South Coast
Feel your everyday concerns wash away as you journey along the spectacular NSW South Coast. Make a weekend truly memorable by staying at Bangalay Luxury Villas, at Shoalhaven Heads, a two-hour drive from Sydney. Settle in to your chic, secluded villa and shuck off your shoes for a leisurely walk on Seven Mile Beach, which stretches for kilometres just steps away from your room. Return to freshen up in readiness for a divine dinner at the resort’s renowned restaurant, Bangalay Dining.
Begin a blissful new day by taking a private surf lesson with Gerroa Surf School at Gerroa, at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach, before exploring the charming boutiques and cafés of Berry and tasting wine at Coolangatta Estate, all within a 15-minute drive of the resort.
Venture a further hour’s drive down the South Coast to embrace the clifftop idyll of Bannisters by the Sea, overlooking Mollymook’s surf beach. Attune to the rhythm of the ocean as you soak up panoramic views from the ultra-comfort of your luxe suite and savour extraordinary seafood dishes at the iconic in-house Rick Stein restaurant. Enjoy easy access to the beach by staying at nearby sister property Bannisters Pavilion, or simply pop down from the clifftop resort for a sunset dinner at the Pavilion's light-filled Rooftop Bar & Grill.
Head a few minutes inland from Mollymook to visit Cupitt’s Estate, an award-winning winery and craft brewery overlooking farmland outside the pretty town of Milton. Here you can enjoy a leisurely lunch of farm-to-table fare at the winery’s acclaimed restaurant, sample sublime wines at the historic cellar door, or peek behind the scenes of the estate on a Tour and Taste experience.
Bangalay Villas, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Guests at Bangalay Villas enjoying a beach horse ride experience on Seven Mile Beach, Shoalhaven Heads.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Bangalay Villas, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Guests at Bangalay Villas enjoying a beach horse ride experience on Seven Mile Beach, Shoalhaven Heads.
More Inspirational Stories
Sydney New Year's Eve, SydneyCredit: Keith McInnes
Spectacular 9pm Welcome to Country fireworks display across Sydney Harbour to celebrate the New Year
#feelnewsydney
The countdown is on for the biggest night of the year. As the clock strikes midnight on 31 December, more than one million people will gather around Sydney Harbour to ring in 2025. This year, experience Sydney at its summer best, spend the biggest night in the city, then wind down out of town.
Where to watch the fireworks
Observatory Hill
One of the highest points in the city, Observatory Hill is on the edge of The Rocks and is positioned straight at the Sydney Harbour Bridge – it’s probably the closest you can get to the bridge without being on it. Sensitive ears? Bring some ear plugs.
Free entry – no tickets required
Mrs Macquarie’s Point
This iconic NYE vantage point just next to the Royal Botanic Garden has spectacular views of Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the barges that dot the water near the bridge. Here, there’s a real party atmosphere with pop-up bars and food trucks spread out around the point.
Free entry – no tickets required
NYE Pier Party
At Pier One Sydney Harbour‘s exclusive NYE Pier Party, you’ll be almost close enough to touch the fireworks. Tickets include a mouthwatering menu from food stalls along the pier, free flowing drinks and a set from famed Aussie singer-DJ Havana Brown.
Tickets from $549pp
Celebration New Year's Eve
The rooftop Sculpture Terrace at the Museum of Contemporary Art will transform into the city’s most spectacular LGBTQIA+ NYE celebration. From the rooftop setting, you’ll have a front row seat to the biggest night of the year, plus canapes, bottomless drinks, DJs and cabaret acts.
Tickets from $697pp
New Year's Eve Opera Gala at Sydney Opera House
This is a truly iconic Sydney celebration. Start the evening with drinks overlooking the harbour before heading inside for the Opera Gala Concert. Watch the 9pm fireworks during intermission then enjoy the rest of the show before the exclusive Midnight Party kicks off in the Northern Foyer. Expect incredible views of the fireworks, Champagne and a night of dancing.
Tickets from $199pp
Rooftop bars
Ring in the new year at one of Sydney’s glamorous rooftop bars where you can pair breathtaking views with live music, Champagne and a cocktail the colour of the fireworks. Aster at the top of the InterContinental Sydney has some of the best views in the city, looking out over the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. At the Shangri-La Hotel, marvel at the fireworks from the sky-high Altitude restaurant and Blu Bar. For fireworks views from Darling Harbour, get tickets to the festivities at Zephyr (DJ and saxophonist included) at the Hyatt Regency, Untied Barangaroo (featuring flowing frosé and a DJ set) and CIRQ at Crown Sydney (where you’ll join a masquerade soiree).
Tickets required
Lawn With A View, New Years Eve, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens on New Years Eve at the Lawn With A View event
null
Lawn With A View, New Years Eve, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens on New Years Eve at the Lawn With A View event
Lawn With A View, New Years Eve, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying the fireworks display at the Lawn With A View event on New Years Eve in the Royal Botanic Gardens
null
Lawn With A View, New Years Eve, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying the fireworks display at the Lawn With A View event on New Years Eve in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Watch the fireworks on the water
Harbour islands
Three of Sydney’s tiny harbour islands are prime vantage points for the NYE fireworks. Clark Island and Shark Island sit either side of Point Piper and have clear views of the harbour and the bridge. Goat Island is close to Balmain on the western side, so you’ll get to see the ‘back’ side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the firework barges. Entry is free though you’ll need to pay for the ferry transfers. You can bring your own food and alcohol.
(Note that these islands are sold out for NYE 2024 – remember to book early for 2025)
Cockatoo Island
Spend the night in the middle of the action on World Heritage-listed Cockatoo Island. Choose a pre-erected tent (or bring your own) on the Eastern Apron for stellar views of the harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll also be able to see the explosives fire out of a fireworks barge just offshore.
Tickets from 514.42 for a four-person campsite
(Note that a minimum two-night stay applies – NYE guests will stay from Monday 30 December to Wednesday 1 January.)
Harbour cruises
The harbour will be dotted with hundreds of boats during the NYE celebrations, most illuminated with coloured lights and filled with excited revellers. Splash out on an indulgent multi-course dinner, free-flowing drinks and live music aboard the glass-walled Clearview, MV Vagabond Spirit or a Sydney Showboat ferry. Captain Cook Cruises offers a range of cruise options including a more budget-friendly evening where you can bring your own food and drink onboard.
Private charter
For a more exclusive experience, book a private charter boat to enjoy the countdown with your closest friends. Sydney Harbour Escapes, Sydney Harbour Specialists and Eastcoast Sailing have luxurious fleets available for hire. Prices start at around $3,000 and go up well over $100,000 for extra luxury options.
New Year's Eve Fireworks 2020, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Spectacular midnight fireworks display across Sydney Harbour to celebrate the start of 2021.
#feelnewsydney
New Year's Eve Fireworks 2020, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Spectacular midnight fireworks display across Sydney Harbour to celebrate the start of 2021.
New year, new adventures: ultimate summer getaways close to Sydney
When the fireworks have faded and the last Champagne cork has been popped, take the opportunity to discover the wonders that await just a short drive from the city. Get a taste of spectacular scenery on a day trip or stay away a little longer in unique hotels or bush camps on postcard beaches. Sparkling coastline scenes, lush forests, one-of-kind adventures and stylish stays await on the Central Coast, in Kiama and the Shoalhaven, and in the city of Newcastle.
Central Coast | 1 hours’ drive
North of Sydney, a necklace of jewel-like beaches is strung along the coast, backed by the untouched bushland of national parks. It’s a quintessential slice of the Aussie coastal lifestyle with characterful villages packed with waterside eats, world-class surf, and family adventure.
Things to do:
- Take a dip or learn to surf in the gentle waves of Terrigal Beach, follow the new boardwalk around the Haven, and try snorkelling or diving in the crystal clear water.
- Hop between the 41 beaches that stretch along 80 kilometres of coastline. Try Toowoon Bay for families, Soldiers Beach for surfing and North Avoca for dog-friendly adventures.
- Cruise around the oyster leases of the Hawkesbury River with Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, then get your waders on to sample a freshly shucked shellfish from a table in the water.
- Meet Elvis the crocodile and Hugo the Galapagos tortoise, then book in for a behind the scenes encounter at the Australian Reptile Park.
- Discover a new adventure in the lush Glenworth Valley – horse riding, quad biking, kayaking, abseiling, camping and more.
- Enjoy a romantic retreat at the five-star Bells at Killcare, a plush Hamptons-style retreat with private lodges boasting sunny rooftops and room service from Bells’ award-winning restaurant.
Terrigal Beach, Terrigal Credit: Destination Central Coast
Dolphins catching a wave at Terrigal Beach, Terrigal on the Central Coast of NSW.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Terrigal Beach, Terrigal Credit: Destination Central Coast
Dolphins catching a wave at Terrigal Beach, Terrigal on the Central Coast of NSW.
Kiama & Shoalhaven | 2 hours’ drive
Part of the spectacular South Coast, these neighbouring regions sit south of Wollongong and promise golden beaches, legendary waves, charming villages and natural wonders. From the historic streets of Kiama – now home to galleries and small bars – to beautiful Huskisson, named Australia’s best Tiny Tourism Town for 2024, these areas made for meandering.
Things to do:
- Cruise alongside the bay’s 100 resident dolphins, on board, or in a boat’s boom net, an ocean adventure with Jervis Bay Wild.
- See ocean water crash through a rocky opening and explode up to 30 metres in the air at the Kiama Blowhole, the largest natural blowhole in the world.
- Savour native ingredients at one-hat restaurant Bangalay Dining, then check in to one of the breezy, luxury villas set among coastal sand forest.
- Sleep in style in the bush in one of Paperbark Camp’s stylish safari tents, where kangaroos and king parrots can be seen from the outdoor bathtubs.
Kiama Blowhole, Kiama Credit: Destination NSW
Water plume spouting from the Kiama blowhole.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Kiama Blowhole, Kiama Credit: Destination NSW
Water plume spouting from the Kiama blowhole.
Newcastle | 2 hours’ drive
NSW’s second city, Newcastle was built on steel and shipping but today it’s better known for its thriving arts scene, creative community, delicious dining and photogenic ocean pools. Explore on foot, on two wheels or from the water, uncovering fascinating maritime history, vintage stores, tiny galleries and a buzzy night life.
Things to do:
- Take an adventure cruise with Coast XP, watching dolphins leap in your wake as you pass famed surf beaches, World War II forts and the bustling Newcastle Harbour.
- Join the locals for a beachside breakfast or a woodfired pizza on the rooftop of the always-popular Merewether Surfhouse.
- Toast the day with a drink at the city’s highest bar, Rooftop at QT. Sip unique cocktails or local Hunter wines while you take in the 180-degree views over the city.
- Wake to the sound of the waves at Noah’s on the Beach, a classy beachfront hotel. Choose an ocean facing room for that all important view and head out the front door for a sunrise surf.
- Splash out at Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle’s first five-star hotel that has transformed the historic Council Administration Centre building. Don’t miss dinner with a view at the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant.
Merewether Baths, Newcastle Credit: Destination NSW
Young people enjoying a day at the Merewether Baths in Newcastle.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Merewether Baths, Newcastle Credit: Destination NSW
Young people enjoying a day at the Merewether Baths in Newcastle.