At last, a shiny new year is here! Now’s the time to hit refresh, renew ourselves with life-affirming adventures, and make good on our resolutions to love more, laugh harder, and live every single second like never before. 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 52 must-do’s for 2022. From sparkling beaches to ancient bush havens; secret villages to glittering cities, NSW is the ultimate playground to make 2022 your best year yet, filled with unique experiences to refresh your senses all year long.

1. Get there first
Sydney’s always adding new sparkles to its skyline – become part of it at new landmark bars, restaurants and hotels, including Oncore, Shell House, Loulou, Margaret, La Salut, Bar Elvina, MuMu, Hinchcliff House, Aiden Darling Harbour and the Ace Hotel Sydney.

2. Indulge your urge to splurge
Experience a new level of luxurious tranquillity at Hermes Estate, where you’ll have the whole six-star-rated Bellingen rainforest haven to yourself along with your own butler. Or, escape to your own private Lord Howe oasis at the beautifully appointed Island House.

3. Wonder at Sydney’s icons
The Sydney Harbour Bridge charms you whether you’re crossing it, climbing it with an Aboriginal guide, cruising beneath it on a ferry, or gazing at it from the Opera Bar, and on 19 March you can join the party as the Coat-Hanger celebrates 90 years of being a global icon.

4. Join the roar from the grandstand
Watching your team bring home the win turns strangers into mates and NSW has sporting events galore. Feel energised as thousands of voices cheer as one at the NRL State of Origin (Sydney), world cups for cricket (Sydney) and basketball (Sydney), and as supercars bring the thunder at Mount Panorama in Bathurst.

5. 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 and crabbing tours of the Tweed.

6. Totally disconnect in paradise
Get back to nature on World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island – where you can snorkel pristine coral reefs in the shadow of the world’s largest sea stack, climb Mount Gower by via ferrata, forget your car keys and cycle everywhere and swim with turtles.

7. 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 and Narrandera.

8. Be humbled by the bigger picture
There’s freedom in knowing how significant you are – and stargazing across NSW makes you feel tiny and fills you with big awe. Go bush for the gigantic skies of Australia’s first Dark Sky Park in the Warrumbungles, or visit observatories at Werrington, Parkes and Campbelltown. 

9. Renew your Australia Day view
Trade your backyard barbie for a fun day Harbourside with fireworks, luxury cruises, ferry races, a Children’s Festival and more. Or, head to the Yabun Festival at Victoria Park to celebrate the world’s oldest surviving First Nations culture with thought-provoking performances.

10. Savour new regional flavours
Refresh your palate with delicious experiences. Book a tasting at Corowa Whisky; feast on fresh South Coast cheeses, pick your own apples in Bilpin, try Coffs Coast bush tucker and taste everything from local gin to just-shucked oysters on the North Coast Flavour Trails.

11. Remix your road-trip soundtrack
Create your ultimate live music playlist as you follow the beat across NSW as the Great Southern Nights festival (18 March – 10 April) cranks up the volume from Byron Bay to Broken Hill and beyond, with Amy Shark, Baby Animals, Daryl Braithwaite, Fanny Lumsden and more headlining.

12. 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 the Wolgan Valley, and heal yourself with Japanese spa treatments.

13. Groove to new tunes
Live in the joyful moment at Sydney’s stellar line-up of festivals designed to make you dance, including Night at the Barracks, Sound West and Xstatic Wonderland.

14. Wine, dine and step back in time
Reenergise in Ulladulla, where you can stay in luxurious seclusion at Cupitt’s Estate, enjoy refined paddock-to-plate dining paired with wine and beer made onsite; wash your worries away at Rennies Beach and discover the town’s rich history on the Brodie Park Time Walk.

15. 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.

16. Be charmed by farm life  
Get off the grid and experience next-level satisfaction as you learn new skills during an enriching stay at a working farm, such as Callubri Station in the heart of Outback NSW. Or, closer to Sydney, treat the kids to an unforgettable Hawkesbury Farmstay.

17. Wing it to romance
Take your love to dizzy new heights with a Sydney seaplane flight to the Broken Bay Pearl Farm or a sunset helicopter tour. Or, cosy up on a romantic flight to savour deliciously long lunches everywhere from the bush to Orange to iconic Snowy Mountains vineyards.

18. Be revitalised by the Riverina
Recharge with a roll along the mighty Murray River on an overnight cruise, kayak across the majestic Lake Mulwala, land the catch of the day on a fishing tour, or simply soar above the Riverina's picturesque patchwork in a hot air balloon and breathe it all in.

19. Binge-watch the world’s best live shows 
All year round, Sydney’s theatre scene offers the ultimate streaming service with powerful entertainment to renew your sense of connection. From Cinderella to Hamilton, the Phantom of the Opera to Mary Poppins, there’s a musical to move everyone.

20. Stand on top of the world
Climb to the roof of Australia to savour a new feeling of accomplishment. Feel the magic in the air as earth awakens below you during a sunrise yoga session on Mount Kosciuszko, and set your adventurous spirit free on a winter ski trip. 

21. Feel revitalised with every step
Smash your personal best on a new run. Pick up the pace at the TreX Cross Triathlon, the City2Surf, the Sydney Marathon or the Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney. Prefer a walk? The breathtaking coastal views along the 80km Bondi to Manly trail make every step rewarding.

22. Refresh your festive fun 
Revel in a new community connection as country and coastal roads lead you to surprising festivals. Savour new culinary discoveries at the Port Stephens Love Seafood weekend (November), or check out the quirky Parkes Elvis Festival (20-24 April) and the Harden Kite Festival (8 October) near Young.

23. Have your sweetest Easter yet
Enjoy a family staycation in Sydney, where there’s a school holiday hotel deal for every budget. Prefer a sweet adventure on the road? Hit the road this Easter to meet the chocolatiers of Junee, Braidwood or Gosford – or become one at Chocolate School.

24. Retreat to the Shoalhaven
Follow the Grand Pacific Drive across the Sea Cliff Bridge for a revitalising experience in the Shoalhaven’s wild heart. Relax in peace at the newly-opened Jackson Ranch, where your cabin is steps away from serene Lake Willinga and a rainforest walk soothes the soul.

25. Slip off the grid
With ancient Gondwana rainforests that have existed since before Australia was even a continent, the Barrington Coast’s big nature offers the ultimate rejuvenation. Glamp in the wilderness and feel the spirit of regeneration at the Pulse of the Earth festival in spring.

26. Relax with a new kind of streaming
Be revitalised by southern rivers. Paddle your kayak on the Kangaroo River, explore Wombeyan Caves on the banks of the Wollondilly, forest-bathe alongside soothing waters at Minnamurra and be energised as the Yarrunga’s mighty flow tumbles over Fitzroy Falls.

27. 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 historic North Era, hike the Coast Track, chase waterfalls and paddle to peace in picturesque Audley.

28. Throw shapes on grassy dancefloors
Kick up dust as you dance alongside a thousand new friends at Tamworth's Country Music Festival (18-24 April) and the Deni Ute Muster (30 September & 1 October); or get your boogie on along the coast at Bluesfest (14-18 April), Splendour in the Grass (22-24 July) and Crank It Up Batemans Bay (18-20 February).

29. Discover a new family favourite
Head to Western Sydney where there’s a fresh thrill for every member of the clan. Make new furry friends at Sydney Zoo, feel the buzz of a new rush at Raging Waters Sydney, and enjoy a family-friendly mountain-bike ride or picnic in sprawling parklands.

30. Make your Valentine’s day
This 14 February whisk your love away to the Hunter and renew your connection with couples treatments at plush day spas, luxury stays at Spicers Guesthouse and Chateau Elan, and fine-dining at Muse and Margan. For a grand perspective that brings you closer, cosy up on a romantic hot-air balloon ride or a helicopter flight for two.

31. Be moved by Sydney’s timeless heart
More than 60,000 years of First Nations culture are alive and well in the Harbour City home of the mighty Eora Nation. Tune into the modern metropolis’ timeless spirit on Aboriginal tours of The Rocks, Barangaroo Reserve and the Royal Botanic Garden.

32. Plate-hop across the hinterland
Zingy flavours make every sense tingle as you eat your way around the North Coast’s rainforested backyard. Tuck into long lunches at Frida’s Field, Harvest Newrybar and Tweed River House, and handpick your own fresh local ingredients at the Mullum Farmers Market.

33. Upgrade your winter long-weekend
Treat yourself to a right-royal knees up with a Sydney staycation this Queen’s birthday weekend. Book in to a plush harbourside palace such as Park Hyatt Sydney, Crown Sydney, Pier One Sydney Harbour or the Ovolo Woolloomooloo for next-level luxury fit for royalty. 

34.  Find bush solitude in the city
Sydney’s garnished with wild playgrounds. Reconnect with nature in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, where scenic bush trails guide you to ancient Aboriginal rock art. Or, paddle on Lake Parramatta and take a hike in Lane Cove National Park to feel instantly energised.

35. Renew your cycle 
Whether you unleash your own pedal power or lap up the excitement from the sidelines, NSW’s year-round cycling events are a thrill. Check out the World Championships, the Port to Port (19-22 May), the Snowy Classic (26 March), and the Woolgoolga MTB festival (9-11 September).

36. Savour new flavours with the crew
Reconnect with mates over food, brews and banter across Sydney. Hit up the YCK Laneways’ secret watering holes; drink in the views from the city’s newest rooftop bar; explore the Inner West Ale Trail, and taste the world on a plate with a foodie tour of Western Sydney.

37. Be wowed by Wagga Wagga
Feel connected to the Riverina's landscapes around Wagga Wagga. Spend the night in an eco-hut at Kimo Estate with epic Murrumbidgee views, and explore Wiradjuri Country on an Aboriginal cultural tour or a road-trip along the Mighty Murray River Drive.

38. Be energised by powerful art
From street art to towering silo murals, creativity stokes the imagination around NSW. Plus, the Sydney International Art Series brings Matisse, Doug Aiken and more to iconic galleries, and the three-month 23rd Biennale of Sydney unleashes its artistic spirit across the city.

39. Go west to refresh
Take a family road-trip to Dubbo for quality time on vast plains under big skies. Base yourselves at The Repose or snooze amongst the savannah creatures of Western Plains Zoo, and visit the Flying Doctors’ base, landmark playgrounds and the annual Dubbo Show.

40. 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 picnic cruise, glamp on one of 13 historic islands, learn to sail, paddle a kayak, or ride a new rush at Luna Park.

41. Have a highland fling
The Southern Highlands are only a short drive from Sydney’s bustle, but you’ll discover a new world of relaxation as you kick back in quaint Georgian villages, feast in Bowral at Onesta Cucina and Merrigangs; explore Mittagong’s colonial gems, and sip cool-climate wines at Centennial and Tractorless vineyards.

42. Heed the call of the wild 
Feel a new connection to wildlife on a critter encounter with a stunning Harbour backdrop. Spend a night with the animals at Taronga’s Wildlife Retreat, meet Australia’s Big Five at Wild Life Sydney, and be wowed by jumping humpbacks on a whale-watching cruise.

43. Be awed by unique landscapes
Feel connected to something bigger than us as you explore Mungo’s otherworldly moonscapes, ancient forests of the Rainforest Way, rainbow-draped cascades along the Waterfall Way and the spectacular, painterly desertscapes of Mutawintji.

44. Soak up the serenity
Feel your worries float away in more than 100 idyllic ocean pools along the coast, make a glamorous splash at Sydney’s highest pool at Crown Sydney and Bondi Icebergs, and immerse yourself in Yarrangobilly and Moree’s thermal pools to feel revitalised inside and out.

45. Find Sapphire Coast treasure
Solid gold experiences await along the far south coast, where you can shuck your own oysters in Pambula, stay in a reimagined 1970s-era motel in Merimbula, create your own gin near Eden, explore historic goldfields and hit refresh in Bermagui's sparkling ocean pool.

46. 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 LGBTQI community at the Broken Heel Festival (24-28 March) and Rainbow on the Hay Plains (March), or polish up your sparkles for Sydney’s iconic Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (18 February – 6 March).

47. Feel your spine tingle
Every hair stands on end as you explore Australia’s most haunted house in Junee, where eerie activities thrill and chill. For paranormal experiences around Sydney, take a spooky tour of Cockatoo Island, discover Fishers Ghost or visit Q Station in Manly.

48. See the ocean in motion
Take in the world’s best surf action as saltwater champs hit the waves statewide. There’s events to enjoy all year round including the NSW Pro Surf Series (Feb-March), the Great Lakes Pro (22-25 February), Sydney Surf Pro (17-24 May), Kiama Bodyboard Pro, the Surf Lifesaving Championships (2-10 April), and more.

49. Let tinkling waters whisper you to sleep
Awaken your senses at the refreshed Lilypad Palm Beach – a floating villa where the luxury touches are as refreshing as the tranquil Northern Beaches setting. Nearby, visit Jonah’s Whale Beach for plush stays above the waves, or relax on the river aboard a Hawkesbury houseboat.

50. Celebrate Sydney’s contrasts
The city’s layers are invigorating. Immerse yourself in its journey from convict settlement to futuristic cityscape on an architecture tour of The Rocks, and learn about traditional blacksmithing and urban farming in the South Eveleigh innovation hub.

51. Ride the happiness wave
Top up your vitamin Sea levels at Yamba, where you can catch a wave at the legendary Angourie Point and fall asleep to the sea’s soundscape at the Surf Yamba hotel. Not ready for the big barrels just yet? Learn to surf at surf schools all along the NSW coast. 

52. Recharge in high country havens
Head for the hills to free your imagination. At Nimbo Fork Lodge, soothing Snowy Valleys scenery and Three Blue Ducks fine fare nourish body and soul; at Capertee you can kick back in your bubble tent and drift away to sweet dreams as you count the stars above