Hello, shiny new year! Now’s the time to renew our inspiration with life-affirming adventures, and make good on our resolutions to love more, laugh harder, and live every second like never before. Across New South Wales, the memorable moments and possibilities are as limitless as the bright blue skies above, with places and experiences found nowhere else on Earth – including this selection of 52 must-do’s for 2025. From sparkling beaches to ancient bush havens, secret villages to glittering cities, NSW is the place to be to make 2025 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 Joji, The Panorama, Prefecture 48, Olympus, Tilda, W Sydney and the Eve Hotel Sydney. 

2. 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), the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix Sydney, cricket’s KFC Big Bash League, the Rugby Test series, and as supercars bring the thunder in the 2025 Bathurst 12-Hour, 2025 Sydney 500 and Repco Bathurst 1000.

3. Renew your Australia Day view
Choose to reflect, respect and celebrate our national day in a way that is meaningful to you across Sydney and NSW. For the early risers, head to Circular Quay for Dawn Reflection or Barangaroo for the WugulOra Morning Ceremony. Throughout the day, there’s a tonne of free activities on offer including Harbourfest’s legendary Australia Day Ferrython, Maritime Mayhem, Harbour Parade and Mega Kidz Zone, as well as a silent disco and the Australia Day Live Concert at the Sydney Opera House forecourt. For full details see www.australiaday.com.au.

4. 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.

5. Groove to new tunes
Live in the joyful moment at Sydney’s stellar line-up of festivals and concerts. This year brings a world-class calendar to move you, featuring Night at the Barracks, Laneway Festival, Billie Eilish, Drake, Katy Perry, Dua Lipa, Cyndi Lauper, New Order, Metallica, Childish Gambino, and more.

6. 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 discover cultural wonders around The Rocks with Dreamtime Southern X.

7. 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.

8. 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 Magritte, Julie Mehretu, Cao Fei and Data Dreams exclusively to the harbour city, and there’s standout exhibitions from Cerith Wyn Evans, Yasmin Smith, Angelica Mesiti and Kwatja Kngarritja Tnyirlalhama throughout the year in iconic galleries. The art and soul continues in Country NSW, where landmark exhibitions showcase the regions’ boundless inspiration. 

9. Be humbled by the bigger picture
There’s freedom in knowing how insignificant 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 Dubbo, Parkes and Campbelltown. 

10. Binge-watch the world’s best live shows 
All year round, Sydney’s theatres present the ultimate streaming service with powerful entertainment to renew your sense of connection. From inspiring talks with Bear Grylls, Jack and Michael Whitehall and Bob Geldof; to enthralling musicals like Titanique, Guys & Dolls, MJ the Musical, Back to the Future: The Musical, Hadestown and The Book of Mormon there’s something for everyone. Plus, Sydney’s comedy festival and clubs ensure the laughs are on tap all year round.

11. 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 up at it from the Sydney Opera House, where world-class shows and tours showcase the city’s inspired heart. For jaw-dropping views of both wonders, wet your whistle at Opera Bar.

12. Throw shapes on grassy dancefloors
Kick up dust as you dance alongside a thousand new friends at Tamworth’s Country Music Festival, the Deni Ute Muster, Wanderer Festival, and the Mundi Mundi Bash. 

13. Connect with friendly creatures
NSW’s animals are as welcoming as its locals. Be energised by an enriching new bond as you swim with whales in Jervis Bay; turtles in the Tweed; seals around Montague Island, and dolphins in Port Stephens. Plus, you can befriend koalas in Port Macquarie, Gunnedah and Narrandera, and meet the South coast’s legendary surfing kangaroos.

14. Remix your road-trip soundtrack
Create your ultimate live music playlist and follow the beat across NSW as the Great Southern Nights festival (21 March – 6 April) cranks up the volume from Byron Bay to Broken Hill and beyond. Xavier Rudd, Boo Seeka, Troy Cassar-Daly, Missy Higgins and Birds of Tokyo are among this year’s headliners.

15. 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 e-bike adventures, recharge in World Heritage serenity at Spicers Sangoma and heal yourself with Japanese spa treatments.

16. 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.

17. Indulge your urge to splurge
Experience next level luxury amid the buzzing city centre at Capella Sydney, where the heritage sandstone Department of Education façade houses a plush playground of prestige suites, stellar cuisine and pampering experiences at the Auriga Spa. Or, escape to your own private Lord Howe oasis at the beautifully appointed Island House.

18. Light up your inspiration
When Vivid Sydney 2025 powers up from 23 May to 14 June, the whole city will become a technicolour kaleidoscope of light, performance, food, workshops and talks to fire up your wonder. Renew your imagination as this year’s theme explores the power of dreams, inviting you to refresh your perspective and immerse in invigorating new experiences and ideas. The trailblazing innovation continues as SXSW Sydney returns in October with more than 1,000 sessions and events across tech, gaming, music, screen and culture to spark your curiosity and creativity. 

19. 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.

20. 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 Blue Mountains bush tucker and taste everything from local gin to just-shucked oysters on the North Coast Flavour Trails.

21. 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. And, breathe in the epic Snowy Mountains views as you cosy up on a romantic flight to award-winning cool-climate wineries.

22. Be revitalised by the Riverina
Recharge with a roll along the mighty Murray River on a paddle-steamer cruise, kayak across the majestic Lake Mulwala, land the catch of the day on a river fishing trail, or simply immerse in the Riverina’s picturesque patchwork in a houseboat and let the revitalising views come to you. 

23. 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 unfurls below you on a guided multi-day hike of Mount Kosciuszko, and set your adventurous spirit free on a winter ski trip. 

24. 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 Orange Food Week, Narooma Oyster Festival and Curryfest, and make memories with likeminded souls at the annual Parkes Elvis Festival, Griffith Spring Fest, LatinFest, and Water Fest Shoalhaven.

25. 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 with a delicious workshop.  

26. Feel revitalised with every step
Smash your personal best on a new run. Pick up the pace at the TCS Sydney Marathon, the HOKA Runaway Sydney Half Marathon, Trex Snowy Mountains, the City2Surf, 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.  

27. 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 Jackson Ranch, where your cabin is steps away from serene Lake Willinga and a rainforest walk soothes the soul.

28. Slip off the grid
With ancient Gondwana rainforests that have existed since before Australia was even a continent, the Barrington Coast’s grand-scale nature offers the ultimate rejuvenation, especially when you retreat to the wilderness for a glamping getaway. 

29. 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 Australian Para Surfing Titles, Australian Longboard Titles, Surfest Indigenous Classic, Rip Curl Grom Search, Australian Bodyboard Titles, Surf Lifesaving Championships, and more. 

30. Relax with a new kind of streaming
Be revitalised by southern rivers. Paddle your kayak on the Kangaroo River, forest-bathe alongside soothing waters at Minnamurra, reenergise at Lake Yarrunga  and be invigorated by the powerful flow of Fitzroy Falls.

31. 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, hike the Coast Track, chase waterfalls and paddle to peace in picturesque Audley.

32. 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, take on the waves at Urbnsurf, and enjoy a family-friendly mountain-bike ride or picnic in sprawling parklands.

33. 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 harbour,  Barangaroo Reserve and the Royal Botanic Garden.

34. 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 and Tweed River House, and handpick your own fresh local ingredients at the Mullum Farmers Market.

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

36.  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.

37. 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  Snowies MTB Festival, Port to Port,  Mudgee Classic and the Ride Wollongong Festival of Cycling.

38. 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 standout rooftop bars; explore the Inner West Ale Trail, and taste the world on a plate with a foodie tour of Western Sydney.

39. 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 a road-trip along the Mighty Murray River Drive.

40. 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.

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

42. 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; explore Mittagong’s colonial gems, and sip cool-climate wines at Centennial and Bendooley Estate.

43. 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.

44. 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.

45. 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.

46. 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.

47. 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 Wagga Mardi Gras the Leeton Pride Festival, or polish up your sparkles for the legendary Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (14 February – 2 March). This year’s theme, Free To Be, celebrates the queer community’s collective strength, powerful inclusivity and joyous unity with more than 80 events, including The Sissy Ball, Fair Day and the iconic parade. 

48. 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 ghost tour of The Rocks, Cockatoo Island or Q Station.

49. Let tinkling waters whisper you to sleep
Awaken your senses at 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 harbour 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 traditional blacksmithing in the South Eveleigh innovation precinct.

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? Perfect your technique 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 both body and soul; at Capertee you can kick back in your bubble tent and drift away as you count the stars above.