Hope Estate, Hunter ValleyCredit: Destination NSW
Young people enjoying a wine tasting next to the vineyards at Hope Estate.
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Regional NSW was Australia’s favourite regional holiday destination in the year ending March 2024, attracting 66 million domestic visitors.
The latest data from Tourism Research Australia (TRA) shows regional NSW also recorded the highest year-on-year growth in regional Australia during the period and experienced the best post-pandemic recovery.
Domestic overnight visitor numbers to regional NSW in the year ending March 2024 were the second highest on record at 27.1 million.
When compared with the closest corresponding period pre-pandemic (year ending March 2020), visitation was up 4.9 per cent. The top three regions were the Hunter at 114.7 per cent of March 2020 results, the South Coast at 113.2 per cent and New England North West at 112.3 per cent.
Domestic overnight visitor growth was up 3.3 per cent year on year for regional NSW. New England North West had the strongest growth (up 16.5 per cent), followed by the Central Coast (11.2 per cent
Scenic Drive Tamworth Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking a car driving through the countryside near Tamworth.
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Scenic Drive Tamworth Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking a car driving through the countryside near Tamworth.
Forresters Beach, Central Coast Credit: Destination Central Coast
Sun rising over Forresters Beach on the Central Coast.
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Forresters Beach, Central Coast Credit: Destination Central Coast
Sun rising over Forresters Beach on the Central Coast.
Destination NSW Acting CEO Ian Maltman said: “These results confirm regional NSW is leading post-pandemic visitor economy rebound in regional Australia.
“Destination NSW has a laser focus on ensuring the visitor economy continues to grow in regional NSW through its capability-building NSW First industry program, marketing initiatives and vibrant events calendar.”
“NSW is home to Australia’s most diverse landscapes - visitors can drive from the Snowys to the Sapphire Coast in a few hours, experience the vastly different climates of Byron Bay and Broken Hill, the sandstone cliffs of the Blue Mountains to the volcanic rock of The Warrumbungles.
“In addition to its spectacular geography, regional NSW is also home to some of Australia’s most iconic events, ranging from the Tamworth Country Music Festival to the Narooma Oyster Festival and the world’s biggest ute muster in Deniliquin.
“This collision of diverse natural wonders and vibrant culture energises visitors and ensures they return over and over again.”
Broken Hill Credit: Destination NSW
Living Desert, Broken Hill. This is a high res copy of this image.
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Broken Hill Credit: Destination NSW
Living Desert, Broken Hill. This is a high res copy of this image.
Tathra Wharf, Tathra Credit: Destination NSW
Tathra Wharf, Sapphire Coast
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Tathra Wharf, Tathra Credit: Destination NSW
Tathra Wharf, Sapphire Coast
Regional NSW was also the domestic daytrip capital of Australia in the year ending March 2024, recording 38.9 million domestic daytrips, 84.8 per cent of March 2020 levels.
The top destination for domestic daytrips were the Hunter, which welcomed 7.27 million trips (up 5.3 per cent) and the North Coast, which welcomed 7.25 million trips (up 17.6 per cent).
The North Coast and the Hunter were the top destinations for international visitors to NSW, with 275,400 visits and 156,800 visits respectively.
Regional NSW received 694,400 international visitors who stayed 15.3 million nights and spent an estimated $1.1 billion.
The largest source market for visitors to regional NSW was the United Kingdom (18 per cent), while the fastest-growing source markets for international visitors to regional NSW were India (up 15.8 per cent), the Netherlands (up 4.1 per cent) and Indonesia (up 116.5 per cent).
For more information visit Tourism Research Australia.
Cape Byron Kayaks, The Pass Credit: Destination NSW
Experience all the fun and adventure of a Cape Byron Kayaks guided tour in Cape Byron Marine Park. Feel the exhilaration as you paddle your kayak with the dolphins, turtles, and whales that frequent the enticing waters of Byron Bay. Whether you are a novice or an experienced kayaker your adventure will include paddling the magnificent protected bay, surfing the waves, encountering abundant marine life, relaxing and enjoying all the Tim Tams you can eat once back at the beach.
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Cape Byron Kayaks, The Pass Credit: Destination NSW
Experience all the fun and adventure of a Cape Byron Kayaks guided tour in Cape Byron Marine Park. Feel the exhilaration as you paddle your kayak with the dolphins, turtles, and whales that frequent the enticing waters of Byron Bay. Whether you are a novice or an experienced kayaker your adventure will include paddling the magnificent protected bay, surfing the waves, encountering abundant marine life, relaxing and enjoying all the Tim Tams you can eat once back at the beach.
Audrey Wilkinson, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a picnic at Audrey Wilkinson, Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley region.
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Audrey Wilkinson, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a picnic at Audrey Wilkinson, Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley region.
More News
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
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Destination NSW has teamed up with the popular YouTube channel Yes Theory, with its impressive 9.2 million subscribers, and Qantas, to fulfil 102-year-old San Franciso local, Dorothy Smith’s lifelong dream of visiting Sydney, Australia, completing her remarkable journey to every continent in the world.
Yes Theory producers Ammar Kandil and Staffan Taylor first met Dorothy in October 2024 when they moved into The Redwoods Retirement Village for 48 hours. Moved by Dorothy’s heartfelt regret of not yet reaching her final frontier, Australia, Ammar and Staffan felt compelled to help her complete this remarkable journey.
Reflecting on her motivation to travel and time in Sydney, Dorothy shared, "Travel is important to me because it’s a big world, and each country is different and has something different to offer; I want to see them all and I don’t want to miss anything!
“I loved visiting Sydney; it’s a beautiful city. The people are charming, the food is good, the scenery is just wonderful, and even the weather is nice! We saw the little koala bears, of course the Sydney Opera House, we went to the Botanic Gardens, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, good restaurants, and the lovely Bondi Beach where we got our feet a little wet and the water was really cold! And the people – they are all so nice, and so friendly!”
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
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Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
#feelnewsydney
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
A living link to history, Dorothy is more than twice the age of the Sydney Opera House. In 1922, the year she was born, the NSW Government passed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Act, laying the foundation for the construction of the iconic bridge. Today, the Sydney Harbour Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of Australia’s resilience and connection to the world—a fitting backdrop for Dorothy’s own journey of exploration and discovery.
With Qantas’s support, Dorothy embarked on her adventure to Sydney in comfort, and received an exclusive invite to the cock-pit to meet the pilot, before she was warmly welcomed at Sydney Airport with personalised displays and a crowd of Yes Theory fans eager to celebrate her arrival. Her stay at the luxurious Shangri-La Sydney became a “home away from home,” offering Dorothy the chance to wake up to the breathtaking view of the Sydney Opera House—a landmark she had always dreamed of seeing firsthand.
Ammar Kandil, co-founder of Yes Theory, was driven to support her adventure saying, “Dorothy’s story is a powerful reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and we’re incredibly happy to help her achieve this lifelong dream to visit Sydney and tick of Australia as her seventh and final continent.
“Our mantra is ‘seek discomfort’ and embrace adventure, and Dorothy’s journey truly embodies the spirit of our channel. Her incredible story is set to inspire millions around the world to pursue their own adventures, no matter the obstacles.”
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
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The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
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Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
Dorothy’s time in Sydney has been nothing short of iconic, filled with experiences that capture the heart of NSW. Her itinerary included:
- An afternoon cruising on Sydney Harbour, marvelling at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House
- An up-close encounter with Australian wildlife at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour, where Dorothy met koalas, and even a kangaroo named Dorothy.
- A tour of the Sydney Opera House adding yet another milestone to her journey.
- A visit to the iconic Bondi Beach, where Dorothy enjoyed splashing her feet in the waves and seeing one of the world’s most famous beaches.
And Dorothy’s secret to a long, healthy life? “You have to exercise, you have to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and stay hydrated. And also, FUN! You have to have fun so you’ll stay healthy, and you can also enjoy 102 years! And if there’s anything else you want to try, go ahead and try it!”
To follow Dorothy’s journey and see Sydney through her remarkable perspective, check out Yes Theory’s latest video at youtube.com/@YesTheory.
For inspiration for your own Sydney adventure, visit sydney.com
Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
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Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
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Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.