BridgeClimb, SydneyCredit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying the Burrawa Indigenous Experience at BridgeClimb, Sydney.
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Gain a fresh perspective on Sydney’s rich heritage on a guided cultural tour. From the Indigenous stories of Sydney Cove — known as Warrane in the language of the Gadigal people — to the hidden historic sites of Sydney Harbour, prepare to be surprised by how much there is to learn about New South Wales’ capital. Here are just a few memorable options to enrich your visit.
Go backstage at an icon
Venture beneath the soaring white sails of the Sydney Opera House on a range of tours bound to leave you with a new appreciation of this showstopping building. Uncover the magic of the Circular Quay-based icon on the recently relaunched Sydney Opera House Tour, hone in on its architectural legacy on the Architectural Tour, or journey through rehearsal spaces not open to the public on the Backstage Tour. Be mesmerised by a private opera recital as part of Cultural Attractions of Australia’s Taste of Opera tour, or wine and dine your way around the venue’s restaurants on the sumptuous Taste of the House guided experience on the last Sunday of the month. And this is just a sampling of the inspiring ways to experience this multi-layered cultural hub.
Connect with Sydney’s First Peoples
Be captivated by Sydney’s Aboriginal history and cultures on the city’s unique Aboriginal-led tours. Learn about the Gadigal peoples’ deep spiritual connection with Sydney Harbour on a walking tour of The Rocks with Dreamtime Southern X, and deepen your knowledge of bush foods and learn how these foods were used traditionally and adapted to the modern plate and palate on an Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour hosted in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. You can even climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a First Nations guide on the Burrawa Climb, taking in the stories of Aboriginal life in Sydney before and after colonisation along with the spectacular views. And learn the fascinating backstory of iconic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance company Bangarra Dance Theatre on a behind-the-scenes tour.
Dreamtime Southern X, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Margret Campbell performing a smoking ceremony at Blues Point Reserve, Blues Point in Sydney as part of the Dreamtime Southern X experience.
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Dreamtime Southern X, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Margret Campbell performing a smoking ceremony at Blues Point Reserve, Blues Point in Sydney as part of the Dreamtime Southern X experience.
Dive into Australia’s maritime history
Castaway to the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour on the fringe of the city centre for an unforgettable guided experience onboard some of the world’s most storied vessels. Set sail across Sydney Harbour as a passenger on the Duyfken, a stunning replica of the first European ship to reach Australia in 1606. Or learn from the museum’s conservation and restoration team as you enjoy exclusive access to items in the 146,000-strong collection on the private Hidden Gems and Historic Artefacts behind-the-scenes tour.
Spend a thrilling evening immersed in art
Indulge your love of art, culture and food on two memorable evening experiences offered by the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Treat yourself to an exclusive, after-hours curator-led tour of the gallery and a decadent five-course meal with matched wines on the A Night at the Gallery Experience. Or immerse yourself in the gallery’s renowned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection with an Indigenous host on the Yiribana Experience, followed by a five-course meal featuring native ingredients and paired wines. With professional photography and a special gift to take home included on both experiences, these special art gallery tours offer memories for a lifetime.
Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a visit to the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour.
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Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a visit to the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour.
Take the pulse of a multicultural food scene
Get a taste of Sydney’s vibrant and ever-evolving culinary scene on a gourmet food tour. Sink your teeth into everything from a taste sensation Lebanese breakfast to an Afghan feast on a tour with Gourmet Safaris. Discover a love for authentic dishes of Iran, Korea, the Balkans and beyond with Taste Cultural Food Tours, an organisation that provides training for migrants and refugees. Experience Vietnam, China, Italy and Turkey in a mouthful with Mia Cucina. Or join Local Sauce Tours for a food-fuelled expedition to Chinatown or Newtown — and learn something new about Sydney’s food culture with every bite.
Explore Sydney’s lesser-known historic landmarks
Discover extraordinary places on Sydney Harbour that have played a central role in Australia’s First Nations, convict, defence and colonial narratives on a guided tour offered by the Harbour Trust. Journey to Cockatoo Island’s convict and maritime eras and dare to step into the supernatural realm of this storied harbour isle. Learn how the gun emplacements, tunnels and other military relics of Georges Heights at Mosman’s Headland Park once played a crucial role in the defence of Sydney, or explore the remnant military complex and historic cemetery set within the coastal bushland at North Head near Manly. Led by passionate guides, all tours offer insights into Sydney that will stay with you long after your tour wraps.
Al Shami, Merrylands Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying food and drink at Al Shami, Syrian Restaurant, Merrylands. Al Shami is an included location for visitors booked on a Taste of Afghanistan and Syria tour with Taste Cultural Food Tours. For more details, visit: https://www.tastetours.com.au/
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Al Shami, Merrylands Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying food and drink at Al Shami, Syrian Restaurant, Merrylands. Al Shami is an included location for visitors booked on a Taste of Afghanistan and Syria tour with Taste Cultural Food Tours. For more details, visit: https://www.tastetours.com.au/
Peppers Craigieburn, BowralCredit: Destination NSW
The heritage property at Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral.
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Promenade back in time as Netflix’s Regency-era romp returns for Season Three, escorted by the elegant Bridgerton in Bowral extravaganza from 16-23 April. And whether you’re visiting The Ton for these enchanting festivities or simply searching for a sophisticated sojourn, all year round Bowral offers decadent feasts, opulent stays, charming countryside and more – all just 90 minutes from Sydney. Read on, Gentle Reader, to learn why the Southern Highlands are the Diamond of the Season and beyond.
Make your grand entrance
Emerald hills garnished with vineyards, grand estates and a bewitching village atmosphere… Bowral’s highlights harken back to a most refined moment in history – and now they’re celebrating Bridgerton’s greatly anticipated return with a host of soirees. As befits such a momentous occasion, Empire Cinemas Bowral will host four exclusive screenings for The Ton before the new episodes hit Netflix (from May 16). Plus, you’re cordially invited to a Regency-themed Garden Party amid the stately grounds of the Milton Park Country House Hotel, where you’ll see and be seen in sprawling formal gardens, and enjoy a host of Bridgerton-themed entertainment. Nearby, Retford Park also entices with a picturesque 1887 homestead, self-guided art trail and a picnic-perfect historic garden for all seasons.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
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Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
Sip your way around The Ton
Raise a toast to Lady Whistledown’s long-awaited new chapter with Sohi’s mouth-watering tipples – their premium gin, vodka and vermouth are available to quaff all over town, including at Hearth by Moonacres, Bistro Sociale and The Royal Hotel. And, let your thirst for discovery lead you along the Southern Highlands Wine Trail, where you’ll sample the region’s cool-climate drops at more than 60 vineyards and 15 cellar doors. Swill Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Albariño, Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer at Centennial Vineyards; unwind between the vines at the grand Bendooley Estate; and clink glasses at Mount Ashby Estate, where red, white and culinary delights are served alongside French antiques and lashings of bucolic charm.
Shall we promenade?
Whether you’re courting a suitor or slipping out of the drawing room for fresh air, a gentle wander is one of life’s simple pleasures. Take a leisurely turn through historic Berrima; Australia’s best-preserved Georgian village unveils an intriguing selection of Regency-era relics, including the 1830s Courthouse, convict-built Surveyor General Inn and the National Trust-listed Harper’s Mansion. Bask in the majesty of manicured gardens in Bowral, Mossvale, and Robertson, where lavish plantings reveal nature’s extravagance – especially during the Tulip Time festival each spring. Afterwards, assemble your favourite dukes and duchesses to while away the day with croquet, cycle between quaint villages, or saddle up your trusty steeds for a relaxing meander along the Canyonleigh Trails.
Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
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Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
Discover the talk of The Ton
Bowral boasts a bounty of treasures old, new and noteworthy if you’re seeking a modiste-crafted frock for your society debut, exploring the arts, or collecting key pieces to makeover your manor. Start with a visit to Dirty Janes, a unique marketplace where 90 individual sellers peddling all manner of retro, vintage, antique and artisan-made finds. Indulge your guilty pleasure for scandalous storytelling at Books Ever After, a romance-genre specialist home to an impressive selection of special editions to tantalise your imagination. And, take your cue from Bridgerton’s elite and let your impeccable taste in art and furnishings do the talking. The Ngununggula Southern Highlands Regional Gallery, Bowral Art Gallery and Milk Factory Gallery showcase the cultured art and soul of this inspired region, while Suzie Anderson Home has a wide range of premium style essentials to create your own Regency-influenced sanctuary.
Retreat to elegant chambers
From plush private residences to luxe suites catering for your every whim, the Southern Highlands offers a host of auspicious accommodations worthy of society’s highest echelon. Revel in the prestige of a grand estate to call your own on the grounds of The Rift Estate. This palatial 19th Century mansion presents a self-contained Coach House to accommodate 13 people, complete with cosy fireplaces, claw-foot bathtubs and lush lawns perfect for croquet and bocce. For a gracious stay amid rustic vistas reminiscent of the English countryside, look no further than the five-star boutique hotel, Osborn House. Nearby, the chic comforts continue at the Georgian Moss Manor, where thoughtful creativity and interior design unite for an exclusive art-hotel experience. Around the town, the historic flair also rolls into the early 20th Century, with the Berida Hotel, Peppers Craigieburn and the Links House Hotel delivering memorable stays where modern amenity and heritage flourishes converge. Wherever you choose to rest your tiara-toting head, you can find your own Bridgerton in Bowral all year round.
Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
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Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands
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Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands