Minister for Tourism and Arts Ben Franklin speaking at the SXSW Sydney First Look Credit: Destination NSW
Minister for Tourism and Arts Ben Franklin speaking at the SXSW Sydney First Look
#feelnewsydney
WITH INNER SYDNEY EVENT PRECINCT & EVENT FORMATS UNVEILED
ANNOUNCES FIRST KEYNOTE SPEAKER AMY WEBB
ALONGSIDE THE FIRST ROUND OF FEATURED SPEAKERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER) ANDREW PASK, BEN LAMM, GUY KAWASAKI, JACK REIS, KYAS HEPWORTH, LARISSA BEHRENDT, MANAL AL-SHARIF, MICHAEL J. BIERCUK, PER SUNDIN, QUE MINH LUU, ROBYN DENHOLM, ROHIT BHARGAVA, SAM BARLOW, SEAN MIYASHIRO, SHEILA NGUYEN, SUNG-EUN YOUN, TOM VERRILLI, YIYING LU, YOOMIN YANG + MORE TO COME
ANNOUNCES FIRST INTERNATIONAL ACTS PERFORMING AT SXSW SYDNEY MUSIC FESTIVALCONNIE CONSTANCE (UK), EKKSTACY (CANADA), LOS BITCHOS (UK), OTOBOKE BEAVER (JAPAN), REDVEIL (US) + MORE TO COME
FIRST PLATINUM & INDUSTRY BADGES ARE ON SALE NOW PURCHASE EARLY BIRD BADGES HERE
SXSW SYDNEY SESSION SELECT, MUSIC FESTIVAL & SCREEN FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN
SUBMIT YOUR SXSW SYDNEY MUSIC FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE APPLICATION HERE
SUBMIT YOUR SXSW SYDNEY SCREEN FESTIVAL SCREENING APPLICATION HERE
SUBMIT YOUR SXSW SYDNEY SESSION SELECT PANEL PROPOSAL HERE
SXSW SYDNEY™
OCTOBER 15 - 22, 2023
SYDNEY NSW, AUSTRALIA
MORE INFORMATION HERE
IN COLLABORATION WITH THE NSW GOVERNMENT VIA DESTINATION NSW, TEG & SXSW®
SXSW Sydney First Look Credit: Destination NSW
L – R: Fenella Kernebone (SXSW Sydney Head of Conference Programming), Colin Daniels (SXSW Sydney Managing Director), Minister for Tourism and Arts Ben Franklin & Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox
#feelnewsydney

SXSW Sydney First Look Credit: Destination NSW
L – R: Fenella Kernebone (SXSW Sydney Head of Conference Programming), Colin Daniels (SXSW Sydney Managing Director), Minister for Tourism and Arts Ben Franklin & Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox
Sydney, NSW - Thursday, February 9: Today, futurist conference and festival, South by Southwest (SXSW) Sydney™ launches the first look at its inaugural 2023 event, unveiling its inner-Sydney precinct location, event formats and announcing the first badges on sale at Early Bird pricing. Additionally, the event reveals the Conference program’s first Keynote Speaker - American futurist, author and CEO/Founder of Future Today Institute, Amy Webb, alongside its first line-ups of Featured Speakers and music acts.
Sydney, famous for its sparkling harbour and golden beaches, will be the first city outside of Austin, Texas to gather the world’s most inspired thinkers, creators and innovators in the southern hemisphere. The harbour city’s tech and culture scene will converge to host this future-focused event that will see the Asia-Pacific’s pre-eminent creative industries come together across content pillars of Tech and Innovation, Gaming, Music, Screen and Culture within a full week program running from Sunday, October 15 to Sunday, October 22, 2023.
To access what SXSW Sydney has to offer, you need a badge. Platinum and Industry badges are now available at Early Bird prices HERE.
Event Precinct
Supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, SXSW Sydney will encompass a walkable footprint within the Sydney CBD and surrounding neighbourhoods. True to the spirit of discovery at the core of SXSW®, areas such as Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Ultimo, Chippendale and more will transform into a vibrant, interconnected hub of event formats including festivals, performances, premieres, exhibitions, meet-ups, speakers, pitches and networking opportunities, with ideas and surprises to uncover on every street corner.
Event Formats
A core part of the event is the SXSW Sydney Conference, taking place in multiple venues including ICC Sydney, UTS, The Powerhouse Museum and more, featuring more than 400 keynotes, presentations, panels, workshops and mentor sessions with inspiring thinkers and leaders. The SXSW Sydney Technology & Innovation Exhibitions will showcase innovative and emerging tech and entertainment companies from across the Asia-Pacific region, while the Startup Village serves as a seminal spot for meet-ups, presentations and workspace areas with showcases from the brightest up-and-coming businesses across all industries and sectors.
As announced earlier in 2023, the SXSW Sydney 2023 Music Festival will take over multiple live music venues in central Sydney, where official showcasing artists will perform in front of industry reps, media and thousands of fans and fellow musicians from across the globe. Musicians can now apply HERE to participate. Expanding well beyond a traditional film festival, the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival will offer a future-focused program of film, episodic content, digital, XR and social content premieres, showcasing screen-culture’s diversity in the Asia-Pacific and beyond. From red carpet premieres to immersive screen experiences, Q&As and panel discussions with creators, expect industry and public access to world-leading screen ideas and perspectives. Applications are open now to filmmakers and screen creatives HERE.
Newly announced, the SXSW Sydney Gaming Festival will celebrate the future of the industry and embrace the power and potential of games. Over 100 local and international independent games will be playable across Showcase venues and the myriad other festival venues in the SXSW Sydney precinct. Demonstrations, product launches, hands-on play, stage sessions, performances, screenings, unique exhibitions and social events are waiting to be discovered, as the festival provides an opportunity for gaming industry professionals and audiences to connect, collaborate, exhibit and build relationships with each other in an unmissable, incomparable setting.
Geoff Jones, Chair, SXSW Sydney says: “SXSW Sydney will be a complete game-changer for Sydney and the Asia Pacific. Locally, it will increase visitation and bolster the creative economy. Within APAC, it will facilitate a special connection between creative industries and businesses in the region – the kind that can lead to collaboration and innovation on a global scale. I can’t wait to see the opportunities flow on from October this year.”
Ben Franklin, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts says on the significant benefits to Sydney’s visitor economy and creative industries: “Sydney is the economic and leisure gateway to Australia with a global reputation for hosting major international events that capture the world's attention. One of Sydney’s greatest assets is its numerous world-class event facilities, located within close proximity to the CBD. An event of this scale will activate a large number of venues throughout the city, supporting the entire ecosystem of Sydney’s visitor and night-time economy. South By Southwest Sydney will put a spotlight on the Harbour City as the major events and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific.”
Colin Daniels, Managing Director, SXSW Sydney adds: "Today’s announcement is simply the first port in a voyage of discovery. Over the next eight months we will reveal more speakers, more music, more screen and more gaming content from Australia, the Asia Pacific and from around the world. I’m excited to partner with some of the leading innovators in the creative, business and technology communities to enable people to see their world, their work and their ingenuity from a series of new and inspiring angles.”
Jann Baskett, Co-President and Chief Brand Officer of SXSW says: "We’re excited to see SXSW Sydney come to life with its first programming announcement. From Austin alumni including Amy Webb, Guy Kawasaki and Yiying Lu to innovative speakers from the Asia Pacific region, this lineup serves as a testament to SXSW Sydney’s commitment to providing a platform for creative thinkers across the many industries the event will highlight.”
Minister for Tourism and Arts Ben Franklin speaking at the SXSW Sydney First Look Credit: Destination NSW
Minister for Tourism and Arts Ben Franklin speaking at the SXSW Sydney First Look
#feelnewsydney

Minister for Tourism and Arts Ben Franklin speaking at the SXSW Sydney First Look Credit: Destination NSW
Minister for Tourism and Arts Ben Franklin speaking at the SXSW Sydney First Look
SXSW Sydney First Look Credit: Destination NSW
Colin Daniels (SXSW Sydney Managing Director), Minister for Tourism and Arts Ben Franklin & Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox
#feelnewsydney

SXSW Sydney First Look Credit: Destination NSW
Colin Daniels (SXSW Sydney Managing Director), Minister for Tourism and Arts Ben Franklin & Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox
First Keynote Speaker
Today, SXSW Sydney unveils its first ever keynote speaker appearing at the 2023 inaugural event.
Amy Webb is an American futurist, author and CEO/Founder of the leading foresight and future strategy firm, Future Today Institute. Named ‘one of the five women changing the world’ according to Forbes in 2022, one of the BBC’s 100 Women of 2020, and ranked on the Thinkers50 list of the 50 most influential management thinkers globally, Amy has been celebrated for her pioneering data-driven, technology-led foresight methodology which advises hundreds of leaders and organisations on how to prepare for complex futures. Amy also collaborates closely with Hollywood writers and producers on film, TV programs and commercials about science, technology and the future, while her most recent book The Genesis Machine also expands to the field synthetic biology - which combines biology with artificial intelligence. An unmissable keynote to catch at SXSW Sydney.
First Featured Speakers
This is accompanied by the first unveiling of SXSW Sydney Featured Speakers, who will join a line-up of 600 speakers across the Conference programming.
Appearing together on the Conference line-up will be serial entrepreneur and co-founder and CEO of Colossal, Ben Lamm, and expert in the exploration of mammalian evolution, development and reproductive technologies, Andrew Pask of the School of BioSciences at the University of Melbourne. In tandem with Colossal’s pursuit of the de-extinction of the Woolly Mammoth, the revolutionary genetic sciences company has now partnered with Prof. Pask’s lab to further his work on the de-extinction of the Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger). Their passionate and disruptive work promises another can’t-miss item on the SXSW Sydney agenda.
Ben Lamm says; “One thing I remain hyper-focused on as a leader is bringing the best and brightest together across industries in order to celebrate technological innovation, art exploration and cultural experiences. SXSW has established the world’s zeitgeist of disruption across these verticals, and I’m honoured to continue to be connected to its global stage.”
Chief Evangelist of Canva and former Apple Chief Evangelist, Guy Kawasaki brings unrivalled experience in evolving technology to SXSW Sydney. Author of The Remarkable Mindset, Wise Guy, The Art of the Start 2.0 and thirteen other books, plus host of his Remarkable People podcast, Kawasaki is not to be missed.
Also speaking this October is Jack Reis, co-founder of Baidam Solutions, a cyber security business based in Brisbane that meets a critical gap in the First Nations business sector.
Jack Reis also contributes; "SXSW is truly a movement bringing together many cultures. My heritage is First Nations Australian, I am Badulaig (Badu man), from Zenadth Kes (the Torres Strait). When you embrace many cultures and industries you invariably introduce diversity. Bringing together and showcasing the tech, gaming and the creative industries of music and screenplay allows for more ideas, more talent, more skills, and a diversity of perspectives which increases the potential for your desired accomplishments. I’m looking forward to experiencing this firsthand at SXSW Sydney 2023.
Head of Screen NSW, Kyas Hepworth is a Bundjalung woman who has dedicated her career to bringing unique and authentic stories to the screen, now leading the state’s film and production strategy while also advancing NSW’s position in Digital games. Currently on the Board of AusFilm, and previously NITV’s Head of Commissioning and Programming and a Board Member of the Australian International Documentary Conference, Kyas’ work has crossed documentaries, feature films, TV series, web series and more - an exceptional leading figure from the local Screen industry.
Lawyer, writer, filmmaker and Distinguished Professor and Laureate Fellow at Jumbunna Research, University of Technology Sydney, Larissa Behrendt AO appears - also known as the host of Speaking Out on ABC Radio.
Saudi women’s rights activist, author, podcast host, cyber security specialist and founder of the Ethical Technologists Society, Manal al-Sharif will appear at SXSW Sydney. A pioneer of a right-to-drive campaign in her home country, al-Sharif’s perspective on the intersection between human rights and technology is invaluable.
CEO and Founder of quantum technology company Q-CTRL, Michael J. Biercuk is a SXSW and TEDx speaking alumnus, plus a multi-time Australian Museum Eureka Prize nominee and winner. Biercuk holds a PhD from Harvard University, and has been a Professor of Quantum Physics and Quantum Technology at the University of Sydney. Previously, he worked at DARPA in the US Department of Defense, the most successful research funding agency in the world responsible for bringing you the internet, stealth technology, mobile phones and night vision. He's an avid collector of mechanical watches and a member of the GPHG Academy, bringing together the worlds of quantum tech and watches.
Swedish CEO of Pophouse Entertainment, Per Sundin has worked with some of the greatest-selling Nordic artists, including Avicii, ABBA, Tove Lo, Swedish House Mafia, alongside playing a pivotal role in the rise of Spotify.
As Director of Content at Netflix, Que Minh Luu is responsible for bringing shows like Heartbreak High, Irreverent and Boy Swallows Universe to life. Luu brings previous experience as an executive producer at the ABC, having also worked in scripted drama, comedy and digital content alongside time spent as a film editor.
Australian business executive Robyn Denholm is the Chair of Tesla and Operating Partner of venture capital firm Blackbird Ventures. A passionate advocate for innovation, Denholm brings illustrious life and leadership experience from the tech industry.
Denholm says: “We believe Australia is on the cusp of a once in a generation opportunity to become a global technology powerhouse and SXSW Sydney brings the incredible opportunity to showcase our Australian technology story to the world.”
Rohit Bhargava is an entrepreneur, bestselling author and founder of The Non-Obvious Company, dedicated to helping leaders, organisations and curators to see what others might miss, and become more creative and innovative in preparing for the future in their industries.
Sam Barlow is a BAFTA Games Award-winning game designer, and founder of Half Mermaid Productions. Sam is best known for his work as a writer and director of video games that push the boundaries of interactive narrative, such as Her Story, Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, Telling Lies, his most ambitious recent project, IMMORTALITY - a horror story about 20th Century filmmaking, art and death.
Sean Miyashiro is the founder and CEO of internationally-renowned, multi-disciplinary media company, 88rising (home to Joji, NIKI, Rich Brian and more), whose mission is to amplify Asian and Asian-American talent and youth culture across the globe. Since founding 88rising in 2015 Miyashiro has transformed the music world, redefining what a record label can be while cultivating a diverse roster of Asian talent. The collective have also curated a myriad of internationally successful endeavours - including Head In The Clouds Festival, being first and only record label to have a main stage slot at Coachella 2022, and also making their mark in the film world, with Miyashiro executive producing the soundtrack to one of the biggest movies of the year: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Sheila Nguyen is a leading regenerative built environment design professional, who has become a leading figure in addressing strategic and operational environmental sustainability issues within sport. Sheila was given the Honorary Lifetime Member award from the British Association for Sustainable Sport (BASIS) and recognised as an Australian Financial Review Top 100 Women of Influence (2019) for her leadership in galvanising the sport industry to protect and respect the natural environment. Now as Head of Sustainability for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, Dr. Nguyen’s work at the cross section of climate action, sustainable development and sport continues.
Sung-Eun YOUN is one of Korea’s most important film critics, an author, a member of the executive committee of the Korean Association of Film Critics, and a respected university lecturer with a PhD in film studies. Having recently established her own entertainment company focused on finding engaging stories, Sung-Eun is widely recognised for her work in putting Korean film on the map.
Tom Verrilli is the Chief Product Officer at Twitch, where the Australian is responsible for the Product, Engineering and Applied Science teams who are behind streamer tools, content discovery, community engagement and safety. Previously Twitch’s VP of Viewer Experience, Verrilli’s impressive career path has also included bringing NFL games to Twitter.
Award-winning artist and entrepreneur, Yiying Lu appears at SXSW Sydney as one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business and Microsoft's Top 10 Emerging Leaders in Innovation. Yiying’s iconic design creations including the Twitter Fail Whale and Chinese paper-cut Style Mickey Mouse for the Disney Shanghai opening have appeared in The New York Times, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal and BBC.
Yoomin YANG is a co-founder, CEO and executive producer at Korean production company, WOW POINT, where she oversees their extensive TV and film development and production slate including recently announced Netflix Series, Parasyte: The Grey. Yoomin’s other recent achievements include producing a Korean adaptation of Netflix’s Money Heist, among other projects.
Melbourne artist JACOTÉNE performing at SXSW Sydney launch party Credit: Jess Gleeson
Melbourne artist JACOTÉNE performing at SXSW Sydney launch party. @sxswsydney, @jessgleeson, @jacotene
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Melbourne artist JACOTÉNE performing at SXSW Sydney launch party Credit: Jess Gleeson
Melbourne artist JACOTÉNE performing at SXSW Sydney launch party. @sxswsydney, @jessgleeson, @jacotene
SXSW Sydney Managing Director, Colin Daniels, speaks at launch party Credit: Jess Gleeson
SXSW Sydney Managing Director, Colin Daniels, speaks at launch party. @sxswsydney, @jessgleeson
#feelnewsydney

SXSW Sydney Managing Director, Colin Daniels, speaks at launch party Credit: Jess Gleeson
SXSW Sydney Managing Director, Colin Daniels, speaks at launch party. @sxswsydney, @jessgleeson
First Music Artists
SXSW Sydney is also excited to reveal the first international music acts on its festival program, with many more to be announced across the year. Hailing from four countries and spanning genres from hip-hop and indie-rock to pop and punk, these rapidly-rising acts represent the first glimpse into a future-star studded music program, to be announced across the year.
Making their debut Australian appearances at SXSW Sydney are Nigerian-British indie-pop songwriter CONNIE CONSTANCE (touted by BBC Radio 1, NME and The Guardian for her tracks infused with punk and soul); Canadian new-wave breakthrough solo artist EKKSTACY (appearances at Pitchfork Festival London, supported HEALTH and Purity Ring, 6 million monthly Spotify listeners); London-based quartet LOS BITCHOS (endorsed by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and The Guardian, making Coachella debut this April); ferocious Japanese punk four-piece OTOBOKE BEAVER (global sell-out shows and rave reviewed from Pitchfork, NPR, i-D and The Fader) and American rapper-producer teenager redveil (toured with Denzel Curry and Freddie Gibbs, scored a 8.0 Pitchfork review for his debut LP learn to swim, 3.6 million monthly Spotify listeners and counting).
How to attend and participate in SXSW Sydney
A major contribution to SXSW Sydney’s conference panel programming comes via Session Select, which enables individuals and groups to submit proposals for solo presentations, panels or workshops. Almost 1,000 creatives have registered for Session Select so far. Ideas will be voted on by the broader SXSW Sydney community and reviewed for final selection by SXSW Sydney committees and programming teams. Submit your proposal HERE, before applications close on the extended date of February 28, 2023 at 11:59pm AEDT.
A SXSW Sydney badge provides access to the week-long conference, expo, festivals and networking sessions, with each badge type granting varying levels of access. Platinum and Industry badges provide core access to more than 1,000 ground-breaking events and networking sessions with some of the world’s leading thinkers, performers and industry professionals, and are available for Early Bird purchase now. Platinum badges secure the holder primary access to all programming, while Industry badges secure priority access to all conference events and industry-specific festivals, talks, workshops and parties. Learn more and buy your badge today at https://sxswsydney.com/.
Sydney is the leading connector to innovation and creativity in the Asia-Pacific; the events and theatre capital of the region, and ranks second in Asia for fin-tech development and sixth globally*. Further SXSW Sydney conference, festival, exhibition and event line-ups will be revealed across 2023, with opportunities to attend over 1000 sessions, screenings and performances, immersive activations, unforgettable parties and dynamic networking events across the city. This October, discover the unexpected ideas and diverse discussions SXSW Sydney makes possible when creative people come together.
SXSW SYDNEY™
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TEG
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SXSW SYDNEY™
IN COLLABORATION WITH THE NSW GOVERNMENT VIA DESTINATION NSW, TEG & SXSW®
OCTOBER 15 - 22, 2023
SYDNEY NSW, AUSTRALIA
PLATINUM & INDUSTRY BADGES NOW AVAILABLE AT EARLY BIRD PRICES HERE
MUSIC FESTIVAL, SCREEN FESTIVAL & SESSION SELECT SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN
SUBMIT YOUR SXSW SYDNEY SESSION SELECT SUBMISSION HERE
SUBMIT YOUR SXSW SYDNEY MUSIC FESTIVAL SUBMISSION HERE
SUBMIT YOUR SXSW SYDNEY SCREEN FESTIVAL SUBMISSION HERE
Famous for its sparkling harbour and golden beaches, Sydney is Australia’s most diverse and inclusive city and is home to a thriving arts and culture scene and buzzing 24-hour economy. As the gateway for international arrivals and major events capital of the Asia Pacific - there is no better city than Sydney to host SXSW’s next chapter. For more information on the host city of SXSW Sydney and things to see and do in Sydney, visit www.sydney.com. Share your favourite Sydney experiences on social media using @sydney #FeelNewSydney
SXSW SYDNEY, SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST SYDNEY and other SXSW, LLC marks used under license
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the Traditional Custodians of this land we now call Sydney, where this event will take place. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging for their continuing connection with cultural, spiritual and educational practices, and extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Always was, always will be.
Sydney artist 1300 performing at SXSW Sydney launch party Credit: Jess Gleeson
Sydney artist 1300 performing at SXSW Sydney launch party. @sxswsydney, @jessgleeson, @1300.info
#feelnewsydney

Sydney artist 1300 performing at SXSW Sydney launch party Credit: Jess Gleeson
Sydney artist 1300 performing at SXSW Sydney launch party. @sxswsydney, @jessgleeson, @1300.info
SXSW Sydney launch party guests enjoying Red Bull racing game Credit: Jess Gleeson
SXSW Sydney launch party guests enjoying Red Bull racing game. @sxswsydney, @jessgleeson
#feelnewsydney

SXSW Sydney launch party guests enjoying Red Bull racing game Credit: Jess Gleeson
SXSW Sydney launch party guests enjoying Red Bull racing game. @sxswsydney, @jessgleeson
About SXSW®
SXSW® dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW® is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture. An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music and comedy showcases, film screenings, expos, professional development and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW® proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.
About SXSW Sydney™
SXSW Sydney will become the official annual Asia-Pacific instalment of SXSW®. With a welcoming and vibrant energy, coupled with a uniquely distinct mix of iconic attractions, stunning natural landscapes, and status as the major events capital of the Asia-Pacific - there is no better city than Sydney to host SXSW’s next chapter. As Australia’s only truly global city and gateway for international arrivals, Sydney’s cultural diversity makes it the perfect incubator for creative ingenuity. Informed by a multicultural landscape and an enduring preservation of past, present and future Indigenous cultural heritage, Sydney offers a rich and exciting arts and culture scene with beautiful galleries, acclaimed theatres and burgeoning performance spaces. Sydney continues to lead the way in tech-innovation, boasting an eclectic creative footprint, ranking second in Asia for fin-tech development, and sixth globally*.
SXSW Sydney gathers inspired thinkers, creators and innovators from across the world for an agenda-setting exploration of the Tech and Innovation, Gaming, Music, Screen and Culture industries. From start-up pitches, networking opportunities and mind-bending activations in technology, to showcasing future trends across interconnected layers of the gaming industry, SXSW Sydney will unite gaming, tech and innovation industry professionals within a future-facing series of Expos. Meanwhile, established and emerging artists will reach new audiences at the SXSW Sydney Music Festivals, and a Screen Festival program will engage public and industry audiences to honour screen culture in the Asia-Pacific region.
About Destination NSW
Destination NSW is the lead agency, champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW is responsible for leading the delivery of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 in partnership with government and industry. Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and expos for Sydney and regional NSW.
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*Source: Australia is now ranked second in Asia for fintech development, and sixth globally.
For press inquiries please contact:
Charlotte Harrison | charlotte@thinkingloud.com.au
Harper Sassaman | harper@thinkingloud.com.au
Apply for media accreditation now HERE.
Access Media EPK HERE.
SXSW Sydney launch party, entrance to event Credit: Jordan Kirk
SXSW Sydney launch party, entrance to event. @sxswsydney, @xingerxanger
#feelnewsydney

SXSW Sydney launch party, entrance to event Credit: Jordan Kirk
SXSW Sydney launch party, entrance to event. @sxswsydney, @xingerxanger
SXSW Sydney launch party, crowd shot Credit: Jordan Kirk
SXSW Sydney launch party, crowd shot. @sxswsydney, @xingerxanger
#feelnewsydney

SXSW Sydney launch party, crowd shot Credit: Jordan Kirk
SXSW Sydney launch party, crowd shot. @sxswsydney, @xingerxanger
MORE INSPIRATIONAL STORIES
Manly Sail, Manly EMBARGOED FOR MARKETINGCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoys a swim from a sail boat during a Manly Sail sail trip in Sydney Habour. EMBARGOED FOR MARKETING
Sydney Like You've Never Felt It: Iconic Aussies Reveal Unexpected Side To The Harbour City
Manly Sail, Manly EMBARGOED FOR MARKETING Credit: Destination NSW
Images, VNR and campaign assets available here.
Sydney may be one of the most recognisable cities in the world, but a new brand campaign launched by Destination NSW is showing there’s much more to discover beyond the postcard attractions.
Qualitative research undertaken by The Lab has showed that people know Sydney for it’s incredible icons. But there’s a sense that once travellers have seen the well-known icons, Sydney doesn’t offer anything significantly different from other cities. They couldn’t be more wrong.
Unveiled today, the next chapter of Destination NSW’s Feel New platform is designed to help locals and visitors reappraise Sydney as a vibrant, surprising and evolving destination. The campaign spotlights the Harbour City’s infinite range of experiences – the kind you might only hear from a local.
The brand draws inspiration from Sydney’s vibrant culture - particularly as home to the largest Aboriginal population, custodians of the world’s oldest living culture - and its spectacular natural landscapes. It’s this powerful connection between culture and nature in Sydney that creates experiences for visitors found nowhere else.
For the campaign, Destination NSW has partnered with six NSW Icons of Culture – a group of creatives, tastemakers and trailblazers, who bring a local voice to experiencing Sydney. These include Olympian Jess Fox, comedic duo The Inspired Unemployed, ultra-marathon runner Nedd Brockmann, content mastermind Lucinda Price (aka Froomes), ARIA-winning musician Budjerah and chef Dan Hong.
Each icon has curated their own personal itinerary, offering visitors a fresh, feeling-led way to experience the city, whether it’s the energy of an early-morning harbour kayak with Jess Fox or taking in the beauty of the Hawkesbury River and freshly picked oysters on a Sydney Oyster Tour with Dan Hong.
Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, Mooney Mooney Credit: Destination NSW
Magicla views with Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, Mooney Mooney

Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, Mooney Mooney Credit: Destination NSW
Magicla views with Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, Mooney Mooney
Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper said: “Sydney was just ranked as one of Time Out’s top five global cities for culture, but when you ask Australians about Sydney they’ll say “I’ve already seen the Harbour Bridge.”
“What is clear in the research is that our icons alone are not enough to get people to visit and revisit Sydney. We need to do a better job at showcasing all our city has to offer, we need to be more than our icons.
“We have the Blue Mountains, beaches, the Great Southern Reef, and vineyards all within a couple hours. We have world leading restaurants, an exciting blend of food cultures, the largest sporting events and a vibrant arts and music scene.
“We have so much to offer, which is why we are asking Australians to come to Sydney and dive deeper, explore more of what Sydney has to offer.
“There are infinite combinations of experiences on offer, and I think this campaign puts them top of mind for potential visitors.”
Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones said: “Sydney is one of the world’s most recognisable cities — but this campaign invites people to experience it differently. We’re going beyond the icons to show the unexpected and uniquely local side of Sydney that even seasoned travellers may have missed. This is Sydney, as told by those who know and love it best.”
Olympian Jess Fox said: “Training and competing has taken me all over the world, but there’s something about being in Sydney that just feels different. From the harbour to the mountains, there’s an incredible energy here, whether I’m out on the water or exploring the city with friends. This city never ceases to amaze me and I can’t wait to help others discover this side of Sydney too.”
The next chapter of the Feel New campaign will be rolled out across social, digital, TV, out of home and radio in regional NSW, South-East Queensland and Victoria from 1 June to 30 August 2025.
The TV films feature cameo appearances from the six Icons of Culture as well as a range of experiences from dining at Saint Peter to snorkeling the Great Southern Reef and taking in the city from above with Sydney Heli Tours.
Balloon Aloft, Camden Credit: Destination NSW
Watching the sunrise during a hot air balloon ride with Balloon Aloft, Camden

Balloon Aloft, Camden Credit: Destination NSW
Watching the sunrise during a hot air balloon ride with Balloon Aloft, Camden
The insider itineraries from the NSW Icons of Culture include:
- The Inspired Unemployed channel their signature energy into a fun-filled Sydney experience, including an interactive mystery picnic in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Oz Jet Boating and stand up paddleboard yoga Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga with Flow mOcean.
The Inspired Unemployed’s Jack Steele said: “Growing up on the South Coast we always loved spending time in Sydney and we still do! The beaches are unreal, and the city’s buzzing by 6am.
The Inspired Unemployed’s Matt Ford said: “Then you've also got date nights, epic restaurants and exciting things to do like a mystery picnic, jet boating across the harbour or falling off a paddleboard trying to do yoga. It’s one of those places where you never run out of things to do - or ways to embarrass yourself, if you’re us.”
- Jess Fox highlights the diversity of Sydney from the Blue Mountains to Sydney Harbour with her personal itinerary featuring a Sydney Kayak Experience kayak tour, Beyond Skyway in the Blue Mountains and Theo’s Rooftop Bar in Penrith.
“My favourite thing about Sydney is the people. Everyone is so warm and friendly! But then there’s the landscape too. The coastline the beautiful city and the mighty Blue Mountains – stunning,” said Fox.
- Budjerah draws creative inspiration from Sydney’s mix of culture and nature, with his guide featuring Balloon Aloft in Camden, URBNSURF Sydney and the BridgeClimb Burrawa experience.
“There is something special about Sydney and NSW - the landscapes, the culture, the people. Its all had a big influence on my songwriting. Whether it’s a cultural BridgeClimb or sunrise air ballooning, Sydney has a way of making you feel grounded and uplifted all at once and I’m so excited to be part of this campaign to show visitors another side of Sydney,” said Budjerah.
- Nedd Brockmann encourages visitors to feel alive with a high-energy itinerary including Fit City Tours Sydney, Capybara Bathing and dinner at Luc San Restaurant in Potts Point.
“Running has taken me some pretty cool places, but running through Sydney Harbour or Centennial Park in Sydney has to take the cake. Every day in Sydney is packed with experiences that push you out of your comfort zone in the best way and I’m pumped to show everyone something new to do here,” said Brockmann.
- Lucinda (Froomes) Price brings her signature wit to her guide to Sydney, featuring a Manly Snorkelling Tour, the Sydney Opera House Backstage Tour and dining and drinks at The Ace Hotel in Surry Hills.
“People who think Sydney has no culture? Try again, sweetie. From snorkelling at some of the world’s best beaches to stepping backstage at the Sydney Opera House – we have depth and we certainly have drama. Sydney is always top of the list,” said Price.
- Dan Hong explores Sydney through flavour, creating a food lovers itinerary with the Local Sauce Chinatown Tour, the State of the Art tour at the Art Gallery of NSW and the Sydney Oyster Farm Tour in the Hawkesbury.
“The driving force behind this new marketing campaign for Sydney is to attract more visitors who will have the opportunity to discover Sydney’s world-class food scene. Increased visitation directly benefits the hospitality sector and creates a ripple effect that supports local jobs and stimulates the economy. I’m proud of the quality of food that Sydney serves up and want more people to know about what we have on offer.” said Hong.
Visit sydney.com for more information and the NSW Icons of Culture’s Feeling Drop itineraries to make you #FeelNewSydney.
Inspired Unemployed Credit: Destination NSW
NSW Icon of Culture Inspired Unemployed

Inspired Unemployed Credit: Destination NSW
NSW Icon of Culture Inspired Unemployed
Luc-San Restaurant, Potts Point EMBARGOED FOR MEDIA Credit: Destination NSW
Guests enjoy delicious wine and meals at Luc-San Restaurant, Potts Point. EMBARGOED FOR MEDIA

Luc-San Restaurant, Potts Point EMBARGOED FOR MEDIA Credit: Destination NSW
Guests enjoy delicious wine and meals at Luc-San Restaurant, Potts Point. EMBARGOED FOR MEDIA
- Nedd Brockmann encourages visitors to feel alive with a high-energy itinerary including Fit City Tours Sydney, Capybara Bathing and dinner at Luc San Restaurant in Potts Point.
“Running has taken me some pretty cool places, but running through Sydney Harbour or Centennial Park in Sydney has to take the cake. Every day in Sydney is packed with experiences that push you out of your comfort zone in the best way and I’m pumped to show everyone something new to do here,” said Brockmann.
- Lucinda (Froomes) Price brings her signature wit to her guide to Sydney, featuring a Manly Snorkelling Tour, the Sydney Opera House Backstage Tour and dining and drinks at The Ace Hotel in Surry Hills.
“People who think Sydney has no culture? Try again, sweetie. From snorkelling at some of the world’s best beaches to stepping backstage at the Sydney Opera House – we have depth and we certainly have drama. Sydney is always top of the list,” said Price.
- Dan Hong explores Sydney through flavour, creating a food lovers itinerary with the Local Sauce Chinatown Tour, the State of the Art tour at the Art Gallery of NSW and the Sydney Oyster Farm Tour in the Hawkesbury.
“The driving force behind this new marketing campaign for Sydney is to attract more visitors who will have the opportunity to discover Sydney’s world-class food scene. Increased visitation directly benefits the hospitality sector and creates a ripple effect that supports local jobs and stimulates the economy. I’m proud of the quality of food that Sydney serves up and want more people to know about what we have on offer.” said Hong.
Visit sydney.com for more information and the NSW Icons of Culture’s Feeling Drop itineraries to make you #FeelNewSydney.
Olympian Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains EMBARGOED FOR MARKETING Credit: Destination NSW
Hikers enjoy the view at the Olympian Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains. EMBARGOED FOR MARKETING

Olympian Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains EMBARGOED FOR MARKETING Credit: Destination NSW
Hikers enjoy the view at the Olympian Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains. EMBARGOED FOR MARKETING
- ENDS -
Note to Editors: The Feel New in Sydney campaign has been developed in partnership with Leo Australia, OMD, Ogilvy Australia, FINCH, Rolla, The Editors, Otis and Photoplay.
For more information, story ideas and editorial-ready images visit the Destination NSW Media Centre and sign up to receive our weekly media newsletter Uncovered.
Media Contact: Jenna Whyte | jenna.whyte@dnsw.com.au | 0484 719 536
About Destination NSW
Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.
Sydney HeliTours, Sydney EMBARGOED FOR MEDIA Credit: Destination NSW
Incredible sunrise views over Sydney Harbour with Sydney HeliTours, Sydney. EMBARGOED FOR MEDIA

Sydney HeliTours, Sydney EMBARGOED FOR MEDIA Credit: Destination NSW
Incredible sunrise views over Sydney Harbour with Sydney HeliTours, Sydney. EMBARGOED FOR MEDIA