Crafter's Cabin, JindabyneCredit: Crafters
Crafters Cabin is a modern retreat among the alpine bush near Jindabyne
#lovensw #newsouthwales
Autumn in NSW brings striking colours to the landscape and a host of bright new offerings from off-grid luxury stays to retro milk bars and bespoke Indigenous tours. Be inspired this season and #LoveNSW.
New in accommodation
Crafters Cabin is a new off-grid boutique stay in the heart of Thredbo Valley. Just a short drive from Jindabyne, the luxurious designer space features indoor and outdoor fireplaces, double showers, Australian botanical toiletries and uninterrupted views of alpine bush.
With a retro aesthetic and designer touches, Byron Bay’s newest boutique accommodation The Sunseeker combines luxury with the artistic mindset of the famous Northern Rivers beach town. The refurbished 80s motel offers beautiful rooms and bungalows, plus a lush palm-fringed pool perfect for the modern traveller.
Broken Hill Outback Resort has launched a new deluxe package for road trippers from 1 April, 2021. Rates for the luxe king spa cabins include a gourmet continental breakfast, fresh coffee and deluxe toiletries.
The Hilton Sydney has unveiled a sleek $25 million renovation of its rooms and suites, with plush new carpets and curtains, modern furniture and smart TVs. The contemporary refresh also sees new artwork by Sydney artists Camie Lyons and Angela Hayson as well as Queensland Indigenous Australian artist Bec Tarrant.
New in food & drink
A 1950s-style diner has opened in Wellington, just a 35-minute drive from Dubbo. With pastel blue walls, leather booths, a jukebox, plus a menu of burgers, shakes and soft serve, Milky Daze has had sell-out crowds since opening late last year.
Tweed rum distillery Husk has a new addition to their range of sugar cane spirits — Husk Botanic. The new bottle distils their white sugar cane rum with gin-style Australian botanicals including lemon myrtle, strawberry gum and grapefruit peel for a sweet and zesty tipple.
The Batlow Hotel — a 1920s pub in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains — has reopened after a stunning restoration. It boasts a range of brews on tap in the beer garden, refined meals in the new Pioneer Bistro, live events, plus good-value accommodation.
Popular Crows Nest bar Hendriks Cognac & Wine has spread its wings to the Southern Highlands, with a second venue opening in Mittagong. The indulgent food menu includes premium cheese plates, giant jaffles, pizzas and spit roast, plus more than 150 bottles of wine and 30 cognacs.
New experiences
Sydney’s new aquatic and recreation centre Gunyama Park has opened at Green Square in Zetland. The Park offers a world-class outdoor pool, fully equipped gym (including spin studio and reformer Pilates) and brand-new multipurpose sports field.
The Wiradjuri Motorcycle Tour in the Riverina is a fascinating journey alongside Wiradjuri guide Mark Saddler. Guests can bring their own bike and follow Mark to significant Indigenous sites, as well as taste local bush tucker and find native flora and fauna.
Outdoor Experience Factory is a new tour company offering private bespoke adventures ideal for team building and corporate events. The team curate custom trips featuring their side-by-side buggies in the Howes Valley, just a three-hour drive from Sydney.
Crafter's Cabin, Jindabyne Credit: Crafters
Crafters Cabin is a modern retreat among the alpine bush near Jindabyne
#lovensw #newsouthwales
Crafter's Cabin, Jindabyne Credit: Crafters
Crafters Cabin is a modern retreat among the alpine bush near Jindabyne
Upcoming events
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras - Until 7 March, Sydney
Australia's largest celebration of its LGBTQI communities will return to Sydney in 2021. The colourful program will include the iconic Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 6 March (this year to be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground) along with dazzling shows, outrageous comedy, inclusive workshops and impressive theatre.
Sunset Piazza - Until 21 March, Sydney
Summer comes alive with performances spanning pop, cabaret, comedy, hip-hop, indie rock and opera at this new pop-up outdoor concert series at Cathedral Square. Alongside an impressive line-up, guests can enjoy Italian snacks and aperitivi.
Sounds on the Terrace - 5 March, Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney
Look out to Harbour Bridge and Opera House views at sunset with a soundtrack of live music at this monthly event at the Sculpture Terrace at the MCA. Food and drink are also available from the seasonal menu of the MCA Café.
Hamilton - From 17 March, Sydney Lyric Theatre
The musical Hamilton has wowed audiences and broken records around the globe and it’s coming to Sydney’s Lyric Theatre this March. See and hear the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton told through hip-hop and R&B.
L'Etape Australia by Tour de France - 19-20 March, South Coast
Gear up for L’Etape Australia, the award-winning cycling event giving amateur riders the closest experience to riding in the Tour de France in NSW. Register for ‘The Ride’ or ‘The Race’, or simply show your support for the riders and region as they travel from Kiama across the South Coast and the Southern Highlands.
Milton Food & Wine Festival - 27 March, Milton Showground
The South Coast region is a bounty of fresh farm produce, seafood and hand-crafted wines. The Milton Food & Wine Festival brings together some of the best suppliers, breweries, restaurants and producers in the region in a vibrant community event brimming with live music and activities.
2021 NSW Open Men's Golfing Championship - 25-28 March, Concord Golf Club
Join NSW and Australia’s leading elite amateur golfers play against seasoned professionals at this year’s NSW Open. This year the event returns to Concord Golf Club, one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious clubs. Tee up to play or come along and walk the fairways with the players and show your support for the region.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: La Traviata - 26 March - 25 April, Mrs Macquaries Point
Opera Australia presents magical performances on Sydney Harbour and this year it’s the world’s most popular opera, La Traviata, the story that inspired Moulin Rouge. The floating stage will transform as the sun sets with colourful costumes, a giant chandelier, unforgettable music and dazzling fireworks.
Mudgee Region Food + Drink Trail - 20-21 March and 27-28 March, Mudgee
Go on a culinary crawl through Mudgee at this new gourmet trail event. Held over two weekends in March, visitors can purchase a trail pass to access exclusive wine and food pairings at a range of wineries and venues.
Sydney Royal Easter Show - 1-12 April, Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park
A celebration of Australian culture from rural traditions to modern-day lifestyles, the Sydney Royal Easter Show at Sydney Olympic Park brings us all together for a day of entertainment, competitions, exhibits and good old-fashioned family fun.
Field to Forest Festival - 1-30 April, Oberon
Forage for wild mushrooms, embark on a wine trail or 4WD tour, or join a long lunch in a secluded forest at this produce-driven food festival in Oberon in the Central West.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, Sydney Credit: Opera Australia
The sun sets behind Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.
#lovensw #newsouthwales
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, Sydney Credit: Opera Australia
The sun sets behind Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.
L'Étape Australia, Snowy Mountains Credit: L'Étape Australia
Cyclists competing in the L'Étape Australia in the scenic Snowy Mountains.
#lovensw #newsouthwales
L'Étape Australia, Snowy Mountains Credit: L'Étape Australia
Cyclists competing in the L'Étape Australia in the scenic Snowy Mountains.
More News
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
#feelnewsydney
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
#feelnewsydney
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
#feelnewsydney
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.
#feelnewsydney
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.
#feelnewsydney
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.