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
Dorian RestaurantCredit: Dorian Restaurant
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
#feelnewsydney
A line-up of globally renowned chefs will feature across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen as part of Vivid Sydney 2024
Tickets on sale from Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com
Imagery: here
From near and far, some of the hottest names in the culinary world will appear at Vivid Sydney this year as part of Vivid Food, embracing the festival’s 2024 theme, Humanity, and highlighting food as a fundamental part of the human experience, connecting us through the universal language of cuisine.
This year’s roster of renowned local and international culinary talent across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen will craft diverse, innovative menus that celebrate our shared heritage and the rich tapestry of global cultures present in Sydney’s food scene, through a series of dynamic events spanning intimate fine dining experiences through to communal fire-cooked feasts.
Vivid Residence will bring Latin America’s best female chef 2022, Manoella ‘Manu’ Buffara of Manu Restaurant, to take over Peter Conistis’ waterside venue, Ploós, while hatted restaurants Fred’s, AALIA and The Charles Brasserie & Bar will be among the top dining spots hosting Vivid Chef Series events and unmissable foodie collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs including Max Coen, Sally Abé and Ivan Brehm.
Vivid Fire Kitchen returns to the Vivid Food program in a new home on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk with the world’s best pitmasters and BBQ heroes including Christine Manfield; Firedoor's Lennox Hastie; Texas' Jess Pryles; Michelin-starred Swedish chef Niklas Ekstedt; LA’s Shalamar Lane and more, firing up The Goods Line with cooking demonstrations and tasty BBQ fare from tandoor and teppanyaki to First Nations tucker.
This announcement bolsters an already impressive Vivid Food 2024 program including the Our Shared Humanity series featuring leading Australian chefs; Atelier by Sofitel – A Culinary Connection; VividPlace Food Trail, A Culinary Canvas by Danielle Alvarez, the return of Aster Vivid 2024 and much more, all with a nod to Vivid Sydney, Humanity.
John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, said:
“After a successful launch last year, I am pleased to see Vivid Food returning for a second year. Food is a cultural cornerstone, a fundamental part of the human experience, something we can all share and through that shared experience, enjoy new flavours and perspectives.
“Sydney has a wonderful food scene and Vivid Food is a great chance to explore that local scene. The Vivid Food program will range from headline experiences including the free BBQ demonstrations at Vivid Fire Kitchen. We invite Sydneysiders and visitors from across the globe to join us and enjoy one of Sydney’s great strengths.”
Vivid Sydney Festival Director and Vivid Food curator Gill Minervini said:
“Vivid Food captures the essence of our shared humanity through the global language of food. It’s a celebration of how cuisine can mirror the diversity of cultures, while also being a bridge that connects us all. We’re thrilled to announce the incredible local and international culinary talent joining the Vivid Food program across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen, who will bring to life the rich tapestry of Sydney’s food scene. Our diverse range of Vivid Food events, from intimate dining experiences to communal feasts, promises to bring people together and showcase the unique and collective culinary heritage that makes our city so special.”
Stephanie Calape, Vice President of Culinary Events at IMG, which produces Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen in collaboration with Vivid Sydney, said:
“Following the phenomenal popularity of last year’s inaugural Vivid Food experiences, which saw Vivid Residence sell out within 48 hours, we are excited to bring back another incredible, diverse array of experiences and chefs for 2024. From world-renowned Chef Manoella Buffara’s one-of-a-kind fine dining Vivid Residence experience at Sydney’s Ploós, to Vivid Chef Series’ unmissable mash-up of Sydney and the world’s most exciting chefs, and the star-studded, immersive Vivid Fire Kitchen festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Manoella Buffara Credit: Manoella Buffara
Manoella Buffara for Vivid Residence
#feelnewsydney
Manoella Buffara Credit: Manoella Buffara
Manoella Buffara for Vivid Residence
Vivid Residence
Culinary artistry meets social responsibility at Vivid Residence as Latin America’s Best Female Chef 2022, Manoella Buffara of Manu Restaurant, Brazil, which was awarded the The Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award 2023, graces Peter Conistis’ waterfront venue, Ploós, right in the heart of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Renowned for putting Curitiba on the global culinary map, Buffara’s approach integrates local produce with a commitment to environmental and social sustainability. During her Vivid Sydney residency, Buffara will showcase her pioneering approach to fine dining for the first time in Australia, celebrating New South Wales’ produce alongside her team and Ploós's esteemed chefs.
Chef Manoella Buffara said: “I’m incredibly excited to be part of Vivid Food in Sydney, an event that highlights the importance of cuisine in our culture. As the culinary capital of Australia, Sydney becomes a hub for vibrant flavour exchanges, bringing together top chefs and local producers to create memorable food experiences. In the heart of this bustling city, I will launch a pop-up that showcases my love for high-quality ingredients and authentic flavours. Sharing my cooking and stories with Sydney is a true honour, and I look forward to being part of this amazing food event that Vivid Food offers.”
Buffara and the team will create two menus, with a nine-course tasting menu for dinner, and a seven-course tasting menu for lunch. Tickets for the nine-course dinner menu are $420 per person, with the shorter lunch tasting menu costing $320, with bespoke beverage pairings also available. Vivid Residence will run from 24 May to 2 June 2024 offering a unique dining experience in the middle of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Tickets go on sale Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com/food.
Vivid Chef Series
The Vivid Chef Series will take over Sydney’s food scene, with the city’s best hatted restaurants and chefs pairing with some of the world’s most exciting culinary talent to bring the global contemporary culinary scene to Sydney for a limited number of nights.
The series of exclusive dinners will see local and international talent collaborate to create a never-to-be repeated menu that celebrates the best NSW produce and suppliers, imbued with global culinary sophistication.
London chef Sally Abé, who will take over The Charles Brasserie & Bar as part of Vivid Chef Series, said: “As a passionate chef, I am thrilled to be a part of the Vivid Food series in Sydney. It is an incredible platform that celebrates the intersection of art, culture, and gastronomy, allowing me to showcase my culinary skills in a vibrant and innovative setting. I am excited to immerse myself in the diverse food scene of Sydney and collaborate with talented chefs from around the world, creating unforgettable culinary experiences.”
Chef collaborations include:
- The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abé | Once comrades in arms on the other side of the globe whilst working at the three Michelin-starred restaurant The Ledbury in London, Sally Abé of The Pem will be reuniting with Billy Hannigan of Sydney’s hatted The Charles Brasserie & Bar, for three unmissable lunches and dinners. The menu will merge Hannigan’s European-inspired cooking style with Abe’s passion for nostalgic British cuisine. Joining them in the kitchen will be head pastry chef Rhiann Mead, who will add her signature sweet and innovative flair to the evening.
- AALIA x Ivan Brehm | Ivan Brehm of Michelin-starred Singapore restaurant, Nouri and Paul Farag of AALIA (two hatted Sydney restaurant, previously named Gourmet Traveller’s NSW restaurant of the year, 2023) will collaborate on two exclusive dinners that celebrate global food traditions. The dinners will blend AALIA’s expertise in Middle Eastern cuisine with Nouri’s celebration of global food traditions, for a menu that honours diversity of cultures paying tribute to the richness of our collective culinary heritage.
- Fred’s x Max Coen | Max Coen of London Michelin-starred Dorian and Ben Greeno of acclaimed Sydney restaurant, Fred’s will unite for four exclusive dinners that fuse their culinary philosophies. Chef Coen’s meticulous focus on ingredient-focussed wood-fired grilling will meet Greeno’s farm-to-table approach and hyper-seasonal cooking, for a menu that celebrates the beauty and artistry found in simplicity, all while utilising the best in local produce.
Tickets go on sale Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com/food.
The Charles Brasserie Credit: Steven Woodburn
The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abe, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
#feelnewsydney
The Charles Brasserie Credit: Steven Woodburn
The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abe, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
Fred's x Max Coen Credit: Steven Woodburn
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
#feelnewsydney
Fred's x Max Coen Credit: Steven Woodburn
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
Vivid Fire Kitchen
Vivid Fire Kitchen will light up its new home of The Goods Line across 23 nights, with the world’s best pitmasters and BBQ heroes joining forces with acclaimed local flame-focused restaurants for a festival of accessible fire demos, cooking sessions and exclusive BBQ dishes, with drinks, DJs and entertainment ablaze with Fire Sculptures, Flame Shooters and fire drums. Using the best NSW produce, a line-up of acclaimed local and international chefs will serve up a selection of flame-seared street food from around the globe, from tandoor and Argentinian Asado, First Nations tucker, alongside hearty sausages, tender brisket, charred eggplant, and aromatic satay, offering a nightly multicultural feast.
Guests will enjoy demonstrations combining local produce and raw-fire cooking from chef and restaurateur Lennox Hastie of Sydney’s two-hatted Firedoor who returns for Vivid Food 2024; one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs and culinary ambassadors Christine Manfield; reigning Seafood Champion in the World Food Championships, John McFadden; chef, restaurateur, proud Bundjalung woman and owner of Karkalla restaurant, Mindy Woods; Michelin starred chef of Sweden’s Ekstedt at The Yard, Niklas Ekstedt; Texas-based live fire cook, author, TV personality Jess Pryles; Pitmaster of LA-based My Father’s Barbeque, Shalamar Lane and more.
Australian chef and restaurateur Lennox Hastie who will appear at Vivid Fire Kitchen, said: “For me, food is an integral part of my creative expression because it engages all my senses and allows me to connect with ingredients and people on a deeply personal level. Vivid Food celebrates the rich and diverse nature of our food culture of Australia, reminding us that food is not just about sustenance but a powerful form of connection supporting community, evoking emotions, and creating lasting memories.”
Alongside BBQ offerings and the blazing atmosphere on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk, Vivid Sydney audiences will also be able to enjoy dishes from a curated selection of Sydney’s hottest dining concepts at Vivid Fire Kitchen, from casual eateries to acclaimed restaurants, including Messina Milk Bar, a culinary time capsule that transforms beloved chocolate bars and classic sweets into modern gelato delights. A menu highlight: a warm Milo fudge sundae, specially developed to warm you up on cold winter nights.
Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen events are produced by IMG in collaboration with Vivid Sydney. IMG is the global events company behind the likes of Gourmet Escape, Taste Festivals, The Big Feastival, New York Fashion Week: The Shows and Frieze art fairs.
Vivid Food is part of Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, which will run from 24 May to 15 June 2024. Tickets for Vivid Residence and Vivid Chef Series will go on sale Friday 19 April via https://www.vividsydney.com/food. Vivid Fire Kitchen events, taking place at The Goods Line in Ultimo, are free for all to attend. Food and drink can be purchased on site.
For more information and tickets, visit vividsydney.com
Niklas Ekstedt Credit: Niklas Ekstedt
Niklas Ekstedt for Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024
#feelnewsydney
Niklas Ekstedt Credit: Niklas Ekstedt
Niklas Ekstedt for Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
#feelnewsydney
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
Media contacts:
Hannah Fedeli, +61437166571 or hannah.f@thecru.agency
Shannon Blanchard, +61432543377 or shannon@thecru.agency
James Toovey, Vivid Sydney PR Manager, +61407828310 or james.toovey@dnsw.com.au
About Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney is the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, celebrating creativity, innovation and technology, and transforming Sydney into a kaleidoscope of colour and events for 23 nights. Staged for its 14th year in 2024, Vivid Sydney will bring together mesmerising displays from the world’s brightest light artists, exhilarating live music performances, deep-dive discussions with thought leaders, and innovative experiences from food creatives. Vivid Sydney attracts domestic and international visitors, fuelling economic growth while fostering a cultural celebration across Light, Music, Ideas and Food. Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency. For more information and tickets, visit vividsydney.com
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.
About IMG
IMG is a global sports, events and representation company. It is a leader in rights management, multi-channel content production and distribution, consultancy and fan engagement; owns, produces and commercially represents hundreds of live events and experiences; and manages licensing programs for the world’s best-known brands and trademarks. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company.