The Boathouse Rose Bay, SydneyCredit: The Boathouse Group
The Boathouse Group has launched The Boathouse Rose Bay, a glamorous harbourside restaurant and kiosk on the Rose Bay Marina.
#lovensw #ilovesydney
NEW STAYS
Country chic
After a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, five-star Powerhouse Tamworth by Rydges has renamed their Powerhouse King Suite 131 the ‘Slim Dusty Suite’ in honour of the country music legend’s annual visits to the room for more than 30 years.
Camp with the animals
Mogo Wildlife Park, south of Batemans Bay, has opened up their zoo grounds overnight to guests with an all-inclusive camping experience. Tents, beds, meals, live music by the campfire, plus a group animal encounter and giraffe feeding experience, are all included in this unique stay.
NEW FOOD AND DRINK
The Boathouse travels East
The Boathouse Group has added another dining space to its list of venues, launching The Boathouse Rose Bay, a glamorous harbourside restaurant and kiosk on the Rose Bay Marina.
Reclaimed refreshments
Pioneering sustainable bar RE- has opened in the new South Eveleigh precinct. The inspirational new venue by Matt Whiley (Scout) and Maurice Terzini (Bondi’s Icebergs Dining Room & Bar and CicciaBella) features a cocktail menu built on diverted waste and recycled design elements.
Rustic renewal
One of NSW’s oldest pubs, The Royal Richmond Hotel in Sydney's north-west, has had a multi-million-dollar transformation, featuring a bright new bistro utilising Hawkesbury produce in its modern country-style menu. It’s the perfect pitstop on the way to the Blue Mountains or Hawkesbury region.
Four-level feast
Circular Quay’s newest dining experience Hinchcliff House encompasses four new venues in a refurbished heritage wool store: all-day Italian diner Grana on the ground floor, lively restaurant Lana on the first floor, basement cocktail den Apollonia, and Hinchcliff House Events on the top floor.
Taste the Canberra District
A new cellar door has arrived at Sapling Yard Wines in the Canberra District. Guests can try their award-winning cool climate wines alongside specially curated cheese platters at the new Bungendore venue.
Gourmet guide
More than 30 South Coast food artisans are on the map of the new Gourmet Coast Trail, a guide from Batemans Bay to Eden. The trail leads to local delicacies such as truffles from Gulaga Gold, tomatoes from Mountain View and wine at Breakfast Creek.
Birch in Orange
Award-winning Southern Highlands eatery Birch Restaurant will be popping up in Orange 22-25 July to host a series of exclusive events with local winemakers, producers and restaurants. Book now for a farm tour at Mandagery Creek, bubbles and breakfast masterclass at Printhie Wines, and more.
A new craft in Lismore
Taking over the old Tommys Pub in Lismore is gastropub The Sherwood, a new family-friendly hub for craft beer, burgers, pasta, specialty cocktails in the buzzing town in the Northern Rivers.
The Imperial lives on
Originally built in 1931, the Imperial Hotel in Murwillumbah has been given a new lease on life. After a beautiful restoration the venue has recently reopened as a modern restaurant and bar with live music, plus boutique accommodation coming soon.
Robertson Pie Shop Credit: Destination Southern Highlands/HCreations
This month-long celebration of Australia’s most iconic food is the perfect opportunity for domestic holidaymakers to come to the NSW Southern Pielands and rediscover one of the country’s greatest tourism destinations conveniently located just two hours from Sydney.
#lovensw
Robertson Pie Shop Credit: Destination Southern Highlands/HCreations
This month-long celebration of Australia’s most iconic food is the perfect opportunity for domestic holidaymakers to come to the NSW Southern Pielands and rediscover one of the country’s greatest tourism destinations conveniently located just two hours from Sydney.
Indulgence The Star Sokyo Whisky Flights Credit: The Star Sydney
Each of The Star’s Signature restaurants – Sokyo, BLACK Bar & Grill, Flying Fish, Cucina Porto and CHUUKA – alongwith The Darling Spa, have been tasked with creating an entirely original menu that represents their vision of indulgence:silky-textured seafood crudos, marbled meat cooked over flames, and desserts laced with chocolate, cream and redfruit.
#lovensw #ilovesydney
Indulgence The Star Sokyo Whisky Flights Credit: The Star Sydney
Each of The Star’s Signature restaurants – Sokyo, BLACK Bar & Grill, Flying Fish, Cucina Porto and CHUUKA – alongwith The Darling Spa, have been tasked with creating an entirely original menu that represents their vision of indulgence:silky-textured seafood crudos, marbled meat cooked over flames, and desserts laced with chocolate, cream and redfruit.
NEW EXPERIENCES
Indulge your senses
The Star Sydney has new sensory experiences in collaboration with Australian artists at its signature venues throughout May. Tame Impala’s Cam Avery has curated a transformative sonic bath at The Darling Spa, DJ Alex Dimitriades has mixed a global soundtrack for a Japanese Whiskey flight at Sokyo and more.
Loop back to Luna Park
New thrills are coming to Sydney’s Luna Park — new family-friendly roller-coaster, Little Nipper, will be launched in June this year, the first of nine new rides in the harbourside fun park. Limited-edition Annual Passes will also give access to the new Luna Perks rewards program.
Pictures of the pandemic
Photography foundation Head On has launched a poignant new exhibition, 2020 Vision, at the Southern Highlands Artist Collective in Robertson. A glimpse into the complex year that was, the exhibit features images from across NSW that reflect on recovery, resilience and rebuilding the future.
Light up the Murray
A bright new festival is shining a light on Echuca-Moama, as immersive sound and light trail Moama Lights transforms Horseshoe Lagoon with colourful light installations and spectacular projections. The free event runs from to 8-22 May; bookings are essential.
A painter’s journey in Corowa
Follow in the century-old footsteps of English-born Australian artist Tom Roberts on the new Shearing the Rams Trail in Corowa. The new hiking track explores significant sites surrounding Roberts' stay in the region, including the Brocklesby Station, now famous in his 1890 Shearing the Rams painting.
UPCOMING EVENTS
HAMILTON | Sydney Lyric Theatre
Now showing
After breaking records worldwide, tickets are selling fast to Australia’s first shows of award-winning musical Hamilton at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre. The story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton is told through hip-hop and R&B, in a revolutionary Broadway moment.
Taste of the Beaches | Northern Beaches
1-31 May
From Manly to Palm Beach to Terrey Hills and everywhere in between, Taste of the Beaches is a month-long festival that celebrates the best places to eat, drink and play in the Northern Beaches.
Nudie Australian Boardriders Battle National Final | Newcastle
15-16 May
Newcastle will host the final surf competition of the Nudie Australian Boardriders Battle, the country's biggest grassroots boardriders’ event. More than 60 of Australia’s best boardrider clubs will compete on Newcastle’s Main Beach for $112,700 in prize money.
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week | Carriageworks, Sydney
31 May-4 June
Australia’s pinnacle fashion event, Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, will open its runways to the general public for the first time. Tickets are now available to various designer shows including KitX and Manning Cartell, as well as the coveted opening and closing runways.
Hunter Valley Food & Wine Festival | Hunter Valley
1-30 June
Winter is the perfect time to explore the best of wine country in the Hunter Valley. Cosy up by cellar door fireplaces, taste the valley’s hearty reds and fresh local produce, and tuck into farmhouse feasts and more at the Hunter Valley Food & Wine Festival next month.
Pie Time | Southern Highlands
1-30 June
The Southern Highlands will be celebrating the iconic Aussie pie throughout June, with hundreds of events, activities and festivals such as Pie Teas, the Pie Fest in Bowral, Pie-Cycle tours and Sweety Pie and Bubbles experiences.
Come From Away | Sydney Capitol Theatre
From 3 June
Opening in June at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, The Tony® and Olivier award-winning musical Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of thousands of stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland, Canada that welcomed them all.
Sydney Solstice | Across Sydney
8-20 June
Sydney Solstice is a new winter event celebrating Sydney’s world-class cuisine, as well as the city’s vibrant cultural, entertainment and dining precincts. Across two weeks, enjoy headline events including live music and performances, culinary experiences, local art, comedy and immersive workshops.
Vivid Sydney | Across Sydney
6-28 August
Australia’s biggest and brightest festival of its kind, Vivid Sydney is back for its 12th year 6-28 August 2021, illuminating the CBD with an outdoor gallery of contemporary light installations and 3D art, a cutting-edge line-up of live music acts, as well as engaging conversations and inspiring talks with renowned thought leaders.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA | Capitol Theatre, Sydney
From 16 November 2021
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA is the Tony Award® winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music that delighted Broadway audiences with its surprisingly contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features incredible orchestrations, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists!
Phantom of the Opera | Sydney Opera House
September 2021
Be enchanted by the Phantom of the Opera in Sydney Opera House, coming to Joan Sutherland Theatre in September. Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic tale unfolds with new direction by Laurence Connor, as well as new scenic and lighting design.
Moama Lights Hero Image Image Credit: Murray River Council
Moama Lights is a three week celebration of art, light and all things Echuca Moama. The inaugural festival is an immersive sound and light trail starting at the underside of the Echuca Moama bridge and highlighting the natural beauty through Horseshoe Lagoon before finishing at the Moama Wharf.
#lovensw
Moama Lights Hero Image Image Credit: Murray River Council
Moama Lights is a three week celebration of art, light and all things Echuca Moama. The inaugural festival is an immersive sound and light trail starting at the underside of the Echuca Moama bridge and highlighting the natural beauty through Horseshoe Lagoon before finishing at the Moama Wharf.
Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella Credit: Tyler Eisenreich, Kaitlyn Mayse and Gage Martin Credit: Carol Rosegg - US Touring Production
One of the most loved fairytale musicals of all time, Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella, will have its Australian Premiere in Sydney at the Capitol Theatre in November, presented by Opera Australia and the Gordon Frost Organisation.
#lovensw #ilovesydney
Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella Credit: Tyler Eisenreich, Kaitlyn Mayse and Gage Martin Credit: Carol Rosegg - US Touring Production
One of the most loved fairytale musicals of all time, Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella, will have its Australian Premiere in Sydney at the Capitol Theatre in November, presented by Opera Australia and the Gordon Frost Organisation.
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
null
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.