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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Vivid Sydney 2024Credit: Destination NSW
The 'Nest' installation at the Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo during Vivid 2024. Artist: Leila Jeffreys & Melvin J. Montalban. An expansive circular structure welcomes you to bear witness to the ritualistic mating dance of the Brolga, one of only two species of crane native to Australia. Projected onto a transparent surface, the huge bird apparitions appear to float in the air and are visible from both out and inside the Nest.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Calling All Dreamers: Vivid Sydney Wants You
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, is calling on the best creative minds to submit ideas for next year’s event.
Vivid Sydney 2025 will take place from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025, with a program centred around the theme of Vivid Sydney, Dream.
Artists, musicians, thought leaders and food creatives are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the opportunity to be part of Australia’s largest event and showcase their work to a mass audience across the festival pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Since 2009, Vivid Sydney has grown to become Sydney’s vibrant cultural showpiece, driving significant visitation to Sydney and regional NSW and positioning our state as the arts and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific.
“Vivid Sydney is more than a light show, it is Sydney’s living legacy that captures imaginations and shares with visitors and locals alike the very best talent from our creative, entertainment and hospitality industries.
“I encourage the brightest talents to join Destination NSW in creating an event that elevates the Harbour City as the Asia Pacific’s leader in world-class cultural experiences.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney 2025 is pushing the creative boundaries across our theme of “Dream” to deliver another unforgettable global celebration.
“Dreaming is something we all do. It’s as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams don’t discriminate – they are borderless, ageless and endless. They can be personal or public. When shared, our dreams can become a movement. They can inspire, motivate, spark excitement and connection.
“The whole world dreams, it is something we have in common, something that unites us. Our human story is embedded in dreams, they help explain our existence and our past.
“We want the very best in homegrown talent to be part of our vibrant Vivid Sydney event program, with a unique opportunity to foster community connection, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity can enrich our lives.
“Each year Vivid Sydney aims to deliver unparalleled artistic brilliance and we look forward to welcoming the inspirations within our community that will help shape Vivid Sydney 2025 into a show-stopping cultural phenomenon.”
The Vivid Sydney EOI outlines opportunities for artists, designers, creative industry professionals, equipment suppliers, architects, engineers, promoters, restaurants, event companies, chefs, producers and educational institutions to present their ideas, designs, concepts and interest for inclusion in the annual event.
Light and Cross Art Form EOIs will close on Monday 2 September 2024 with Ideas, Music and Food closing on Friday 27 September 2024.
This year’s Vivid Sydney attracted 2.42 million attendees, making it the third largest on record. Highlights included a record-breaking opening night and the busiest single night in the festival’s history on Sunday 9 June.
While Vivid Sydney 2024 attracted millions of people from across Australia and the globe, it also had a profound impact on the creative minds who helped bring the event to life, including Sydney’s retail, hospitality and accommodation sectors.
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
Leila Jeffreys the artist behind popular Vivid Light 2024 installation Nest said: “Thank you to Festival Director Gill Minervini and all at Vivid Sydney for giving me and my artistic collaborator Melvin J. Montalban the opportunity to create art on a scale that we could not have achieved on our own.
“I visited Nest many times throughout the festival and was always moved to see people from all walks of life and ages stand together to witness the courtship dance of the Brolga, a moment where we all felt the link between the natural world and the human journey.”
Tekno Train creator and composer Paul Mac said: “When I set out to create Tekno Train I wanted to make an experience that fused my love of techno and trains with lights and to share this joy with as many people as possible. The positive reactions I have received from people on the train, as well as the drivers, guards, and random folks on social media has absolutely blown me away.
“Vivid Sydney 2024 has been an unexpected career highlight, and I am forever grateful to everyone who helped bring this together.”
Club Broadway MC & Music Producer DJ Dan Murphy said: “Bringing our Club Broadway show to a Vivid Sydney audience has been an absolute joy. We loved making our show accessible to a whole new audience who love the world of musical theatre.
“Vivid Sydney is such an amazing and important festival for our city, and we were thrilled to be on the program. From old to young, we had them all on the dancefloor for Club Broadway at Tumbalong Park. The night was absolutely magical and a great way to celebrate our community.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.
Service and Creative Skills Australia (the Jobs and Skills Council for Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality) CEO Natalie Turmine said: “Vivid Sydney showcases brilliantly our talented and vibrant creative arts, tourism and hospitality workforce, demonstrating the wealth of exciting career opportunities available in this sector.
“Thank you to all the creative artists, technicians, performers, hospitality staff and event organisers for delivering another successful Vivid Sydney.”
Plate it Forward CEO and restaurateur Shaun Christie-David said: “Vivid Sydney shows the diversity of Sydney, shining a positive light on our city, culture and produce. As a social enterprise hospitality group, it was a privilege to partner with Vivid Sydney to bring the 2024 festival theme humanity to life through food. Food is all about sharing, love, respect and community.
“There is so much pride, joy and power that can be found in food, it is a platform to celebrate culture, make meaningful connections and create jobs. Through working with Vivid Food and selling more than 1000 tacos, more than 1500 meals will be donated to community kitchens for people in need.”
Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “Between the lights, the music, the ideas, the food and the incredible vibe…Vivid Sydney has once again delivered a spectacular event for visitors and locals of all ages, with the big winners being local tourism and hospitality operators.”
“The bright lights of Vivid Sydney have showcased first-class hospitality, creativity and our beloved Sydney CBD and Harbour icons to audiences across the globe, demonstrating the value and huge potential of this event and the need to continue investing in world class events.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.
Accommodation Australia’s Michael Johnson said: “Once again, the juggernaut that is Vivid Sydney illuminated the city, shining a light on the beauty and culture of the city.
“Over the course of the event, hotels in the CBD enjoyed 75 per cent occupancy with bookings reaching as high as 90 per cent on weekends. There is no denying major events such as Vivid Sydney, that have the capacity to draw a high level of overnight visitation in the middle of winter, create an incredible boost for the city’s visitor economy.”
Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.
For more information and to submit an Expression of Interest for Vivid Sydney 2025, go to www.vividsydney.com