Boydell’s eco-African Safari TentCredit: Dom Cherry
Luxury accommodation is taken to a new level at Boydell’s African Safari Tent in the picturesque Hunter Valley. Setagainst the backdrop of rolling vineyards and a vast rural landscape, the safari tent offers guests a private romanticgetaway and ‘off-grid’ glamping experience like no other.
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What's New in NSW
Boydell’s eco-African Safari Tent Credit: Dom Cherry
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NEW STAYS
Out of Africa
Hunter Valley vineyard Boydell’s Wine has launched a luxurious African safari tent for guests to experience an off-grid glamping experience complete with king-size canopy bed, a free-standing copper bath, an outdoor hot shower and immersive bush setting.
Coastal luxe
88South is a chic minimalist beach house located on Boomerang Beach, in the Barrington Coast region. Accommodating 10 guests, it has a 13-metre lap pool and is close to surf spots and national parks.
Mediterranean escape
Located in Kangaroo Valley, The Casa is a former art gallery transformed into a Mediterranean-inspired modern guesthouse. With room to sleep up to 20 people, the eco-focused property is designed with an earthy palette and raw textures to help guests unwind and reconnect with nature.
Heritage reimagining
Berrima Vault House is a new hospitality venue, accommodation and private members club in the Southern Highlands. Originally built in 1844, the new hospitality space will offer an all-day café, cocktail bar, restaurant, three-bedroom boutique residence, as well as seven distinct spaces for bespoke events.
Kylie Kwong, Lucky Kwong Credit: Destination NSW
Lucky Kwong is the new cafeteria-style eating house by adored Chinese chef Kylie Kwong, located at the growing South Eveleigh precinct in Sydney.
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Kylie Kwong, Lucky Kwong Credit: Destination NSW
Lucky Kwong is the new cafeteria-style eating house by adored Chinese chef Kylie Kwong, located at the growing South Eveleigh precinct in Sydney.
NEW FOOD, DRINK AND ENTERTAINMENT
Kylie Kwong’s new chapter
Lucky Kwong is the new cafeteria-style eating house by adored Chinese chef Kylie Kwong, located at the growing South Eveleigh precinct in Sydney. The modern menu will focus on native ingredients and hero ingredients from Australia’s best producers. Lucky Kwong will be dishing up delights during Sydney Solstice at the South Eveleigh Solstice Festival on 18th and 19th June.
Cocktails and city views
Dean & Nancy has opened on the 22nd floor of luxe new hotel A by Adina in Sydney’s CBD. From the team behind award-winning bar Maybe Sammy, this new cocktail bar boasts leather banquettes, city views, interactive cocktails and creative share plates.
Izakaya by the sea
Matt Moran’s eatery North Bondi Fish will be transformed into North Bondi Nami from June 18, a winter pop-up inspired by Japan’s izakayas. Serving up ramen, made-to-order tamaki and Tokyo-inspired cocktails, there will also be DJs playing every weekend.
Dining oasis in the city
The hospitality group behind The Dolphin and Icebergs Dining Room + Bar will open Shell House in Sydney’s CBD in July. The historic building has one of the tallest retained heritage facades in the world, and will house a ground-floor bar and bistro, an indoor/outdoor dining room and a sky bar on level 10.
An icon reborn
Merivale’s CBD dining and entertainment precinct, ivy, will relaunch as a super club with a focus on live music and entertainment. Two new weekly events include Lost Sundays, a mini festival by the creators of Lost Paradise and POOF DOOF Sydney, with drag performances and dance music.
Time for truffles
Redfern’s Three Williams cafe is celebrating truffle season with a new winter menu that utilises freshly foraged NSW truffles. The ‘Celebrating Truffles’ menu launches 4 June, featuring a confit duck leg with truffle jus and even a truffle-infused Espresso Martini Tiramisu.
Not your typical Indian
Acclaimed chef Jessi Singh (Don’t Tell Aunty in Sydney) is opening an ‘unauthentic’ Indian restaurant in Byron Bay in June. Daughter in Law will capture Byron’s laid-back lifestyle with a focus on seafood, vegan and gluten-free dishes and will create a party vibe with flamboyant furnishing and regular DJs.
Merivale moves North
Hospitality group Merivale has acquired its first venue on the North Coast. A restaurant and bar will open later this year in the old Cheeky Monkey’s space in Byron Bay.
Creative Juices: Arts, Wine and Food Festival at Contentious Character Vineyard Credit: Lorna Sim
Australian Dance Party will perform at Creative Juices: Arts, Wine and Food Festival in the Canberra Wine District.
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Creative Juices: Arts, Wine and Food Festival at Contentious Character Vineyard Credit: Lorna Sim
Australian Dance Party will perform at Creative Juices: Arts, Wine and Food Festival in the Canberra Wine District.
NEW EXPERIENCES
Lunchtime learning
The Australian Museum’s The Lunchtime Conversation Series returns through May and June to align with the new First Nations exhibition, Unsettled. The series will showcase ground-breaking work from leading activists, academics and creatives. Bookings are essential.
A taste of the Snowy Valleys
The inaugural Winter Bites Festival will combine the best produce and wine coming out of the Snowy Valleys with some of Australia’s most exciting musicians. Visit Tumbarumba on 5 June, Adelong on 17 July and Batlow on 28 August for food and wine tastings, workshops, farm tours, cooking demonstrations and live music.
Party among the vines
Creative Juices is a new arts, wine and food festival hosted by vineyard Contentious Character, in the Canberra District wine region, on the June long weekend. Attendees can enjoy a long table lunch, contemporary dance performances, a kid’s hip-hop workshop, and more.
New ways to walk
EcoWalks Tours has launched three new walks to examine different aspects of Sydney. Explore the historic Q-Station and natural sites around North Head; Picturesque Mosman Walk combines bushwalking, history, landscape sketching and dining; and be immersed in Aboriginal history and culture at Bradleys Headland, as part of the Gai-Mariagal Festival.
Come from Away Credit: Jeff Busby
Based on a true story, Come From Away is a must watch Tony® and Olivier Award winning musical.
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Come from Away Credit: Jeff Busby
Based on a true story, Come From Away is a must watch Tony® and Olivier Award winning musical.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
WinterSun Festival | Merimbula
11-13 June
This South Coast town showcases the best of winter by the water, with the WinterSun Festival taking over the beachside locale over the long weekend. There will be street markets and all-day live music, cinema screenings and food trucks, barefoot bowls and go-go racing and more.
Bathurst Winter Festival | Bathurst
26 June-11 July
This 16-day family friendly event showcases the best of Bathurst with stunning light shows, boutique food events with local wines and craft ales, outdoor ice skating, carnival rides in the Winter Playground, live music and more.
LOVE Seafood | Port Stephens
1-31 August
Celebrating Port Stephens’ coastal cuisine, this month-long event offers seafood cooking classes, food trails, lunch and dinner specials at local eateries, and signature dining experiences showcasing the locally caught fish and shellfish prepared by passionate chefs.
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.
Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash | Mundi Mundi Plains
19-21 August
The endless Mundi Mundi Plains near Broken Hill will set the stage for this inaugural outback music festival, as some of Australia’s best country music stars descend on the region for three days of concerts and camping.
The Phantom of the Opera | Sydney Opera House
3 September-29 October
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.
Write Around the Murray | Albury Wodonga
15-19 September
This five-day writers festival brings lovers of the written word together in Albury Wodonga for a festival of storytelling unlike anywhere else. The full program launches 30 July.
Jagged Little Pill | Theatre Royal Sydney
From September 23
Tickets are now on sale for the Tony Award nominated Broadway rock musical, Jagged Little Pill, coming to Theatre Royal Sydney in September. Relive Alanis Morissette’s epic 1995 album and immerse yourself in 21st century America and beloved hits such as You Oughta Know and Ironic.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella | Capitol Theatre, Sydney
From 16 November 2021
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical bringing a contemporary take on the classic tale to Sydney audiences this November. Featuring incredible orchestrations, jaw-dropping transformations plus beautiful costumes, this romantic production is a must-watch.
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.
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Calling All Dreamers: Vivid Sydney Wants You
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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