Aiden Darling Harbour, guest room, PyrmontCredit: Aiden Darling Harbour
Aiden Darling Harbour is Australia’s newest luxury boutique hotel set to open mid-2021.
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This August brings fresh ways to be inspired by new experiences in NSW. From a degustation food trail to a moonlight skydive and a stargazing festival, here are the state’s latest travel finds to keep dreaming about your next NSW adventure.
NEW STAYS
Harbourside Haven
A 1930s Art Deco building has been given new life as a glamourous boutique hotel - Aiden Darling Harbour. The eight-storey Pyrmont hotel is slated to open soon and will feature 88 smart rooms — each with a pillow menu, customisable lighting, meditation and white noise channels plus more.
Couples Retreat
Luxe new accommodation has landed on the South Coast — the Tawillah Milton Luxury Retreat offers a private bungalow with countryside views. Created from a converted stable, the rooms feature a generous bathroom with stone bath, separate double shower and underfloor heating.
Highland Valley Forage, Kangaroo Valley Credit: Lumiere Creative
Highland Valley Forage in Kangaroo Valley returns October 2021.
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Highland Valley Forage, Kangaroo Valley Credit: Lumiere Creative
Highland Valley Forage in Kangaroo Valley returns October 2021.
NEW FOOD, DRINK AND ENTERTAINMENT
10-kilometre Degustation
Sell-out foodie trail Highland Valley Forage connects the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven on a delicious journey in Kangaroo Valley from 23-24 October. Guests walk along the Three Views Walking track, stopping at 10 local food and beverage stations along the way for an active degustation lunch. Tickets still available for 24 October.
Hospitality Powerhouse
The historic Shell House in Sydney’s CBD is set to become one of the city’s most talked about dining experiences. The Point Group (Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, The Dolphin, Harpoon Harry’s) will transform three levels: ground floor bar and bistro, The Menzies Bar; indoor/outdoor Shell House Dining Room and Terrace on the ninth floor; and the Shell House Sky Bar on Level 10.
The Church of Cheese
Visitors to Milton can now taste a range of Australian and international cheese and wine at the new Altar Wine Bar, located on the garden grounds of the town’s Old Church. As well as cheese and charcuterie, guests can also order a dozen of the South Coast’s famed fresh oysters.
Vivid Sydney 2019 Credit: Destination NSW
Views of Harbour Lights installations on marine vessels moving across Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney 2019.
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Vivid Sydney 2019 Credit: Destination NSW
Views of Harbour Lights installations on marine vessels moving across Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney 2019.
NEW EXPERIENCES
Vivid Sydney Rescheduled
Australia’s biggest and brightest festival of light, music and ideas, Vivid Sydney, has been rescheduled to Spring, transforming the Harbour city into a playground of the unexpected from 17 September to 9 October 2021.
A Migrant’s Journey
The journey of Chinese migrants will come to life at the Hurstville Museum and Gallery through the eyes of internationally renowned Australian Chinese artists Lindy Lee, Guan Wei, Cindy Yuen-Zhe Chen, Xiao Lu, Jason Phu and Guo Jian. Our Journeys I Our Stories will display new artworks, plus a collection of rare historical items. 4 September - 27 October.
Coastal Cycle
Newcastle bike tour company Newy Rides has launched a Morning Essentials tour to offer visitors a slice of the city in the AM. The tour starts at Nobbys Beach, visits the Newcastle Foreshore, a local’s favourite suburb, and stops for a coffee along the way.
Skydive by Moonlight
Skydive Australia has launched a new night-time jump at their Byron Bay dropzone. Launching every month on the full moon, this unique experience will see brave divers tandem skydive from 10,000 feet under the stars. 2021 dates include 19 August, 23 September, 21 October, 18 November and 16 December.
Wild in the Hunter
The Hunter Valley Zoo has been purchased by Australian Wildlife Parks, the largest wildlife tourism operator in the country. Opened in 2007, the zoo joins the group’s other outdoor animal sanctuaries, including Mogo Wildlife Park and Featherdale Sydney, and houses a variety of species, including native animals, primates, American alligators, white lions, wolves, meerkats and capybaras.
Winter Fire Festival, Orange region Credit: Orange360
The festival showcases the best of an authentic country winter through a series of bonfire events inspired by the Australian cracker night bonfire tradition.
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Winter Fire Festival, Orange region Credit: Orange360
The festival showcases the best of an authentic country winter through a series of bonfire events inspired by the Australian cracker night bonfire tradition.
UPCOMING EVENTS
While these events are still set to proceed at time of publication, due to the ongoing pandemic, some events may change. Check each event websites for details and updates.
Come From Away | Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Until 19 September
On stage 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 Canada that welcomed them all. Performances currently suspended; please check the website for details.
Orange Winter Fire Festival | Orange Region
27-29 August 2021
Inspired by winter bonfires and cosy nights under the stars, this festival in the Central West features a range of night-time events. Visitors can take part in char-grilled feasts, campfire cookouts and taste the region’s famed wines by the fireplace of a country pub.
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 storytelling event unlike anywhere else. This year’s theme centres on ‘The Things We Love’ — exploring people, places and things in all their challenging complexity and diversity. The full program launches 12 August.
Vivid Sydney | Sydney
17 September-9 October
Vivid Sydney will illuminate the Harbour City a little later this year — the festival’s new dates will run from 17 September to 9 October 2021. The event is a celebration of creativity, innovation and technology transforming the Sydney CBD into a playground of the unexpected through light, music and ideas.
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
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
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.