Aiden Darling Harbour, guest room, PyrmontCredit: Aiden Darling Harbour
Aiden Darling Harbour is Australia’s newest luxury boutique hotel set to open mid-2021.
#lovensw #ilovesydney
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.
#lovensw #newsouthwales
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.
#ilovesydney #vividsydney
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.
#lovensw #newsouthwales
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
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.