Amaroo Escape, ConeacCredit: Craig Mason East Coast Photography
Amaroo Escape, Luxury Glamping Tents.
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With unique retreats and a slate of new eateries and experiences, there’s plenty to dream about for a spring adventure in Sydney and NSW. These new additions must be top of the to-do list when travel resumes across the state.
NEW STAYS
Riverside glamping
Amaroo Escape is a new luxury eco escape on the banks of the Manning River near Gloucester. Adults-only glamping tents are situated in the pristine Barrington Coast hinterland and feature king beds, kitchenettes and generous bathrooms.
Forge your own farm-stay
Combining a blacksmith studio, chemical-free farm and boutique accommodation, Nulla Nulla Blacksmiths Farm is a unique retreat in Bellbrook on the mid North Coast. Book a massage, yoga class, and order an organic vegetable box or enjoy brunch at the onsite Laughing Kookaburra café.
Amaroo Escape, Coneac Credit: Craig Mason East Coast Photography
Amaroo Escape, Luxury Glamping Tents.
#lovensw #newsouthwales
Amaroo Escape, Coneac Credit: Craig Mason East Coast Photography
Amaroo Escape, Luxury Glamping Tents.
NEW FOOD, DRINK AND ENTERTAINMENT
Food fiesta
Sydney is set to enjoy a vibrant dose of Mexican hospitality, with three new venues from the Milpa Collective launching across the city from September. Casa Merida will dive into ancient Mayan cuisine; Londres 126 takes its inspiration from the cantinas of Mexico City; and Santa Catarina will deliver fine-dining Oaxacan food.
Culinary maestro’s next move
Award-winning chef Joel Bickford has begun his new chapter as culinary director for new venues Shell House and Fort Denison, part of The Point Group’s dining collective. After almost four years as executive chef of Aria, Bickford will oversee both menus for the new properties, with Fort Denison due to open in 2022.
Sweet class in session
Premium artisan chocolate company Byron Bay Cacao has launched a range of workshops from their Ballina shop, including molecular gastronomy, macaron making and a chocolate masterclass. Suitable for kids, beginners as well as professional chefs, the workshops can also be tailored for conference groups.
Hard kombucha on tap
Ventura Brewing, Australia’s first artisanal alcoholic kombucha brewery, plans to open a tap room at their Northern Rivers brewhouse this summer. Located just outside Murwillumbah, the venue aims to become a space for tastings, retail, events and even exhibitions from the local art and craft community.
Casa Merida, Bondi Junction Credit: Trent van der Jagt
Casa Merida's Infladitas, tacos and market fish ceviche.
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Casa Merida, Bondi Junction Credit: Trent van der Jagt
Casa Merida's Infladitas, tacos and market fish ceviche.
NEW EXPERIENCES
Virtual harbour walk
Sydney Harbour EcoWalks Tours have launched a 60-minute live virtual tour of the Sydney Harbour National Park, providing travellers the chance to see natural, historical and traditional sights, plus the pristine beaches along Sydney Harbour, without leaving their home.
New Tweed tours
Blending the best food and drink with the Northern Rivers’ natural beauty, Kiff & Culture offer guided tours around Byron Bay and The Tweed. In Byron, explore the Byron Bay lighthouse alongside lunch at The Farm and a brewery tour, while a gourmet tour in The Tweed includes tastings at Farm & Co, Earth Beer Company and Husk Distillers. All tours depart from Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
Sculptures in the Snowies
A new 100-kilometre sculpture trail will soon launch along the Snowy Valleys Way, with artworks immersed in the historic towns of Adelong, Batlow, Tumbarumba and Tooma. Developed in partnership with Sculptures by the Sea, the trail is set to launch later this year with installations planned across a two-year period.
Valley adventure
Travellers can explore the epic Snowy Valleys and Snowy Mountains regions with the guidance of new tour operator Our Snowy, providing unique day tours and charters for small groups. Tours take in local culture and beautiful landscapes and are led by experienced locals.
UPCOMING EVENTS
While these events are still set to proceed at time of publication, due to the ongoing pandemic, some events may change. Check the individual websites for details.
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, with both live and online events. This year’s theme centers on ‘The Things We Love’ — exploring people, places and things in all their challenging complexity and diversity.
Highland Valley Forage | Kangaroo Valley
23-24 October
This sell-out foodie trail 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.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella | Capitol Theatre, Sydney
From 1 December
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.
Vivid Sydney | Across Sydney
27 May-18 June 2022
While the Vivid Sydney 2021 lights won’t be illuminating the city this year, the festival will shine brighter than ever in 2022 with even more innovative light art, music and ideas in a playground of the unexpected.
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
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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.
#feelnewsydney
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.