The Farmhouse on Oxley, Barrington CoastCredit: Nat Spada, The Palm Co.
The Farmhouse on Oxley is modern farmhouse with lofty ceilings, a beautifully furnished kitchen and bathtub with views,
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A new zoo with a pride of lions, a riverside Italian restaurant, a farmhouse retreat that can host the whole family and events to enjoy – there’s plenty of new adventures awaiting future travels in Sydney and NSW.
NEW STAYS
A debut for design
Uber-cool US hotel chain Ace Hotels is opening its first site in the Southern Hemisphere in Sydney’s Surry Hills. The chain was one of the first to prioritise design, art and culture in their concepts, and the Australian edition will have a ground-floor restaurant, bar and café, as well as a rooftop restaurant and gym. The hotel will launch in May 2022; bookings are open now.
Beachside chic on the North Coast
Yamba’s first boutique hotel, The Surf, is now open, with 12 on-trend rooms featuring terrazzo floors, timber furnishings and peach bathroom tiles. The highlight is the rooftop plunge pool and deck, replete with yellow-and-white striped lounge chairs with an incredible view of Main Beach and the coastline.
A riverside retreat
The Farmhouse on Oxley on the Barrington Coast can cater to both family reunions and a couple’s getaway. A modern farmhouse with lofty ceilings, a beautifully furnished kitchen and bathtub with views, it can be configured in multiple ways and is located on the riverfront and just a short drive from the beach.
Dine by the vines
Popular South Coast winery Cupitt’s Estate is expanding its accommodation offering, with 10 new suites available from November. Guests can enjoy a well-stocked bar, in-room dining and a produce hamper if they want total privacy or can dine in the on-site restaurant and taste wines at the cellar door, which are a short walk away. Some suites will have an outdoor bath overlooking the vines.
Ace Hotel Sydney, Surry Hills Credit: Anson Smart
Ace Hotel Sydney, opening May 2022.
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Ace Hotel Sydney, Surry Hills Credit: Anson Smart
Ace Hotel Sydney, opening May 2022.
NEW FOOD, DRINK AND ENTERTAINMENT
Dine under twinkling lights
Opening just in time for warmer weather, Watson’s is a new pub at the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park. Relax on the generous deck under century-old, fairy-lit fig trees with a cold craft beer and a spread of snacks to share. It’s the perfect spot for a meal before a seeing a gig at nearby Hordern Pavilion.
Spanish snack bar comes to Redfern
Spanish wine and tapas bar Bar La Salut is opening soon in Redfern from the owners behind Love, Tilly Devine and Ragazzi, in the former sports bar at The Norfolk. Natural wine and snacks designed for drinking will be the name of the game, with the chef inspired by the drinking scene in Barcelona.
A pop-up for good times
A pop-up bar with seven owners (all with many years of hospitality experience) was always going to have a lot of big ideas. About Time is opening on October 20 in the Sydney CBD and will only be around until late 2022. Expect a menu of Australiana classics, slushie cocktails and spritzes on tap, with 90s music and décor, and al fresco drinking until late.
Waterfront dining at Shellharbour
A new foreshore precinct is being developed in Shellharbour on the South Coast, opening in spring. The family-friendly Waterfront Tavern will spill out onto the Shell Cove boardwalk, with four different spaces including the Clubhouse for live music and events. The Waterfront Dining Precinct will be a harbourside strip of multiple dining options, all with spectacular marina views.
Rome by the river
Isola Riva is a stunning new restaurant housed in a boat shed on Wallis Lake in Forster. The head chef is from Rome and has created a menu of produce-led share plates. Try fritto misto (fried seafood), Wallis Lake oysters and mushroom arancini, paired with a cocktail menu of summery spritzes.
NEW EXPERIENCES
Meet the pride
The new Central Coast Zoo is opening this month, with its Savannah Sanctuary home to a range of African animals. The highlight is a pride of six lions, who have been rehomed here after performing at a circus together; the zoo had an enclosure built specifically so the animals could stay together. Meerkats, fennec foxes, servals and a leopard turtle also call the new zoo home.
Watson's, The Entertainment Quarter Credit: Will Taylor, Watson's EQ
Relax on the generous deck under century-old, fairy-lit fig trees with a cold craft beer and a spread of snacks to share.
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Watson's, The Entertainment Quarter Credit: Will Taylor, Watson's EQ
Relax on the generous deck under century-old, fairy-lit fig trees with a cold craft beer and a spread of snacks to share.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Hamilton | Sydney Lyric Theatre
19 October-27 February, 2022
Hamilton created a revolutionary moment in theatre — blending Broadway theatre with hip hop, jazz and R&B to tell a story of American history. This unmissable event is being called a cultural phenomenon.
Come From Away | Capitol Theatre, Sydney
20 October-28 November
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.
Grafton Jacaranda Festival | Grafton
29 October-7 November
Celebrating the town's jacaranda trees that burst into purple clouds in spring, this festival has numerous wonderful events, including a ball, historic pub crawls, live music, art exhibitions, a queen crowning ceremony and more.
Jagged Little Pill | Theatre Royal Sydney
2-19 December
See the Tony® award-nominated Broadway rock musical, JAGGED LITTLE PILL, returning to Theatre Royal Sydney in December. Relive Alanis Morissette’s epic 1995 album and immerse yourself in 21st century America and beloved hits such as You Oughta Know and Ironic.
Australia Sail Grand Prix | Sydney Presented by KPMG | Sydney Harbour
17-18 December
The seventh event of SailGP season 2 will return to Sydney Harbour, with heart-stopping racing and a range of free and ticketed experiences on and off the water.
Girl From the North Country | Theatre Royal Sydney
5 January-13 February, 2022
On stage at Theatre Royal Sydney as part of Sydney Festival, this joyful musical reimagines the songs of Bob Dylan through a story of American life set in 1930s Minnesota. Tickets are on sale now.
Tamworth Country Music Festival | Tamworth
14-23 January, 2022
The 50th anniversary of Australia’s biggest country music festival will be an unmissable event, with the line-up including John Williamson, Beccy Cole, Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley, all part of more than 2800 scheduled events.
True Grit | Lower Portland
5-6 March, 2022
With 30 obstacles to navigate over 10 kilometres, this military-inspired race is held at a farm on the Hawkesbury River. The obstacles will take you across grasslands, rainforest, swamps and sandstone cliffs.
Grafton Jacaranda Festival, Northern Rivers Credit: Destination NSW
Vintage car passing through a jacaranda-lined street in Grafton.
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Grafton Jacaranda Festival, Northern Rivers Credit: Destination NSW
Vintage car passing through a jacaranda-lined street in Grafton.
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.