Linnaeus Farm Credit: Linnaeus Farm
Luxury holiday home, Linnaeus Farm, located just outside of Berry village sleeps 10-14 guests.
#feelnsw
There’s something new for everyone in NSW this month, from luxury farm stays and coastal resorts to natural wine bars, zero-waste bistros and quirky vintage stores.
NEW ACCOMMODATION
Family on the farm
Set on the outskirts of the charming village of Berry in the Shoalhaven region, Linnaeus Farm is a luxurious new self-contained property tailormade for a family or group getaway. Sleeping up to 14 guests across five bedrooms, the lakeside house also has a playground for kids and a resort-style pool. Guests can soak up the serenity of the surrounding green farmland, find their Zen in the overwater meditation hut, wander through the immaculate edible gardens or head for the white sands of Seven Mile Beach, just 10 minutes away.
Fresh look for The Lodge
A sprawling South Coast resort dating back to the 1970s has been reborn as The Lodge Jamberoo Resort and Spa. Set on nine acres of landscaped gardens, it features 43 rooms, extensive day spa facilities (like a sauna, steam room, vichy showers and float tanks) for complete rejuvenation, an outdoor pool and tennis court. A riverside chapel also makes it the perfect spot for a joyous wedding. It’s just a few minutes’ drive from Jamberoo Action Park and 10 minutes from the coast at Kiama.
Ranch on the river
The Oaks Ranch will be an idyllic new addition to the South Coast’s crop of boutique luxury hotels when it opens in September. Set on the peaceful Tomaga River in Mossy Point, south of Batemans Bay, there are just 14 minimalist suites overlooking the mountains of Deua National Park, as well as a magnesium pool and nine-hole golf course. Culinary expert Josh Tyler will be at the helm, drawing on his years of experience as executive chef at Mona Farm in Braidwood and manager at The Ungasan Clifftop Resort in Bali.
Basalt beauty
Perched 1,100 metres above sea level, Basalt will be the highest accommodation in the Orange region – with breathtaking views over valleys and vineyards to wake up to. With just three architecturally designed studios on a working cherry orchard, it’s a chance for guests to immerse themselves in country life without sacrificing any comforts. Basalt is set to open in spring, just as the surrounding cherry trees burst into a riot of pale pink blossoms.
Linnaeus Farm Credit: Linnaeus Farm
Luxury holiday home, Linnaeus Farm, located just outside of Berry village sleeps 10-14 guests.
#feelnsw
Linnaeus Farm Credit: Linnaeus Farm
Luxury holiday home, Linnaeus Farm, located just outside of Berry village sleeps 10-14 guests.
The Oaks Ranch, Mossy Point Credit: @abbie_melle
The Oaks Ranch, a boutique hotel in Mossy Point on the NSW South Coast, will open in September 2022 led by culinary expert General Manager Josh Tyler. The Oaks Ranch has 14 rooms under the categories of superior bungalow, deluxe bungalow, and premium bungalow.
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The Oaks Ranch, Mossy Point Credit: @abbie_melle
The Oaks Ranch, a boutique hotel in Mossy Point on the NSW South Coast, will open in September 2022 led by culinary expert General Manager Josh Tyler. The Oaks Ranch has 14 rooms under the categories of superior bungalow, deluxe bungalow, and premium bungalow.
NEW FOOD AND DRINK
Waste not, want not
One of Australia’s leading sustainable chefs, Matt Stone is bringing his unique brand of zero-waste cooking to Bangalow with the opening of You Beauty. Paying homage to Australia’s beloved corner bars, You Beauty will be part wine bar, part European bistro, with a hyper-local, produce-driven menu of share plates and larger dishes so diners can connect with their surroundings. Opening August 12, the new restaurant will take over the space of local favourite, The Italian Diner, and is just a few doors down from Stone’s other venture Ciao, Mate!
Raising the bar
Expect some of the world’s most precious natural wines to be poured at Byron Bay’s new Bar Heather when it opens in late October. Owners James Audas and Tom Sheer are wine importers and have been saving their favourite bottles to serve in their first bar, where the vibe will be Paris-chic-meets laid-back Byron. Chef Ollie Wong-Hee (ex-Sixpenny and Ester) has created a snack-style menu that enhances the wine list.
Taralga’s treasures
Wine, books and beautiful things – 36 Orchard St has all of life’s essentials covered. This beautifully renovated space on the main street of Taralga offers a curated collection of goodies from Brown Paper Wine, Bookshop and Grace and Thorne homewares. It’s fast becoming a place where locals and visitors connect over a wine tasting, pop-up ramen dinners, supper club and afternoon tea, or lose themselves for a few hours browsing.
NEW EXPERIENCES
The trail best taken
The new Central Coast Makers Trail takes visitors on an indulgent journey to the region’s best artisan producers. See pristine pearls pulled from the waters of the Hawkesbury at Broken Bay Pearl Farm, taste botanical wines at Firescreek, go over to the sweet side at The Chocolate Factory and pick up award-winning cheeses at Little Creek. Each maker has also created a series of immersive experiences that take guests deeper into their offering, from behind-the-scenes tours to foraging workshops, Aboriginal storytelling and hands-on classes.
Feel the love
Clothes, jewellery, furniture, artwork and more are all waiting to be uncovered at Love Vintage, a new vintage store in Taralga. The stock changes regularly and shoppers could easily spend hours browsing the beautifully decorated rooms. Along with 36 Orchard St just next door, it’s part of the ever-growing range of stylish shops in this delightful village.
Choose your own adventure
There’s plenty to see in the Southern Tablelands and five new bespoke trails will guide travellers through the best of it. Families, foodies and adventurers can uncover their passions along the routes, meeting local producers and seeking out authentic rural experiences. Tackle a trail in a day or mix and match to discover something new in this beautiful region.
Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Mooney Mooney Credit: Destination NSW
Tour group heading out to the pearl long lines at Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Mooney Mooney.
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Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Mooney Mooney Credit: Destination NSW
Tour group heading out to the pearl long lines at Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Mooney Mooney.
Contentious Character Credit: Destination NSW
Contentious Character is part of Trail 1: Wine, Water, Wonder on the Southern Tableland Trails
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Contentious Character Credit: Destination NSW
Contentious Character is part of Trail 1: Wine, Water, Wonder on the Southern Tableland Trails
More News
Dorian RestaurantCredit: Dorian Restaurant
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.