What’s new in NSW – December 2022

News 1 year ago | By Destination NSW

Bar Heather, Byron Bay Credit: Jess Kearney

Bar Heather, Byron Bay

#feelnsw

15 Dec 2022 What’s new in NSW – December 2022 Regional NSW can be rugged, luxurious, authentic and even a little playful. Discover all the variety the state has to offer through one the country’s leading wine bars, architecturally and naturally jaw-dropping accommodation, and animal encounters that bring you up-close and personal with alpacas and koalas. <h3>NEW FOOD & DRINK</h3> Unpretentious but outstanding: Bar Heather is now open One of Australia’s most anticipated wine bars of the year, <a href="https://www.barheather.com/">Bar Heather</a> has opened its doors in Byron Bay. Expect a wine list that brings together oddities, characters and the exceptional from both Australia and further shores, paired with a creative but unpretentious menu from a chef who previously worked at Sydney award-winners Sixpenny and Ester. But, most of all, expect a good time. Taste the coastline in a gin <a href="https://www.portmacquariedistillery.com/">Port Macquarie Distillery</a> is the Mid North Coast’s newest small batch distillery. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a first-time gin drinker, master distiller Ray Barth and the team will tee you up with an experience right for you. Maybe that’s a cocktail or two at the bar with your pals, or maybe it’s a full gin tasting ending in a takeaway bottle of their signature dry gin, Lighthouse, modelled on the smell and feel of the town’s coastline. Literally paddock to plate This is the experience at The Artisan Farmer in Nabiac, just inland from Foster. The vegetables and herbs you eat in the café, you can see those growing out back next to the beehives. The beef for your burger, that’s from the paddock next door. The bread you’re about to eat, that was baked this morning just inside. And that coffee you might order to go, that’s made with beans roasted here, too. A lot of people claim to be paddock-to-plate, but The Arustab Farmer’s bakery, café and butcher are the real deal. <h3>NEW ACCOMMODATION </h3> Hand built in the wilderness A wood cabin set within an old cattle ranch that’s being rewilded into true South Coast bushland – the <a href="https://sugarrockranch.com.au/">Sugar Rock Ranch</a> is dream for a couple looking to get off grid and away from it all. Take a fishing rod to the coast and return to barbecue your catch in the fire pit outside. Have a morning coffee on the deck overlooking the dam. Or go for a bush walk in <a href="https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/merimbula-and-sapphire-coast/eden/attractions/beowa-national-park-0">Beowa National Park</a> next door. Somnium at Bingie: pristine luxury on a coastal headline As soon as you get to the end of the driveway, you’ll feel like the entire world is just you, your family, the lake in front of you, the trees around you and the roos outside your front door. Inside is as spectacular, <a href="https://somniumatbingie.com.au/">Somnium</a> at Bingie’s two architecturally unique buildings (by Sydney architects Eoghan Lewis) will leave you feeling like you’ve fallen into the pages of a magazine. It’s not all awe either, in the day lean on your adventurous side and get a handle of the property’s mountain bikes, kayaks, and firepit. Sleep among the koalas Be lulled to sleep among the smells of the Worimi bush and the sounds of the local koala mob at <a href="https://www.portstephenskoalasanctuary.com.au/">Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary</a>’s newly updated hotel rooms. Your stay among the gum trees within the endangered species’ natural habitat also includes access to a pool, outdoor barbecues, and a spa. While you’re in the area, it's only ten minutes by car to the dunes and waves of Stockton Beach. <h3>NEW EXPERIENCES</h3> What’s it like being an Alpaca farmer? A two-hour exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at Murrumbateman’s <a href="https://blackwattlealpacas.com.au/">Blackwattle Alpaca Farm</a> will introduce you to the farm’s friendliest alpacas – let them eat out of your hand, get in for a cuddle and nab a selfie with your favourite. Then, find out how their shaggy coats turn into silky fabric, and hear a story about how on earth someone started an alpaca farm in rural NSW. Aboriginal art in the Hunter In between wines, adventure and sunshine find a connection to Country and to our lands’ great cultural heritage along the <a href="https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/hunter/hunter-valley/pokolbin/events/wupawanaruah-aboriginal-art-exhibition-and-trail">Wupa@Wanaruah Aboriginal Art Exhibition and Trail</a>. Curated by Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation, the art exhibition is back open after two years. Find local Aboriginal art across venues dotted throughout the Hunter Valley: Crowne Plaza, Drayton’s Family Wines, Hunter Valley Resort in Polkobin and the Hunter Valley gardens at the Mercure Polkobin. Pedal, drink, eat, repeat Take in 25km of the Murrumbateman wine region’s beauty on two wheels with <a href="https://www.winerides.com.au/">Canberra Wine Region E-Bike Tours,</a> only stopping to trial both drops and bites of the region’s famed vineyards via the comfort of a Lekker Jordaan e-bike. The new one-of-a-kind off the beaten track tour includes a guide to not only introduce you to the countryside and the wine makers, and help with any bike tune ups.
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Hashtags #feelnsw

Regional NSW can be rugged, luxurious, authentic and even a little playful. Discover all the variety the state has to offer through one the country’s leading wine bars, architecturally and naturally jaw-dropping accommodation, and animal encounters that bring you up-close and personal with alpacas and koalas.

NEW FOOD & DRINK

Unpretentious but outstanding: Bar Heather is now open
One of Australia’s most anticipated wine bars of the year, Bar Heather has opened its doors in Byron Bay. Expect a wine list that brings together oddities, characters and the exceptional from both Australia and further shores, paired with a creative but unpretentious menu from a chef who previously worked at Sydney award-winners Sixpenny and Ester. But, most of all, expect a good time.

Taste the coastline in a gin
Port Macquarie Distillery is the Mid North Coast’s newest small batch distillery. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a first-time gin drinker, master distiller Ray Barth and the team will tee you up with an experience right for you. Maybe that’s a cocktail or two at the bar with your pals, or maybe it’s a full gin tasting ending in a takeaway bottle of their signature dry gin, Lighthouse, modelled on the smell and feel of the town’s coastline.

Literally paddock to plate
This is the experience at The Artisan Farmer in Nabiac, just inland from Foster. The vegetables and herbs you eat in the café, you can see those growing out back next to the beehives. The beef for your burger, that’s from the paddock next door. The bread you’re about to eat, that was baked this morning just inside. And that coffee you might order to go, that’s made with beans roasted here, too. A lot of people claim to be paddock-to-plate, but The Arustab Farmer’s bakery, café and butcher are the real deal.

Bar Heather, Byron Bay Credit: Jess Kearney

Bar Heather, Byron Bay

#feelnsw

Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW

Cape Byron Lighthouse sitting on Australia's most easterly point, Byron Bay.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

NEW ACCOMMODATION

Hand built in the wilderness
A wood cabin set within an old cattle ranch that’s being rewilded into true South Coast bushland – the Sugar Rock Ranch is dream for a couple looking to get off grid and away from it all. Take a fishing rod to the coast and return to barbecue your catch in the fire pit outside. Have a morning coffee on the deck overlooking the dam. Or go for a bush walk in Beowa National Park next door.

Somnium at Bingie: pristine luxury on a coastal headline
As soon as you get to the end of the driveway, you’ll feel like the entire world is just you, your family, the lake in front of you, the trees around you and the roos outside your front door. Inside is as spectacular, Somnium at Bingie’s two architecturally unique buildings (by Sydney architects Eoghan Lewis) will leave you feeling like you’ve fallen into the pages of a magazine. It’s not all awe either, in the day lean on your adventurous side and get a handle of the property’s mountain bikes, kayaks, and firepit.

Sleep among the koalas
Be lulled to sleep among the smells of the Worimi bush and the sounds of the local koala mob at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary’s newly updated hotel rooms. Your stay among the gum trees within the endangered species’ natural habitat also includes access to a pool, outdoor barbecues, and a spa. While you’re in the area, it's only ten minutes by car to the dunes and waves of Stockton Beach.

NEW EXPERIENCES

What’s it like being an Alpaca farmer?
A two-hour exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at Murrumbateman’s Blackwattle Alpaca Farm will introduce you to the farm’s friendliest alpacas – let them eat out of your hand, get in for a cuddle and nab a selfie with your favourite. Then, find out how their shaggy coats turn into silky fabric, and hear a story about how on earth someone started an alpaca farm in rural NSW.

Aboriginal art in the Hunter
In between wines, adventure and sunshine find a connection to Country and to our lands’ great cultural heritage along the Wupa@Wanaruah Aboriginal Art Exhibition and Trail. Curated by Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation, the art exhibition is back open after two years. Find local Aboriginal art across venues dotted throughout the Hunter Valley: Crowne Plaza, Drayton’s Family Wines, Hunter Valley Resort in Polkobin and the Hunter Valley gardens at the Mercure Polkobin.

Pedal, drink, eat, repeat
Take in 25km of the Murrumbateman wine region’s beauty on two wheels with Canberra Wine Region E-Bike Tours, only stopping to trial both drops and bites of the region’s famed vineyards via the comfort of a Lekker Jordaan e-bike. The new one-of-a-kind off the beaten track tour includes a guide to not only introduce you to the countryside and the wine makers, and help with any bike tune ups.

Beowa National Park, Green Cape Credit: Destination NSW

Scenic coastal aerial overlooking Bittangabee Bay in Beowa National Park, Green Cape.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens, One Mile Credit: Destination NSW

Family arriving at the Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens, One Mile.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW

The 'Nest' installation at the Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo during Vivid 2024. Artist: Leila Jeffreys & Melvin J. Montalban. An expansive circular structure welcomes you to bear witness to the ritualistic mating dance of the Brolga, one of only two species of crane native to Australia. Projected onto a transparent surface, the huge bird apparitions appear to float in the air and are visible from both out and inside the Nest.

#feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Calling All Dreamers: Vivid Sydney Wants You 3 months ago Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, is calling on the best creative minds to submit ideas for next year’s event. Vivid Sydney 2025 will take place from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025, with a program centred around the theme of Vivid Sydney, Dream. Artists, musicians, thought leaders and food creatives are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the opportunity to be part of Australia’s largest event and showcase their work to a mass audience across the festival pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food.  Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Since 2009, Vivid Sydney has grown to become Sydney’s vibrant cultural showpiece, driving significant visitation to Sydney and regional NSW and positioning our state as the arts and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific. “Vivid Sydney is more than a light show, it is Sydney’s living legacy that captures imaginations and shares with visitors and locals alike the very best talent from our creative, entertainment and hospitality industries. “I encourage the brightest talents to join Destination NSW in creating an event that elevates the Harbour City as the Asia Pacific’s leader in world-class cultural experiences.” Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney 2025 is pushing the creative boundaries across our theme of “Dream” to deliver another unforgettable global celebration. “Dreaming is something we all do. It’s as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams don’t discriminate – they are borderless, ageless and endless. They can be personal or public. When shared, our dreams can become a movement. They can inspire, motivate, spark excitement and connection. “The whole world dreams, it is something we have in common, something that unites us. Our human story is embedded in dreams, they help explain our existence and our past. “We want the very best in homegrown talent to be part of our vibrant Vivid Sydney event program, with a unique opportunity to foster community connection, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity can enrich our lives. “Each year Vivid Sydney aims to deliver unparalleled artistic brilliance and we look forward to welcoming the inspirations within our community that will help shape Vivid Sydney 2025 into a show-stopping cultural phenomenon.”  The Vivid Sydney EOI outlines opportunities for artists, designers, creative industry professionals, equipment suppliers, architects, engineers, promoters, restaurants, event companies, chefs, producers and educational institutions to present their ideas, designs, concepts and interest for inclusion in the annual event.   Light and Cross Art Form EOIs will close on Monday 2 September 2024 with Ideas, Music and Food closing on Friday 27 September 2024.  This year’s Vivid Sydney attracted 2.42 million attendees, making it the third largest on record. Highlights included a record-breaking opening night and the busiest single night in the festival’s history on Sunday 9 June.   While Vivid Sydney 2024 attracted millions of people from across Australia and the globe, it also had a profound impact on the creative minds who helped bring the event to life, including Sydney’s retail, hospitality and accommodation sectors. Leila Jeffreys the artist behind popular Vivid Light 2024 installation Nest said: “Thank you to Festival Director Gill Minervini and all at Vivid Sydney for giving me and my artistic collaborator Melvin J. Montalban the opportunity to create art on a scale that we could not have achieved on our own.  “I visited Nest many times throughout the festival and was always moved to see people from all walks of life and ages stand together to witness the courtship dance of the Brolga, a moment where we all felt the link between the natural world and the human journey.” Tekno Train creator and composer Paul Mac said: “When I set out to create Tekno Train I wanted to make an experience that fused my love of techno and trains with lights and to share this joy with as many people as possible. The positive reactions I have received from people on the train, as well as the drivers, guards, and random folks on social media has absolutely blown me away. “Vivid Sydney 2024 has been an unexpected career highlight, and I am forever grateful to everyone who helped bring this together.” Club Broadway MC & Music Producer DJ Dan Murphy said: “Bringing our Club Broadway show to a Vivid Sydney audience has been an absolute joy. We loved making our show accessible to a whole new audience who love the world of musical theatre.  “Vivid Sydney is such an amazing and important festival for our city, and we were thrilled to be on the program. From old to young, we had them all on the dancefloor for Club Broadway at Tumbalong Park.  The night was absolutely magical and a great way to celebrate our community.” Service and Creative Skills Australia (the Jobs and Skills Council for Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality) CEO Natalie Turmine said: “Vivid Sydney showcases brilliantly our talented and vibrant creative arts, tourism and hospitality workforce, demonstrating the wealth of exciting career opportunities available in this sector. “Thank you to all the creative artists, technicians, performers, hospitality staff and event organisers for delivering another successful Vivid Sydney.” Plate it Forward CEO and restaurateur Shaun Christie-David said: “Vivid Sydney shows the diversity of Sydney, shining a positive light on our city, culture and produce. As a social enterprise hospitality group, it was a privilege to partner with Vivid Sydney to bring the 2024 festival theme humanity to life through food. Food is all about sharing, love, respect and community. “There is so much pride, joy and power that can be found in food, it is a platform to celebrate culture, make meaningful connections and create jobs. Through working with Vivid Food and selling more than 1000 tacos, more than 1500 meals will be donated to community kitchens for people in need.” Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “Between the lights, the music, the ideas, the food and the incredible vibe…Vivid Sydney has once again delivered a spectacular event for visitors and locals of all ages, with the big winners being local tourism and hospitality operators.” “The bright lights of Vivid Sydney have showcased first-class hospitality, creativity and our beloved Sydney CBD and Harbour icons to audiences across the globe, demonstrating the value and huge potential of this event and the need to continue investing in world class events.” Accommodation Australia’s Michael Johnson said: “Once again, the juggernaut that is Vivid Sydney illuminated the city, shining a light on the beauty and culture of the city. “Over the course of the event, hotels in the CBD enjoyed 75 per cent occupancy with bookings reaching as high as 90 per cent on weekends. There is no denying major events such as Vivid Sydney, that have the capacity to draw a high level of overnight visitation in the middle of winter, create an incredible boost for the city’s visitor economy.” Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.   For more information and to submit an Expression of Interest for Vivid Sydney 2025, go to <a href="http://www.vividsydney.com/">www.vividsydney.com</a>
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Hashtags #feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, is calling on the best creative minds to submit ideas for next year’s event.

Vivid Sydney 2025 will take place from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025, with a program centred around the theme of Vivid Sydney, Dream.

Artists, musicians, thought leaders and food creatives are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the opportunity to be part of Australia’s largest event and showcase their work to a mass audience across the festival pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food. 

Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Since 2009, Vivid Sydney has grown to become Sydney’s vibrant cultural showpiece, driving significant visitation to Sydney and regional NSW and positioning our state as the arts and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific.

“Vivid Sydney is more than a light show, it is Sydney’s living legacy that captures imaginations and shares with visitors and locals alike the very best talent from our creative, entertainment and hospitality industries.

“I encourage the brightest talents to join Destination NSW in creating an event that elevates the Harbour City as the Asia Pacific’s leader in world-class cultural experiences.”

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW

Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024

#feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney 2025 is pushing the creative boundaries across our theme of “Dream” to deliver another unforgettable global celebration.

“Dreaming is something we all do. It’s as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams don’t discriminate – they are borderless, ageless and endless. They can be personal or public. When shared, our dreams can become a movement. They can inspire, motivate, spark excitement and connection.

“The whole world dreams, it is something we have in common, something that unites us. Our human story is embedded in dreams, they help explain our existence and our past.

“We want the very best in homegrown talent to be part of our vibrant Vivid Sydney event program, with a unique opportunity to foster community connection, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity can enrich our lives.

“Each year Vivid Sydney aims to deliver unparalleled artistic brilliance and we look forward to welcoming the inspirations within our community that will help shape Vivid Sydney 2025 into a show-stopping cultural phenomenon.” 

The Vivid Sydney EOI outlines opportunities for artists, designers, creative industry professionals, equipment suppliers, architects, engineers, promoters, restaurants, event companies, chefs, producers and educational institutions to present their ideas, designs, concepts and interest for inclusion in the annual event.  

Light and Cross Art Form EOIs will close on Monday 2 September 2024 with Ideas, Music and Food closing on Friday 27 September 2024. 

This year’s Vivid Sydney attracted 2.42 million attendees, making it the third largest on record. Highlights included a record-breaking opening night and the busiest single night in the festival’s history on Sunday 9 June.  

While Vivid Sydney 2024 attracted millions of people from across Australia and the globe, it also had a profound impact on the creative minds who helped bring the event to life, including Sydney’s retail, hospitality and accommodation sectors.

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW

Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024

#feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Leila Jeffreys the artist behind popular Vivid Light 2024 installation Nest said: “Thank you to Festival Director Gill Minervini and all at Vivid Sydney for giving me and my artistic collaborator Melvin J. Montalban the opportunity to create art on a scale that we could not have achieved on our own. 

“I visited Nest many times throughout the festival and was always moved to see people from all walks of life and ages stand together to witness the courtship dance of the Brolga, a moment where we all felt the link between the natural world and the human journey.”

Tekno Train creator and composer Paul Mac said: “When I set out to create Tekno Train I wanted to make an experience that fused my love of techno and trains with lights and to share this joy with as many people as possible. The positive reactions I have received from people on the train, as well as the drivers, guards, and random folks on social media has absolutely blown me away.

“Vivid Sydney 2024 has been an unexpected career highlight, and I am forever grateful to everyone who helped bring this together.”

Club Broadway MC & Music Producer DJ Dan Murphy said: “Bringing our Club Broadway show to a Vivid Sydney audience has been an absolute joy. We loved making our show accessible to a whole new audience who love the world of musical theatre. 

“Vivid Sydney is such an amazing and important festival for our city, and we were thrilled to be on the program. From old to young, we had them all on the dancefloor for Club Broadway at Tumbalong Park.  The night was absolutely magical and a great way to celebrate our community.”

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW

Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.

#feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Service and Creative Skills Australia (the Jobs and Skills Council for Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality) CEO Natalie Turmine said: “Vivid Sydney showcases brilliantly our talented and vibrant creative arts, tourism and hospitality workforce, demonstrating the wealth of exciting career opportunities available in this sector.

“Thank you to all the creative artists, technicians, performers, hospitality staff and event organisers for delivering another successful Vivid Sydney.”

Plate it Forward CEO and restaurateur Shaun Christie-David said: “Vivid Sydney shows the diversity of Sydney, shining a positive light on our city, culture and produce. As a social enterprise hospitality group, it was a privilege to partner with Vivid Sydney to bring the 2024 festival theme humanity to life through food. Food is all about sharing, love, respect and community.

“There is so much pride, joy and power that can be found in food, it is a platform to celebrate culture, make meaningful connections and create jobs. Through working with Vivid Food and selling more than 1000 tacos, more than 1500 meals will be donated to community kitchens for people in need.”

Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “Between the lights, the music, the ideas, the food and the incredible vibe…Vivid Sydney has once again delivered a spectacular event for visitors and locals of all ages, with the big winners being local tourism and hospitality operators.”

“The bright lights of Vivid Sydney have showcased first-class hospitality, creativity and our beloved Sydney CBD and Harbour icons to audiences across the globe, demonstrating the value and huge potential of this event and the need to continue investing in world class events.”

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW

Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.

#feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Accommodation Australia’s Michael Johnson said: “Once again, the juggernaut that is Vivid Sydney illuminated the city, shining a light on the beauty and culture of the city.

“Over the course of the event, hotels in the CBD enjoyed 75 per cent occupancy with bookings reaching as high as 90 per cent on weekends. There is no denying major events such as Vivid Sydney, that have the capacity to draw a high level of overnight visitation in the middle of winter, create an incredible boost for the city’s visitor economy.”

Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.  

For more information and to submit an Expression of Interest for Vivid Sydney 2025, go to www.vividsydney.com

What’s new in NSW – December 2022