Renew your sense of wonder and recharge in a luxury beach house in Port Stephens; immerse yourself in nature and sleep under the stars in Jervis Bay or switch off and unwind by the shores of the Murray River. This month, there’s plenty of new places to stay, an exciting schedule of events across Sydney and NSW plus taste a line-up of delicious new eateries. 

NEW STAYS 

Heritage Sydney stay Located in the heart of the CBD, the new Kimpton Margot Sydney fuses Art Deco ambience with modern luxe, from the grand Scagliola pillared lobby to bold patterns, plush furnishings and botanical displays. The 172-room hotel features a hero restaurant by acclaimed Australian chef Luke Mangan; a glamorous rooftop bar and pool; and thoughtful partnerships that exemplify mindfulness and wellness with Lekker bikes and Egg of the Universe. 

A new getaway at Anna Bay 
Luxury, relaxation and fresh beach style has come to the shores of Anna Bay in Port Stephens, as Talm Beach House opens its doors. With an all-neutral modern look, this double-storey holiday home sleeps 10 and features four bedrooms, panoramic ocean views, an indoor fireplace and two outdoor living spaces. 

A dome away from home 
Immersive new glamping experience, The Dome Jervis Bay, has popped up in serene bushland in Woollamia, just a five-minute drive from Huskisson. The spacious and stylish tent comes complete with comfortable queen bed, a bathhouse overlooking the bush and a well-stocked camp kitchen.  

Deniliquin’s vintage van  
A motorhome like never before, Olina the Caravan is a completely refurbished 1980 Millard caravan with a luxe new fit out by the owners of Wanganella Cottage in the Riverina. Olina can be delivered anywhere within a 100km radius of riverside town Deniliquin and be combined with local catering packages.  

Motorhome on the Murray 
Nestled on the banks of the Murray River, Euston Club Resort RV Park is a new place to park the campervan, right next door to the property’s resort, motel and Station 46 café, bar and restaurant. Located in Balranald, this nature haven has ample bushwalking, bird watching, fishing and water sports. 

NEW FOOD, DRINK AND ENTERTAINMENT 

Star elements 
Taking over the former Momofuku Seiobo restaurant space next month, ELE by Frederico Zanellato (LuMi) and Karl Firla (Oscillate Wildly, Est, Marque) is the latest dining concept at The Star Sydney. Inspired by the elements – earth, fire, air and water—ELE aims to engage all senses with its elevated menu and unique dining experience.  

Fish Butchery opens in the Inner West 
Josh Niland has added another venue to his family of sustainable seafood eateries, opening Fish Butchery in Waterloo. As well as a retail shop selling high-quality Australian-sourced fish, the space will also offer takeaway favourites just like Charcoal Fish, including Murray cod souvlaki, yellowfin tuna cheeseburgers and a smoked scallop banh mi. 

Food fiesta 
A vibrant cantina has arrived in Sydney’s CBD – Londres 126 explores the decadent boundaries of Mexican cuisine in a 1940s-style setting. Expect the likes of lobster tacos, scallop ceviche and molote (Mexican gnocchi made from corn) 

A taste of the Mayan-era 
Casa Merida bring Mexican cocktails and spirits and Mayan cuisine to Potts Point. The food menu will focus on lesser-known dishes from Yucatán Peninsula, including cochinita pibil (barbecued pork) and recado negro (black chilli spiced) spatchcock, while the drinking experience features highly specialised Mexican spirits, some of which are the only bottles in Australia. 

Voyage to Ploos 
Get a taste of the Mediterranean at new Greek restaurant Ploos, nestled within the heritage-listed warehouses of Campbells Cove. A translation of ‘a voyage’, chef Peter Conistis aims to transports guests to the South Aegean islands, with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, single origin Cretan olive oils and natural spices, sourced directly from the wild and mountainous terrain of Crete and nearby Cyprus. 

Restaurant with a view 
Overlooking the rolling waves of Terrigal Beach, new restaurant Swells Terrigal brings elevated modern Australian dining to the Central Coast town. The sunny terrace is the perfect place for happy hour, or taste the menu’s fine-dining dishes, from house-made ricotta tortellini to grass-fed Southern Ranges beef fillet. 

Trans-Tasman wines in the Hunter 
New cellar door Charteris Wines has opened at Pokolbin’s Peppers Creek Village, offering a range of tasting experiences that take visitors on the journey of Kiwi winemaker PJ Charteris, from his beloved Central Otago and his adoptive Hunter Valley home. 

Bryon’s new taste of Italy 
Maurice Terzini (Icebergs Dining Room, CicciaBella and Re: Bar) has opened his latest eatery Belongil Beach Italian Food in Byron Bay. Serving a classic Italian menu, handmade pasta, flash-fried local seafood and shareable mains, the new restaurant offers bright, relaxed and simple seaside dining. 

Fine dining in the Tweed 
Sleek design and a sophisticated menu have arrived in Murwillumbah, as Bistro Livi takes over a refurbished Art Deco building in the town’s Art Precinct. With interiors, furniture and art designed by David Flack of Flack Studio, expect refined plating, a high-end wine list and a stylish night out. 

Teatime in Port Stephens 
A new morning and afternoon high tea experience has graced Murray’s Brewing in Bobs Farm. Located in sunlit rustic pavilion, the menu will feature a range of creative pastries including finger sandwiches, eel and caviar tarts, fruit scones, plus teas from Sydney tea company Rabbit Hole.  

Griffith’s new cellar door 
Riverina winery Sans Pareil has opened up a new cellar door, led by third-generation viticulturist and director Aaron Salvestrin. The cellar door offers visitors a taste of Salvestrin’s rule-breaking wine for the modern palate, using grapes from his family vineyards made with untraditional methods.  

NEW EXPERIENCES    

Bundanon art bridge 
A new world-class art museum has emerged as a 160-metre structure spanning a lush gully in Shoalhaven. The museum will house three exhibition seasons annually, and offers accommodation for up to 64 guests, plus café and dining facilities with sweeping views over the Shoalhaven River. The inaugural exhibition, From Impulse to Action, explores the energetic, raw, and generous spirit of painter Arthur Boyd by 12 contemporary Australian artists. 

Spice up your life 
Newcastle's new boutique cooking school, Three Spice, teaches food-lovers how to cook authentic Malaysian cuisine. Run by sisters-in-law and best friends, Geeta and Linda, the classes teach students how to make a punch spice paste and flavour-filled curry. Curated gourmet products are also available.  

Central Coast by boat 
Classic Cruise Co. offers a new way to explore the beauty of the Central Coast – on the water. Operating out of Booker Bay and Pittwater, the 18-person MV Highlander is a 46-foot luxury motor yacht with outdoor barbecue and dining area, large bow with double sunbed, Bluetooth sound system and television, plus skipper and deckhand. 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

9 to 5 The Musical | Capitol Theatre Sydney 
From 16 February 
West End sensation 9 to 5 the Musical comes to Sydney with an all-star Australian cast including Marina Prior, Casey Donovan, Eddie Perfect and more. Inspired by Dolly Parton’s hit film, the feel-good musical features a sparkling score by the country music icon and book by the movie’s original screenwriter.  
 
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras | Sydney 
18 February-6 March 
The Mardi Gras Festival will make a grand return from 18 February – 6 March. This year’s festival will feature a packed program of events spanning theatre, visual arts, parties, community gatherings, panel discussions and more, ending with the ever-popular Parade on 5 March at the Sydney Cricket Ground.  

Girl From The North Country | Theatre Royal Sydney 
Until 19 March 
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. 
 
Hamilton | Sydney Lyric Theatre 
Until 27 February 
Cultural phenomenon Hamilton is back on its Sydney stage, blending Broadway theatre with hip hop, jazz and R&B to tell a story of American history. Its Australian cast brings an unmissable performance and a revolutionary moment in theatre.  

Biennale of Sydney |Across Sydney  
12 March - 13 June
The 23rd Biennale of Sydney will present a host of dynamic contemporary art from around the globe in venues across Sydney. Titled rīvus, this year’s citywide exhibition will feature rivers, wetlands and other salt and freshwater ecosystems in cultural institutions including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Barangaroo, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, National Art School and more. 

True Grit | Lower Portland 
5 March 
With 30 obstacles to navigate over 10 kilometres, this military-inspired race runs through grasslands, temperate rainforest, dense swamps, granite escarpments and towering sandstone cliffs on farmland on the Hawkesbury River. 

Great Southern Nights | Sydney & various NSW locations 
18 March-10 April 
Great Southern Nights is a celebration of live music that takes place right across New South Wales. The dynamic event features hundreds of COVID-safe performances at live music venues in approximately 60 Sydney Suburbs and 140 towns across regional NSW in March and April 2022. 

Around the Kitchen Table with Printhie Wines |Orange 
8 April 
Celebrate the launch of Sophie Hansen and Annie Herron’s new recipe book Around the Kitchen Table with an afternoon tea in the orchard. The ticket includes a copy of the book, a glass of sparkling rosé and some tasting notes from the team behind Printhie Wines.  

Mary Poppins | Sydney Lyric Theatre 
15 May - 3 July  
The magic returns to Sydney! Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Tony® and Olivier award-winning production Mary Poppins arrives at the Sydney Lyric Theatre this May for a limited season. Adapted from the beloved stories by PL Travers and the original film, the world’s favourite Nanny comes to life on stage in a spectacular and unforgettable production. 

Vivid Sydney  
27 May – 18 June 2022  
Celebrating its 12th year in 2022, Vivid Sydney is an annual creative festival that fuses mesmerising art displays and 3D light projections with exhilarating live music performances, thought-provoking debates and deep-dive discussions from some of the world’s brightest minds. This year, the festival boasts the longest continuous Light Walk in the history of the event, from Sydney Opera House to Central Station.