The tail end of summer sees NSW bustling with new experiences, delicious morsels and unexpected places to stay. Book a long weekend in a luxurious new offering tucked into the Byron Bay hinterland, explore the Hunter Valley’s first dedicated whiskey distillery, dine on native-ingredient delights in Bomaderry, plus more.
FOOD AND DRINK
The fleeting cellar door
The Laboratory in Tumbarumba is a new pop-up cellar door experience at Ladbroken Distillery Co.. Step inside the world of liquid alchemy to enjoy concoctions including tonics, mixers and elixirs, as well as gin jams, gin salt, negroni lollipops and other boozy treats.
A Hunter Valley first
Head to the Hunter to take a tour of the Valley’s first ever dedicated whiskey distillery – Tower Whiskey Distillery. Part of the luxurious Tower Lodge, this new distillery offers a bookable guided Whiskey Tasting Flight where punters can sample the distillery’s first four initial single-malt, single-cask whiskeys.
New native dining
Find lemon myrtle blackfish, strawberry gum mac ‘n’ cheese and a native ginger and pear pulled pork burger at the new food truck by Aboriginal-owned and -led culinary group Mirritya Mundya in Bomaderry. Mirritya Mundya, meaning ‘hungry blackfish’ in the Ngarrigu language group of south-eastern Australia, uses native ingredients and infuses it with other cuisines to create one-of-a-kind, delicious dishes.
Blanca restaurant
One of Newcastle’s newest dining experiences is Blanca, a harbourside spot in the Honeysuckle Foreshore precinct. Tuck into the cuisines of the Greek, Sicilian and Turkish coastlines as you make your way through a shared menu of coal-fired bread, grilled octopus and baked lamb moussaka among modern Mediterranean interiors with water views.
Tapas in Wickham
Vecina, by Newcastle’s Flotilla team, brings a Spanish-style bar to Newcastle’s Wickham. Alongside bar snacks like beef tartare, chicken liver parfait and empanadas is a neat list of cocktails, and on Wednesdays the venue’s charcoal grill is lit to put dry-aged steak on the menu.
The The Laboratory,Tumbarumba Credit: R Ladbrook
The Laboratory, Tumbarumba. A new pop-up cellar door experience at Ladbroken Distillery Co..
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The The Laboratory,Tumbarumba Credit: R Ladbrook
The Laboratory, Tumbarumba. A new pop-up cellar door experience at Ladbroken Distillery Co..
Feast with friends
Matt Moran’s Rockley Pub is hosting a one-off local producer’s dinner on 16 February. The share-style dinner will be hosted in collaboration with Vale Creek and Grass Parrot Wines and will highlight produce from the Central West. The dinner will feature a snack on arrival, four courses (each heroing local produce) and six matched wines. Tickets are $129 per person.
EXPERIENCES
Sky-high in Glen Innes
The Glen Innes Highlands Skywalk is a new 80-metre-long skywalk with raised boardwalks and three viewing platforms situated in the town’s Centennial Parklands. Traverse the skywalk to encounter incredible views of the surrounding Glen Innes landscape and township, as well as audio stories and 360-degree drone footage that sheds light on the rich Celtic and Ngarabul connections and culture of the area.
Shuttle to the mountain
Making your way to Gravity Eden MTB Park has never been easier thanks to Sapphire Coast Shuttles and Eden Shuttles. Shuttles can pick up and drop off mountain bike riders from various locations in Eden, to and from the park. A variety of different passes are available.
Berrima on foot
Hour-long walking tours of Southern Highlands town Berrima are now available with Berrima Walking Tours. Join one of these easy-going ambles for historic tales of early settlers, inn keepers, convicts and remarkable women. Tours run every Saturday and Sunday at 10am, though custom tours can be arranged at request.
Hit the sea with Coast XP
Nature-based operator Coast XP has launched new tours and a new vessel on Lake Macquarie. The new Lake Macquarie-based vessel, Hydro, will offer new ecotourism activities. Departing from Swansea and Belmont, CoastXP will offer ocean adventures to Catherine Hill Bay, whale watching tours, and nature and lunch packages with TINTA and 8 at Trinity.
Gravity Eden Credit: Flow MTB, Gravity Eden
Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park in Nullica State Forest.
Gravity Eden Credit: Flow MTB, Gravity Eden
Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park in Nullica State Forest.
Berrima Walking Tour Credit: Berrima Walking Tours
Berrima Walking Tour
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Berrima Walking Tour Credit: Berrima Walking Tours
Berrima Walking Tour
ACCOMMODATION
Luxury in the Byron hinterland
Escape to calm serenity at The Cabin at Arcadia Nimbin. Book into this one-bedroom off-grid cabin and be delighted by an outdoor granite bath, indoor wood fire, fresh eggs for breakfast, views of the Nimbin Rocks, a cabin deck, rain shower and a dreamy bedroom with a huge picture window perfect for feeling close to nature.
Beachside in Werri
Uma on Werri is the new place to stay at Werri Beach. This bright and breezy modern beach house boasts seven bedrooms and bathrooms, a heated pool, spa bath, multiple living spaces, a kid’s playroom, study and balconies at the front and back. Perched right by the beach, it’s perfect for the ultimate summer escape.
Retreat to the Hunter
You’ll be spoilt for space at Lane Retreat in the Hunter Valley. This new retreat, set in one of Bimbadgen Estate’s vineyards in Pokolbin, boasts 60 villas surrounded by vines. Studios include a king-sized bed, luxe bathroom, a kitchenette and breakfast provisions. When you’re not lounging by the communal pool, enjoy a glass of wine in one of the two outdoor gathering areas.
Behind the farm life
Located between Coonamble and Pilliga, Gilgooma is a special new farm experience with accommodation to connect with the land. There are unlimited unpowered camp sites and a handful of powered sites, plus cabin accommodation too. Join a guided tour of the property and be treated to a home-grown meal and be included in the day’s farm work. Alternatively, explore the thousands of acres yourself via foot or bike.
Relax the Ironbark way
Ironbark Ranch Co. offers a range of wellness retreats on the Central Coast, and a large six-bedroom contemporary farmhouse on 105 acres. Book into the farmhouse with another family for a fun holiday in the bush, or opt for a one-on-one healing day with a wellbeing specialist.
Livin’ la villa Port Stephens
A new, eco-friendly villa precinct has opened at Hawks Nest Reflections Holiday Park, Port Stephens. Find 14 new contemporary villas, two of which are accessible and six are dog friendly. The villas feature recycled timber screens and flooring, plantation-grown plywood interiors and a solar power system, plus water from rainwater tanks will be recycled for toilet flushing.
The Cabin at Arcadia Nimbin Credit: Angela Ferro
The Cabin at Arcadia Nimbin
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The Cabin at Arcadia Nimbin Credit: Angela Ferro
The Cabin at Arcadia Nimbin
Uma on Werri, Gerringong Credit: Louise Wellington
Uma on Werri, Gerringong
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Uma on Werri, Gerringong Credit: Louise Wellington
Uma on Werri, Gerringong
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
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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.
#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.