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..
#feelnsw
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
#feelnsw
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
#feelnsw
The Cabin at Arcadia Nimbin Credit: Angela Ferro
The Cabin at Arcadia Nimbin
Uma on Werri, Gerringong Credit: Louise Wellington
Uma on Werri, Gerringong
#feelnsw
Uma on Werri, Gerringong Credit: Louise Wellington
Uma on Werri, Gerringong
More News
Dorian RestaurantCredit: Dorian Restaurant
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
#feelnewsydney
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
#feelnewsydney
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.
#feelnewsydney
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
#feelnewsydney
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.
#feelnewsydney
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.