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
Vivid Sydney 2024Credit: 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
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
#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 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
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
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
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
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.
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
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.
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