Stay in a grand manor in the countryside, eat tacos near the beach at Freshwater or seek out Coffs Harbour’s burgeoning brewery scene – there are many excellent reasons to explore Sydney and NSW in 2022.

NEW STAYS

1970s motel gets luxe makeover
The Kyah, Blackheath’s new boutique hotel, evokes the nostalgia of family road trips and nights in motels with a decidedly modern refresh. Generously sized pastel-hued rooms furnished with velvet armchairs and locally sourced bathroom amenities and minibar snacks, plus a tennis court, steam room and restaurant make for an exciting new accommodation option in the Blue Mountains.

History in the Southern Highlands
Osborn House was built in the 1890s as a grand residence; it has taken many forms since then and is now reopening in February as a five-star boutique hotel, carefully refurbished by Linda Boronkay, former design director of Soho House, London. Located between Morton National Park and the quaint town of Bundanoon, it’s all about old-world opulence with a fresh approach. Accommodation offerings include cabins with outdoor bathtubs; a terrace with a private courtyard; and suites with four poster beds, make-up counter and double showers. An ultra-luxe spa and a dining room using produce from the kitchen garden completes the experience.

Camp on a private lake
Secret Lake Retreat is a camper’s paradise: an 320-hectare private property with all the amenities for a comfortable stay. The owners have built toilet blocks with hot showers, a camp kitchen and dining area, firepits, a pontoon for lake access and lawn games. Located in Clarence Valley, inland from Yamba, days can be spent bushwalking, mountain biking, kayaking or spotting abundant wildlife. The village of Lawrence is just a 10-minute drive away for supplies and a freshly made coffee.

Cabins in a forest
A new accommodation offering from the Bannisters Group has opened in Bawley Point on the South Coast. The Jackson Ranch offers five cabins set on 14 hectares of pristine forest, with lakeside views, one to four bedrooms, barbecues, air conditioning and a fireplace in each lodging. The entire ranch can be booked out for weddings, retreats and events and has a saloon bar and event space. Mollymook is a 30-minute drive away but there is plenty to occupy guests at the ranch — hiking, kayaking, fishing and campfires.

Sleek hotel in southern Sydney               
Hurstville welcomes a new Travelodge Hotel, an ideal spot for guests wanting to escape the busy pace of the city with access to nature —the Royal National Park is just a 30-minute drive away — while still being among great shopping and dining. Executive rooms have work desks and fast Wi-Fi for business travelers. Above 8 is the crown jewel, an all-weather rooftop bar and restaurant with views all the way to Bowral.

NEW FOOD, DRINK AND ENTERTAINMENT

Oysters by the lake
Some of the finest Sydney rock oysters in Australia are grown in the pristine waters of Wallis Lake on the Barrington Coast. Thirty Three Degrees is a new dining destination celebrating the history and culture of the region as a premium oyster farming location. With an expansive deck overlooking the lake, guests can taste the produce straight from the source, alongside a seafood-forward menu with dishes like clams in XO sauce and swordfish schnitzel. A pared-back, Nordic interior enhances the year-round summer vibe.

Beers fit for a king
The microbrewery trend has reached the Mid-North Coast, with the opening of King Tide Brewing in Coffs Harbour, a 250-seat brewpub with two bars and an expansive beer garden. An extensive range of beers, from tropical ales to darker Vienna ales is on offer, to be sampled alongside the Polish-influenced menu. Dogs and kids are welcome to enjoy the space, which has high ceilings, warm timber touches and a modern European influence.

More brews for Coffs
Woolgoolga Brewing Co. (or Woopi Brewing Co. as it’s known locally) is all about community; the owners hope it to be a gathering place where all are welcome. Patrons can listen to live music while sitting outside on the expansive lawn, while enjoying woodfired pizzas and dishes from a rotating roster of food trucks. Beers are full of personality, with the likes of Road Trip’n, a bold IPA, and Rebel Red, a darker beer with floral notes.

Mexican arrives in Freshwater
From the owners behind popular seafood restaurant Alma in Avalon, comes St Alma, a sister restaurant serving Mexican fare in the seaside suburb of Freshwater. Taking inspiration from its coastal location, the menu includes a section dedicated to ceviche, as well as snacks like crab tostadas and whole snapper in banana leaf. Cocktails are punchy and tropical, with tequila and mezcal used liberally.

The pearl of Manly
Bold, Asian-inspired flavours, fruity cocktails and sweeping ocean views is a promising formula for Manly’s newest diner, Little Pearl. With a menu designed to share, guests can choose from dishes such as popcorn bug sliders, coconut tiger king prawns, dan dan noodles or cauliflower massaman. Classic brunch dishes are on the breakfast menu, as well as crispy tofu and chilli fried egg, and pandan waffles. Whitewashed walls and yellow striped umbrellas lend a summer holiday vibe all year round.

A house by the river
A century-old grand manor on the banks of Tweed River has been transformed into Tweed River House, a spectacular restaurant showcasing produce from the region. Located in Murwillumbah, original details have been preserved with a charming result; dine on the covered verandah overlooking the river or under the pressed tin roof in the plantation-themed setting. The two-, three- or five-dish set menu is an elegant journey through excellent local seafood and produce. The private dining room, decked out with an elaborate chandelier, is a memorable option.

Printhie goes to town
Printhie Wines, a cool climate cellar door in the Orange region, is opening a new restaurant and cellar door in February closer to town. With two outdoor eating areas and a capacity for 240 people in total, the space will be designed for maximum enjoyment of the views down into the valley over Nashdale. Head chef Jack Brown will be behind the menu, who is passionate about the provenance of food and has recently worked at Sydney’s Nomad and Berowra Waters Inn.

NEW EXPERIENCES   

A taste of the coast
Visitors to the Coffs Coast can get to know the burgeoning drinks scene with Barrel Run Custom Tours. All-day tours stop in at Critters Distillery for vodka tastings; Woopi Brewing Co. and King Tide Brewing for beers; and Two Tails Winery for wine tasting. Private and completely customised tours are available.

Learn the story of Earth Beer
Earth Beer Company is situated in an old tin packing shed overlooking Mount Warning (Wollumbin) in the Tweed Valley, and its owners are passionate about community and minimal impact brewing. Hear how they collaborate with local suppliers, their approach to brewing and taste their range on their brewery tour.

Follow the flavour trails of the North Coast
With a thriving community of farmers, producers, restaurateurs and brewers, the best way to explore the North Coast’s food and drink offering is on a delicious flavour trail. Explore the region on one of the food-focused itineraries on offer at your own pace and attend fantastic events during the North Coast Festival of Flavour from 26-27 March 2022.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Little Prince | West HQ’s Sydney Coliseum Theatre
5-23 January 2022
After sell-out seasons in France, Dubai, and the Sydney Opera House the cosmic and fantastic world of The Little Prince returns to Sydney direct from Paris, making a triumphant return to Australia at West HQ’s Sydney Coliseum Theatre for a strictly limited three-week season.

The Wonderdome | The Entertainment Quarter Sydney
Until 30 January 2022
WONDERDOME is a ‘Pop Up’ 360 dome theatre combining fully immersive visuals with leading-edge technologies that dissolve the boundaries between digital and physical to create environments where audiences ‘experience a new reality’.  The program features a catalogue of the world’s most successful and thought-provoking ‘360’ degree film experiences, made to entertain all audiences with something for everyone.

The Garden Social | The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
6 January to 14 February 2022
Enjoy the warm summer sun in January and February at The Garden Social. Set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour and the iconic Sydney Opera House, try great food, listen to live music with friends and family while taking in the most spectacular views Sydney has to offer.

9 to 5 The Musical | Capitol Theatre Sydney
16 February to 3 April 2022
A sensation on the West End and inspired by the hit film, ' features an all-star Australian cast including Marina Prior as smart & sassy career woman Violet Newstead, Casey Donovan as newly separated new recruit Judy Bernly, Erin Clare as bright & beautiful country gal Doralee Rhodes, Eddie Perfect as the controlling boss Franklin Hart Jnr. and featuring Caroline O’Connor as busy-body Roz Keith.  With a sparkling score by and a book by the iconic movie’s original screenwriter, is the quintessential feel-good show for the times.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras | Sydney
18 February to 6 March 2022
The Mardi Gras Festival will make a grand return from 18 February to 6 March 2022. Bigger and better than ever, this year’s festival will feature a packed program of events spanning theatre, visual arts, parties, community gatherings, panel discussions and more.

Girl From The North Country | Theatre Royal Sydney
Until 27 February 2022
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 2022
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. 

23rd Sydney Biennale | Sydney
2 March to 13 June 2022
The Biennale of Sydney is one of the leading international contemporary art events. The Biennale presents the most dynamic contemporary art from around the globe in venues across Sydney with exhibitions that ignite and surprise people, sparking dialogue, cultivating connections and inspiring action through meaningful, shared arts experiences.   Rivers, wetlands and other salt and freshwater ecosystems feature in the 23rd Biennale of Sydney (2022), titled rīvus, curated by José Roca.

True Grit | Lower Portland
5 March 2022
With 30 obstacles to navigate over 10 kilometres, this military-inspired race is held at a farm on the Hawkesbury River. The obstacles will take you across grasslands, rainforest, swamps and sand.

Great Southern Nights | Sydney & various NSW locations
18 March to 10 April 2022
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 across Greater Sydney and regional NSW in March and April 2022.

Around the Kitchen Table with Printhie Wines |Orange
8 April 2022
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 to 3 July 2022
Cameron Mackintosh and Disney are delighted to announce that their acclaimed Tony® and Olivier Award-winning production of MARY POPPINS, ‘practically perfect in every way’, will open at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in May 2022.

Featuring the beloved quintessentially English magical Nanny, MARY POPPINS, has been seen by over 12 million people worldwide and was the winner of a record breaking 8 Helpmann awards in Australia in 2011.