Feel the diverse and spectacular scenery of NSW sweep you away with new dining venues, immersive experiences and unique stays launching throughout the state. Get to know new artists, artisans and chefs; relax in a new bathhouse; experience an arts festival with a difference; and more.
NEW ACCOMMODATION
Outdoor glam
Wake up among the rolling hills of Jerrara at Cicada Luxury Camping, a new eco-friendly, adults-only glamping accommodation close to Kiama, and just 90 minutes south of Sydney. Cicada offers two safari-style tents (king bed, en suite, kitchenette, outdoor bath) and two large bell tents (queen bed, shared bathroom and kitchen).
Group luxury
Get the gang together for an unforgettable escape at Burrawang House in the Southern Highlands. Completed in 2022 and immaculately finished inside and out, the sprawling Hamptons-like mansion caters for up to 14 guests and boasts five bedrooms and bathrooms. Spend your days discovering the picturesque surrounding wine region or relaxing by the resort-style pool and spa, and of an evening, cosy up and reminisce on the day's adventures by one (of three) fireplaces.
Cabins by the ocean
In need of some rejuvenation? Hit reset and enjoy some well-deserved rejuvenation on a Reflection Holiday Parks coastal stay. The nature-forward accommodation group has extended their offering at Reflections Byron Bay with six additional ‘tiny homes’, while Reflections Bermagui welcomes eight new stylish cabins, all of them just steps from the beach.
Cherry ripe
Smell the fresh country air, taste a cherry picked from a tree you can see out the window, and luxuriate in a designer studio at Basalt, a new luxury farmstay just a 10-minute drive from Orange. The three distinct, architecturally striking studios are beautifully finished and sit on the highest point of a cherry orchard, looking out over Orange and the wider Central West region.
Skate and dine in the Mountains
Overlooking the Jamison Valley, the iconic Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains by MGallery has launched a new adults-only modern Australian dining experience, No.1 Sublime Pt, offering produce-based fare on white tablecloths and an exceptional view. Chef Patrick Morris’ seasonal and ever-evolving five-course menu is paired with wines to complement the local produce. And if you fancy a little winter in your Aussie summer, Fairmont’s new 600-square-metre indoor Blue Mountains Ice Skating Rink is suitable for all skill levels and ages, and open all year round.
Bermagui River, Bermagui Credit: Destination NSW
Couple kayaking along Bermagui River, Bermagui
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Bermagui River, Bermagui Credit: Destination NSW
Couple kayaking along Bermagui River, Bermagui
NEW FOOD & DRINK
Pasta on the South Coast
The interiors of Huskisson’s new Italian eatery Pasta Buoy might look slick, but the menu is fuelled with nostalgia. Head chef Gabriele Olivieri (Pentolina Pasta Bar in Melbourne) invites you to choose your handmade, cooked-to-order pasta and sugo (sauce), and enjoy the traditional flavours in their Mediterranean-style courtyard.
A new look in Byron
A classy refurbishment of Light Years in Byron Bay has given their popular Asian Bar and Diner a stunning makeover. Take a stool at the terrazzo table-top bar and soak up the vibe, then place your faith in executive chef Robbie Oijvall’s modern exploration of Chinese, Japanese and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Tastier trail
The Central Coast Makers Trail just got even more delicious, with the addition of four new artisan producers to its journey. Joining the trail, which begins just an hour north of Sydney, are Herbie’s Spices, Block ‘N Tackle Brewery, Six Strings Brewing Company and Sydney Oyster Farm Tours.
NEW EXPERIENCES
Mullumbimby bathing
Soak away your stresses at The Banya in Mullumbimby, a European-style bathhouse featuring a marble-tiled lap pool, two large hot mineral pools, a wood-fired sauna, a steam room, and a cold plunge pool. Relax in the bathhouse, have a massage, and stay on for a snack, meal or a cocktail leaving you silk-skinned and feeling like European royalty.
Splash out in Coffs
Take your kids, or just be a kid at Coffs Harbour’s The Big Banana Fun Park, now bigger and wetter. The Water Park has been expanded to include the Duelling Raft Ride, a race starting from a 16m platform; and the Wading Pool, a kids’ water-wonderland playground that includes water cannons and mushroom showers.
Walk to the falls
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has completed a new two-kilometre walking track to the stunning Unicorn Falls in Mount Jerusalem National Park in the Tweed area on the North Coast. The pristine waterfall cascades gently into a waterhole that is perfect for a dip after the walk.
Tocumwal chocolate truffles
Eat, make and play with chocolate with renowned chocolatier and chef Wendy Alford’s new Tocumwal Chocolate School and B&B. As well as chocolate making classes and tasting tutorials, a visit here is sweetened with a stay at one of two luxury bed and breakfast studios that overlook the Murray River, with breakfast and dinner cooked by the host herself.
Berry arty
Berry turns even prettier this June as the open air, immersive OpenField Arts Festival rolls into town. Twenty highly regarded artists, including acclaimed photo artist and local Tamara Dean, and their works will be displayed with energetic, creative installations in unlikely spaces.
The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Mother and daughter enjoying a toboggan ride at The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Mother and daughter enjoying a toboggan ride at The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour.
OpenField Arts Festival Credit: Ainslie McNamara
OpenField is a new multidisciplinary arts festival to be held across four days in the town of Berry NSW, opening in June 2023 and every two years after.
#feelnsw
OpenField Arts Festival Credit: Ainslie McNamara
OpenField is a new multidisciplinary arts festival to be held across four days in the town of Berry NSW, opening in June 2023 and every two years after.
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
#feelnewsydney
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
null
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.