Bowery Kitchen and Bar Credit: Bowery Kitchen and Bar
Megalong is set up amidst the LOT 101 farm and vegetable gardens in the beautiful Megalong Valley; two hours drive from Sydney. With seating up to 60, the restaurant offers 360-degree views of escarpment and bushland.
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What's new in NSW - May 2023
Bowery Kitchen and Bar Credit: Bowery Kitchen and Bar
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Connect to makers, growers, locals and nature in NSW this month, with engaging farm visits, new tours across both the land and sky, inspiring places to eat and drink and new accommodation that will transform you.
EXPERIENCES
Pick-your-own produce
Experience the joy of picking fruit straight from the tree and flowers straight from the soil they are grown in with the new Central Coast pick-your-own produce seasonal guide. Pick oranges at Meliora Farm, sunflowers at the Giving Farm, pecans at Artisan Estate Farm Stay and more.
A country cycle
Get closer to the dramatic peaks of the Warrumbungles and the intriguing rock sculptures of Pilliga on the new seven-day Hike and Bike tour from Australian Cycle Tours. Explore scenic country backroads on an e-bike, then venture further into the valleys and peaks on foot. Groups are small and accommodation includes rural farm stays and camping throughout the trip.
Seeing South Coast stars
Journey through the night sky above Nelsons Beach with Jervis Bay Stargazing, newly launched by the acclaimed team behind Blue Mountains Stargazing. The 90-minute tour is guided by an astrophysicist and includes constellation storytelling, views through state-of-the-art telescopes and binoculars, and a souvenir.
Do the locomotion
Feel the chug of a traditional steam train during Bathurst Steam Weekend from 10-12 June. Climb aboard a special 1.5-hour ride from Bathurst to Wimbledon and return, or book a half-day experience that takes you to Orange and back. Choose from open saloon seating or a compartment for up to six. Plus, ticket holders get 20% off admission to the Bathurst Rail Museum!
Megalong Restaurant Credit: Lot 1
Megalong is set up amidst the LOT 101 farm and vegetable gardens in the beautiful Megalong Valley; two hours drive from Sydney. With seating up to 60, the restaurant offers 360-degree views of escarpment and bushland.
Megalong Restaurant Credit: Lot 1
Megalong is set up amidst the LOT 101 farm and vegetable gardens in the beautiful Megalong Valley; two hours drive from Sydney. With seating up to 60, the restaurant offers 360-degree views of escarpment and bushland.
Bowery Kitchen and Bar Credit: Bowery Kitchen and Bar
Megalong is set up amidst the LOT 101 farm and vegetable gardens in the beautiful Megalong Valley; two hours drive from Sydney. With seating up to 60, the restaurant offers 360-degree views of escarpment and bushland.
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Bowery Kitchen and Bar Credit: Bowery Kitchen and Bar
Megalong is set up amidst the LOT 101 farm and vegetable gardens in the beautiful Megalong Valley; two hours drive from Sydney. With seating up to 60, the restaurant offers 360-degree views of escarpment and bushland.
FOOD & DRINK
Dinner in a church
Dine and drink in a Federation Romanesque-style church at Bowery Kitchen and Bar, a new Blue Mountains bistro in Katoomba. Created by the team behind nearby Avalon Restaurant, the menu is inspired by dishes from around the globe, while cocktails from the bar utilise Australian-made spirits.
Ciao Central Coast
Serving up woodfired pizzas and authentic antipasti in Mediterranean-inspired surrounds, Lago Cucina is a chic Italian trattoria in the newly renovated Budgewoi Hotel on the Central Coast. Head in for slow-cooked ragu and crisp zucchini flowers and linger for a drink at the terrazzo bar.
Graze your way through Hastings
A delicious way to experience the Mid-North Coast’s Hastings region is via the self-drive Hastings Farm Gate Tour. From Friday to Monday over the June long weekend, local farmers will open their gates for visitors to sample their produce and learn their farming methods. Pick up pastured beef from Doraville Organics, native bushfoods from Barbushco, yoghurt and cheese from Hastings Riverland Milk and more.
Meet the brewer
Gerringong’s family-run craft beer brewery Stoic Brewing has launched a behind-the-scenes tour run by their head brewer, Jono. On the 90-minute tour, visitors will see the brewing process from grain to glass, learn the history of the business, be treated to a guided tasting featuring Stoic’s signature brews and get a t-shirt to take home.
Mega tasty
Immerse yourself in a true farm-to-table experience at Megalong, a new Blue Mountains restaurant beautifully nestled into a Megalong Valley farm producing its own olives, berries, honey, poultry, beef, herbs, vegetables and more. Executive chef Colin Barker (ex The Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay) transforms the farm bounty into an exquisite and ever-changing set menu served to an elegant dining room with views of the farm.
ACCOMMODATION
Escape to the hinterland
Tucked between rolling farmland and lush rainforest, settle into Selah Valley’s three new luxury cabins in Tyalgum, in the Tweed hinterland. The one- and two-bedroom self-contained cabins feature modern kitchens, dining and lounge rooms, bathrooms, private decks, and outdoor firepits with endless nature views.
Stylish stay in the Gong
Hotel Totto offers a cool new place to stay the night in Wollongong. Just a few minutes from the beach, the 150-room property features minimalist design, self-service check-in, a ground-floor cafe and the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar, Basta.
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
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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.