What's new in NSW - May 2023

News 1 year ago | By Destination NSW

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.

null

4 May 2023 What's new in NSW - May 2023 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. <h2>EXPERIENCES </h2> <h3>Pick-your-own produce </h3> Experience the joy of picking fruit straight from the tree and flowers straight from the soil they are grown in with the new <a href="https://www.lovecentralcoast.com/pick-your-own">Central Coast</a> pick-your-own produce seasonal guide. Pick oranges at Meliora Farm, sunflowers at the Giving Farm, pecans at Artisan Estate Farm Stay and more. <h3>A country cycle </h3> Get closer to the dramatic peaks of the Warrumbungles and the intriguing rock sculptures of Pilliga on the new seven-day <a href="https://www.australiancycletours.com.au/new-south-wales/central-west/supported/warrumbungles-and-pilliga-bike-and-hike">Hike and Bike tour from Australian Cycle Tours</a>. 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. <h3>Seeing South Coast stars </h3> Journey through the night sky above Nelsons Beach with <a href="https://www.jervisbaystargazing.com.au/">Jervis Bay Stargazing</a>, 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. <h3>Do the locomotion </h3> Feel the chug of a traditional steam train during <a href="https://www.thnsw.com.au/bathurst">Bathurst Steam Weekend</a> 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! <h2>FOOD & DRINK </h2> <h3>Dinner in a church </h3> Dine and drink in a Federation Romanesque-style church at <a href="https://www.bowerykatoomba.com.au/">Bowery Kitchen and Bar</a>, 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. <h3>Ciao Central Coast </h3> Serving up woodfired pizzas and authentic antipasti in Mediterranean-inspired surrounds, <a href="https://www.budgewoihotel.com.au/lago-cucina">Lago Cucina</a> 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. <h3>Graze your way through Hastings </h3> A delicious way to experience the Mid-North Coast’s Hastings region is via the self-drive <a href="https://hastingsfarmgate.au/">Hastings Farm Gate Tour</a>. 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. <h3>Meet the brewer </h3> Gerringong’s family-run craft beer brewery <a href="https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/kiama-area/gerringong/food-and-drink/stoic-brewing">Stoic Brewing</a> has launched a <a href="https://www.stoicbrewing.com.au/brewery-tour">behind-the-scenes tour</a> 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. <h3>Mega tasty </h3> Immerse yourself in a true farm-to-table experience at <a href="https://www.megalongrestaurant.com.au/">Megalong</a>, 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. <h2>ACCOMMODATION </h2> <h3>Escape to the hinterland </h3> Tucked between rolling farmland and lush rainforest, settle into <a href="https://selahvalley.com.au/limpinwood/">Selah Valley</a>’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. <h3>Stylish stay in the Gong </h3> <a href="https://www.hoteltotto.com/">Hotel Totto</a> 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, <a href="https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/wollongong-nsw/hotel-totto/eat-drink/basta/">Basta</a>.
SHARE

Hashtags null

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

Bowery Kitchen and Bar Credit: Bowery Kitchen and Bar

null

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.

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: 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 3 months ago 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 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. 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.” 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.” 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 <a href="http://www.vividsydney.com/">www.vividsydney.com</a>
SHARE

Hashtags #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 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

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

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

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

What's new in NSW - May 2023

Bowery Kitchen and Bar Credit: Bowery Kitchen and Bar