As spring turns to summer, NSW turns on holiday mode. Book a relaxing escape at a restorative retreat, get close to nature on birdwatching tours and wildflower walks, dive deeper into Indigenous culture through food and art, and see a NSW-first accessible hot air-balloon take flight.
ACCOMMODATION
Country Zen
A new place to switch off, let go and totally relax, Zensi Retreat opens this month just outside of Mudgee. Located on 33 acres of farmland, the luxurious accommodation includes a nature-inspired house for up to 10 people, a romantic villa for couples, teepees for glampers and a wellness space with a yoga room with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
Art Deco apartments
Step back in time to the 1920s at the Riverina’s new boutique apartment hotel, Rooms of Renown. Located within a heritage building (the former Renown Refreshment Rooms of 1920) in the town of Leeton, the apartments combine Art Deco décor with modern and luxurious finishings – think jungle wallpaper, velvet furniture, gilded accessories – as well as deluxe kitchenettes and ensuites.
Soul-restoring retreat
Escape to a nature haven at new Sapphire Coast retreat, The River. Located on 50 acres of land just south of Eden, and surrounded by national park, the secluded property caters for up to eight guests across three lodges. Each self-contained lodge features fully equipped kitchens, flax linen bedding, organic wool mattresses and firepits to enjoy the uninterrupted night sky.
FOOD AND DRINK
Native dining
There’s a new native ingredient haven in Mudgee – Huntington Estate’s dining space has relaunched as The Garden Bar & Kitchen by Indigiearth. The latest collaboration by Ngemba Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor’s native ingredient food company, the menu includes native cheese platters, inspired desserts, green ant G&Ts and more.
EXPERIENCES
Bird’s-eye views for all
A first of its kind in NSW, Balloon Aloft is taking wheelchair users to the sky. Its new accessible hot-air balloon flies over the Hunter Valley on a one-hour tour. It features an easy-access door and customised seating and harnesses for anyone with limited mobility. The tour also includes transfers from the meeting location at Peterson House to the launch site aboard a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
New tours for twitchers
Spot some of the Sapphire Coast’s 200 bird species on one of Tiny Zoo’s new birdwatching tours in Tathra. Find beginner bird-watching workshops, private half- or full-day tours, and a Birdwatching and Beers tour that includes morning tea and lunch at a local brewery. Tours include local ecologist guides and return transfers to your accommodation or cruise ship.
Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley Credit: Chris Elfes
Balloon Aloft, wheelchair accessible hot air balloon over the Hunter Valley
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Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley Credit: Chris Elfes
Balloon Aloft, wheelchair accessible hot air balloon over the Hunter Valley
Mimosa Rocks National Park, Tanja Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a morning walk along the Aragunnu Walking Track in Mimosa Rocks National Park.
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Mimosa Rocks National Park, Tanja Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a morning walk along the Aragunnu Walking Track in Mimosa Rocks National Park.
Indigenous art in the Blue Mountains
Celebrating the beauty, richness and depth of Australia's Indigenous culture, Bilingarra is a new art gallery and cultural space in Lithgow by Wiradjuri artist Brett Groves. The space holds art workshops, displays original paintings by Groves, and sells native foods, Indigenous Nations maps and gifts.
Flower season in the Snowies
As the snow melts, the Snowy Mountains become carpeted in colour; wildflower season officially kicks off in Kosciuszko National Park in December. Head out on one of the park’s many summer hiking trails to see anemone buttercups, billy buttons, alpine sunrays and more in bloom, from the easy downhill Merritts Nature walk to the 19km guided Alpine Lakes Hike.
NSW Tourism Awards 2023
The NSW Tourism Awards for 2023 were announced this month, with some of the most outstanding winners in the state taking home an award. Contained In Nimbin won gold in the New Tourism Business category; Husk Farm Distillery won gold in the Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries category; and Crank It Up Festival, Batemans Bay was the recipient of the Judges’ Tourism Star Award, a special prize to reward resilience and innovation. The awards are managed by the NSW Tourism Industry Council powered by Business NSW, the state’s peak business organisation, and supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
The Diggings, Kosciuszko National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a scenic bushwalk by Thredbo River near The Diggings Campground in Kosciuszko National Park.
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The Diggings, Kosciuszko National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a scenic bushwalk by Thredbo River near The Diggings Campground in Kosciuszko National Park.
Husk Distillers, North Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW
Couple touring the Husk Farm Distillers property in North Tumbulgum and meeting the resident cattle.
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Husk Distillers, North Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW
Couple touring the Husk Farm Distillers property in North Tumbulgum and meeting the resident cattle.
More News
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.