Mutawintji National Park, MutawintjiCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to Mutawintji National Park, Mutawintji.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
With warmer weather and plentiful produce, now is the time to explore NSW’s beautiful regions. Celebrate the excellent culinary offerings of Orange or the South Coast, see Grafton’s streets painted purple, and hand-feed giraffes before sitting down to breakfast in a zoo.
FOOD AND DRINK
Cool-climate celebrations
With over 60 excellent vineyards, it's no surprise the Orange region needs a whole month to celebrate its wine offering. Running from 29 September - 29 October, the packed Orange Wine Festival program is not just tastings and tours. Pair wines with oysters and gravlax, try a Japanese hawker dinner, do downward dogs among the vines, combine prosecco and pizza, plus there are long lunches, a garden tour, a concerto and fly-fishing experiences.
ACCOMMODATION
A golden journey by rail
There’s something romantic about train travel – an ever-changing backdrop whooshing by as you sit back with a cup of tea. Explore Australia with Journey Beyond, which is offering a new category on its Great Southern rail services (which stops at Coffs Harbour, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and Newcastle) from next year. The Gold Premium Twin or Gold Premium Suite offers extra cabin space, a fold-down upper berth and the suite has a double bed and lounge area. Both cabin types also include access to the Gold Premium Lounge and premium all-inclusive dining.
EXPERIENCES
Spring fling
Celebrate longer days and abundant produce at the Griffith Spring Fest in the culinary hub of the Riverina. Now in its 31st year, the event invites visitors to admire the town’s gorgeous gardens and sculptures made from locally grown citrus, and a family friendly street party to kick it all off, from 8-21 October.
Purple rain
See the streets of Grafton awash with lilac and celebrate spring at the Grafton Jacaranda Festival, held from 26 October - 5 November. The eclectic festival program includes a children’s party, the jacaranda ball, river dreaming (day of culture), retro markets, the annual float parade, drag queen bingo and more. As the sun sets, head to See Park to admire the trees illuminated alongside entertainment and food trucks.
Griffith Spring Fest 2019, Griffith Credit: Destination NSW
Citrus Sculptures on display at the 2019 Griffith Spring Fest.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Griffith Spring Fest 2019, Griffith Credit: Destination NSW
Citrus Sculptures on display at the 2019 Griffith Spring Fest.
Orange Wine Festival 2016 Credit: Orange Region Vignerons Association
Friends enjoying a wine tasting from a seller at the Orange Wine Festival 2016.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Orange Wine Festival 2016 Credit: Orange Region Vignerons Association
Friends enjoying a wine tasting from a seller at the Orange Wine Festival 2016.
An ancient site comes to life
A new geotrail experience has launched near Broken Hill at Mutawintji National Park, a stunning oasis of rocks and gorges dotted with sacred art and cultural sites that have been important to Aboriginal people for thousands of years. The NSW GeoTours app takes visitors on a guided journey while painting a fascinating picture of the landscape, rock art and fossils.
Wake up with the animals
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park has launched a magical new experience: Wildlife Sunrise. Guests will have exclusive use of the park before it opens, with a guided tour from one of the zookeepers and the opportunity to hand-feed one of the magnificent giraffes. Finish with a delicious hot or cold breakfast overlooking Lemur Island.
Pump it up
The Tweed is welcoming its first official mountain bike park at Uki on 7 October, set against the striking backdrop of Wollumbin/Mount Warning. With 6.4km of track across eight trails, Uki Mountain Bike Park offers options for riders of every ability, including a pump track especially designed for children aged five to 12.
Into the blue
Explore the largest saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Macquarie, as well as the surrounding harbour, with Renegade Blue Water Charters, a new boat tour and fishing charter offering. Spot whales on their annual migration on the whale watching tours, cruise the lake while enjoying a barbecue lunch, or head out on a fishing charter with a skipper who has more than 30 years of game fishing experience in the local area.
A cultural touchpoint
A vibrant new cultural centre dedicated to promoting and preserving local Indigenous art, culture and heritage has opened in the heart of Wiradjuri Nation, Darlington Point, in the Murrumbidgee Valley. The Waddi Cultural Centre, featuring a vibrant artwork on the exterior by renowned artist Allan McKenzie, will promote the First Nations village community of Waddi’s unique identity through various programs, exhibitions and events.
Mutawintji National Park, Mutawintji Credit: Destination NSW
Mutawintji National Park tour guide Keanu Bates showing visitors Aboriginal rock art at Mutawintji Historic Site.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Mutawintji National Park, Mutawintji Credit: Destination NSW
Mutawintji National Park tour guide Keanu Bates showing visitors Aboriginal rock art at Mutawintji Historic Site.
Bolton Point, Lake Macquarie Credit: Destination NSW
Bolton Point, Lake Macquarie
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Bolton Point, Lake Macquarie Credit: Destination NSW
Bolton Point, Lake Macquarie
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.