YOUR GUIDE TO REGIONAL NSW€¦ · Oyster Trails 8 Farm Gates & Picnics 9 Country Pubs 10...

REGIONAL NSWYOUR GUIDE TO

MAY – DECEMBER 2014

PLAN YOUR REGIONAL NSW SHORT BREAK / 32 / IT'S ON VISITNSW.COM

Destination NSW acknowledges and appreciates all the images supplied by photographers and event owners for use in this magazine. Events and other information are subject to change without notice. For full disclaimer, please see back cover.

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CONTENTSThe Best of NSW 3

New South Wales Regions 4

Did You Know...? 5

Food & Wine 6 -7

Oyster Trails 8

Farm Gates & Picnics 9

Country Pubs 10

Restaurants 11

Taste & Learn 12

National Parks & Family Fun 13

Adventure Awaits! 14

Regional NSW Event Highlights 16 -18

It’s ON! in 2015 19

Plan. Book. Share! 20

Blue Mountains 22

Northern Rivers 23

South Coast 24

Southern Highlands and Tablelands 25

Mid North Coast 26

The Murray 27

New England North West 28

Central Coast 29

The Hunter 30

Snowy Mountains 32

Central NSW 33

The Riverina 34

Outback NSW 35

Lord Howe Island 36

Spotlight on Sydney 37

Vivid 2014 Highlights 38

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An exciting season of events, thrilling adventures, and standout food and wine experiences await you in NSW. From May to December, you’ll also find some of Australia’s very best short break experiences right here. With five World Heritage areas, 14 official wine regions, 867 national parks and reserves, and a coastline of stunning beaches, there’s a long list of possibilities for fun, adventure and relaxation.

WHAT’S ON IN SYDNEYCheck out what’s coming up in Sydney during Winter. A highlight is the ever-popular Vivid Sydney which lights up the city.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCESWhether you’re keen to know more about wine varieties, cheese-making, where to learn about rainforests or marine life, NSW has the right experience for you.

EXPLORE THE REGIONSThe State’s stunning natural environment provides the right backdrop for any number of action and adventure activities, family fun plus food and wine experiences.

EATING OUT IN NSWDiscover where to find the State’s best craft brews, pubs serving great food, luxury escapes along the coast, country dining at its best and cooking schools for all ages.

WHAT’S ON IN NSWTravelling film festivals, picnic races, food and wine events and music showcases…NSW regions have plenty of community festivals and seasonal celebrations coming up in 2014.

FLAVOURS OF NSWGet some insider tips on the food and wine that NSW is really famous for, find out about the best paddock-to-plate experiences, farmers markets and much, much more.

THE BEST OF NEW SOUTH WALES

REGIONAL NSW

Bar Beach, Newcastle


1213-269 Revised May 2013

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

N

DubboNarromine

Coonabarabran

MudgeeWellington

CessnockPokolbin

MuswellbrookGloucester

Bourke

Cobar

Grafton

Lismore

Armidale

Inverell

Moree

Narrabri

Glen Innes

Tenterfield

Tamworth

Broken Hill

White Cliffs

Lightning Ridge

OrangeBathurst

CowraGrenfell

Lithgow

BlackheathKatoombaOberon

Wentworth

Mildura Balranald

MoamaMoruya

Batemans Bay

Jervis Bay

Ulladulla

NowraKiama

MerimbulaEden

WollongongShellharbour

Lord HoweIsland

GosfordTerrigal

The EntranceLake MacquarieNewcastle

Port Stephens

Great Lakes

Port Macquarie

Taree

Wingham

Coffs Harbour

Macksville

Kempsey

Bellingen

Byron Bay

MurwillumbahTweed Heads

Ballina

SYDNEY

AlburyMulwala

Deniliquin

Griffith

Gundagai

TemoraHay

Yass

Young

Goulburn

Bowral

ThredboJindabyne

Tumut

Cooma

Bega

Narooma

Wagga Wagga

Tumbarumba

ParkesForbes

Destination NSW advises that the map above illustrates the NSW tourism regional boundaries, towns and cities for the purpose of this magazine only and is not a definitive travel guide of the State’s towns and cities.

BLUE MOUNTAINS

CENTRAL COAST

THE HUNTERSOUTHERN HIGHLANDSAND TABLELANDS

SOUTH COAST

MID NORTH COAST

NORTHERN RIVERS

CENTRAL NSW

NEW ENGLANDNORTH WEST

OUTBACK NSW

SNOWY MOUNTAINS

THE RIVERINA

THE MURRAY

LORD HOWE ISLAND

SYDNEY

visitnsw.com/visitor-information-centres

NEW SOUTH WALESREGIONS

DID YOU KNOW…?REGIONAL NSW REGIONAL NSW

NSW IS HOME TO

BIGTHINGS...

BIG BANANA

Coffs Harbour Goulburn Narrandera Adaminaby

BIG MERINO BIG GUITAR BIG TROUT

THE NSW COASTLINE HAS

990KILOMETRES OF BEAUTIFULSANDY BEACHES.

THE HEIGHT IN METRES OF MOUNT KOSCIUSZKO, AUSTRALIA’S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN.

2228

NSW IS HOME TO AUSTRALIA’S OLDEST

CONTINUOUS WINE REGION (HUNTER VALLEY) AND THE NEWEST (NEW ENGLAND).

HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSES CAN BE FOUND ALONG THE NSW COASTLINE; MOSTLY BUILT IN THE 19TH CENTURY, THEY STRETCH FROM CAPE BYRON AT THE STATE’S NORTHERN TIP, TO GREEN CAPE ON THE SOUTH COAST.10

THE MURRAY IS AUSTRALIA’S LONGEST RIVER AT 2508 KM

867THE NUMBER OF NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES IN NSW

SURFERS LOVE NSWTHERE ARE MORE ACCESSIBLE SURF BEACHES THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN AUSTRALIA

THE HIGHEST WATERFALLSIN AUSTRALIA ARE THE WOLLOMOMBI FALLS IN OXLEY WILD RIVERS NATIONAL PARK

THE NUMBER OF UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE AREAS IN REGIONAL NSW

5

THAT’S

877OCEAN AND BAY BEACHES IN NEW SOUTH WALES.


FAMILY FUNNSW food and wine regions have lots to entertain the kids too.

In the Hunter, you’ll find farm stays at alpaca farms and cattle properties, and day trip options such as Tinkler’s Produce in Pokolbin, where the kids can check out a working fruit and veggie farm.

Try milking a cow at farm stays in Wagga Wagga and Bathurst – and, if you’re in the Southern Highlands or on the South Coast, seasonal berry picking is always fun. Up north, Tropical Fruit World in Duranbah is also a must-see stopover for the whole family.

GRAPE ESCAPESSo many roads in Regional New South Wales lead to either a well-established or emerging wine region.

From the mountains to the country and along the coast, diverse landscapes abound, producing drops to appeal to any palate. And whether you’re sipping a world-famous Hunter Valley shiraz or semillon, or a crisp verdelho from the volcanic soils of NSW’s South Coast, it’s always easy to find a wine you will love.

Fifty-five percent of the State’s grapes are grown around the flat plains and warm climate of the Riverina. Locals boast that one in four glasses of Australian wine is made from this region’s fruit! Griffith and the towns dotted around the area lure thousands of visitors each year in search of specialist dessert wines and unique food and wine events such as the Taste Riverina Food Festival.

FROM THE PADDOCK TO THE PLATEA magnificent rural setting, historic towns and a buzzing culinary culture infuses Central NSW, where you’ll find excellent fine dining options in many small towns, especially around Mudgee and Orange.

Enjoy Racine at la Colline in Orange or the delicious, hatted Neila in Cowra.

In the heart of the Riverina, a region known as the ‘food bowl’ of New South Wales, the city of Griffith hums

with an Italian vibe and many great restaurants. In the Hunter Valley, you’ll find cheese factories, smoked goods and a wide variety of different places to eat. Venture underground at Nine, Tower Lodge’s iconic cellar restaurant; or slow down and savour the vineyard views over a long lunch at Margan, where many dishes are made with produce picked right from the restaurant’s kitchen garden and orchard. It doesn’t get any fresher!

COOL-CLIMATE WINES AND MORENSW produces some beautiful and very popular cool-climate wines.

It’s one trend that shows no sign of abating, especially with the medal-winning wines produced in Orange, Hilltops and the Tumbarumba regions.

New England North West is also making a name for itself in cool-climate circles, with cellar doors around Moree, Narrabri

and Glen Innes pouring promising pinot gris, pinot noir and chardonnay varieties. In Young and the Hilltops region, where grapes were first planted around the rolling hills in the gold-rush era, it’s all about shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. You’ll find lots of tasty cool-climate wines coming out of the lush Southern Highlands region, now home to many well-respected vineyards.

Quality produce, talented winemakers and some of Australia’s best restaurants can be found in thriving culinary hotspots across Regional NSW. Hip little towns, colourful growers markets and amazing cellar doors now serve up fabulous fare.

TASTES AND TIPPLES

} The Mudgee Brewing Company Sample specialty brews such as the local stout, Mudgee Mud, or enjoy a delicious meal in the brewery restaurant

} Taste Canowindra Check out this funky country restaurant serving 50 wines from local boutique wineries and enjoy live music on selected days

} The Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop Sample cheese varieties from Australia, Norway, Denmark, Cyprus and Spain. Then stock up on cheese hampers, crackers, chutneys and oils

} Eastview Estate near Uralla This New England winery has already branched out with home-brewed beer; now it’s producing whisky at the onsite distillery, which is the first of its kind in the region

} Montrose House and Berry Farm, Sutton Forest Pick berries and other fruits in season at this Southern Highlands farm, or make a weekend of it, staying at Montrose Cottage

} Hastings Valley Helicopters Strap in for a foodie tour with a difference! This Port Macquarie company offers a series of two-hour tours including scenic flights and vineyard experiences.

Small Cow Farm, Southern Highlands

Graze @ The Factory, Junee, Riverina

Bimbadgen Estate, Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

START PLANNING YOUR OWN FOODIE TRAIL NOWvisitnsw.com/foodie

IT’S A FACT!

}Gherkin country How’s this for a claim to fame? The Riverina’s not just about wine and gourmet produce; in fact, Big Mac lovers will be happy to learn that every gherkin served in a McDonald’s burger comes from Griffith

}Beer and bushrangers If you’re looking for an original pub with tasty counter lunches and a cool beer, head to the Royal Hotel in Canowindra. It’s been famous since 1863 when bushranger, Ben Hall and his gang, took over the original inn

}Mudgee was the first... area in Australia to grow chardonnay grapes and today it’s still one of the region’s most popular varieties. It’s also made its mark with quality reds and, like Orange, is at the forefront of the current cool-climate wine trend.

Ballooning above vineyards in the Hunter Valley

REGIONAL NSW REGIONAL NSW


FRESH FROM THE SOUTHWhen it comes to unspoilt destinations, the NSW South Coast is postcard perfect.

But natural wonders aside, what else does this stunning region serve up on a plate? Oysters, of course! In fact, the vast rivers and lakes found here form a large chunk of Australia’s 300 km-long Oyster Coast – with farms sprinkled across the Shoalhaven and Crookhaven Rivers, Clyde River, Wagonga Inlet and the lakes at Tuross, Wapengo, Merimbula, Pambula and Wonboyn.

Some oyster farms are open to the public, including Pambula Lake’s Broadwater Oysters where you can enjoy Sydney rock oysters straight from the shell, savouring the distinctively smooth, subtle flavour.

Why not try a tasting at The Oyster Pot at Wapengo Lake, where oysters are shucked daily? Merimbula Lake’s Wheeler Oysters is great for oyster tours and its seafood restaurant is a local favourite.

TASTING THE NORTHDo you like your oysters presented to you while you kick back with a glass of wine and a water view?

On NSW’s North Coast, you’ll find new oyster experiences wherever you go – from the Hawkesbury River to Nambucca. On the Hawkesbury River the oyster industry dates back to the 1870s; you can enjoy tastings on weekends at Broken Bay Oysters at Mooney Mooney.

The clear waters of the NSW Great Lakes area promises perfect conditions for oyster growing – one of the best spots to taste the produce is at Barclays Oyster Farm in Forster, the State’s largest supplier of Sydney rock oysters.

Or, head to Port Macquarie’s Big Oyster and perch yourself on the floating pontoon – where juicy Hastings River oysters, prawns and more are on the menu.

A plump, creamy oyster with a hint of saltiness and a dash of sweetness is, well, sublime. And now, thanks to a thriving oyster farm trail winding its way through coastal NSW, it’s never been so easy to taste these moreish molluscs right from the seabeds, rivers and lakes they’re raised in.

Whether you’re picnicking in an orchard or on a breezy hill overlooking the sea, there are many beautiful outdoor locations to enjoy great food in Regional NSW. You’ll find farm gates, growers markets, providores and picnic spots galore, so bring your appetite, family and friends to make a day of it.

OYSTER FEST!

Brisbane Water Oyster Festival, Central Coast

How many oysters can you put away in 30 seconds? The All You Can Eat oyster challenge is on again at this annual Ettalong Beach festival, along with live music, food and wine stalls, arts and crafts and even a Kid Zone to keep the littlies happy.

Sunday 9 November

Eurobodalla, South Coast GO ALFRESCODriving down a country road one day, you could happen upon a farmer selling punnets of the juiciest berries you’ve ever tasted.

The next, you may find a high street providore selling the kinds of homemade chutneys and jams that grandma used to make. That’s life and food in Regional NSW, and it makes filling a basket all the more memorable. Don’t forget to ask the locals for good

picnic spots. Often, it may be right near the monthly market – such as in Bowral, where the Corbett Gardens lawns are a beautiful setting for a lunchtime nibble. In Griffith, after a Sunday market shop, enjoy a picnic lunch at picturesque Lake Wyangan just out of town. If you’re in Mudgee, it’s just a short drive to Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve; the grassy, Moolarben picnic area is famous for birds, wallabies and other wildlife.

TO MARKET, TO MARKETTasting fresh regional produce direct from a country farm is a real novelty for most city slickers.

But it’s an experience anyone can have at farmers markets around Regional NSW. Stock up on seasonal veggies, gourmet preserves, oils and more at monthly

markets in Mudgee and Orange. Griffith’s Sunday markets are full of citrus fruits and pasta sauces – and you’ll find coffee beans, macadamias and exotic fruits at markets all over the North Coast. Heading south? Don’t miss Bega and Tilba Tilba for seafood and cheeses.

HUNTING & GATHERING

} Berries When the weather warms up, pick your own at berry farms around the State, from Montrose Berry Farm and Moira’s Paradise in the Southern Highlands to Clyde River Berry Farm on the South Coast

} Citrus In Laughtondale near the Hawkesbury River, you can pick cumquats in July at Watkins Family Farm, or mandarins on Ford’s Farm from May. In Bilpin, pick limes from June to September

} Olives Pick olives in season – late April and May – from one of the three thousand olive trees at Guneemooroo Olive Grove just out of Mudgee

} Fruit salad Pick your own apples, peaches and plums at Pine Crest Orchard in Bilpin; at Catania Fruit Salad Farm near Griffith the picking’s good throughout the year

} Mushrooms In the Southern Highlands, take a tour through Li-Sun Exotic Mushrooms’ old Mittagong railway tunnel now used to grow mushrooms – and take home your own mouth-watering punnet

} Trout The Snowy Mountains town of Oberon is awash with keen anglers from October to June, with great fishing spots at Kelly’s Bay and the Oberon Dam Picnic Area

} Truffles Follow your nose to these delectable morsels on a truffle hunt from June through to August in Robertson and Braidwood in the Southern Highlands.



PUB DINING HIGHLIGHTSGone are the days when the specials board lacked pizzazz and pub grub was just average fare.

These days, many pub menus wouldn’t be out of place in a fine dining restaurant, and in Regional NSW, they’re often found in surprisingly out-of-the-way places.

Graze at Willow Tree Inn in Quirindi near Tamworth is a case in point; the restaurant’s steaks, sourced from nearby Colly Creek Station, are

legendary, the bread is homemade and the desserts are divine. In Central NSW, Millthorpe’s Commercial Hotel is all about open fires and spectacular food (punters particularly love the saltbush lamb burger).

The Patonga Beach Hotel on the Central Coast is famous for seafood and water views; and award-winning Eltham Hotel, between Nimbin and Byron Bay, uses the best of local produce on the menu.

CRAFTY BREWSDid you know that craft beer represents about 10 percent of Australia’s premium beer market?

It’s a growing trend, as craft beer makers experiment with a variety of flavours. Many breweries offer tours and tastings on request – like HopDog BeerWorks in Nowra on the South Coast – while others, like the Central Coast’s Six String Brewing Co, serve up gourmet tasting plates alongside the ale. Seeking a decent feed? You’ll find signature brews, bar snacks and an à la carte restaurant at Mudgee Brewing Company in Central NSW. Dalgety Brewery Co in the Snowy Mountains has a popular restaurant too.

On the North Coast, a few breweries are not to be missed. Murray’s Craft Brewing Co near Nelson Bay has more than ten beers on tap and a menu of pizzas, burgers and more. Further north, the Byron Bay Brewing Co offers punters the chance to sip a beer and enjoy a meal sitting amongst the brewery’s copper vats!

Hearty fare, colourful locals and a dash of history are the ingredients every good country pub requires – because after all, it’s where everyone congregates! And whether you’re in town for a while or just passing through, these Regional NSW pubs are just right for a craft beer or delicious meal.

View of Patonga

AWARD WINNING PUBS IN NSW

These award winners in the NSW Good Pub 2014 Guide serve great pub food and craft beers.

}Burwood Inn, Newcastle Balmain Brewing Company and the 4 Pines Brewing Company both supply craft beers to this beachside corner pub, which offers traditional comfort food favourites

}The Town Green Inn, Port Macquarie Known as ‘TG’ to the locals, this friendly pub has views, great food and craft beers from the Black Duck Brewery and The Little Brewing Company

}Bangalow Hotel, Bangalow Enjoy craft beers from the Stone & Wood Brewery and choose from a gourmet menu at this stylish old watering hole that’s inland from Byron Bay.

Mudgee Brewing Company, Mudgee

If your idea of a heavenly weekend is luxury accommodation and dinner in a restaurant that everyone’s talking about, you’ll be spoilt for choice with Regional NSW’s selection of quality places to stay and eat.

LUXURY SEASIDE ESCAPESIt’s worth making the journey to experience these regional treasures.

In Mollymook on the South Coast, Rick Stein’s beautiful Bannisters retreat features fine dining that’s all about local seafood. Or embrace the beach house vibe at Bells at Killcare, a chic Central Coast getaway famous for its restaurant, Manfredi at Bells. Many of the vegetables and herbs found in the flourishing kitchen garden feature on Stefano Manfredi’s Italian menu.

Lush décor and a rainforest backdrop give wow factor to The Restaurant at The Byron at Byron, but it’s also on NSW’s culinary map thanks to head chef Gavin Hughes’ stylish spin on local produce.

You’ll find sublime food experiences on beautiful Lord Howe Island, too.

Lodge Restaurant at luxury Capella Lodge is a must for its views and executive chef Peter Smit’s seasonal gourmet menu. The family run Pinetrees Lodge, headed up by executive chef Paul Brown, also serves delicious, casual fare.

GOURMET GRAZINGFine dining options await you in the country regions close to Sydney.

Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa offers a memorable getaway. Head chef Damien Brabender’s contemporary Australian menu is served in The Homestead’s huge Wolgan Dining

Room, a stunning space with open fires and walk-in wine cellar.

In the Southern Highlands, try Bowral’s Biota Dining and Rooms for a true gastronomic journey; head chef James Viles is big on supporting local farmers and growers.

TREE CHANGE

} Sean Moran It’s hard to grow lots of produce in the city, so swapping Bondi Beach for the Blue Mountains has enabled the former Sean’s Panaroma chef to do just that. There is a kitchen garden at his new Mount Tomah eatery, Restaurant Tomah, plus a menu featuring produce such as rabbit, yabbies and Murray cod

} Martin Boetz The ex-Longrain chef’s latest passion is the Cook’s Co-Op, located in the Hawkesbury region. Here, Boetz has created The Farm, a fruit and market garden. His goal? To grow sustainable produce based on the needs of city chefs, and in time, offer courses and workshops

} Clayton Donovan After honing his skills at The Watermark at Balmoral Beach, Donovan decamped to Nambucca on NSW’s North Coast to open contemporary indigenous restaurant Jaaning Tree, where he can forage for bush ingredients

} Andy Crestani Formerly of Nove Cucina and Otto Ristorante on Woolloomooloo’s Finger Wharf, Crestani now heads up the popular Pipeclay Pumphouse in Mudgee, where most of the seasonal menus are created from the restaurant’s veggie patch or locally sourced produce.

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island

The Dining Room at Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa



WINE-TOURING TRENDSWhile there are plenty of wine-tasting tours in the NSW wine regions, the trend is towards more in-depth experiences at the cellar door.

Tallavera Grove in the Hunter Valley offers one-hour vineyard tours on both Saturdays and Sundays. Or, try Hungerford Hill’s Epic Tasting Experience, a mini degustation of wines matched to bite-sized dishes by Muse Restaurant. In Pokolbin, Keith Tulloch

Wines also offers a range of tasting experiences and bespoke winery tours.

On the Mid North Coast, you can learn all about the wine-making process and see the inner-workings of a winery at Cassegrain Wines, where free tours are held at 11am every weekday. And if you’re keen to zoom around on a segway, there are fun South Coast tours that include a visit to Silos Winery while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

FUN FOR THE TRIBENSW regions are packed with a variety of fun options for the whole family.

If you’re heading south, that means Kiama’s Blowhole, quirky Mogo Zoo and a string of old-school seaside towns. Head north and give the kids a thrill at the Central Coast’s Australian Reptile Park, the daily pelican feeding sessions at The Entrance and fun attractions such as The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour.

If the country beckons, Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo is a must, as is the Murray region. Chug along the river on a paddle steamer, hire a houseboat or visit Corowa’s Murray Bank Yabby Farm to catch and cook your own.

For a truly memorable holiday, book a farm stay. You’ll find great options in

Gerringong and Kangaroo Valley on the South Coast, Megalong Valley in the Blue Mountains and Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains. Mudgee, Orange, Bathurst and Griffith are also home to working sheep and cattle stations.

WILD ABOUT WHALESFrom April to November, pods of whales travel along the NSW coast – and there are many vantage points from which to spot these gentle giants.

On the South Coast, try Gerroa near Seven Mile Beach National Park, or the Beecroft Peninsula in Jervis Bay. Or head north to the Central Coast, where some of the best spots to be during whale-watching season are at Norah Head Lighthouse, Crackneck Lookout and Redhead Bluff. Port Stephens’ Tomaree National Park, Hat Head, Crowdy Head and Cape Byron in Byron Bay are also great vantage points. Remember to bring your binoculars!

THE SECRET OF GREAT CHEESE-MAKINGFind out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about cheese, including how to make it, from dedicated cheese-makers.

Start with a tasting tour through the factory at the High Valley Wine and Cheese Co in Mudgee. Or, get hands-on at Mudgee’s Leaning Oak by booking a one-day goat’s cheese-making workshop, where milking the goat beforehand is all part of the fun. In the Hunter Valley, Australia Home Cheese Making offers two-day workshops teaching hard and soft

cheese technique, and on the South Coast in Central Tilba, the ABC Cheese Factory offers cheese-making courses on the third weekend of every month.

In Coffs Harbour, Armidale and Wagga Wagga, teachers from The Cheese Making Workshop run one-day, soft cheese-making classes; the next ones are held in June. Advanced workshops are also on offer if you’d like to discover the secrets behind making trickier cheeses such as blue vein, haloumi or mozzarella.

With more of us interested in finding out about where our food comes from and producers keen to show us, culinary adventures are never far away in Regional NSW.

MORE FOODIE FUN

}Krinklewood Workshop, 24 May This Hunter Valley winery runs an annual, hands-on biodynamic workshop about growing healthier plants and produce

}Pig in a Pickle Workshop, 22 June and 20 July Fancy making your own pancetta, bacon, salami or sausages? Pig in a Pickle offers small goods and preserving workshops at Nana Glen, near Coffs Harbour

}Kids’ Cooking Classes Young Masterchefs will love these monthly classes, held at the Mudgee Farmers Market and led by local chefs.

Hungerford Hill Winery, Hunter Valley

There are lots of opportunities to enjoy nature with the family around Regional NSW – whether you head to one of the State’s national parks, find a good whale-watching vantage point or organise a farm-stay holiday that the family will love.

} Booderee National Park It’s all about the pristine beaches, coastal views and bushland walks at this South Coast national park

} Wollumbin Mt Warning National Park This remnant of an ancient volcano is the first place on Australia’s mainland to see the morning sun

} Blue Mountains National Park Most famous for the Three Sisters rock formations, spectacular clifftop trails and bushwalks

} Capertee National Park About 50 km from Lithgow, this park is a breeding and feeding ground for the endangered honeyeater

} Mutawintji National Park A unique Outback NSW destination that’s most famous for its Aboriginal rock engravings and ochre stencils

} Mungo National Park Also in Outback NSW, this World Heritage park is worth visiting for its lunar-like landscape – and the stunning Walls of China formation

} Lord Howe Island National Park The island is World Heritage-listed and heaven for waterbabies. Snorkel, dive, bird-watch or even climb to the summit of Mt Gower

} Kosciuszko National Park From skiing in Winter to bushwalking in Summer, the Snowy Mountains’ rugged alpine park is an adventure destination any time of year

} Dorrigo National Park Lush waterfalls and sub-tropical rainforest walks are the drawcards of this stunning Mid North Coast national park

} Oxley Wild Rivers National Park Near Armidale, this park is home to dry rainforests, dramatic gorges and Wollomombi Falls, NSW’s highest waterfall. Don’t forget your camera!

TEN NSW NATIONAL PARKS NOT TO MISS

Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo

Smokey Cape Lighthouse, Hat Head


Photo: w

ildaboutwhales.com

.au

14 / IT'S ON VISITNSW.COM

REGIONAL NSW

FEEL THE RUSHIf Winter awakens your inner thrill-seeker, prepare to hit the slopes from the June long weekend, which heralds the start of the snow season in NSW.

Alpine resorts in the NSW Snowy Mountains cater to all skiers and snowboarders, whether you’re a wobbly beginner or a mogul-defying veteran. Perisher and Thredbo offer a wide choice of trails for all levels and ages, or try Charlotte Pass, Australia’s highest resort. Mt Selwyn and Blue Cow are also great family-friendly options.

Seeking fun on two wheels? Go mountain-biking on some exhilarating downhill routes, log jumps and fire trails, found in the Snowy Mountains, the Blue Mountains and around Coffs Harbour.

On the South Coast, Stanwell Tops offers terrific hang-gliding over the beautiful coastline – or book a skydive in nearby Wollongong and land your parachute right on the beach! Keen anglers will also love the Shoalhaven, with its game fishing tours, quiet lakes and freshwater streams.

HAPPY CAMPERSCamping is the quintessential Aussie experience – and NSW’s holiday parks promise an easy, affordable holiday that the whole family will love.

You can choose a site along the South Coast, for example, and you’ll enjoy pretty beaches, bushwalks and perhaps a visit from a kangaroo! Or, pitch a tent at Seal Rocks on the North Coast, a sleepy beach community famous for its surf breaks and natural beauty. Some of the State’s most iconic coastal regions and inland caravan parks and reserves are also managed by the NSW Crown Holiday Parks Trust.

For some, holidays are all about getting the heart pumping in the great outdoors. From whizzing down a snow-capped peak to hiking up a mountain, or even hang-gliding off a clifftop, there’s plenty to choose from in Regional NSW.

FEELING BRAVE? HEAD TO...

}Lord Howe Island for hiking. Climbing Mt Gower is intense, but the views are worth it

}The Blue Mountains for abseiling and canyoning. Test your limits and get a rush while enjoying the scenery

}Coffs Harbour for rafting. Get your kicks on a tour of the Nymboida River rapids

}New England North West for horse action. Jackaroo/Jillaroo schools serve up fun, cowboy-style

}Port Stephens for diving. Suit up and explore the reefs, deep drop-offs and abundant marine life.

Perisher Valley, Snowy Mountains

Kendalls Beach, Kiama

Nymboida River rapids

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* Bookings are payable at time of reservation and are non-exchangeable, non-refundable and non-transferable. Prices are per room per night. Rates are subject to change, based on a limited allocation of rooms and subject to availability at time of booking. All rates are per night for single, twin or double occupancy. Bookings must be made at participating hotels and resorts in NSW, Australia. Offer must be booked a minimum of 21 days* prior to travel (*minimum 30 days prior to travel for Novotel brand). Accor Advantage Plus members receive a further 10% discount on this rate. DNS0105/R/A

DNS0105_205x275_Regional_Press-R.indd 1 9/04/14 12:09 PM


REGIONAL NSW EVENT HIGHLIGHTSREGIONAL NSW EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Sculpture at Scenic World Until 18 May Katoomba

Scone and Upper Hunter Horse Festival Until 18 May Murrurundi & Scone

Battle on the Border 15 – 18 May Kingscliff

White Cliffs Music Festival 16 – 18 May White Cliffs

Sydney Travelling Film Festival 16 – 18 May Wagga Wagga

Eurobodalla River of Art 16 – 25 May Durras Lake and Wallaga Lake

Batlow CiderFest 17 May Batlow

Lovedale Long Lunch 17 – 18 May Hunter Valley

The North Face 100 17 – 18 May Blue Mountains

Century Challenge Cycle Ride 18 May Kariong

141st Dubbo Annual Show 23 – 25 May Dubbo

Sydney Travelling Film Festival 23 – 25 May Tamworth

Casino Beef Week 24 May – 3 June Casino

Slice of Haven Food and Wine Festival 25 May Laurieton

Port to Port MTB 29 May – 1 June Port Stephens, Hunter Valley & Newcastle

Big Band Blast 30 May – 1 June Port Macquarie

Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft 7 – 9 June Coonamble

Country Music Round Up Corowa 12 – 15 June Corowa

Winter Winery Wander 15 June Bathurst

Sydney Travelling Film Festival 20 – 22 June Newcastle

5 Lands Walk 21 June MacMasters Beach to Terrigal

Winter Magic Festival 21 June Katoomba

Lismore Lantern Parade 21 June Lismore

Capital Region Truffle Festival 21 June – mid August Yass Valley Region

Celtic Thunder 1 June Albury

Yulefest in the Blue Mountains 1 June – 31 August Blue Mountains

Henry Lawson Festival 5 – 9 June Grenfell

Merimbula Jazz Festival 6 – 9 June Merimbula

Parkes Picnic Races 7 June Parkes

Whispering Brook Olive Long Table Luncheon 7 June Broke

unWined 7 – 8 June Riverina

Shoalhaven Coast Winter Wine Festival 7 – 9 June Kiama and Shoalhaven

Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival 7 – 9 June Bellingen

Toyota Hats Off To Country 3 – 6 July Tamworth

Grafton July Racing Carnival 3 – 13 July Grafton

Timbertown Steam Festival 4 – 6 July Wauchope

Sawtell Chilli Festival 5 July Sawtell

Hunter Valley Gardens Chocolate Festival 5 – 6 July Pokolbin

Winter Blues and Jazz Festival 6 July The Entrance

Eastern University Games 6 – 10 July Newcastle

Southern Highlands Writers’ Festival 11 – 13 July Bowral

Mildura Writers’ Festival 17 – 20 July Wentworth

Coffs Coast Festival of Cycling 18 July – 3 August Coffs Harbour

Ballina Fine Wine and Food Festival 20 July Ballina

Cowra Wine Show Weekend 25 – 27 July Cowra

Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival 25 – 27 July Echuca

Splendour in the Grass 25 – 27 July North Byron Parklands

Chill Out 26 July Gloucester

Opera at the Channon 27 July Lismore

Grafton Country Music Roundup 28 July – 3 August Grafton

Lightning Ridge Opal Festival 31 July – 3 August Lightning Ridge

Byron Bay Writers’ Festival 1 – 3 August Byron Bay

Fireside Festival; The Poachers Way 1 – 31 August Hall, Murrumbateman, Bungendore

Australian Formula Powerboat Grand Prix Port Macquarie 2 – 3 August Port Macquarie

Cross Country Ski Week 2 – 10 August Perisher Valley

Australian Surf Festival 2 – 19 August Coffs Harbour

NAB Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge 3 August Coffs Harbour

Annual Dubbo Jazz Festival 8 – 10 August Dubbo

Riverina Vintage Machinery Rally 9 – 10 August Leeton

Mudgee Readers’ Festival 9 – 10 August Mudgee

Australian Four Day Enduro 11 – 16 August Dungog

Cirque Mother Africa 14 August Nowra

Bangalow Music Festival 15 – 17 August Bangalow

Maitland Aroma: Coffee, Chocolate and Fine Food Festival 16 – 17 August Maitland

Head to Head Walk Run Event 17 August Crescent Head

Condobolin Show 22 – 23 August Condobolin

Festa delle Salsicce (Festival of the Sausage) 24 August Griffith

Dungog Festival 28 – 31 August Dungog

Sydney Travelling Film Festival 29 – 31 August Wollongong

Newcastle Jazz Festival 29 – 31 August Newcastle

Newcastle Permanent: Lake Macquarie Running Festival 31 August Warners Bay

Gundagai Riverfest 5 – 7 September Gundagai

WUPA@Wanaruah 6 September – 31 October Hunter Valley

Coffs Harbour Running Festival 7 September Coffs Harbour

Dubbo Stampede 7 September Dubbo

Toast Urunga 7 September Urunga

Berry Gardens Festival 11 – 14 September Berry

Efterski Festival 12 – 14 September Thredbo

Wagga Wagga Jazz and Blues Festival 12 – 14 September Wagga Wagga

Mudgee Wine and Food Festival 12 September – 5 October Mudgee

Sample Food Festival 13 September Bangalow

Southern Highlands Food and Wine Festival 13 – 14 September Bowral

Daffodils at Rydal 2014 13 – 14 and 20 – 21 September Rydal

Broken Hill Silver City Show 18 – 20 September Broken Hill

Annual Porchetta Day 20 September Gunnedah

Lanterns on the Lagoon 20 September Tumut

Wild About Waratahs Festival 20 – 28 September Mount Tomah

Australian Cool Climate Wine Show 22 – 27 September Murrumbateman

Flavours of Mudgee 27 September Mudgee

Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival 27 September Cowra

Taste New England 28 September Glen Innes

MAY 2014

JUNE 2014

AUGUST 2014

SEPTEMBER 2014

JULY 2014

EMIRATES PARK SCONE CUP CARNIVAL 16 – 17 May Scone

THE PEAK FESTIVAL 6 – 9 June Perisher Valley

HUNTER VALLEY WINE AND FOOD MONTH 1 – 30 June Hunter Valley

COATES HIRE RALLY AUSTRALIA 11 – 14 September Coffs Harbour

TULIP TIME FESTIVAL 16 September – 6 October Bowral

EDEN WHALE FESTIVAL 1 – 2 November Eden

V8 SUPERCARS SUPERCHEAP AUTO BATHURST 1000 9 – 12 October Bathurst

2014 NCHA FUTURITY 28 May – 8 June Tamworth

OCTOBER 2014

Taste Riverina Food Festival 1 – 31 October Wagga Wagga

ARTtober Lightning Ridge Festival 1 – 31 October Lightning Ridge

Deniliquin Ute Muster 3 – 4 October Deniliquin

Great Southern Blues Festival 3 – 5 October Narooma

Warrumbungle Festival of the Stars 3 – 27 October Coonabarabran

Murrumbateman Moving Feast 4 – 6 October Murrumbateman

Leura Gardens Festival 4 – 12 October Leura

Hunter Valley Wine Festival 11 October Hunter Valley

Spirit of the Land Lockhart Festival 11 – 12 October Lockhart

For more event information go to visitnsw.com/eventsPlease note that events are subject to change or cancellation. Check relevant website for further details prior to event. For full disclaimer please see back cover.


REGIONAL NSW EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

IRONMAN 70.3 PORT MACQUARIE 19 October Port Macquarie

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S GAMES 6 – 11 December Lake Macquarie

2014 ORANGE WINE FESTIVAL 17 October – 2 November Orange

THE MULLUM MUSIC FESTIVAL 20 – 23 November Mullumbimby

Classic Yass 1 November Yass

Snowy Ride 1 November Snowy Mountains

Carcoar Cup Running Festival 1 – 2 November Carcoar

Bitter and Twisted International Boutique Beer Festival 1 – 2 November Maitland

Wollombi Small Farms Fair 1 – 2 November Wollombi

Leeton Country Music Round-up 1 – 3 November Leeton

Snowy Mountains Trout Festival 1 – 7 November Jindabyne

Lord Howe Island Bird Week 1 – 8 November Lord Howe Island

Southern Highlands Art Festival 1 – 30 November Southern Highlands

Blackheath Rhododendron Festival 1 – 30 November Blackheath

Batemans Bay Seaside Carnivale 2 November Batehaven

Twilight by the Lagoon Concert Series 7 November Wagga Wagga

Southeast HARVEST Regional Food Festival 8 November Moruya

Lord Howe Island Golf Open 8 – 14 November Lord Howe Island

Global Village Motorfest & Fair 9 November Muswellbrook

Brisbane Water Oyster Festival 9 November Ettalong Beach

Yamba Rod Run 14 – 16 November Yamba

Ballina Prawn Festival 15 November Ballina

Tweed Foodie Fest 19 – 23 November Murwillumbah

Robertson Antiques and Collectables Fair 22 – 23 November Young

Murray Marathon 24 – 28 November Yarrawonga

Huntington Estate Music Festival 26 – 30 November Mudgee

Annual Merimbula Classic 27 – 30 November Merimbula

Murrumbidgee Dragon Boat Challenge 30 November Wagga Wagga

NOVEMBER 2014

Balranald 5 Rivers Outback Festival 11 – 12 October Balranald

Griffith Festival of Gardens 17 – 20 October Griffith

Telstra Inverell Sapphire City Festival 17 October – 2 November Inverell

Batlow Apple Blossom Festival 18 – 19 October Batlow

80th Jacaranda Festival 18 October – 2 November Grafton

Brangayne Wines and A Slice of Orange Antipasto Hampers 23 October – 2 November Orange

Byron Bay Surf Festival 24 – 26 October Byron Bay

CoastOut Festival 24 – 26 October Coffs Harbour

Chromefest 24 – 26 October The Entrance

Sculpture in the Vineyards 25 October – 23 November Hunter Valley

SBS Feast Tastings on Hastings 2014 26 October Port Macquarie

Tastes at the Bay 31 October – 2 November Port Stephens

Mildura Jazz Food and Wine Festival 31 October – 4 November Mildura

Lord Howe Island Art Trail 1 – 6 December Lord Howe Island

National Cherry Festival 5 – 7 December Young

Great Inland Fishing Festival 5 – 7 December Inverell

Tuggerah Lakes Mardi Gras Summerfest 6 December The Entrance

Grafton City Head of the River Rowing Regatta 6 – 7 December Grafton

LithGLO 11 – 13 December Lithow

Festival of the Sun 12 – 13 December Port Macquarie

Australian Beach Soccer Cup 13 – 14 December Wollongong

Annual Gerringong Street Parade and Party 20 December Gerringong

Jindabyne’s Man From Snowy River Rodeo 28 December Jindabyne

DECEMBER 2014

Please note that events are subject to change or cancellation. Check relevant website for further details prior to event. For full disclaimer please see back cover. *Booking fee may apply.

IN 2015AFC ASIAN CUP 2015The 16 best teams in Asia will meet in Sydney and Newcastle in January 2015 to compete for the AFC Asian Cup, the most sought-after trophy in Asian football. Be part of the biggest football tournament ever to take place in Australia as the region’s dynamos battle it out.

Newcastle will play host to four games, including Japan’s opening match of the tournament and a semi-final.

Sydney is host to seven games including the Socceroos all-important clash with Oman. Stadium Australia will also host a quarter final, the semi-final on Australia Day and the final on 31 January.

This is your chance to see world-class football right here in Australia. With ticket prices from $5* for kids and $40* for families, it’s an affordable option for all football fans and a real highlight of the school holidays over summer.

ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2015The ICC Cricket World Cup is a once-in-a-generation event and it’s coming to the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2015!

Secure your seats today to see the superstars of cricket battle it out for international cricket’s greatest prize.

The Sydney Cricket Ground will host five matches including South Africa v West Indies on 27 February, Australia v Sri Lanka on 8 March, and England v Afghanistan on 13 March.

The quarterfinal is on 18 March and the semi-final on 26 March, both in Sydney.

With tickets for children just $5* for all pool matches and for adults from $20*, everyone can experience this exciting sporting event.

SPORTS

SYDNEYWHEN: 10, 13, 15, 19, 23, 26, 31 January 2015 WHERE: Stadium Australia

NEWCASTLEWHEN: 12, 17, 27, 30 January 2015 WHERE: Newcastle Stadium

SYDNEYWHEN: 27 February and 8, 13, 18, 26 March 2015 WHERE: Sydney Cricket Ground, Moore Park

For tickets and information go to: afcasiancup.com

For tickets and information go to: cricketworldcup.comFor more event information go to visitnsw.com/events


PLAN. BOOK. SHARE!DESTINATION NSW HAS THE DIGITAL TOOLS TO HELP YOU CONNECT WITH YOUR FRIENDS, FELLOW TRAVELLERS AND US!

EVERYONE LOVES TO SHARE THE EXCITEMENT OF THEIR OWN TRAVEL EXPERIENCES.TELL US ABOUT YOUR BEST SYDNEY AND NSW MOMENTS.

See the sydney.com and visitnsw.com websites for all your event and holiday planning needs.

Find out about where to stay in Sydney and Regional NSW, view special offers and then book your accommodation.

Download your free travel and event apps as well as inspiring holiday brochures about the regions of NSW. You’ll also find plenty of tips on things to do, the best attractions and tours, listings for restaurants and cafes, and fun family ideas.

With so much happening you’ll want to stay connected with Destination NSW to find out what’s on.

Tag us in your photos, as we’re always keen to share! Use #NewSouthWales to tell us all about the events you’re heading to, the food you have enjoyed and the restaurants that you discovered with your friends and family.

CHECK OUT THE SYDNEY MAGAZINE APPPlan your own exciting short break in NSW with our new Sydney Magazine app. Watch stunning videos, bookmark your favourite holiday tips and see beautiful images from Sydney and NSW. Head to Newsstand to download the Sydney Magazine app for iPad.

REGIONAL NSW

CONNECT WITH NSW

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BLUE MOUNTAINSNSW REGIONS

SYDNEY

UNLOCKING THE SECRETSThe Blue Mountains National Park is at the centre of a World Heritage landscape of sandstone cliffs, deep valleys and thick eucalypt forests.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to unlock the secrets of this blue-hazed wonderland. A great place to start is at Scenic World, where you’ll glide across the Jamison Valley in the Scenic Skyway or descend to the valley floor in the world’s steepest passenger railway.

Another stunning natural attraction – the Jenolan Caves – features pristine underground rivers and amazing limestone formations that are best experienced on a guided tour. The caves are amongst the oldest and finest in the world, with eleven open for exploring.

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mt Tomah is Australia’s highest botanic

garden, home to more than 40,000 native, exotic and rare plants from around the world. It’s a fantastic place to learn about the region’s unique animals and plants, including the famous ‘dinosaur tree’, the Wollemi pine, one of the oldest species of tree in the world.

Delve even deeper into nature on a hiking tour with experienced guides from Life’s An Adventure or with National Park Discovery Rangers; you’ll immerse yourself in amazing wilderness areas where many tourists never tread.

The Blue Mountains is also home to many Aboriginal sacred sites; for an authentic Aboriginal cultural experience, join Blue Mountains Walkabout, or head to Waradah Aboriginal Centre and The Gully Aboriginal Interpretive Walk.

MOUNTAIN FARE

GETTING AROUND

Lovers of handcrafted chocolates should head to Josophan’s Fine Chocolates in Leura and The Paragon in Katoomba. Devonshire Tea and High Tea are served at Bygone Beautys, The Carrington Hotel, Lilianfels Resort & Spa and the Fairmont Resort. Fine dining options include Darley’s Restaurant, Echo Point; Restaurant1923, Wentworth Falls; Silk’s Brasserie, Leura; Ashcrofts, Blackhealth; and The Rooster, Katoomba.

Explore the Blue Mountains at your own pace using the convenient option of hop-on hop-off touring. The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus and Blue Mountains Trolley Tours both offer regular services seven days a week to the key attractions around Katoomba and Leura.

Scenic Skyway over Jamison Valley

NORTHERN RIVERS

NSW REGIONS

SYDNEY

FABULOUS FOOD

Fragrant tropical fruit, sweet seafood and creative menus sum up the dining experience in this warm, lush region.

At Tropical Fruit World, sample the wide range of exotic fruits from miracle fruit and the ice-cream bean to champagne fruit and red dragon fruit. On the coast, Ballina is famous for fresh, local seafood. Don’t miss one of the region’s best cafés, tiny Eltham Valley Pantry, located on a pecan nut farm. Book a guided farm tour or shop for locally produced gourmet food

FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEADeep rivers, dramatic mountain peaks, rocky escarpments, sub-tropical valleys and dense forests together shape the stunning World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia; and the Northern Rivers is lucky to be home to some of the most accessible.

Wollumbin Mt Warning looms majestically above the surrounding countryside which is dotted with small villages, meandering drives, art galleries and great cafés. Enjoy a stroll along the Lyrebird Track or relax at pretty Korrumbyn Creek picnic area. In Border Ranges National Park, soak up the ambience created by the tall rainforests, ancient beech trees and crystal clear creeks; from Pinnacle Lookout you’ll see

Wollumbin Mt Warning in the distance. Yuraygir National Park is one of the State’s most striking coastal national parks. Plan ahead for the four-day Yuraygir Coastal Walk or enjoy shorter walks, picnics and camping.

Discover the easternmost point of Australia at Cape Byron Lighthouse which has breathtaking views in all directions. It’s an unforgettable experience. Further south, Angourie Beach is a National Surfing Reserve, attracting surfers from around the world. Learn to surf with experienced locals, see the vivid freshwater Blue and Green Pools or follow the Angourie Walk to Lake Arragan.

Nimbin

Silk’s Brasserie

Murwillumbah featuring Wollumbin Mt Warning

Jenolan Caves

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LOCAL LEGENDS

Uncovering local secrets is part of the fun of touring this eclectic region.

}A short drive through the lush Byron hinterland leads to Nimbin, Australia’s alternative lifestyle capital from the 1960s. It won’t take long to immerse yourself in the local culture at the pub, the markets, cafés and galleries

}An ex-RAAF F-111 fighter jet, a tiger moth and a MIG15 are just a few of the exhibits at Evans Head’s Aviation Heritage Museum. Housed in a restored Bellman Hanger, the museum showcases the role that the town played as a training base in World War II

}�Italian settlers to the North Coast are honoured at ‘New Italy’, a museum that tells the story of the original migrants who travelled here in 1881 to establish a thriving village in what was once a remote location, just south of Ballina.


Lake Macquarie

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS ANDTABLELANDS

WATERFALLS, FORESTS AND CAVESMorton National Park is one of the State’s largest parks, with sandstone cliffs, native forests and waterfalls.

Experience nature on a grand scale at Fitzroy Falls, located in the north of the park in the Southern Highlands. Access is via a short walk from the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre where you can learn about the park’s natural features and wildlife. Join an Aboriginal Cultural Tour before taking the boardwalk to views of the falls, where you can enjoy a bush picnic and watch out for lyrebirds or swamp wallabies, green catbirds and eastern whipbirds. Stretch your legs along the West Rim

Walking Track or, if you’re visiting in spring, don’t miss the East Rim Wildflower Walk.

Another amazing natural attraction not to miss is further southwest, near Wee Jasper. Described as one of the most beautiful cave systems in Australia, Carey’s Cave is comprised of seven chambers of stunning crystal formations which can only be viewed on a guided tour. While each cave is quite spacious, visitors should be reasonably mobile to really enjoy this underground experience. Above ground, 400 million-year-old limestone has been thrust upwards and eroded into spectacular geological formations.

CRICKET HERITAGELive cricket matches from around the world, touchscreens, fascinating memorabilia and tales from cricketing greats…the International Cricket Hall of Fame is an enthralling experience for sports fans.

Set in the beautiful surrounds of Bradman Oval in Bowral, it offers plenty of entertainment as well as cricket history. Have fun with the interactive exhibits that help you master the essentials of the game from bowling and batting to fielding. Find out how hard it is, physically, to hit a six or test your skills as a commentator and learn about Australia’s most famous cricketer, Sir Donald Bradman, as well as Ricky Ponting and other international greats.

COOMA COTTAGE

A very different heritage experience is on show on the banks of the Yass River, at Cooma Cottage. Located in the heart of the rich sheep-grazing country of the Southern Tablelands, this colonial-era bungalow was the home of noted explorer, Hamilton Hume.

Now on the National Trust list and open to the public, this beautiful homestead features Palladian-style wings, a Greek Revival portico, all the accoutrements of 19th century living, stables, Georgian furnishings and a herb garden.

Morton National Park

NSW REGIONS

SYDNEY

Gibraltar Country Club, Bowral

Bowral

SOUTH COAST

SIMPLY DELICIOUS

The South Coast’s premier wine-growing region is the Shoalhaven where vineyards are very likely to combine vines and rolling green countryside with beautiful ocean or river views.

There are now 20 vineyards and 11 cellar doors in the region as well as a thriving food scene in Berry, Gerroa, Milton and Ulladulla. Why not dine amongst the vines in The Silos Restaurant, Coolangatta Estate or at Cupitt’s Winery in Ulladulla?

Other dining hotspots include On the Pier at Batemans Bay, Rick Stein at Bannisters in Mollymook, The River Moruya and Zanzibar Café in Merimbula.

A GRAND DRIVEOne of the most enjoyable ways to explore the coastline and hinterland south of Sydney, from the Royal National Park to Nowra, is along the Grand Pacific Drive.

The 665 metre Sea Cliff Bridge is an engineering marvel that sweeps out over the ocean while other highlights are the beautiful beaches, small villages and scenic lookouts.

At Wollongong, the 140 km-drive links up to the Sydney-Melbourne Coastal Drive or you can follow a loop drive back to Sydney via Kangaroo Valley and the Southern Highlands.

Kiama Blowhole

NSW REGIONS

SYDNEY

ADVENTURE TIMEThe South Coast has all the essential ingredients for a great adventure holiday: crystal-clear bays and lakes, spectacular surfing beaches and beautiful rivers, national parks and lush countryside.

It’s no surprise then that some of the best experiences are also in the best locations. At Killalea State Park, a National Surfing Reserve with 250 hectares of pristine coastal reserve and beaches, learn to surf at the beach known as ‘The Farm’ with an accredited surf school.

Along the Light to Light Walking Track in Ben Boyd National Park, admire the rugged coastline, vivid rock formations and pristine beaches between Boyd’s Tower and Green Cape Light Station.

The White Sands Walk in Jervis Bay is in another stunning location where you’ll walk across some of the whitest sands in the world, past unspoilt bays and beaches. On the Kiama Coast Walk, see secluded beaches and bays and admire the dramatic Kiama Blowhole up close.

Montague Island Nature Reserve, off the coast from Narooma, is home to the State’s largest colony of fur seals, as well as little penguins and 15 bird species. See whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Looking for adventure in the air? One of the best coastal hang-gliding locations in the world is at Bald Hill while Skydive the Beach at Wollongong offers the ultimate thrill.

Hyams Beach


THE MURRAY

EXPLORE THE REGION

TAKE ME TO THE RIVERAs the world’s fourth largest river system, and Australia’s longest river, the Murray is one of the country’s most iconic waterways.

The best way to experience everything the Murray has to offer is by taking a leisurely trip along the river and creating your own memorable holiday adventures. You’ll find luxury houseboats for hire catering to all kinds of groups from Echuca and Mildura or hop aboard an historic paddle steamer for a nostalgic day trip up the river: they depart regularly from ports along the river. Chill out as you paddle along the river passing through the world’s largest stand of river red gums in Barmah National Park or pitch your tent in an idyllic riverside location and fish for your dinner.

You may be lucky enough to catch a famed Murray cod, Australia’s largest freshwater fish. Pick up the pace on the river with high-speed water sports, such as waterskiing or wakeboarding.

TASTE THE MURRAYPack your picnic basket with produce from a local market, or dine in style by the river; there’s a flavour to suit all tastes and budgets along the Murray.

Here are just a few tips to help you enjoy a taste of the region. Why not leave the car behind and join a winery tour at Corowa, Albury or dine aboard an historic paddle steamer?

Taste your way along Mildura’s ‘feast street’ – book ahead for dinner at the famous Stefano’s – or sip on craft beers from the Mildura Brewery. The Murray wine regions include Mildura, Swan Hill and Perricoota, and offer plenty of flavour and variety at their cellar doors. Perfect for tastebud touring!

Fishing on the Murray

Hire a houseboat on the Murray

NSW REGIONS

SYDNEY

Golfing beside the Murray River

Two very different experiences await the traveller: championship golf courses and a World Heritage national park.

}Enjoy a game of golf at one of the fine courses that line the Murray where natural beauty combines with world-class golfing facilities, attracting players from across the globe

}Explore some of the oldest archaeological finds in the world at Mungo National Park which also features the Walls of China, a 30 km-long dune formation.

MID NORTH COAST

AMAZING ADVENTURESWhether you think you know this region well or you’re keen to discover it, you’ll be thrilled by these amazing experiences.

Go surfing at Crescent Head, a National Surfing Reserve where you’re surrounded by long stretches of uncrowded beaches and a string of coastal national parks. Swim right through the centre of a small rocky island for an unforgettable dive at

Fish Rock Cave, offshore from South West Rocks. One of the best dives in Australia, Fish Rock Cave is home to an amazing array of marine life.

Ever thought of whale watching from a helicopter? In Coffs Harbour, you can do just that, viewing beautiful beaches, pods of dolphins and whales during their annual migration along the coast.

SPOIL YOURSELF

Main Beach, Forster

NSW REGIONS

SYDNEY

A few very special experiences allow you to indulge the body and the soul.

}Enjoy the taste of freshly-shucked, creamy Sydney rock oysters from Stone’s Oysters and Seafood at Coopernook, north of Taree

}Savour fresh seafood and other local produce that features on the menu at award-winning The Corner Restaurant located in Port Macquarie

}Soak up the relaxing ambience of a fully-furnished American Indian-style tipi at Kings Creek Retreat in the Taree hinterland. The kids will love the farm activities too!

Ellenborough Falls

DRIVE THE COASTThe Legendary Pacific Coast drive stretches from Sydney to Brisbane and is one of the best and most scenic ways to explore the Mid North Coast.

Start with Port Stephens, where bushwalking, dolphin and whale watching cruises, snorkelling and diving are all on offer. Thrill-seekers can hire a jet ski or join a quad bike tour on the sand dunes of Stockton Beach.

In Myall Lakes National Park, hire a houseboat or runabout, go fishing,

paddling, swimming or surfing at nearby Forster, South West Rocks or Crescent Head. Visit Port Macquarie’s koala hospital and Sea Acres Rainforest Centre where an elevated boardwalk makes exploring the sub-tropical rainforest easy. See Ellenborough Falls near the historic town of Wingham, and walk along the legendary V-Wall at Nambucca Heads. Check out the Big Banana at Coffs Harbour, as well as Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve to see thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters skim across the water at dawn.

Coffs Harbour


NEW ENGLANDNORTH WEST

CLIMB THE ROCKExpansive views over the New England North West region are your reward for climbing to the summit of the largest exposed monolith in the southern hemisphere in Bald Rock National Park.

The dramatic granite dome and archways loom in and out of view as you make your way upwards on the gentle, three-hour return walk. Locals say the best views are in Winter and Autumn, when the air is fresh and the light crisp.

With 17 national parks including the spectacular Mt Kaputar National Park, this region has plenty to offer anyone who enjoys exploring the great outdoors. The region’s natural attractions are truly inspiring, offering opportunities to go bushwalking, bird-watching, canoeing, fishing and exploring.

UNCOVERING HERITAGEHistory and heritage are woven into the fabric of every town in the New England North West region, with impressive art deco architecture, colonial-era farming equipment and historic railways.

Follow the Tenterfield Heritage Trail to historic landmarks that include the beautifully-restored Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts, and Stannum House - built in 1888 for wealthy mining magnate, John Holmes Reid. The Tenterfield Railway Museum is a nineteenth century railway precinct.

When the line was completed in 1888, it linked Sydney and Brisbane. Centenary Cottage and Museum, and the Tenterfield Saddler are other highlights of Federation-era Tenterfield.

Another way to uncover the region’s many heritage attractions is by following a local touring route such as the Glen Innes Tourist Drive or the Uralla and Surrounds Tourist Drive. The New England Highway passes through Tamworth, best known as the country music capital of Australia and home to the Walk a Country Mile museum.

ARMIDALE & BEYOND

A guided historical tour of Armidale and a thrilling chopper tour of gorge country are highly recommended experiences for visitors.

}Armidale’s Aboriginal and European heritage is revealed on a 2.5-hour bus tour, stopping at the New England Regional Art Museum, the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Railway Museum and historic Booloominbah Homestead

}The Flight of the Seven Gorges introduces you to the rugged beauty of the spectacular gorges and waterfalls of New England National Park; this helicopter tour departs from Armidale Airport.

Tenterfield Saddler

Sawn Rocks at Mt Kaputar National Park

NSW REGIONS

SYDNEY

Milly Hill Farm, Armidale

CENTRAL COASTSYDNEY

NSW REGIONS

Caption to go here.

THE COAST ON FOOT

}The historic Convict Trail on the boundary of Dharug National Park is part of the World Heritage-listed Old Great North Road. Take your time to explore the fine relics of convict engineering along the 43 km-section open to walkers and mountain bike riders; walks range from leisurely one-hour strolls to three-day hikes

}Uncover the nautical history of the State’s last manned lighthouse at Norah Head. Opened in 1903, it also has accommodation in the lighthouse keeper’s cottage

}The 8 km-Bouddi Coastal Walk from Putty Beach to MacMasters in Bouddi National Park is regarded as one of the region’s most beautiful. Enjoy sweeping views, shady rainforest and inviting picnic spots.

FUN ON THE COASTYou’re never far from adventure on NSW’s Central Coast – whether you’re riding a quad bike through the bush, learning to surf or flying through the treetops.

Your first stop should be the Australian Reptile Park, home to daily live shows, ever-changing exhibits and a collection of koalas, wombats, platypus and other native animals.

For more action, the Treetop Adventure Park offers kids aged from three and up the chance to take on over 100 challenges, including 20 flying fox rides.

At Glenworth Valley, saddle up at Australia’s largest horse-riding and adventure park which has horses and trails to suit all levels of riding experience.

For a deep-sea adventure, explore the wonderful underwater life of NSW’s first artificial reef where the ex-HMAS Adelaide forms an artificial dive reef off the coast near Terrigal. You’ll also find plenty of great surfing beaches which have accredited surf schools; Umina, Avoca, Terrigal and The Entrance are a few of the best locations.

Maitland Bay at Bouddi National Park

Pelican feeding at The Entrance

TWO OF THE BEST

Two experiences not to miss on the Central Coast are the wildly-entertaining pelican feeding at The Entrance and the region’s beautiful fresh seafood.

}The pelican feeding sessions take place every day of the year at 3.30pm and are absolutely free

}The region’s sweet, fresh seafood is available from Hardys Bay to Pearl Beach, The Entrance, Terrigal and Woy Woy. Seafood dining highlights include Terrigal’s Reef Restaurant and The Cowrie, Ocean Restaurant at Blue Bay, Pearls on the Beach and Manfredi’s at Bells.


Barrington Tops National Park

THE HUNTERNSW REGIONS

SYDNEY

THE FOOD AND WINE LOVERS’ HOLIDAYThe Hunter Valley has all the essential ingredients for a fabulous food and wine short break at any time of year… 20 top class wineries, vineyards and cellar doors, 60 restaurants and 160 places to stay.

Sampling the Hunter Valley’s signature wines on their home turf is a highlight; Hunter Valley semillon has been described as a national treasure while Hunter Valley shiraz is a very food-friendly and age-worthy variety. This is one of the best regions in Australia to really indulge a love of food and wine. Local chefs and producers champion food provenance and sustainable

production which is reflected in the produce and menus. Indulge in locally-farmed fish, the region’s signature spicy grape sauce and grapes fresh from the vine. Smokehouse goods, olive oil and olives, cheese, chocolates and coffee are also produced here.

Beachside Newcastle is in the midst of a culinary and arts renaissance. Eating out has never been more enjoyable so check out the city’s four distinctive dining neighbourhoods - The Boardwalk at Honeysuckle Wharf, Beaumont Street in Hamilton, Darby Street in Cooks Hill and The Junction.

LAKES OF FUN

Hire a boat, charter a yacht or join an eco-kayaking tour of Lake Macquarie, an aquatic playground that’s perfect for a relaxing short break. Speed up the action on a jet-boat ride; you’ll see more of this huge lake!

Swimming, sailing, water skiing and fishing are some of the most popular activities on Lake St Clair, an inland lake nestled in the foothills of the Mount Royal Range north of Singleton. Take the kids on an adventure holiday to the well-located campsite by the lake.

Jet-boating, Lake Macquarie

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Relax and rejuvenate in the Hunter Region.

}Enjoy an exhilarating sunrise flight in a hot air balloon above the vineyards

}Tee off on one of the Hunter Valley’s championship golf courses

}Soak up the fragrant ambience of Hunter Valley Gardens

}Follow Newcastle’s coastal walk, the Bather’s Way, a beachside trail with sublime ocean views

}Sample country life at a thoroughbred horse stud in the Upper Hunter

}Discover the subtropical rainforest of Barrington Tops National Park

}For an adrenalin rush, try sandboarding or four-wheel driving at Stockton Beach.

Hunter Valley

Discover New South Wales

▼Restrictions and conditions apply. Please ask us for further details or visit our website at www.flightcentre.com.au. *Travel restrictions and conditions apply. Please ask us for further details. Prices and taxes are correct as of 10 Apr 14 and are subject to change without notice. Updates and corrections to advertised products including pricing may be found at www.flightcentre.com.au/ads. Prices quoted are on sale until 11 Jun 14 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices are per person and are subject to availability. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel. Additional fees, including surcharges and visa fees specif ic to your departure date or flight routing, may apply. Where airfare is included, additional taxes specif ic to your flight routing may apply and/or may not include checked luggage (which can incur additional charges). Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. International airfares & holiday prices shown are for payments made by cash in store. Australia airfares & holidays will attract a booking fee of up to $19.95 per booking in-store. Advertised price includes any bonus nights. Minimum/maximum stay restrictions may apply. Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (ABN 25 003 377 188) trading as Flight Centre. Licence No. ACT 18800224, NSW 2TA002719, NT 008, QLD TAG262, SA TTA254, TAS TAS031, VIC 31089, WA 9TA 589. FCBNM_R60303

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SNOWY MOUNTAINS

YEAR-ROUND ADVENTUREEvery season in the Snowy Mountains offers something different, with stunning scenery and a huge range of things to see and do.

From June to October, crisp days, soft powder and roaring fires are the main drawcard of the NSW snowfields as well as fun and excitement. Thredbo’s runs range from the beginner-friendly Friday Flat to some of the region’s most challenging slopes. Mega-resort, Perisher, links four alpine villages – Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Blue Cow – and offers a wide selection of trails. Ski-in-ski-out Charlotte Pass is the highest resort in NSW, accessible via over-snow transport; short lift queues, excellent cover and all-

inclusive packages make it a favourite with families. For day trips, Selwyn Snowfields is also perfect for beginners.

When the weather becomes warmer, it’s time for mountain-biking (including the new Thredbo Valley Track from Thredbo village to Lake Crackenback Resort), cycling and hiking surrounded by the stunning alpine beauty. Trout fishing in pristine rivers, lakes and streams is world class while horse trekking will give you a real taste of ‘Man from Snowy River’ adventure. A meandering road tour of the region showcases everything this stunning region has to offer – awe-inspiring scenery, quaint towns and villages, and events for everyone.

EATING OUTWhether you’re seeking a casual bite or a gourmet dining experience, you’ll find plenty of options in this diverse region.

Winter brings mulled wine and fruity schnapps by an open fire while warmer weather is perfect for award winning wines from the Tumbarumba wine region.

ADVENTURE CHECK LIST

}Horse trekking – a true ‘Man from Snowy River’ experience

}National Parks Discovery Tours, Kosciuszko National Park

}Segway Eco Tours, Crackenback

}Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, Cooma

}Thredbo Guided Walks, near Thredbo Village

}The magnificent road touring routes in Summer

}Yarrangobilly Caves, located on the Snowy Mountains Highway between Cooma and Tumut.

NSW REGIONS

SYDNEY

CENTRAL NSW

DISCOVER THE BEST

WILD NIGHTS

Whether you’re a history buff, a keen astronomer or an art lover, seek out these fascinating places.

}Towns with historical pasts: Condobolin, Gulgong, Grenfell, Forbes, and Sofala (gold-rush era), Coonamble (Museum Under the Bridge), Mendooran (Mendooran Mural Town) and Narromine (Aviation Museum)

}Astronomy: The beauty of the Milky Way is best observed from the CSIRO radio telescope at Parkes, Siding Spring Observatory and Warrumbungle Observatory

}Artists: Towns that inspired some of Australia’s best artists include Hill End and Sofala; fine regional galleries are in Bathurst, Cowra, Grenfell and Orange, Coonamble (Outback Arts Gallery) and Gulargambone (Bourbah Street Murals).

When you stay overnight at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, you’ll wake up surrounded by some amazing animals – the deck of a Zoofari Lodge overlooks the savannah where giraffes, zebras and antelopes roam. This exciting open-range zoo is home to 700 animals from around the world and, whether you fancy meeting meerkats or learning why hippos make great swimmers, you’ll find the experience right here. Explore the highlights along a 6 km-circuit by car, bike, cart or on foot.

INDULGE YOURSELFTake your tastebuds touring in Central NSW and you’ll enjoy some of the best food and wine experiences that Regional NSW has to offer.

The region’s fine local produce is the star attraction, celebrated at the cellar door, the farm gate, at farmers’ markets and in restaurants, cafés and food and wine events. You’ll find a mouth-watering array in produce stores that sell everything from coffee beans to goat’s cheese, freshly-baked breads, hand-pressed olive oils and market baskets.

You’ll also find many well-established and distinguished restaurants where you can sample the very best. Start your journey in Mudgee, the home of

Australian chardonnay and famous for its full-bodied red wines. Today there are 36 cellar doors and 12 wineries producing a wide range of other varieties that thrive in the Mediterranean-style climate. Along with quality olive oils, tapenades, honey, nuts, specialist cheese and free-range pork are some of the delicious ingredients you’ll find locally.

Orange, Cabonne and Blayney comprise the Orange wine region which produces cool-climate grapes of great flavour and colour. The most popular varieties right now are shiraz, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc which you can taste at the cellar door or in fine bars, cafés, restaurants and pubs in Orange, Bathurst and Wellington.

NSW REGIONS

SYDNEY

Vineyards in Orange

Wine tasting in Central NSW

Mountain biking in Thredbo

Courabyra Wines, Tumbarumba


THE RIVERINA

THE EARTHY RIVERINAIn Spring, when the cereal crops are in full swing and the vast yellow canola fields stretch into the distance, visitors are reminded of just how fertile the Riverina region is.

Often referred to as the ‘food bowl of Australia’, it produces the majority of the State’s citrus fruit, rice and wine grapes.

While semillon is the stand-out grape variety, you’ll taste many different styles at cellar doors along the wine trails in the

Griffith area. Highlights include De Bortoli Wines, Westend Estate Wines, McWilliams Hanwood Estate and Yarran Wines.

A more recent attraction is Thirsty Crow, Wagga Wagga’s first microbrewery; savour a beer and sample local produce in their antipasti and on pizzas. The Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory is another standout foodie experience where you can enjoy a Devonshire tea with organic coffee, cookies and licorice.

ARTS AND PARKSThe National Art Glass Gallery in Wagga Wagga houses a world-class collection of absolutely beautiful contemporary art glass. Be amazed by the beauty of stained glass, engraved, sand-blown, etched, hot-blown and stunning glass works of every type.

Murrumbidgee Valley National Park protects part of what is now the largest continuous tract of river red gum forest in the world. Explore the park at your own pace or join a kayaking, hiking or biking tour to unlock its natural secrets.

HISTORY ALIVE!

A range of fascinating history and heritage attractions awaits in the Riverina.

}Temora Aviation Museum has one of the world’s finest collections of flying historic aircraft and holds monthly flying days

}Gundagai’s Dog on the Tucker Box monument has long been a stopover for travellers; today there’s also a garden, picnic area and café

}Immerse yourself in the colonial heritage of the region along the Long Paddock drive stretching from Deniliquin to Hay and beyond

}The Peppin Heritage Centre at Deniliquin tells the story of the region’s merino sheep industry.

Citrus sculptures at Griffith Festival of Gardens

NSW REGIONS

SYDNEY

Canola field near Coolamon

OUTBACK NSW

RARE TREASURESEons of sun, wind and rain have etched the ancient landscape of Outback NSW, creating a remarkable landscape that has an almost mystical force.

Experience this firsthand in Mungo National Park where the ancient dry lake has the remains of Mungo Man and Mungo Woman, a rare archaeological find that’s protected forever by a World Heritage listing.

From Broken Hill, take a guided tour with Harry Nanya Outback Tours to Mungo’s beautiful Walls of China, an extraordinary rock formation. Or, visit Mutawintji National Park, 130 km from Broken Hill with tour guides Tri State Safaris. Mutawintji is famous for its rich wildlife, red dirt roads and rugged gorges and

plains stretching into the distance. It also boasts one of NSW’s largest collections of Aboriginal rock art at Mutawintji Historic Site which can only be seen on a guided tour. At every turn, the ancient wonders of the historic site are revealed. Aboriginal rock engravings and ochre stencils, and on the flat plains, the remains of fireplaces, stone flakes and grinding stones. Listen to Aboriginal guides share their Dreamtime stories in this astonishingly beautiful setting and you’ll continue on your journey in a state of awe.

Enjoy the serenity of the Australian outback at Homestead Creek campground, the uninterrupted sunrises and sunsets plus the mesmerising beauty of the stars in the night sky.

NSW REGIONS

SYDNEY

DESERT ART

The Living Desert Sculptures, 9 km from Broken Hill, is a remarkable attraction, best viewed at sunset when the golden yellow and orange of the massive sandstone sculptures melt into the breathtaking red and orange sky of the Outback.

Created in 1993 by sculptors from countries including Georgia, Mexico, Syria and the Tiwi Islands, the sculpture garden is an inspiring piece of contemporary art located in an ancient landscape.

At Lightning Ridge, an 18-m steel sculpture of an emu welcomes visitors while rare and beautiful opals are on show in White Cliffs and Lightning Ridge.

Living Desert Sculpture, Broken Hill

The Walls of China in Mungo National Park

Living Desert Sculpture, Broken Hill

36 / IT'S ON VISITNSW.COM IT’S ON SYDNEY.COM / 37

LORD HOWE ISLANDNSW REGIONS

SYDNEY

A MARINE PLAYGROUNDThe crystal clear waters around Lord Howe Island are perfect for a wide variety of water activities.

Home to more than 500 species of fish and 90 species of coral, this pristine coral reef is the southernmost reef in the world.

Your marine adventure starts with feeding the friendly fish at Neds Beach where masks, fins and snorkels can be used by anyone for the cost of a contribution to the ‘honesty box’. Snorkelling at Lord Howe Island is sublime whether from the shore or in a glass-bottom boat. Erscott’s Hole is

one of the best, famous for the luxuriant garden of staghorn coral, double-header wrasse and the chameleon-like blue fish. Scuba diving is also world class with more than 60 dive sites ranging from off-the-beach dives over coral reef to deep-sea dives including at Balls Pyramid, the world’s tallest sea stack.

The ‘champagne surf’ of Blinky Beach attracts keen surfers and body boarders while popular spots for kayaking include through the ‘Arch’, or from Neds Beach to Roach Island, the largest islet in the Admiralty Group.

EXPLORE ON FOOTLord Howe Island’s famous twin peaks, breathtaking views and natural forest make it an ideal destination for walkers and hikers.

Start with a leisurely walk to Transit Hill which takes about an hour and has panoramic views over the island and the ocean. The challenging eight-hour return climb to the summit of Mt Gower is rated as one of Australia’s best day walks; it has rope-assisted climbs and dizzying drops. But, along the way, you’ll see some of the island’s rarest plants and wildlife. Lord Howe Island is Australia’s premier bird-watching destination with many spots providing ideal vantage points for admiring some of the world’s rarest birds.

ONLY ON LORD HOWE

Some experiences are unique to Lord Howe such as teeing off on one of Australia’s most picturesque golf courses. It’s a rare treat to play on World Heritage turf, surrounded by mountains, rainforest and ocean.

Cycling is another; with bicycles the preferred mode of transport and just 13 km of scenic roads and tracks, it’s the best way to go. Tracks wind through rainforest and past golden beaches where you can safely leave your bike to enjoy a refreshing dip.

Boobie bird with Mt Lidgbird and Mt Gower

Snorkelling at Lord Howe Island

SPOTLIGHT ON SYDNEYFrom May right through to December, Sydney is alive with a packed line-up of world-class events. Whether you’re travelling to see a sports match, a fabulous festival, or taking time out with the kids, you’ll find Sydney has plenty to offer at any time of the year. See all that Sydney has to offer at sydney.com

FAMILY FUNPlanning a stress-free holiday in Sydney with the kids is easy at any time of the year. There are plenty of family-friendly attractions and activities that can be hectic or as chilled out as you like.

SHOPPING & CULTUREIf you love to shop, you’ll love every second of shopping time in Sydney. As well as stunning malls and department stores, there are weekend markets, funky boutiques and pop-up stores.

WHERE TO STAYFrom five-star hotels to hostels and self-contained apartments, Sydney has a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes. Visit sydney.com to plan your trip.

FOOD & WINESydney’s dining scene is dynamic, changing with the seasons as well as the trends. You’ll find a city that offers the full spectrum of dining options to suit all budgets. Find out more sydney.com

IT’S ON IN SYDNEYFind out what’s on when and where so you can start planning your Sydney in Winter experience. For more information about events and accommodation go to sydney.com

NATURE & OUTDOORSYou’ll find a long list of outdoor activities in Sydney that are both healthy and scenic. Walks, national parks, gardens and colourful sunsets are just a few of the natural highlights. Go to sydney.com

SYDNEY

SYDNEY

More than 50 spectacular light installations and sculptures, 3D-mapped building projections, the Lighting of the Sails of the Sydney Opera House… Vivid Sydney is back in 2014 for 18 days and nights to light up Sydney in Winter.

VIVID SYDNEY 2014 HIGHLIGHTS

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSESee the stunning Lighting of the Sails, book tickets to a Vivid LIVE show from the extraordinary contemporary music line-up, join a backstage tour and visit the pop-up restaurant and bar.

CIRCULAR QUAY This colourful precinct is part of the Light Walk and has good access to ferries and Customs House, plus many harbourside cafés, bars and restaurants.

NORTH SYDNEYUse a touchscreen to light up the bridge before walking across (or catching a ferry) to the city, see the Lighting of the Sails from afar and enjoy plenty of casual dining options.

WALSH BAYExplore the western branch of the Light Walk, enjoy a drink in a harbourside bar or restaurant, or check out what’s on at Sydney Theatre and Wharf Theatre.

DARLING HARBOURThis is the home of Vivid Aquatique Water Theatre as well as the Australian National Maritime Museum’s rooftop projections, bars, cafés and restaurants.

HARBOUR LIGHTSTravel around Sydney Harbour aboard one of its newest and most colourful attractions. Selected ferries and cruise vessels depart from Circular Quay and King Street Wharf.

NEW

THE ROCKS Follow the amazing Light Walk and discover the lighting installations around the precinct. See 3D-mapped projections onto the MCA, and chill out at a cool bar or restaurant.

MARTIN PLACEVivid’s new precinct comes alive with spectacular light installations. Head to a cosy bar or restaurant located in or near Martin Place before checking out more of Vivid Sydney.

NEW

CARRIAGEWORKSModular and Carriageworks takes over the main stage during Vivid Music. Three days of music, installations and ideas in a funky inner-city venue with fabulous bars and food.

THE STARThe Star joins Vivid Sydney as the entire facade of the Astral Tower, The Darling hotel and the Sky Terrace rooftop are transformed into a light show.

NEW NEW

Artist impression by 59 Productions†

Artist impression by Anthony Rawson†

Artist impression†

38 / START PLANNING YOUR VIVID TRIP NOW! VIVIDSYDNEY.COM

Book now at lastminute.com.au/nsw

Explore, eat, relax. Repeat.NSW on SALE fr. $109 p/n

CHECK OUT OUR TOP PICKS ACROSS THE STATE:

Current at 5 May 2014. Prices shown in AUD. Selected deals only. Limited availability. Conditions and fees apply.

Leisure Inn Spires Blue Mountains

Min. 2 night stay + late checkout

Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks Hotels & Resorts Hunter ValleyMin. 2 night stay + late checkout

The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa Byron Bay Min. 2 night stay + comp upgrade

Absolute Beachfront Opal Cove Resort Coffs Harbour Exclusive Deal

fr. $109 p/n fr. $149 p/nfr. $330 p/n fr. $120 p/n

VIVID IDEAS 2014Secure the skills to live up to your dreams at Vivid Ideas 2014, Asia Pacific’s annual celebration of innovation, creativity and community. Join us between 23 May – 9 June for more than 200 inspirational events.

JOSHY D & MIKE GIANT (REBEL8)On Collaboration, Commerce and Credibility in Youth Culture

CANDY CHANGOn Making Art to Make a Difference

GADI AMITOn Designing Devices We Love

RYAN HOLIDAYOn Marketing, Media and Manipulation

SKYLAR TIBBITSOn Shaping Future Manufacturing

GET THE BIG IDEAS

SARA CRITCHFIELDOn Media, Marketing and Making People Care

For the full program of free and ticketed events go to: vividsydney.com/ideas

Destination NSW advises the details contained in the“Your Guide to Regional NSW” magazine are based on the best available information at time of printing. The “Your Guide to Regional NSW” magazine highlights the main events and is not a complete list of the events occurring from May 2014 – March 2015. Please go to visitnsw.com and relevant event owner websites for up-to-date information. For all events, please consult the relevant ticketing agency/location for ticket prices, booking fees, surcharges and applicable taxes. Please consult the ticketing agency/venue for total ticket prices before purchase. There may be other conditions imposed by the ticketing agency/location as a result of your purchase or attendance. Please make yourself aware of all conditions before purchase and/or attendance. Please note that individual activities may be subject to change or cancellation without notice. Location capacity restrictions may apply for some individual activities. Check visitnsw.com and relevant event owner websites for the latest information. Offers contained in this magazine are by third parties and not Destination NSW and may be subject to change, conditions and availability. Destination NSW acknowledges and appreciates all photographs and images supplied by photographers and event owners for use in this magazine. Such photographs and images may be from previous editions of events and may not be an accurate representation of the event elements that will occur in 2014-15. †Renders are artist impressions only and may not be an accurate representation of the event elements that will occur in 2014-15.

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IF IT’S WORTH SEEING OR DOING, IT’S ON IN REGIONAL NSW!This guide is packed with fabulous events and great ideas for an unforgettable stay in NSW.Find out more about what’s on in the following regions:

Blue Mountains

Northern Rivers

South Coast

Southern Highlands and Tablelands

Mid North Coast

The Murray

New England North West

Central Coast

The Hunter

Snowy Mountains

Central NSW

The Riverina

Outback NSW

Lord Howe Island

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