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MARCH 2020 EDITION
WE UNCOVER WHAT'S NEW in NSW THIS MONTH
FLY – QANTAS BYRON BAY
QANTAS is relaunching flights from Ballina to Sydney for the first time in 15 years. A daily return flight will recommence from the Northern Rivers town from 29 March, with 36,000 seats on the route available per year. The flight will depart Ballina Byron Gateway Airport in the morning and return from Sydney Airport in the evening, with Qantas Domestic Chief Executive Officer Andrew David saying demand for premium travel to the region was behind the relaunch. “Byron Bay continues to be an incredibly popular destination for holidaymakers of all types... we’ve seen more and more luxury hotels established in recent years and we think it’s the right time for Qantas to again fly directly to Ballina,” he said. Visit qantas.com
TOUR – HYDE PARK BARRACKS
When Hyde Park Barracks reopens this month after a $20 million dollar renovation, a new historical tour will bring convict tales to life. The museum is an extraordinary living record of early Australia – as well as housing convicts it has been an immigration depot, asylum and law court. The fascinating tour has been based on convict records and voiced by actors to immerse visitors in early Sydney and the day-to-day lives of four characters. There will also be a bold new installation by Jonathan Jones as part of the Art & About program. The temporary artwork has been created with red and white gravel, displaying motifs of Indigenous Australia and symbols of incarceration. Visit hydeparkbarracks
EAT – THE BROKEN HILL PUB
A new watering hole for the Outback town of Broken Hill has opened, with an outdoor dining area and friendly staff. The hotel was established in 1886 and was the oldest operating pub in Broken Hill before it closed in 2014. The recent restoration has modernised the space while honouring the pub’s rich history. Food wise, expect classics like steak, burgers and schnitzels as well as karaage chicken wings, crispy pork belly and roasted marrow bone; there’s also a kid’s menu. Expect live music and other activities in the coming months. Visit facebook.com/The-Broken-Hill-Pub
STAY – FARM & CO
A family farm in Kingscliff in the Tweed region on the North Coast, Farm & Co, grow fruit and vegetables by organic principles as well as sunflowers, which you can pick in season. Along with a café and store, the owners have recently added accommodation – a one-bedroom apartment with contemporary styling and rural views. There’s a full kitchen, air conditioning and a terrace to soak up the serenity. In the morning say hello to Hank the vegan pig, the chickens and cows; enjoy mushroom scramble at the café; then gather fresh produce from the store.
Visit farmandco.com.au
STAY – ABODE HOTEL MALUA BAY
Abode is known for stylish self-contained accommodation across Australia and have recently opened a new hotel facing beautiful Malua Bay Beach on the NSW South Coast. Abode offers family rooms, studios and pet-friendly options, and all of the 52 light and airy rooms have kitchenettes, a washer/dryer and bathroom potions by Ideology. Guests can stroll metres to the sand, dine at nearby restaurants or borrow one of the complimentary Abode bicycles to explore the natural beauty of the South Coast. Visit abodehotels.com.au/hotels/malua-bay
DO – TUMBARUMBA TO ROSEWOOD
The Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail will open in early April, the first on public land following a disused rail corridor. The cycling and pedestrian trail will be 22km in length and informative signage will be installed to tell a range of stories about the history, environment and agriculture of the region. There will be picnic tables nestled under the tall trees at the old Wolseley Park station site – the perfect spot for a break once the trail is open. For the opening day on Saturday 4 April, a full day of celebrations begins with brunch before fun activities at Rosewood. Visit facebook.com/tumbarumbarailtrail
DO – WOW BOX PENRITH
The next school holidays are almost upon us and Western Sydney has a new indoor fun park with a twist, guaranteed to keep children and adults alike entertained for hours. The unique concept offers a new action adventure every six weeks, decided by a ‘What’s In The Box’ vote on Facebook. It could be anything from a kids’ radio-controlled construction site to a zombie shootout or Mission Impossible-style laser beam challenge. Book your space and turn up to see what’s in the box. It adds a layer of excitement and anticipation to your next Western Sydney adventure. Visit wowbox.com.au
DINE - ANTICA CARCOAR
On 4 April during Orange F.O.O.D Week, guests can enjoy a culinary and cultural collaboration between Antica Australis, Indigenous Cultural Adventures and Milan Dhiiyaan in Carcoar, just 40 minutes from Orange. The Ancient Southern Lands event boasts five Italian-style courses with distinctive First Nation Australian flavours. During the progressive dinner there will be a dance performance from local Wiradjuri cultural group, Milan Dhiiyaan; appetisers at Antica Australis and dinner at the Carcoar School of Arts to fully immerse guests in the historical and culinary soul of Carcoar. Visit anticacarcoar.com
SYDNEY'S FIRST PINK RACE DAY
The Australian Turf Club are partnering with the McGrath Foundation to host the inaugural Pink Fashion Lunch at Rosehill Gardens on Chandon Ladies Day 2020.
Guests frock up in pink for a fabulous cause and will be entertained by exclusive performances, runway moments and a line-up of high-powered speakers as they dine on a three-course luncheon by star chef Colin Fassnidge and sip premium plonk such as Chandon Brut Rosé.
Diminutive singer and ARIA award winner Samantha Jade will serenade the crowd, and on the podium will be McGrath Foundation Director and brand ambassador Tracey Bevan, ATC Director Angela Bella McSweeney and Group One winning trainer, Kim Waugh.
For ladies and gents who love to lunch this is set to be the ultimate social event on the Autumn Racing Calendar. Tickets are $245 per person and $225 for Australian Turf Club members.
When: Saturday 14 March 2020
Where: The Grand Pavilion (Level 2), Rosehill Gardens, 12.30pm
Tickets are limited, book at australianturfclub.com.au/pink-fashion-lunch/
CONTENT PACKAGES
VISIT AN OUTBACK LIKE NO OTHER
The Broken Hill and Central Darling Shire region is a different kind of Outback, dotted with greenery, red dirt for miles, underneath a glittering night sky. You’ll receive an outsized welcome by its outgoing residents and experience a passionate art scene, strong Indigenous culture and fabulous drag performances.
EASTER HOLIDAYS FROM THE HEART
This Easter, it’s time to show the world what you love about NSW – from the beach to the bush, from tiny towns to big cities. It’s almost school holiday time and with the Easter public holidays in the mix – why not plan a break in NSW and give the tourism industry a break too? Download the content below for wonderful Easter holiday ideas around the state.
Plan a #RecoveryWeekend in NSW around one of these fantastic events …
Until 8 March ICC T20 World Cup 2020, Sydney
The ICC T20 World Cup is the pinnacle global event for this fast growing format of cricket. The tournament will see selected matches for the women’s tournament (21 February to 8 March) and the men’s tournament (18 October to 15 November 2020) played in Sydney. Visit t20worldcup.com/fixtures/women
5-14 March – World Surf League: Sydney Surf Pro, Manly
This first event in the Challenger Series will see 200 of the world's best surfers battle in Manly's beach breaks in front of huge crowds.
Visit worldsurfleague.com/event-guide-sydney-surf-pro
6-8 March – Girrakool Blues Festival & BBQ, Central Coast
This three-day festival in Mount Penang Event Park boasts an international and Aussie blues line-up, along with barbecues, soul food market stalls and traditional ceremonies.
Visit girrakoolblues.com.au
7 March – A Day in The Orchard, Lake Wyangan, Griffith
A cultural festival with local food, wine, beer, artists and musicians on Piccolo Family Farm.
Visit adayintheorchard.com.au
Until 8 March – Surfest 2020, Newcastle
Surfest Newcastle is Australia's biggest festival of surfing and provides a wide array of action in and out of the water for both locals and visitors.
Visit surfest.com
12-15 March – Macksville Music Muster, Macksville
On the mid North Coast of NSW, this country music muster gathers country artists for three days of performances, along with bush dancing, food stalls, kids' rides and bush poets.
Visit macksvillemusicmuster.com.au
14-15 March Bathurst Cycling Classic
Part of the Gran Fondo World Series, the Bathurst Cycling Classic offers several events across two days; Criterium Racing, Hill Climb Championships and B2B (Bathurst to Bathurst).
Visit bathurstcyclingclassic.com.au
13-15 March – Minerama Fossicking Gem and Jewellery Show, Glen Innes
This is NSW’s largest annual gem and jewellery show, attracting visitors and dealers from all over Australia. Come along for gem hunting, fossicking field trips and outdoor adventures.
Visit minerama.com.au
11-14 March – National Touch League, Coffs Harbour
This monumental event will see 120 touch football teams descend on the C.ex International Stadium in Coffs Harbour.
Visit touchfootball.com.au/2020-ntl-dates
11-12 March – The Young Regional Leaders Think Tank, Armidale
Held in the historic Saumarez Homestead, this immersive experience gathers like-minded people to contemplate and discuss creating leaders of the future.
Visit visitnsw.com/young-regional-leaders-think-tank
14 March – Eat The Street Lismore, Lismore
This bustling food, arts and music festival attracts foodies from far and wide and is fast becoming a highlight on the North Coast’s event calendar.
Visit eatthestreetlismore.com.au
19 March – Albury Gold Cup Carnival, Albury
This premier country racing carnival in Australia is held over two days with over $650,000 in prize money and marquees lining the straight.
Visit alburyracing.com.au
21 March - Mooney Mooney Oyster Festival
Enjoy the best produce in the Hawkesbury region with fresh oysters from Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed and Sydney Oyster Tours as well as cured meats and cheese and a petting zoo for the kids.
Visit mooneymooneyclub.com.au/events/oyster-festival
21-29 March – 2020 Australian Athletics Championships, Sydney
More than 3500 track and field athletes of all ages will compete in the 2020 Australian Athletics Championships at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre.
Visit athletics.com.au/events
22 March – Newcrest Orange Challenge, Orange
The Bicycle Network brings riders together in world-class events. The Newcrest Orange Challenge takes cyclists along car-free country roads and challenging surfaces past beautiful regional views.
Visit bicyclenetwork.com.au
27 March – Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour La Traviata Opening Night, Sydney
At this grand pop-up venue on Sydney Harbour, watch the opening night of one of the world’s most popular operas, La Traviata. There’s a giant chandelier, fireworks every night and memorable music.
Visit opera.org.au
27 March – 5 April - Orange F.O.O.D WEEK, Orange
Australia’s longest-running food festival, Orange F.O.O.D Week showcases the region’s seasonal food and wine over 10 days at markets, dinners, lunches and more.
Visit orangefoodweek.com.au
28 March – Band Together 2020, Menangle
Wollondilly Shire residents are gathering together for a benefit concert to thank emergency service volunteers who worked tirelessly to defend communities during the bushfire crisis. Expect live music, family amusement rides, food and market stalls and free entry for local RFS, emergency service personnel and their families.
Visit bandtogether2020.com.au
28 March – Goulburn Bookfest, Goulburn
This event for literary lovers celebrates all things books with fascinating workshops on writing, illustrating and publishing, along with book signings and a literary dinner at the Astor Hotel.
Visit gmlibrary.com.au
28 March - The New England Expo, Uralla
Plan a relaxing day of eating, drinking and shopping at this makers market in the beautiful region of New England. You’ll find honey producers, alpaca farmers, artisan ferments and more.
Visit seasonsofnewengland.com.au
28-29 March – Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail, Bathurst
Bathurst will celebrate over 200 years of its rich history, paying homage to the trades and traditions that have helped shape the region.
Visit bathurstregion.com.au
23-29 March – Sydney International Rowing Regatta, Sydney
The nation’s best rowers return to Penrith for 2020 for the Sydney International Rowing Regatta.
Visit sirr.rowingaustralia.com.au
3-14 April – Sydney Royal Easter Show
Built on the traditions of the city-meets-country fair and dating back to 1823, the Royal Easter Show is Australia’s largest ticketed event. It’s a unique celebration of the Australian way of life with agricultural experiences, fresh produce, animal displays, arts and crafts, baking, carnival rides, live entertainment and much more.
Visit eastershow.com.au
