WE UNCOVER THE BEST OF NSW THIS MONTH
EAT – LAND AND SEA OF NSW AT NEL.
Sydney restaurant nel., spearheaded by chef Nelly Robinson, offers a seasonal degustation menu only, with the current instalment a celebration of the wonderful produce of NSW. Sample products from Pepe Saya (butter), Malfroy’s Gold (honey), Made by Cow (raw, cold-pressed milk), De Costi Seafood, The Wholegrain Milling Co. in dishes including BBQ prawn with wasabi mayonnaise and bisque and a pork doughnut. The Royal Botanic Garden cocktail features Joadja Gin from the Southern Highlands combining with lemon, jasmine tea and syrup, and wine comes from Mudgee, Rylstone and the Hunter Valley. The Land and Sea menu will run until 9 November for $118 per person, plus $95 for matching beverages. Visit nelrestaurant.com.au
An eco-retreat within Taronga Zoo will open on 10 October, providing a new, immersive way to experience the zoo. Sustainably designed lodges contain 58 rooms and four suites, many of them with views of Sydney Harbour or bushland. Guests will step out into a lush sanctuary with koalas, echidnas and platypus, where they can explore at their own pace or join guided tours. The restaurant Me-Gal will feature uniquely Australian menus with local produce and native ingredients. The Wildlife Retreat will contribute essential funding towards the Taronga Conservation Society Australia. Room rates start at $790 for two adults, which includes two-course dinner, buffet breakfast, Australian animal experiences and zoo admission. Visit taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo/wildlife-retreat
DINE – BLACKSMITH PROVEDORE
Lake Mulwala, in the Murray Riverina, is home to recently opened dining destination Blacksmith Provedore. The owner was inspired by the lazy summer holidays she had as a child in the region, and offers wood-fired pizza, grazing boards, specialty coffee and curated provedore goods sourced locally. It’s a place where lunch turns into dinner, with outdoor seating and an open pavilion. A short, punchy wine list and cocktails such as a Spicy Margarita and Gin and Tonic with Byron Ink Gin keep guests refreshed. The décor is particularly tasteful, with pink tasselled umbrellas, elegant arches, bone-coloured tiles on the bar and cream furniture. Visit blacksmithprovedore.com
It’s glamping at its finest – luxe safari tents amongst the natural surrounds of Cabarita Beach, in Northern NSW, with chic interiors and Koala mattresses. With classic, deluxe and family options, each tent is furnished with rugs, bath towels, guest amenities and communal areas which include a fully equipped kitchen preparation area, lounge area, BBQ, and a fire pit. It’s a fantastic base for exploring the Tweed region; Cudgen Creek Nature Reserve is a short stroll away as is excellent surfing, cafes, markets and local produce. The on-site host can set up stand-up paddleboard lessons, bike hire, Mt Warning tours or a massage. Visit hideawaycabaritabeach.com.au
The iconic waterfront restaurant in Balmoral will relaunch on 4 October with a new team after a significant renovation. The space now includes a new Chef’s Table for 12, lounge and bar areas, all-day Bathers’ Bistro and a second casual private dining space, The Sunroom. The incredible panoramic first floor will be open to the public on Sunday for lunch and the Kiosk will offer beach picnic hampers, fish and chips and more. The menu will be completely refreshed, with elegant coastal dining and a 350-bottle wine list. The décor will respect the building’s heritage, with blue and white stripes, custom furniture and contemporary Australian art works. Visit batherspavilion.com.au/cafe
EVENT – TWEED ARTISAN FOOD WEEKEND
The Tweed Artisan Food Weekend is a new annual event celebrating the dynamic food and drink scene in the Tweed Valley from 18-20 October. Featuring farms, restaurants and food producers which showcase ingredients unique to the region, activities include a tour and tasting session at Stone & Wood Brewery, bush tucker or seafood cooking classes at Temple Door Cooking School, luxury picnic at Finger Lime Farm, and meeting farmers over lunch of local produce. Accommodation packages are available at Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat, Mantra Resort or Peppers Resort. Visit destinationtweed.com.au/event/tweed-artisan-food-weekend-1
TOUR – LITTLE CREEK CHEESE
This family-owned business has been hand making cheese and condiments for over eight years in the Old Wyong Milk Factory, a 45-minute drive from Sydney. On this tour you can go behind the scenes with the cheesemaker, learn about the history of the site and enjoy a hands-on session making ricotta and paneer, which you can take home with you. You’ll also be able to sample 10 cheeses from the range afterwards. Visit littlecreekcheese.com.au
The Coniston Hotel in Wollongong has undergone a renovation to include accommodation on its second level. The 20 guest rooms all include ensuites, smart TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi, with options for adjoining rooms for families. Guests can enjoy the two bars, restaurant and beer garden on site and visit the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple, Jamberoo Action Park and the stunning coastline nearby.
Visit conistonhotel.com.au
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SPOTLIGHT ON: WINE BLOGGERS CONFERENCE 2019October 10-12 The Wine Media Conference will be held in NSW’s Hunter Valley this October, the first time outside of North America in 12 years. The conference provides an opportunity for bloggers, writers and industry members to network with international delegates from the USA, Europe, Asia and New Zealand. Learn from experts in writing, technology and social media. Participants will have the chance to taste Hunter Valley wines and take part in one of six excursions in the Hunter Valley. Speakers include eminent wine
journalists Bruce Schoenfield and Max Allen; communications experts Liz Barrett, Trish Barry and Devin Parr; and CEOs of wine brands Christina Tulloch and Chris Tyrell. There are also optional post-conference excursions to four other wine regions in NSW – Orange, Southern Highlands, Riverina and Mudgee. Register now at zephyrconferences.com/2019-registrations/wine-media-conference-registration-2019 October is a huge month for events in Sydney. The NRL Grand Final
will be held at the ANZ Stadium on 6 October, with US superstars OneRepublic performing before what will be a thrilling match. The famed Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is marching exclusively into Sydney this October for four shows at ANZ Stadium from 17-19 October. Staged at the historical Edinburgh Castle for the past 69 years, the Sydney 2019 season will be the largest Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ever presented. Fast-paced and action packed, the Rugby League World Cup 9s will come to Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta
on October 18-19, with the line-up including top male and female teams from Australia, New Zealand, PNG, and the USA. Ten years since its wildly successful inaugural Australian tour, Billy Elliot The Musical is playing at Sydney Lyric Theatre from 10 October. This feel-good favourite is about the growing pains of adolescence and overcoming adversity, with music by the legendary Elton John; don’t miss this heart-warming and toe-tapping show. Lastly, Sculpture by the Sea will return to Bondi’s
spectacular coastal walk, with 100 sculptures by artists from across the world on display.
SYDNEY EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Until 20 October – Chicago the Musical
The razzle dazzle world of Chicago the Musical is playing at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre with show-stopping tunes, iconic Aussie performers and slick choreography. Roxie Hart is played by Natalie Bassingthwaighte, while Casey Donovan hits the stage as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton. Visit chicagothemusical.com.au 6 October – NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final
Be part of history and witness the ultimate battle to see which NRL Club will be crowned 2019 Premiers. There’s a double-header format, fireworks and a pre-game show from OneRepublic. Visit https://tickets.nrl.com/grand-final From 10 October – Billy Elliot the Musical
Ten years since its inaugural Australian tour, Billy Elliot The Musical is set to return to the Sydney Lyric Theatre. Based on the film of the same name, it tells the tale of 11-year-old Billy Elliot from working-class England, who ends up in a ballet class. With music by the legendary Elton John, don’t miss this heart-warming show. Visit billyelliotthemusical.com.au
11-18 October – Night Noodle Markets
The bustling Night Noodle Markets will run for a week in Sydney’s Hyde Park. Guests can wander and feast on innovative tastes from Bao Brothers, Donut Papi, Bangkok Street Food and more. The markets are cash free with all major cards accepted. Visit goodfoodmonth.com
15-18 October – Parramatta Lanes Festival
Join this innovative street celebration of food and culture in Western Sydney. Hidden lanes and rooftops come alive with the talents of local artists, chefs, brewers and musicians. Visit parramattalanes.com.au 17-19 October – Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The famed Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is marching exclusively into Sydney this October for four shows at ANZ Stadium. Staged at the historical Edinburgh Castle for the past 69 years, the Sydney 2019 season will be the largest Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ever presented. Visit edinburghtattoosydney.com.au 18-19 October – Downer Rugby League World Cup 9s
Watch as 12 nations play across two days of action-packed World Cup 9s, at Parramatta’s Bankwest Stadium. Don’t miss the top male and female teams of the international game compete. Visit tickets.nrl.com/worldcup-9s-sydney 19 October – The Everest
Sydney’s Royal Randwick will host the world’s richest race during the eight-week Spring racing carnival. Indulge in the full race-day experience, enjoy exceptional racing views from one of the Australian Turf Club’s dining spaces or book a deluxe picnic hamper or a bar platter. Visit theeverest.com.au 24 October – 10 November – Sculpture by the Sea
The world’s largest annual free outdoor sculpture exhibition will be back on the cliffs of Bondi this Spring for its 23rd year. The Sculpture by The Sea two-kilometre walk features hundreds of works by artists from Australia and around the world, all set against a stunning ocean backdrop. Visit sculpturebythesea.com
25, 26, 31 October – 1-2 November – Halloscream7
With creepy street performers and a ghostly trick-or-treat trail, the Luna Park Halloween carnival Halloscream7 is not for the meek. Over two weekends, face your fears and be surprised with magic, monsters and mayhem from mild to wild. Your ticket includes Unlimited Rides. Visit halloween.sydney 26-27 October – Nepean Triathlon
Watch the world’s best compete in the Nepean Triathlon at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in this test of strength, endurance and athleticism. The course sits at the base of the Blue Mountains and utilises Penrith Lakes for the swim and the Great River Walk for the run. On the 26th, there are three youth events: Nepean Enticer, Tweens Triathlon and Kids Triathlon. Visit nepeantriathlon.com.au 29-31 October – Cebit Australia
This business and technology conference has incredible keynote speakers, exhibits and networking opportunities. Over three days immerse yourself in themes such as: The Future of Work; Changing Lives with Technology; and Applications of Emerging Technology. Visit cebit.com.au 30 October – 5 November – Starstruck
NIDA will present Starstruck The Stage Musical at the end of this month for a strictly limited season, starring the NIDA 2019 musical theatre graduating class. Based on the iconic 1980s film about a quirky teen trying to break into the music industry – the classic tale is a tribute to Sydney, set in The Rocks in the shade of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Visit nida.edu.au
REGIONAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
4-5 October – Deni Ute Muster
Every year on the broad flats of Riverine Plain, iconic country festival Deni Ute Muster brings cars, cowboys and music to Deniliquin, 750km from Sydney. This year the stellar performance line-up includes Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, Beccy Cole, plus headline act Tim McGraw. Visit deniutemuster.com.au 30 September – 4 October 2019 – FFA National Youth Championships for Boys
This exciting championship produces the next generation of players to represent Australian men's football. Held in Coffs Harbour since 2006, it’s Football Federation Australia's (FFA) primary national football competition for boys.
Visit nsw.gov.au/news-and-events 4-7 October – Sculpture on the Farm
Sculpture on the Farm is an exhibition of Australian sculpture, displayed in the gardens, paddocks and galleries of the rural cattle property Fosterton at Dungog. Entry is free to see over 100 artworks by some of Australia’s leading sculptors. Visit visitnsw.com/destinations
5 October – Oktoberfest at the Distillery
On the long weekend, Wildbrumby Distillery will be celebrating Oktoberfest with the foot-stomping Cooma Oom-pah-pah band from noon until 4pm. Dress up in a lederhosen or dirndl and sample schnapps as well as Austrian and German beers. Visit visitcooma.com.au 5-6 October – Gears and Beers Festival
Enjoy a day of picturesque cycling routes, bespoke bike builders, and a craft beer and cider festival in Wagga Wagga. This is a go-to event for cyclists who love a quality brew after their ride. Visit gearsandbeers.org.au 5-7 October – GV Block Party
This is a family-friendly cycling event on the South Coast. Over three fun days there are three challenging events — Dual Slalom, Northshore Challenge and the DHarCO Super D. Competitors can ride, party, sleep and repeat! Visit greenvalleysmountainbikepark.com 10-13 October – Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000
The most prestigious race in Australian motorsport on one of the world’s greatest race tracks, Mount Panorama in Bathurst. Visit supercars.com/bathurst1000
12 October – Wine Among the Roses
Linger over a long lunch in the rose garden at voco Hotel at Kirkton Park Hunter Valley and graze on platters of local produce. The three-course banquet for $95 pp includes paired wines from Iron Gate Estate. Visit huntervalley.vocohotels.com 12 October – Riverlights Festival
Riverlights Multicultural Festival comes to Central Maitland, celebrating global diversity with live music, dancing, food stalls, fire shows and a paper lantern flotilla. Visit maitlandriverlights.com.au 17-27 October – Macquarie Credit Union DREAM Festival
The Dubbo Regional Entertainment Arts and Music (DREAM) Festival showcases visual arts, theatre, dance, music and more from local and professional performers and artists. Visit dreamfest.com.au 18-20 October – Bird Haven Festival
This unique event in Shoalhaven Heads celebrates the beauty and wonder of birds. Find out more about our much-loved feathered friends with talks, walks, creative workshops, a bird-themed market and more. Visit birdhavenfestival.com.au 20 October – Ballina Food and Wine Festival
This lively community event has been running for 10 years, showcasing the best produce, restaurants and culinary expertise in the Ballina region, along with wines, craft beer and ciders. Visit ballinafoodandwine.com.au 25 October - 3 November – The Grafton Jacaranda Festival
Grafton Jacaranda Festival is the longest-running floral festival in Australia, held under canopies of purple blossoms and boasting a program of markets, open gardens and the Jacaranda Queen crowning. Visit jacarandafestival.com 13-27 October – Griffith Spring Fest
Discover the flavours and diversity of Griffith at their annual Spring festival. See the amazing citrus sculptures, walk through lovely gardens and taste local produce. Visit griffith.nsw.gov.au 18-27 October – Orange Wine Festival
The popular Orange Wine Festival showcases the wonderful produce and craft of the local winemakers of the Orange region. Taste and graze your way through wine masterclasses, the popular night market and the wine show judging. Visit orangewinefestival.com.au 19 October – Great Australian Beer Festival
Have a fantastic day out in Australia’s biggest alfresco beer and cider garden in Albury. There are over 150 brews to sample, food trucks and roving performers, as well as headline acts singer/songwriter Ruby Fields and The Potbelleez. Visit gabfalbury.com.au
20 October – Bowral Classic
The Bowral Classic is a one-day Gran Fondo cycling event held in the pretty Southern Highlands. Gran Fondo is a long-distance road cycling ride, originating in Italy in 1970. Choose from four riding courses, then explore the gardens, wineries and restaurants of the region. Visit bowralclassic.com.au October 25 – Rugby League Trans-Tasman Test Australian Kangaroos vs New Zealand Kiwis (Men’s) Australian Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns (Women’s)
Come and enjoy the excitement as Australia play New Zealand in an end-of-season double header at WIN Stadium in Wollongong. Visit wsec.com.au
25-27 October – Sand and Sea Festival
This outdoor multisport festival showcases some of Australia’s iconic aquatic sports such as ocean paddling, windsurfing and ocean swimming in Jervis Bay. For land lovers, there’s beach netball, sand sculpting and other family-friendly activities. Visit sandandsea.com.au
24-26 Oct, 31 Oct - 2 Nov – Fearaphobia
With over one hundred actors guaranteed to frighten you with their ghoulish antics, bookable experiences like Buried Alive, as well as haunted attractions such as The Doll Factory, Fearaphobia at Hawkesbury Showground is not for the faint-hearted. Visit fearaphobia.com.au 2-3 November – Highland Valley Forage
This exciting regional food experience is part of 2019 Wildfest and tells the story of the Southern Highlands through food and wine. Wildfest have partnered with three local chefs, including Indigenous chef, Mark Olive, offering guests the chance to indulge in an eight-course degustation, meet locals and listen to live music.
Visit wildfest.com.au
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