Insights - 20 February 2026
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NSW GOVERNMENT BRINGS BUSINESS BACK TO BONDI
The NSW Government is shining a light on Bondi and the experiences that make it a global drawcard.
The ‘Back to Bondi’ initiative aims to drive tourism growth and showcase the businesses that make this vibrant beachside destination unforgettable.
Rolling out across Destination NSW's digital and social channels, it includes:
- Sydney.com content takeover, highlighting Bondi to the 12.3 million website visitors who visit Sydney.com each year
- Social media activity inviting @sydney and @visitnsw's seven million followers to share their favourite Bondi moments with the world
- Advice for tourism operators on business listings on Sydney.com and VisitNSW.com.
Learn more here.
Pictured: Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper and Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin joined with Bondi business operators to launch the initiative.
WHERE TO EAT, STAY AND PLAY IN BONDI
Destination NSW has produced a guide to where to eat, stay and play in Bondi.
Whether it’s learning to surf, swimming at the famous Icebergs ocean pool, taking in the iconic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, enjoying a meal with friends, grabbing a morning coffee at a neighbourhood cafe or exploring vibrant local markets, Bondi offers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT PRECINCT TRIALS FOR BANKSTOWN AND CAMPSIE
Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) trials will be established in Bankstown and Campsie’s town centres to stimulate the night-time economy.
City of Canterbury Bankstown Council has been awarded a SEP Kickstart Grant ($112,000) to support Campsie's vibrant Asian dining scene and a range of festivals and events such as the Campsie Lantern Festival, while Bankstown’s SEP trial will support its wide array of international eateries and cultural hubs including Bankstown Arts Centre, Bryan Brown Theatre, a Western Sydney University campus and a variety of retail outlets.
Through the NSW Government’s SEP initiative, councils can tailor trading hours and sound rules within a designated area in consultation with their community to support shops, businesses, hospitality, entertainment and community facility operators to thrive.
Learn more here.
24-HOUR METRO AND LATE-NIGHT TRADING
FOR MARDI GRAS
This year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will see metro and rail services running 24 hours for the first time and venues trading into the early morning as part of the NSW Government’s ongoing push to rebuild Sydney’s night-time economy.
Special event trading hours will allow eligible hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, nightclubs and live music venues in the Oxford Street cultural and creative precinct to trade until 6am on 1 March 2026.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is proudly supported by Destination NSW.
AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK'S NEW HOME
The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has announced the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) as the central hub for AFC Australian Fashion Week 2026. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the event will take place from 11–15 May.
CONCERT SERIES FOR SYDNEY FISH MARKET
The NSW Government is bringing live music to the Sydney Fish Market with a twilight New Wave Concert Series. Launching on 21 February, it will feature emerging Australian acts including rock duo Big Wheels, disco funk band Bread Club and R&B artist John James.
RECORD-BREAKING BATHURST 12 HOUR
History was made at Mount Panorama last weekend with 55,231 fans attending the 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour, setting a new record for the event. The figure surpassed the previous record of 53,446 set in 2023, representing a seven per cent year-on-year increase. Bathurst 12 Hour was proudly supported by Destination NSW.
BOOKING PROGRAM FOR ABORIGINAL BUSINESSES
Applications are open for Be Bookable Online, a free program for Aboriginal-owned tourism businesses. Delivered by Destination NSW in partnership with Bookable Tourism, the program will help businesses set up booking software so travellers can book and pay for their experiences online. Applications close on 6 March 2026.
WEBINAR: VISITOR EXPERIENCE RESEARCH
Destination NSW will host a free 'NSW visitor experiences - state of play' webinar on 4 March 2026, featuring research by FiftyFive5 on the experiences that are resonating with domestic visitors to NSW. Register to learn more about the types of experiences that are appealing to visitors, practical tips for using the insights and information on how to access the new resources.
MOST ROMANTIC NSW RESTAURANTS
OpenTable has announced its annual Top 50 Romantic Restaurants in Australia list, which includes nine NSW venues: 99 On Park (Coffs Harbour), Bathers’ Pavilion (Balmoral), Blaq (Blackheath), Glasshouse at Goonoo Goonoo Station (Timbumburi), Lucetta Dining (Orange), Neptune’s Grotto (Sydney), Osteria di Russo & Russo (Enmore), The Union Bank (Orange) and Whalebone Wharf (Port Macquarie).
WOMEN'S ASIAN CUP DRONE SHOWS
Ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, Darling Harbour will host a one‑night only drone show. The sky will come alive on 22 February 2026 with graphics inspired by the tournament. AFC Women’s Asian Cup is proudly supported by Destination NSW.
RECORD CROWD FOR WOMEN'S T20I
Sydney Cricket Ground hosted a record crowd of 11,042 for the T20I match between Australia and India on 15 February 2026, the highest ever Women's International Cricket attendance at the venue. The match was proudly supported by Destination NSW.
TROPFEST RETURNS TO SYDNEY
Tropfest, the world’s largest short film festival, returns to Sydney’s Centennial Park on 22 February 2026. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the event is free to attend and will be livestreamed globally on YouTube.
GROOVIN THE MOO CONFIRMED FOR LISMORE
Groovin The Moo will return for a one-off show in Lismore on 9 May 2026 during Great Southern Nights, delivered by Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
TOURISM AUSTRALIA AI WEBINAR SERIES: Launching on 20 February 2026, the series will explore AI applications for tourism businesses and how social media and search discovery are changing. Register here
TOP TOURISM TOWN NOMINATIONS CLOSING SOON: Nominate your town for this year's awards program by 26 February 2026. Learn more
FOO FIGHTERS GIG FOR NEWCASTLE: McDonald Jones Stadium will host the band on 12 November 2026, providing a major boost to the Newcastle and Hunter visitor economy. Learn more
TRAVEL SPENDING TO RISE IN 2026: Travel booking platform Klook has released its Travel Pulse 2026 report, which reveals strong travel intent and rising experience-led spending. Learn more
NSW PACKS OUT ITS STADIUMS: Last weekend, for the first time on record, every NSW stadium hosted at least one major event. Learn more
EXTRA PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR NSW: The NSW Government has announced an additional public holiday on the Monday following Anzac Day this year and in 2027. Learn more
ROADMAP FOR REGIONAL ARTS AND CULTURE: The NSW Government is delivering Heartland: A Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, backed by a $5.2 million investment. Learn more
SYDNEY SECURES ANYMA CONCERT: Electronic music artist Anyma will perform at The Domain on 17 October 2026, proudly supported by Destination NSW. Learn more
NORTH SECTION OF GREAT RIVER WALK REOPENS: The pathway between Weir Reserve and Cassola Place has reopened to the public following major repairs. Learn more
"WEEKENDING" TRAVEL TREND: Airbnb research shows nearly 80 per cent of Australians find short trips more enjoyable than long breaks. Learn more
FOLLOW DESTINATION NSW ON LINKEDIN: Stay up to date with all the latest Destination NSW initiatives by following us on LinkedIn. Click here
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