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EXPLORE THE BEAUTY ON YOUR DOORSTEP AND LOVE NSW
Ignite your travel dreams and uncover new and inviting places to visit in Sydney and NSW. Explore Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches with surfing legend Layne Beachley and discover the top spots for whale watching in NSW. And don’t forget to tick off your adventure wish list with our 213 Ways to Reboot 2020 in NSW. Now’s the time to get out, explore your own backyard and #LoveNSW.
WHAT'S NEW IN NSW
One Lazy Sunday (pictured above) is a new Airstream Hotel in the Byron Bay hinterland with everything you need for a luxury camping getaway. Choose your desired location and the accommodation will come to you, along with the luxuries that you would expect to find in a five-star hotel, think Aesop toiletries and Cultiver bed linen.
The talented team at culinary juggernaut Three Blue Ducks is partnering with Nimbo Fork Lodge in the Snowy Valleys. Launching mid July, the team will be running the kitchen and catering for weddings at the lodge.
One of the grandest buildings of Gundagai has been reimagined as a boutique hotel. Flash Jacks is a contemporary take on country style. With nine sophisticated suites housed in a restored 1888 manor, it’s open for bookings now.
Get off the grid in a rustic eco hut in the Snowy Valleys. At Kestrel Nest EcoHut you can collect eggs from your own hen house and stand by the fire pit to marvel at the clear night sky.
The latest wine weekender to pop on your list is Talits Estate in the world-renowned Hunter Valley. This sensational property boasts olive groves, vineyards, a stylish cellar door and a French-style farmhouse to stay overnight in.
Opening in August, The Pause in Gerringong is set to be a luxe coastal getaway just two hours’ drive from Sydney. Launched by the creators of SOUL in Gerringong, this minimalist six-bedroom property is close to Werri Beach, making it the perfect South Coast short break.
NOW'S THE TIME TO TICK OFF YOUR REBOOT 2020 TRAVEL LIST
Now that travelling in NSW is back on the cards, we’re busy working through completing our list of 213 adventures to reboot 2020 in NSW. Here are eight unique adventures to add to your travels between now and December:
1. Wake up with the incredibly cute locals at Taronga Zoo’s Wildlife Retreat overlooking the Sydney city skyline and Sydney Harbour. Peek outside the window of your luxury abode to see koalas, wallabies, platypus and more.
2. When the sun goes down, the skies in Outback NSW really light up. Go on a stargazing adventure and explore Australia’s first Dark Sky Park in the Warrumbungles.
3. No trip to the Coffs Coast is complete without a stop (and a photo) at the Big Banana, Coffs Harbour’s famous landmark. Go bananas and take a road trip to the North Coast of NSW.
4. Take a selfie and become one of the millions who marvel in awe each year at the Three Sisters rock formation, the Blue Mountains’ most spectacular landmark.
5. Walk on some of the purest sands in the world on the glorious White Sands Walk in Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast.
6. Visit the highest peak in Australia, Mount Kosciuszko, in the NSW Snowy Mountains. There are two ways you can reach the top and both offer spectacular views, with one beginning in Thredbo and the other in Charlotte Pass.
7. A running ‘hot lap’ race on a world-renowned motor racing track? That’s the Panorama Punish in Bathurst on Mount Panorama.
8. View the Walls of China in Mungo National Park (pictured above) in Outback NSW, dramatic formations sculpted by wind and erosion, where 36,000-year-old relics of ancient Aboriginal culture have been discovered.
For the full 213 Ways to Reboot 2020 in NSW list, go to visitnsw.com/213adventures or contact media@dnsw.com.au
ON THE WHALE TRAIL IN NSW
The NSW coastline is known as the Humpback Highway for good reason: from late autumn to early spring, over 30,000 whales travel north from the Southern Ocean to feed and breed in the Pacific. Visit these seaside vantage points along the NSW coast for a front-row seat as the whales embark on their journey.
Up North
Spot whales from Cape Byron, Australia’s most easterly point, and on small cruise tours like Whale Watching Byron Bay and Blue Bay Whale Watching. Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay and Cape Byron Kayaks will take you out on the water to see the mammals up close, or head to Ballina Head Lookout for panoramic views of the ocean and passing whales.
Swimming with humpback whales is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and Jetty Dive in Coffs Harbour runs tours where you can swim alongside a pod of whales. Further south, Port Macquarie’s 9km Coastal Walk is dotted with stunning vantage points for whale spotting. You can also cruise on Port Jet Cruise Adventures’ Wave Rider, one of the fastest commercial whale-watching boats around.
Whales in the City
Closer to the city, watch whales from the lookouts at Sydney Harbour’s North and South Head. For on-the-water experiences, Go Whale Watching Sydney, Captain Cook Cruises, Fantasea Cruising and Manly Ocean Adventures are some of many whale-watching cruises that leave from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Manly.
Down South
To see newborn whale calves frolicking with their mothers, Jervis Bay (pictured above) is a top spot. It’s about halfway along the migration, so they often stop to rest and play. Swim with whales and seals on a tour with Dive Jervis Bay or jump on a cruise with Jervis Bay Wild. If you prefer to stay dry, there’s a viewing platform in Booderee National Park. Travel further south to Eden – a whale-watching hub. Whales and their calves often rest in Twofold Bay before their final leg back.
Layne Beachley at Manly Beach. Photographer: Angela Louise
LAYNE BEACHLEY'S MANLY FAVOURITES
Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches is famous for its relaxed coastal vibe, buzzing cafes and restaurants, as well as its beautiful beaches. Seven-time surfing world champion and local, Layne Beachley, lets us in on her favourite things to see and do.
Learn to surf at Manly Beach
Manly is an aquatic playground perhaps best known for its epic surf conditions. Did you know Manly Beach is where the first world-surfing contest was held in 1964? “I started surfing on the harbourside of Manly as a four year old, waiting for the ferry to come in to produce a boat wake and progressed to the open ocean waves by the time I was five,” says Layne. Learn to surf with Manly Surf School or Manly Surf Guide.
Catch the Manly Ferry
Since 1855, Sydney Ferries has operated the famous Manly Ferry. The trip takes only 30 minutes from Circular Quay but offers spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and the city. “I love soaking up the sun on the outside deck, inhaling the fresh, salty air and admiring the picturesque landmarks of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison and the Sydney Opera House along the way,” says Layne.
Dine at Hugos at Manly Wharf (reopening August 2020)
“Hungry for the best pizza in the world? You can’t go past Hugos on Manly Wharf,” says Layne. Hugos Manly offers an unforgettable dining experience in one of Sydney's most stunning waterfront locations. Enjoy a thin-crust pizza and a tasty cocktail as you admire the glistening water across Manly Cove.
Ride, walk or run along the beachfront
Manly locals are known for their active lifestyle with thousands taking to the world-famous beachfront every day. “I still love to join the steady stream of people exercising along the esplanade, or riding and skating along the bike path between Shelly Beach and Queenscliff,” says Layne. “The beauty of the pristine waters, white sand and natural surrounds make my heart sing.” You can hire a bicycle from Manly Bike Tours and Hire and ride along the tree-lined promenade.
Visit the local drinking holes
Manly is brimming with historic hotels and trendy bars. “We have several of the best pubs in the world,” says Layne. “Drinking holes such as The Hold and The Cumberland are definitely worth a visit, and make sure you stop into the Hotel Steyne (the original pub was built in 1859) for a beer with the locals and my dad.”
PORT STEPHENS: INCREDIBLE BY NATURE
Hailed as a slice of paradise by locals, Port Stephens is only two hours’ drive from Sydney but feels a world away. With golden dunes, pristine wilderness and a food scene showcasing the abundant local bounty, here’s the lowdown on this coastal paradise to make the most of your next trip.
Desert Adventures
The Stockton Bight Sand Dunes must be experienced to be believed, the sheer size of the ever-changing golden dunes are sure to amaze. Let the story unfold of the traditional Worimi people as you take a cultural quad bike tour, slide down the soft sand on a board or ride a camel at sunset.
Stay at Bay Haus
A newly restored beach shack in a magical location, Bay Haus in Nelson Bay is a luxurious two-storey getaway for friends and family. The interiors have a dreamy palette of pink, gold and grey; the balcony catches the coastal breeze, and there are three bedrooms sleeping up to five guests.
Swim with dolphins
Glide through the water as an inquisitive pod of dolphins play and splash around you! At Dolphin Swim Australia, six guests are attached to a rope between the bows of a catamaran and towed through the water while dolphins swim around.
Beers on the beach
One of the early small craft beer pioneers in Australia, Murray’s Brewery is open for tastings and tours. Start with the classic Whale Ale and sample something seasonal — there are 10 beers on tap. And for a cold beer in a sunlit garden, head to Cheeky Dog Bar, for a mediterranean menu bursting with flavoursome local ingredients.
Dining with a view
The team at Bannisters Port Stephens — one of celebrity chef Rick Stein’s restaurants — is obsessed about seafood. The team seeks out the very best catch of the day and presents it simply so the quality shines through. For a casual meal with magnificent views of the golden sand dunes at Anna Bay, dine at Crest Birubi Beach with an outdoor terrace and modern Australian fare.
VISUAL STORYTELLING GALLERIES
A Taste of NSW
From our 213 adventures in 213 days, have a taste of NSW with these delicious foodie experiences from foraging for truffles to catching your own seafood or sipping apple cider in the mountains.
Your Next NSW Journey
Get inspired to hit the road or a lesser-known trail with this stunning gallery of drives, trails and journeys through NSW’s diverse landscapes.
