Cool experiences for hot days

At last, 2025 is here! And as we savour every shining moment of these summer days – and daydream about the year’s worth of holidays ahead – the possibilities to hit refresh in New South Wales are as bright and limitless as the bold blue skies above. 

Breathe in an energising, renewing perspective of those vast skies by floating beneath them in one of the state’s magnificent ocean pools. This week’s feature will see you topping up your Vitamin Sea in the South Coast’s best from the Illawarra to Eden. 

Then, throw on your festive threads because the Event Spotlight is packed with world-class, live entertainment to keep the good times flowing. This weekend sees the Sydney Festival 2025 open with more than 130 events to celebrate the art of summer until 26 January.  

Further afield, it’s almost time for the Toyota 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival – the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and longest running country music festival. Get set for 10 unforgettable days of country creativity with a range of ticketed, free and family-friendly shows to scoot your boots!  

Enjoy – and Happy New Year! 

Dive into the stunning ocean pools of the South Coast

You’ll find spectacular ocean pools dotted along the southern coastline of New South Wales. These handmade pools, fed by the ocean’s waves, are often built into the rocks near beautiful sandy beaches, can be hidden away along the coastline and are enjoyed mostly by locals. Ocean pools are great for kids learning how to swim, lap swimming and for a dip on the days when the waves are a little too big for your liking. Here’s where to find an ocean pool on the coast south of Sydney.