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FEBRUARY 2020 EDITION
TAKE A #RECOVERYWEEKEND in NSW
Recharge your batteries and support communities affected by drought and bushfires by taking a #RecoveryWeekend in regional NSW. Book a getaway in NSW that gives back to the communities that need support the most. You need it and they need it too! It’s a WIN WIN.
Book your #RecoveryWeekend and enjoy one of the experiences below for a getaway that gives back. Share your trip on social media using the hashtags #NewSouthWales #RecoveryWeekend
15 Experiences around NSW:
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.
Plan a fishing weekend with friends in the beautiful Riverina region of NSW. Start at Mamanga campground in Yanga National Park by the Murrumbidgee River and spend the day fishing, kayaking and swimming. Head into Murray Valley National Park and set up for a day of fishing near Edward River Bridge Picnic area, and enjoy a scenic walk and spectacular birdwatching. Stay the night at Benarca campground, which offers views of the Murray River and majestic river red gums from your tent.
Snorkel with seals at stunning Montague Island off the coast of Narooma. The second largest island off NSW, it is a significant site for local Aboriginal people and its lighthouse was built in the late 19th century. The island is home to seals, little penguins and seabirds, and Montague Island Discovery Tours take you to crystal clear shallow bays to swim amongst the playful fur seals.
The South Coast food festival Eat Merimbula has expanded for the 2020 edition and will be held over two days on March 6-8. It will open with a degustation-style dinner with three of the region’s best chefs on the pans. On Saturday, enjoy a long table lunch at Wheeler’s Seafood Restaurant and sample local brews at the inaugural Craft Beer Festival. On Sunday find the main event at Fishpen – a bustling market with the best of the region’s produce.
The Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie has been busy searching for injured koalas to take in for rehabilitation, and distributing Wildlife Watering Stations to drought- and fire-affected areas in NSW. Visit the cute creatures on the North Coast up close and support the organisation.
Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours take place on the homelands of the Gumbaynggirr tribal nation, which is also known as the Coffs Coast, and are run by Aboriginal people with strong ties to the land. The stand-up paddle tours take place in culturally significant marine parks and are a fantastic way to explore the area.
Learn about the incredible work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Dubbo at their interactive exhibition. Watch how doctors treat a patient in a cabin of an aeromedical aircraft via augmented reality, immerse yourself in live operations unfolding on giant control screens, and hear stories of real rescues from former patients.
The Brewarrina fish traps are estimated to be over 40,000 year old; an elaborate network of pools and weirs built along the banks of the Barwon River near Bourke in Outback NSW. Join a guided tour to hear a Dreamtime story told by Aboriginal elders and hear the history of the fish traps and the tribes that live on the river.
Broken Hill was Australia's first nationally listed Heritage city, and its status is celebrated at the Heritage Festival every year in April. This year's theme is Secrets and Scandals, and includes dinner in a laneway, an open-air cinema and a cemetery tour.
If you’re keen to explore the Blue Mountains but want to avoid the preparation involved in a hike, a tour by Freeland Hiking Co is the ideal solution. The Blue Mountains Explorer tour includes transport to and from Sydney, a hike to the Leura cascades, a ride on the world’s steepest railway and a gourmet picnic lunch of fresh produce and artisan products from the region.
Earp Distillery opened in Newcastle in December, making gin, vodka and absinthe in beautiful reusable ceramic bottles. Visit the bar for an expertly made cocktail and tapas, or book a course at the Spirit School. It includes a tasting flight, distillery tour and a lesson in distilling so you can produce your very own bottle of gin.
If you like to embark on a nature adventure with a glass of sparkling wine in hand, book the Canoes, Champagne & Canapes tour in the Southern Highlands. Run by WILDfest, you’ll paddle through a sunken forest on a freshwater lake while sipping sparkling wine and eating delicious local canapés. Also in April, WILDfest is offering Mushroom Foraging Workshops in the Penrose State Forest, to teach you how to identify and pick pine and slippery jack mushrooms.
The Shoalhaven region is known for excellent scuba diving and snorkelling, with clear water to see a wide range of fish, weedy sea dragons, smooth black rays and giant cuttlefish. Dive Jervis Bay offers a range of snorkelling and diving trips as well as diving courses. If you want to explore on your own, head to the beaches surrounding Currarong and Abrahams Bosom Reserve. Further south, Jones Bay near Mollymook is another excellent location and one of the only pebble beaches in the region.
Sydney has a jam-packed calendar of events all year. Momo Fest is happening in April for the first time; a celebration of the Nepalese/Tibetan dumplings in Wyatt Park, Lidcombe. There will also be live music, multicultural performances and workshops.
With excellent views of Sydney Harbour at sunset and the animals heading to bed nearby, the Twilight at Taronga concert series is one of the best summer activities. All proceeds contribute to the zoo’s ongoing conservation work. See Pete Murray, Kasey Chambers or a comedy gala.
There are so many ways to enjoy New South Wales — now is the time to visit Sydney, the state’s regions and enjoy their unforgettable experiences. For travel inspiration and planning advice, explore VisitNSW.com.
Bushfires continue to impact parts of New South Wales. Visitors to New South Wales and local travellers should seek the most up-to-date information prior to departure, and remain vigilant about changing conditions on the ground.
Always follow instructions from the Rural Fire Service (rfs.nsw.gov.au) and other Government agencies and Emergency Services, including National Parks (nationalparks.nsw.gov.au), NSW Police (facebook.com/nswpoliceforce) and the Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/) prior to travelling and adjust travel plans accordingly.
Visitors may encounter delays travelling in some areas of the State due to damaged or partially closed roads. The latest information about road closures is available at livetraffic.com.
WE UNCOVER WHAT'S NEW in NSW THIS MONTH
STAY – MARSDEN HOTEL BURWOOD
EAT – SIGNAL BOX
A five-star boutique hotel has opened in Burwood, to encourage tourists to get out of Sydney CBD and explore the inner west. The suburb is somewhat of a food mecca, with a wide variety of excellent Chinese restaurants. The hotel offers room service around the clock, bathrooms decked with marble and freestanding bathtubs, as well as a restaurant, patisserie and Mediterranean-inspired rooftop. Onyx restaurant focuses on dry-aged beef cooked in a charcoal oven, and the rooftop, Skye Bar, has a pool, private cabanas and a rolling Aperol trolley. Visit marsdenhotels.com.au
The Signal Box is part of the Newcastle Railway Station precinct, showcasing the layout of the former 19th century Victorian railway. The heritage building has now been repurposed into a restaurant, with a dining pavilion made of steel and concrete, rooftop area and a mezzanine to view the historic signalling and lever gears. Open from breakfast to dinner, the menu covers a variety of international influences with everything made in house. Dishes from the kids’ menu come with an activity pack and the wine list is largely compiled of Australian producers. Visit signalbox.com.au
DO – SYMBIO SPLASH PARK
EAT – DIGGIES KIAMA
A new water park has opened within a zoo — the perfect Summer two-in-one activity. The Symbio Splash Park is located within Symbio Wildlife Park, just 40 mins south of Sydney CBD. The park features large water fountains and squirters, spray loop tunnels and large tipping buckets as well as large picnic areas and undercover shelters. Entry to the park is included as part of your standard ticket, so you can visit Australian and exotic wildlife before cooling down under the water. Visit symbiozoo.com.au/splash-park
An elegant all-day café serving local seafood and excellent cocktails has opened in Kiama near the iconic Blowhole. Try housemade granola with coconut yoghurt and berries, salmon croquettes with poached eggs or a classic prawn roll with celery and aioli. A short takeaway menu is available if you’re in the mood for a picnic. Clean white walls, forest green details and plants combine to create a modern coastal vibe. Leave room for an ice-cream from local micro-dairy, Pines. Visit diggies.com.au/kiama
TOUR – TABLE UNDER A TREE
The Northern Rivers area is well-known for its excellent produce. Table Under a Tree offers small group tours exploring farms, roadside stalls, farm gates and markets in the region. Three or four stops plus a coffee break and lunch at a restaurant or hotel are included. You might visit The Australian Native Bee Company, The Bay Smokehouse (for smoked seafood), Wattle Tree Creek (for preserves and chutneys with Indigenous ingredients), Picone Exotic Fruits or Tullamoor Macadamias. Also available are food ‘pods’ – a package of local ingredients, delivered to your accommodation in Byron to cook for yourself. Visit tableunderatree.com.au
TOUR – SIDING SPRING OBSERVATORY DISCOVERY PROGRAM
In 1974, the Anglo-Australian telescope was opened as Australia’s National Astronomical Facility on the edge of the Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarren, NSW.
Discover Australia’s largest optical telescope in a 90-minute walking tour led by working astronomers, technicians and engineers. You will learn about the history of the site and some of the mysteries of the universe it has helped uncover. The tours run every Thursday morning and Saturday afternoon. Visit darkskytraveller.rezdy.com
TOUR – FREELAND HIKING CO.
The all-inclusive tour company is offering a new expedition – a four-day trip hiking the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Starting and ending with a night in a luxury chalet, the track will take you across rivers, past the blue lake and over mountain ranges.
The tour is led by a professional guide in groups no bigger than six and all meals and snacks are provided. It’s a perfect option for inexperienced hikers, because a backpack, mat, sleeping bag, tent and head torch are included in the price. Tours will take place in February, March and April.
DRINK - VAMP
New wine rooms have opened by Lisa McGuigan on Broke Road, in the Hunter Valley. Vamp has a slick black exterior and the monochrome theme continues through the space, including a painted feature wall. The centre of the room contains a circular tasting bar, surrounded by four-semi private tasting rooms and a large group tasting room for up to 30. An oyster bar will be opening from Friday to Sunday, offering oysters matched to Champagne. In the future, there will be an Art & Sculpture Park next to the cellar door featuring 30 Charles Blackman sculptures. Visit vampbylisamcguigan.withwine.com
Image Credits: Alexander Mcintyre Photography; EJE Architecture
FEBRUARY 2020 EVENT GUIDE
SPOTLIGHT ON: ICC WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP
The ICC T20 World Cup is the pinnacle global event for the fastest growing format of cricket, and it’s prime time to buy tickets, with Sydney to host the Australia versus India match in the women’s tournament next month on 21 February.
The NSW State Government secured the T20 Cricket World Cup as part of the NSW Premier’s 10 World Cups in 10 years strategy. The tournament will see selected matches for the women’s tournament (21 February to 8 March 2020) and the men’s tournament (18 October to 15 November 2020) played in Sydney, with other host cities including Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne.
While the world’s greatest cricketers are on show in Australia for the tournaments, each host city will have the opportunity to host an official Team Celebration for T20 fans. Sydney’s pop-up fan activation will take place on 19 February 3-7pm at Sydney Opera House forecourt, giving crowds a chance to meet the T20 women’s Team India and Team Australia.
As well as the player meet and greet, there’ll be an interactive fan team support booth, a virtual reality hitting range and more. Keep up to date on T20 World Cup’s Facebook page here.
See the schedule for the Women’s World Cup at t20worldcup.com/fixtures/women
Buy tickets for Sydney matches here: tickets.t20worldcup.com
For more information, visit t20worldcup.com
SYDNEY EVENT HIGHLIGHTS - FEBRUARY
20 Jan - 8 Feb – Chatswood Year of the Rat Festival
Celebrate the Year of the Rat in Sydney’s North. Count 8,888 rat sculptures through Chatswood’s CBD and take yourself on Adam Liaw’s self-guided dumpling tour. Visit visitchatswood.com.au
25 Jan - 9 Feb – Sydney Lunar Festival
Celebrate the Year of the Rat across Sydney, with a Lunar Lanterns exhibition of metallic rats, traditional Chinese dancing, dragon boat races, and the Lunar Lanes street party in Haymarket. Visit whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
1-2 Feb – HSBC Sydney 7s
At Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta, experience fast-paced rugby with long passes and sprints over two days with Sydney 7s, as well as performances from big-name acts. Visit sydney7s.com.au
2 Feb – St Jerome’s Laneway Festival
Attracting global attention for epic lineups, Laneway Festival lands at The Domain, featuring Charlie XCX, Earl Sweatshirt, Tones and I and other international and local artists. Visit lanewayfestival.com/Sydney
21 Feb – ICC T20 Women's World Cup: Aus v India
The ICC T20 World Cup is the pinnacle global event for the fastest growing format of cricket, with Sydney hosting the Australia v India match in the women’s tournament. Visit sydney.com/t20worldcup
14 Feb - 1 Mar – Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras
The theme for this year’s spectacular celebration of LGBTQI pride is What Matters, and will include the iconic parade, dance parties, theatre, workshops and more. Visit mardigras.org.au
Until 16 Feb – Sydney International Art Series: Cornelia Parker
Cornelia Parker has transformed everyday objects into unexpected and explosive installations, sculptures, drawings and films at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Visit mca.com.au
22 Feb – Sydney Harbour Challenge
Sydney Harbour Challenge is Australia's most prestigious six-man Outrigger Canoe Race, attracting over 800 competitors, with racing starting from Manly Wharf. Visit aocra.com.au
Until 26 Mar – Carmen, Opera Australia
This vibrant production of Carmen in Sydney Opera House’s Joan Sutherland Theatre, showcases glamorous girls and bullfighting boys with siren songs and passionate dance. Visit opera.org.au
REGIONAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS - FEBRUARY
31 Jan - 27 Feb – Grenfell Artists Incorporated
The Grenfell Artists Incorporated Art Exhibit gathers many talented regional artists throughout the Weddin Shire in Central NSW to showcase their work to the wider community. Visit grenfell.org.au
1 Feb – Batemans Bay Paddle Challenge
Watch paddlers from the Clyde River Foreshore and enjoy three race spectacles: The Marathon 26km, the 13km Half course and the 6km Paddle Dash. Visit batemansbaypaddlechallenge.com.au
31 Jan - 2 Feb – Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour
The LIQUI-MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour is an international endurance race with 12 hours of bumper to bumper supercar racing action at the esteemed Mount Panorama. Visit bathurst12hour.com.au
1-2 Feb – Highlands Beer & Cider Festival
Come and enjoy a stellar lineup of over 40 varieties of craft beer and cider, live music and delicious street food stalls in the heart of the beautiful Southern Highlands. Visit facebook.com/events
1-2 Feb – Bega Cheese Bega Cup Carnival
Held at the Sapphire Coast Turf Club, this horseracing carnival brings trainers, jockeys and horses from all over Australia to the beautiful South Coast region. Visit visitnsw.com/destinations
29 Jan - 1 Mar – Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series
Spectators can look forward to three stellar World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) events on the stunning NSW coastline. Event 1: Carve Pro QS1,000, Maroubra: January 29 - 1 Feb; Event 2: Mothernest Great Lakes Pro, Boomerang Beach – February 19 - 23; Event 3: Vissla Central Coast Pro, Avoca Beach – February 25 – March 1. Visit nswprosurfseries.com
7-9 Feb – Southern 80
This annual water-ski race on the Murray River finishes at the Victorian and NSW border towns, Echuca and Moama. It attracts thousands of spectators and up to 400 boating enthusiasts. Visit southern80.com.au
7-8 Feb – Kosciuszko Craft Beer Festival
Celebrate the art of craft beer brewing at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel. Enjoy the main festival, as well as an after party and a degustation matched with beer. Visit thredbo.com.au
8 Feb – Blue Mountains Roaring 20s Festival
The Roaring 20s Festival celebrates a decade of decadence at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel, with a Deco Dinner, Charleston for Charity Dance, and later on 29 February, a three-course Gatsby Dinner. Visit hydromajestic.com.au/events/roaring-20s-festival
11-12 Feb – Farm Feast Macleay Valley
The inaugural Farm Feast celebrates the local produce from the Macleay Valley. There’ll be a dinner feast with celebrity chef Lyndey Milan, a food bowl lunch prepared by Steam & Cedar, as well as a self-drive option to meet two Macleay Valley producers. Visit macleayvalleycoast.com.au
14 Feb – Valentine’s Dinner, Hunter Valley
Celebrate Valentine’s Day this year with a dinner in the Hunter region at Wine House. Sip sparkling wine on arrival, enjoy a three-course dinner championing local produce and take a special gift home. Visit winehousehuntervalley.com.au
14-16 Feb – Snowies Mountain Bike Festival
Men and women will be tested over 100km of rugged terrain in this six-stage mountain bike race over three days, with event hubs in Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa and Thredbo Resort. Visit in2adventure.com.au
14-16 Feb – Riverboats Music Festival
Tickets are selling fast to this popular music festival with world-class live music and family fun, all within the surrounds of Echuca’s Aquatic Reserve. The 2020 lineup boasts Bernard Fanning, Kate Miller-Heidke and Troy Cassar Daley. Visit riverboatsmusic.com.au
14-16 Feb – Team Navy, Australian Surf Rowers League Open
An exciting surf boat event in Mollymook bringing thousands of surf life savers from far and wide for three days of thrilling surf boat races. This year, there’ll also be a Trans-Tasman challenge with Aussie and NZ competitors doing battle. Visit asrl.com.au
15-16 Feb – Australian Boardriders Battle Final
Newcastle Beach will host the 2020 National Final, welcoming interstate boardriders’ clubs to compete for the national title. Now in its seventh season, the Nudie Australian Boardriders Battle is the country’s biggest grassroots boardriders event. Visit australianboardridersbattle.com
20-23 Feb – Australian Ladies Classic Golf
An exciting fixture on the Australian golf calendar, the Australian Ladies Classic Golf tournament is played at the beautiful Bonville Golf Resort on NSW’s North Coast. Watch some of the best professionals and amateurs from around the world. Visit ausladiesclassic.com.au
22 Feb - 1 Mar – Dressage by the Sea
At this world-class equestrian centre set on 41ha on the South Coast, watch as both riders and their horses test their skills with various degrees of movement. There’s also a masterclass by world-champion dressage star, Dorothee Schneider. Visit willingapark.com.au
22-23 Feb – Tumbafest
A celebration of Snowy Mountains cool climate food, wine and culture, Tumbafest will return for 2020 for two days. Kate Ceberano is headlining the live performances, and stick around for the markets, cooking demos and to sample local wine. Visit tumbafest.com.au
27 Feb - 1 Mar – 2020 Women’s NSW Open Championship
Held at Dubbo Golf Club, the 2020 Women’s NSW Open Championship boasts some of the best professionals and amateurs from Australia, Europe, Asia and the USA. Dubbo’s 27-hole championship golf course has a beautiful natural setting with native trees and abundant wildlife. Visit nsw.gov.au
28 Feb - 1 Mar – Big Husky Triathlon Festival
After 15 years, the Big Husky Triathlon Festival in Huskisson has become one of Australia’s favourite long courses with a packed triathlon program, Fun Runs, an Ocean Swim and even a Miniman Kids’ Triathlon too. Visit eliteenergy.com.au/event/ultimate-husky
29 Feb – TreX Cross Triathlon National Championships
In the heart of the iconic Snowy Mountains this unique triathlon course boasts flowing single track mountain bike trails, off-road runs and a free Kids Mud Rats Run. TreX Snowy Mountains 2020 is a World Qualification Event for the ITU MultiSport World Championships to be hosted in Almere, Netherlands in September 2020. Visit trextriathlon.com.au
