No images? Click here CONNECT TO THE HEART & SOUL OF NSWWith its vibrant culture, charming coastal towns, wilderness playgrounds, innovative cities and jam-packed events calendar, it’s no wonder the latest data reveals New South Wales has welcomed the largest share of international visitors and highest visitor expenditure in Australia. It’s not just international visitors that are discovering the magic of the state – domestic visitor data has revealed that Regional NSW is Australia’s favourite regional holiday destination. So, as James Tobin showcases on his JT Travels NSW segments for Weekend Sunrise, there’s a lot to surprise you in this vast, diverse state – especially on the Far South Coast, as you’ll see in this week’s story, “Double your Wonder in Narooma & Merimbula”. If you’re keen to try fresh oysters at their briny source, swim with wild seals or cosy up in a plush seaside stay, you’re spoilt for choice when you visit these seaside neighbours, just five hours’ drive from Sydney. This week’s Event Spotlight is crammed with happenings to fire up your winter inspiration, too, with NAIDOC Week highlighting our rich Aboriginal cultural heritage from 7-14 July. Get a head-start on the festivities at the National Indigenous Art Fair, with a jaw-dropping array of art, performances, panel discussions, bushfoods and an ethical marketplace from 29-30 June. Afterwards, whether you’re enjoying a short-but-sweet weekend away or taking your time on a month-long journey of discovery across Sydney and NSW, take inspiration in the latest findings from Tourism Australia Research in this week’s news stories, ‘Regional NSW Extends its Lead as Australia’s Most Popular Domestic Destination’ and ‘Latest Data shows NSW Leads International Visitor Recovery’. Enjoy! ![]() Hope Estate, Hunter Valley REGIONAL NSW EXTENDS ITS LEAD AS AUSTRALIA'S MOST POPULAR DOMESTIC DESTINATIONRegional NSW was Australia’s favourite regional holiday destination in the year ending March 2024, attracting 66 million domestic visitors. The latest data from Tourism Research Australia (TRA) shows regional NSW also recorded the highest year-on-year growth in regional Australia during the period and experienced the best post-pandemic recovery. ![]() The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge LATEST DATA SHOWS NSW LEADS INTERNATIONAL VISITOR RECOVERYNSW welcomed the largest share of international visitors and highest expenditure in the nation in the year ending March 2024, with visitors spending more nights in the state than pre-COVID-19. The latest International Visitor Survey by Tourism Research Australia (TRA) shows NSW was Australia’s top destination for international visitors, visitor nights and expenditure in the year ending March 2024. ![]() Glasshouse Rocks, Narooma ESCAPE TO THE BIG BLUE IN NAROOMA & MERIMBULAShining bright in the heart of the Far South Coast, charming Narooma is flanked by the Wagonga River, its sparkling estuary and the vast Pacific Ocean, where Barunguba Montague Island is teeming with wildlife. Just 90 minutes’ journey further south, its equally charming neighbour, Merimbula, offers sun-speckled lakes, a bounty of seafood, laidback-luxe stays and wild natural spaces where unique outdoor adventures await all year round. And whether you have a long weekend or a month to explore the area, combining a visit to both these coastal playgrounds means double the wonders. Here, just a few standout experiences that’ll level up your visit to this unforgettable stretch of the New South Wales coastline. ![]() Deni Ute Muster. Credit: Deni Ute Muster EVENT SPOTLIGHTHockey Australia Women's Masters Championships | 28 June – 6 July Wallabies v Wales & Wallaroos v Fiji – Sydney Double Header | 6 July The National Youth Championships - Boys 2024 | 16 – 21 July Bledisloe Cup - Wallabies vs. All Blacks | 21 September National Youth Championships | 25 – 28 September Deni Ute Muster | 4 & 5 October |