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DREAM TODAY FOR TOMORROW'S ADVENTURES
With a diversity of drives, scenic Zoom galleries and new online and virtual experiences galore, NSW continues to deliver a multitude of options for dreaming big. Start imagining now where your next NSW adventure might take you.
VIRTUAL NSW: THE LATEST INNOVATIVE ONLINE OFFERINGS
Crystalbrook Collection has recently launched their #AtHomeWithCrystalbrook initiative which means you can recreate their famous food and drinks, or learn something from their team of experts, from home. Watch Byron at Byron's Chef Minh as he hosts virtual cooking classes, join a pilates class with Alexz Parvi, owner of Byron Bay's cult favourite studio Hustl, or stroll through the resort’s 45-acres of sub-tropical rainforest on a discovery tour.
Sydney choreographer Shannon Dooley has taken her famous 80s-inspired aerobic classes online so we can all get our groove on with Retrosweat, anywhere, anytime! Whether you’re a pro at the grapevine, or have two left feet, you can sign up to her live streams for free.
Life imitates art and art imitates life, literally, with galleries and museums now showing their works online, with the hashtag #museumfromhome. Broken Hill’s own Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery has joined the movement on Facebook. Jump online and learn about all things fine art, plus share insights into the lives of some of their exhibiting artists. Fascinating… and free!
Another institution that has adapted to take their creative side online is the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre. The Virtual Insight program is a curated selection of digital content, featuring DIY art-making activities, staff insights into their collection and exhibitions, book and game recommendations, recipes and other great content. Head to their Facebook page for more.
Greendale’s Café and The Mill in the Shoalhaven are keen to stay connected to customers and foodies alike, and are delivering their cooking know-how virtually, with lessons and tips to turn you into a pro in the kitchen. Their latest online video is a super-easy pickling class.
As parts of Ben Boyd National Park start to re-open after the devastating bushfires, Light2Light Coastal Wilderness Walks is sharing a digital journey with the world, showcasing different areas around the park.
Tour guide Mark Saddler’s enthusiasm for teaching the world about his culture is a joy to watch and now, more than ever, he’s keen to keep us learning. The proud Wiradjuri man, who runs Bundyi Cultural Tours, now has a YouTube Channel where you can immerse yourself in the oldest living culture in the world.
For a full list of companies who have stepped into the virtual realm, contact: media@dnsw.com.au
ZOOM YOUR WAY AROUND NSW
From stargazing in the Warrumbungles and underwater frolicking in Tweed Heads, to a timelapse of the world-famous Sydney Harbour and viewing a mob of Kangaroos in Mungo National Park, Visitnsw.com will take you there. Download inspiring NSW Zoom backgrounds to make your conference calls a whole lot more fun. For more information go to www.visitnsw.com/love-nsw/zoom
GET YOUR PLAYLIST READY AND START PLANNING FOR THESE SIX NSW ROAD TRIPS
There really is nothing better than taking a road trip to explore the state’s best beaches, small towns, delicious wine regions and natural wonders. We have pulled together our pick of NSW’s greatest touring routes so you can start planning for your next NSW road trip, today.
Dreaming of sun, sand and sea? Check out The Grand Pacific Drive to Jervis Bay
Head south from Sydney and pass through the Royal National Park before traversing the iconic 665 metre Sea Cliff Bridge. Follow the Grand Pacific Drive to Wollongong and stop for a coffee by the beach at Diggies. Don’t miss the famous Kiama Blowhole, a natural formation that blasts sea water 20 metres into the air, before heading onwards to the clear blue waters of Jervis Bay. Swim, try stand-up paddle boarding with Jervis Bay Wild, look for wildlife in the Jervis Bay Marine Park and walk on some of the whitest sand in the world on the glorious White Sands Walk. Total drive time: Approx 3-hrs.
Dreaming of big sky country? Head from Sydney to Lightning Ridge
The historic mining town of Lightning Ridge is just shy of nine hours’ drive from Sydney and there’s plenty of great stops to make along the way. First stop Katoomba, where you can check out antique stores and those amazing mountain views. Other worthwhile pit-stops are Mudgee, famous for its wine and food, historic Gilgandra, home of the Coo-ee Heritage Centre, and Walgett, for a coffee at Stone’s Throw. From here, it’s onto Lightning Ridge, where you can tour an opal mine, try your hand at fossicking, or unwind in one of the town’s naturally heated bore baths.
Dreaming of drifting? You’ll love the Mighty Murray River Drive
The Murray River is at the heart of Australia’s history and starting on the banks of the Murray in Albury, this four-day, 326 km round trip takes in a slice of NSW’s colonial history. Drive through quaint heritage towns like Corowa and Howlong, before heading to the Paddle steamer twin capitals, Echuca and Moama, and on to Deniliquin, home of the Deni Ute Muster. You can fly to Albury from Sydney or Melbourne with flight times of around an hour.
Dreaming of a quick gourmet getaway? Head out from Sydney to Newcastle
The Central Coast and beyond is a world away from Sydney, but only a two-hour drive. Heading north, you’ll pass through the picturesque Hawkesbury region. Stop at Broken Bay Pearl Farm in Mooney Mooney - the ‘shellar door’ is open seven days a week. Next stop, Lake Macquarie, the largest saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere. Once you reach Newcastle, stroll down to the Art Deco Ocean Baths to cool off and check out one of the city’s great restaurants - like Mereweather Surfhouse - the perfect spot for a long lunch.
Dreaming of some cool mountain air? Drive from Sydney to Jindabyne
This five-hour drive is easily broken up. Drive two hours’ south from Sydney and stop in Goulburn, where you can take a selfie with the Big Merino. Next, drive two hours on to Cooma, the largest town in the alpine region and home to the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre. No snow? Try your hand at mountain biking with K7 Adventures and discover Wildbrumby Distillery, which bottles schnapps, gin and vodka in alpine surrounds. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a walk to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest point. In winter, the ski resorts of Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass offer on-snow activities for the whole family.
Dreaming of nature? Check out The Rainforest Way Drive
Driving through gorgeous landscapes from Byron to Tabulam, you’ll be delighted by the abundant natural beauty. From the acclaimed Byron Bay hinterland and villages like Uki, to World Heritage rainforest and spectacular national parks of the Lismore region. Head to Murwillumbah, situated in the shadow of Mount Warning, soak up the hippy vibe in Nimbin, and stop in Kyogle to check out leather and wood crafts. Casino boasts beautiful Art Deco buildings such as the heritage-listed Colonial Post Office, first completed in 1879. The drive time from Sydney will take up to nine hours or take a one-hour flight to Ballina and pick up a car.
For more NSW Road Trip inspiration go to www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/drives-and-road-trips
TWO NEW NSW IMAGE GALLERIES TO INSPIRE THOSE DREAMS
All That Glitters: 12 Star-Studded Scenes in New South Wales
As the sun sets every evening, a glittering array of stars is revealed for your viewing pleasure. Scroll through our gallery of nightly sky shows as you dream of driving into wide open spaces under starry scenes on a future NSW road trip.
Winter Escapes around NSW to Dream About
As the weather gets cooler, take a virtual trip to these cosy cabins, ski fields and artesian baths around NSW. Winter weekends are all about a glass of wine in front of the fire, walks through heritage country towns and long road trips to isolated accommodation for some RnR. Flick through the gallery to feel like you’re there — and note down some trip ideas for the future.
