Connect to the spirit of NSW

Whether you’re recharging in laidback coastal villages or cutting loose on pulsing city dancefloors, exploring New South Wales brings a deep sense of connection as locals invite you into their hearts, hometowns and hijinks.

As you’ll see in the Event Spotlight, Sydney’s winter festivals bring the global community together to play, create and dream. Whether you’re basking in the artistry of Vivid Sydney’s glowing dreamscapes (until 14 June) or connecting with powerful stories at the Sydney Film Festival (4-15 June), you’ll quickly see why the city is the arts and entertainment capital of the Asia Pacific – where collective imagination and inclusive inspiration shine all winter long.

This sense of community and creativity flows westwards to Parramatta and Penrith, too –  where you’ll feast in multicultural dining precincts, experience world-class theatre, and join like-minded thrill-seekers for whitewater rafting, jet-packing and skydiving adventures.

Further afield, the Northern Rivers region rolls out the welcome mat with rejuvenating bathhouses, spectacular cycling trails and a buffet of paddock-to-plate experiences in Byron Bay, Ballina and beyond. Enjoy!

Stay & play from Parramatta to Penrith 

Whether you have a day or a long weekend to experience the region, you’ll find no shortage of memorable activities in Western Sydney. Get started with this handy roundup of where to go, stay and play.

Feel renewed in the Northern Rivers

Fire up your endorphins with a feelgood trip to the New South Wales Northern Rivers, where a hitlist of outdoor adventures, flavour trails and wellness experiences invites you to relax, indulge and refresh your perspective.

Everything you need to know about Darling Harbour in Vivid Sydney 2025

Transform your Vivid Sydney 2025 experience by viewing the world’s most spectacular light displays from all sorts of different angles. Here are some of the many ways you can enjoy a new perspective on Sydney’s iconic festival.