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TAKE A DISCOUNT NSW BUSH BREAK WITH QANTAS
Sydneysiders are encouraged to book a NSW Bush Break in the next six months, with Qantas launching a sale on airfares to regional NSW until next Wednesday 6 November.
Discounted fares are now available from Sydney to the regional centres of Dubbo, Albury, Armidale, Moree, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga for travel periods between December 2019 and mid-2020, to drive increased visitation to western NSW to deliver much needed economic stimulus during the devastating drought.
Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, partnered with Qantas on the initiative and will be supporting the campaign through related marketing activity.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said there was no better time for Sydneysiders to take a break in the bush with Qantas sale fares from $119 one-way.
“There’s no doubt that this persistent drought is tough for families, businesses and communities in regional NSW, so every bit helps when spending and supporting local,” Minister Ayres said.
“Tourism is the lifeblood of many regional NSW centres, and that’s why this kind of promotion and leadership from Qantas is so important.
“Regional NSW accounts for more than half of the State’s tourism jobs and generates $19.1 billion in tourism related expenditure for the State which continues to grow.”
Another way to support regional communities in drought-hit areas is to Buy Regional this festive season.
Buy Regional gathers a host of regional makers, producers, growers and retailers in one place, making it easy for metro dwellers to buy from the regions and support these communities.
Photo: Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo
'COME LIVE OUR PHILAUSOPHY'
Tourism Australia has unveiled its new $38 million global campaign, encouraging travellers worldwide to “Come live our Philausophy”.
Over three years, the campaign will invite the world Down Under to experience the unique Australian way of life.
A deliberate Australian play on words, Philausophy, aims to capture the philosophy of Australians and their informal approach to living, which research shows is highly appealing among visitors.
The campaign highlights nine Philausophies that encapsulate the Australian way of life, including Balanced Lifestyle, Mateship, Sense of Adventure, No Worries Attitude, Storytelling, Boundless Optimism, Generosity of Spirit, The Australian Flavour and Love of Nature.
With the support of the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, several NSW attractions including Bondi Beach’s iconic Icebergs and Port Stephens’ Sand Dune Adventures are among the key locations which will be splashed across television screens around the world in the new campaign.
As the home of iconic landmarks, stunning beaches, a cosmopolitan capital city and a breathtaking Outback, NSW is proud to embody the Australian way of life and continue offering unique experiences to visitors who travel from every corner of the globe.
WORLD'S LEADING ARTISTS IN SYDNEY
Sydney International Art Series 2019/2020 is kicking off with the official opening of Japan supernatural at the Art Gallery of NSW tonight. The exhibition will be open to the public from tomorrow through to 8 March 2020, and will feature over 180 wildly imaginative works by Japanese artists past and present which are centred on a monumental installation of painting and sculpture by Takashi Murakami.
Murakami joined British artist Cornelia Parker this week at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney (pictured above) to mark the start of the SIAS 2019/20. Parker’s own self-titled next week and will remain open through to 16 February 2020.
The exhibition is the first major survey of Parker’s work in the Southern Hemisphere, and will feature more than 40 artworks which see the British artist transform everyday objects into unexpected and explosive installations, sculptures, drawings and films.
The Sydney International Art Series is an initiative of the NSW Government via Destination NSW, which brings the world’s most outstanding art exclusively to Sydney through two blockbuster exhibitions each Summer.
Since its inception in 2010, the SIAS has generated over $161 million in overnight visitor expenditure for the State and attracted over 2.3 million attendees, with more than 219,000 overseas, interstate and regional NSW overnight visitors coming specifically to Sydney to view the exhibitions.
See both exhibitions with an Art Pass, available here.
Photo: Artists Takashi Murakami and Cornelia Parker (Credit: Daniel Boud)
HAVE A BERRY GOOD TIME IN WOOLGOOLGA
Grab a camp chair or a picnic rug and get set for an afternoon of delicious food and great music at this year’s Blues and Berries Fair. The third annual event to be held in Woolgoolga on 3 November is set to be the best yet.
Coming off being named finalist in the 2019 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards for festivals and events, Another Tasty Event organisers Carl Mower and Sherry Price said they can’t wait for people to enjoy everything on offer this year.
“The idea behind the event has always been to celebrate the town’s thriving berry industry while bringing together the community for great food and music from some of the best blues acts from across the country,” Carl said.
Blues and Berries Festival is well known for amazing street food with a berry twist and events such as the blueberry pie eating competition and the ever-popular field farm tours of the Costa operations in the area.
This year’s music line-up includes the Adam Eckersley Band, Hussy Hicks, Michael Bryers, Simon Kinny-Lewis and The Marvellous Hearts, to name a few.
This year’s event is proudly supported by the NSW Government, Costa Operations, Coffs Coast Events, Oz Group, Berries Australia and Coastbeat.
The action kicks off at 9am Sunday, 3 November until 6pm. Entry to the event is free. For more information visit bluesnandberries.com.au
SYDNEY NAMED BEST AUSTRALIAN PORT
Sydney has been awarded ‘Best Australian Port’ in this year’s Cruise Passenger Readers’ Choice Awards.
The Awards attracted a record number of participants this year, with more than 11,400 readers voting more than 286,000 times.
Described as the gateway to cruising in Australia, Sydney’s picturesque Harbour and iconic landmarks have made Sydney the number one place to cruise to and from.
Sydney has also been commended for its two cruise terminals and ability to host ships of all sizes.
View the full list of Awards here.
NSW FIRST TOURISM EVENTS
There are five NSW First events and workshops taking place around the State next month to help NSW businesses develop, promote and sell great tourism products and experiences.
7 Nov Sip Chat & Discover: The Wine Tourism Opportunity, Shoalhaven
18 Nov Sip Chat & Discover: The Wine Tourism Opportunity, Southern Highlands
19 Nov Sip Chat & Discover: The Wine Tourism Opportunity, Canberra District
20 Nov Inbound Strategy, Blue Mountains (Leura)
21 Nov Digital Marketing Tips Workshop & Clinic, The Tweed (Kingscliff)
To find out more, visit destinationnsw.com.au/nswfirst.
MARDI GRAS TICKETS ON SALE
Tickets are now on sale for the biggest events of next year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, including the 2020 Mardi Gras Party, Diamond Club, Parade Sideshow, Kaftan Party, Pool Party and Laneway.
The 2020 Mardi Gras Party will burst with music, light and performance, and feature extraordinary performers and DJS from home and abroad.
Diamond Club tickets will elevate your Mardi Gras experience with an unparalleled view of the tremendous Parade, with VIP access to a private bar and gourmet food, plus special guest DJs.
With big ticket items selling fast, don’t miss out.
FINAL CALL FOR CARCOAR CUP
The Carcoar Cup Running Festival is a grand annual challenge on Australia’s running calendar.
Held the first weekend of November in the historic Central West NSW town of Carcoar, the Carcoar Cup is a fantastic weekend for both runners and family.
Now in its ninth year, the Carcoar Cup is run over a course which has been described as one of the toughest and most beautiful in Australia. There are events for all abilities and ages with a $13,000 total prize money up for grabs.
Supported by Destination NSW, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend a weekend out west with the family. Entries close midnight tonight.
SYDNEY OPEN TO EXPLORE
For one weekend only, go behind the scenes at more than 80 of the city’s most significant, inspiring and historic buildings and spaces.
Enjoy panoramic views from Barangaroo, uncover the hidden stories of St Mary’s Cathedral, and explore mysterious buildings such as Sydney’s brutalist Masonic Centre.
Gain exclusive access to rarely seen tunnels and towers, unique naval and industrial spaces, private residences and more, on our guided Focus Tours.
Discover Sydney at night-time on our brand-new After Dark Tours.
Find out more at slm.is/open
AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL
The all new Australian Motorcycle Festival will take place on Saturday 9 to Sunday 10 November at Lang Park in Wollongong.
With over 20,000sqm of exhibition displays, activations and live motorcycle entertainment, visitors can expect to see a huge variety of the latest Motorcycles, Scooters, ATVs, E-Bikes, UTVs, Jet Skis, along with apparel.
Live entertainment includes the Hot Wheels Street Bike Show, BMW’s Lukey Luke plus the incredible Robbie ‘Maddo’ Maddison who will ride across the water on Saturday 9 November at midday. More information here.
