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WE UNCOVER THE BEST OF NSW THIS SEASON
SUMMER EDITION 2019/20
BUY FROM THE BUSH THIS CHRISTMAS
Grace Brennan, founder of social media page, @buyfromthebush
SUPPORT OUR REGIONAL COMMUNITIES THIS CHRISTMAS
Bushfires continue to impact parts of New South Wales this week, but there are many areas that remain unaffected. Visitors to New South Wales are encouraged to maintain their travel plans and bookings over the Christmas and Summer period, but should be vigilant and seek the most up-to-date information prior to departure.
REMEMBER TO CHECK CONDITIONS WHEN VISITING REGIONAL NSW:
Please follow the online updates from the Rural Fire Service (rfs.nsw.gov.au), National Parks (nationalparks.nsw.gov.au), NSW Police (facebook.com/nswpoliceforce) and Transport Management Centre (livetraffic.com) for the latest news.
Travellers are also encouraged to speak with local tourism operators and the local Visitor Information Centre for advice about local conditions and how visitors can best enjoy their holiday and support local businesses.
Another way you can support these communities is by "Buying Regional” with the help of new online campaigns, which connect city folk with rural retailers. The NSW Government’s online shopping hub Buy Regional This Christmas groups regional retail businesses into six categories: wine, fashion, food, gifts for kids, art and design, and Christmas hampers.
The @buyfromthebush Instagram account showcases beautiful things from businesses in drought-affected communities. The idea was launched by mother of three, Grace Brennan, a former Sydneysider who lives on a property near Dubbo. Brennan has recently launched a sibling for @buyfromthebush, called @stayinthebush, which highlights accommodation in regional areas.
EAT – OISHII'S PAN POP-UP
STAY – THE SIR GEORGE
Clayton Donovan, an acclaimed Indigenous chef with a sparkling career that includes running his own restaurant in Nambucca Heads and starring in ABC TV show Wild Kitchen, is opening a pop-up restaurant at Roche Estate in the Hunter Valley. Called Oishii’s PAN Pop-Up, the 30-seat venue will open in January 2020 and offer an Australasian menu of native ingredients sourced from across the pan-Pacific region. Dishes could include a Balmain bug roll or Paroo kangaroo matched with Hunter valley wines and beers. Visit rocheestate.com.au
If you’re planning a road trip this Summer, Jugiong is a fantastic destination to visit. This thriving country town in the Hilltops region has a beautiful new accommodation offering at The Sir George. The heritage stables have been lovingly restored, with 100-year-old oak floorboards, linen bedding and environmentally sound products. There are also eight black barns inspired by the original stabling that existed in the mid-19th century. Overlooking the historic pub, the barns are modern and elegant. Visit sirgeorge.com.au/accommodation
STAY - QUEST ORANGE
EAT – TOPPI MARTIN PLACE
Quest Apartment Hotels has opened a property in Orange, in the Central West of NSW, with 77 serviced apartments, perfect for the business traveller or families. Each contains modern furnishings and fully equipped kitchens. The property offers studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments as well a gym, conference facilities and parking. Located in the city centre, it’s a perfect base for work or play. Visit questapartments.com
This new restaurant is adding glamour to the Martin Place precinct, with the kitchen staying open until 1am on busy nights. The space is divided into a main dining room, where you can enjoy more traditional seafood and meat dishes; a pasta bar for aperitivi and pasta; and a cocktail bar. Start with a duck ravioli and Negroni and move onto a Wagyu eye fillet alla pizzaiola and finish with a Tiramisu Martini.
Visit instagram.com/toppimartinplace
TOUR – GO FISH
A fantastic way to discover one of Sydney’s most stunning beaches, Go Fish Australia are offering a new luxury fishing experience at Palm Beach. Starting at Rose Bay Seaplane Terminal, you’ll depart at dawn or dusk to Palm Beach via seaplane, with snacks, water and coffee included. You’ll enjoy three hours of fishing – you might catch kingfish, jewfish, bream and flathead. Stay for a meal at The Boathouse then return by private vehicle or spend some time exploring Palm Beach. Visit gofishaustralia.com.au
SEE - LINEAR
The Powerhouse Museum’s new exhibition is an exploration into the significance of line and lineage within Indigenous narratives and practices. It brings together objects from the collection with stories, content and work from artists including Lorraine Connelly-Northey, Maree Clarke, Wayne Quilliam and Vicki West. The exhibition is designed by Jacob Nash, head of design at Bangarra Dance Theatre. And education and public program will accompany the exhibition. Visit maas.museum/event/linear
TOUR – PINEAPPLE PEDALS
Exploring a city by bike is one of the best ways to do it. Pineapple Pedals is a new way to see Newcastle, with four different tour options. The Newcastle Cruiser tour explores the pristine coastline, Early Bird Gets the Coffee includes a swim and a caffeine stop, and a Summer Afternoon Session is a sunset cruise with a drink afterwards. You can also see Newcastle by vintage bike for a limited time. Visit pineapplepedals.com.au
STAY – BYRON at BYRON
This famed five-star resort on NSW’s North Coast has joined Crystalbrook Collection’s portfolio of hotels. Over the next few months, the company will focus on sustainability practices, replacing plastic water bottles with biodegradable cardboard containers, pump pack bathroom amenities and wooden keys. Enhancements will be made to the suites and common areas in 2020 while maintaining the look and feel of the popular resort. Visit crystalbrookcollection.com/byron
FEATURED CONTENT PACKAGES
Six Food and Wine Destinations to Tick Off in NSW
NSW is home to some famous epicurean hubs - think Hunter Valley, Orange and Byron Bay to name but a few. Across the State there are loads of lesser-known foodie destinations worth checking out. Here are six to explore.
Australia Day 2020
Australia Day is a time to celebrate the Australian way of life and reflect on what it means to be Australian. Join in a fun festival, learn about ancient Aboriginal culture at a traditional ceremony or just soak up the Summer sunshine at the beach.
17 Unique Getaway Destinations for Couples
Make your romantic dreams a reality with these unique mini breaks in
regional New South Wales.
EVENT SPOTLIGHT: ATP CUP
ATP Cup set to get ball rolling on Australia’s Summer of Tennis
This Summer, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Cup will debut in Australia in January 2020. The fierce international competition will see high-calibre players from 24 nations compete for rankings and points.
Joining Perth and Brisbane, Sydney is one of three cities set to host the new competition at the recently upgraded Ken Rosewall Arena at Sydney Olympic Park, which will also hold the electrifying finals.
NSW Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said Sydney will provide the perfect location for both the group stages and finals of the ATP Cup.
“With the upgrades to Ken Rosewall Arena, which include a brand-new canopy roof structure, Sydney is more than ready to showcase both the group stage and finals of this world-class tournament.”
The first six days of the tennis tournament will feature group stages across Sydney, Perth and Brisbane, before the surviving eight highest-ranking teams head to Sydney for the final four days of play.
Who’s playing?
With the ATP Cup 2020 draw completed, the tournament will showcase nine members of the Top 10 in ATP Rankings including Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Spain’s Rafael Nadal. The final team placements in Sydney are as follows:
Sydney: Bulgaria, led by Dimitrov, and Moldova led by Radu Albot, both come into Group C, joining Belgium and Great Britain. Poland, led by Hubert Hurkacz, rounds out Group E, joining Austria, Croatia and Argentina.
For Sydney, pre-purchased match tickets include rail travel to and from Sydney Olympic Park throughout the tournament and with the newly opened M4 Westconnex tunnel, travel from the CBD is a mere 20 minutes by car. Visit ticketmaster.com.au.
SYDNEY EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
New Year’s Eve in Sydney:
Sydney Harbour
Have an unforgettable New Year’s Eve watching the festivities from vantage points on the edge of Sydney Harbour, with Welcome to Country, aerial displays, Harbour of Lights and the iconic fireworks. Visit sydneynewyearseve.com
Parramatta Park
In Western Sydney, marvel at three spectacular firework displays at world-heritage listed Parramatta Park. Two stages will keep audiences entertained, as will the finale fireworks at 9pm. Visit discoverparramatta.com
Manly and Dee Why Beach
For a relaxed New Year’s Eve on the Northern Beaches, head to Manly or Dee Why beach for the 9pm fireworks display. Take a picnic or reserve a table at one of the beachside eateries. Visit northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
New Year’s Eve at Westfield Miranda
At this sprawling retail centre in Southern Sydney, book a table at one of their rooftop eateries and enjoy unique entertainment such as Ettinghausen’s Dance troupe, a Paw Patrol show and rides before the 9pm fireworks. Visit westfield.com.au/miranda/new-years-eve
NYE in The Park, Camperdown
NYE in the Park returns to Victoria Park with big name music acts like Hermitude, Girl Talk, Safia and Client Liason and The Jungle Giants, street food and midnight fireworks. Visit nyeinthepark.com
New Year’s Eve at Opera Bar
The ultimate harbour-side party has sold out for 17 years running – it’s one of the best spots to ring in the New Year. Dance the night away with music from Bermuda Social, Soulphonics, Ctrl + Alt + Delicious, Natural Selector and more under the fireworks. Tickets include food and entertainment. Visit operabar.com.au/nye
More events in Sydney
21 December — Carriageworks Christmas Farmers Market
Buy food and gifts from local and regional NSW producers at this farmers market, including oysters from Mimosa Rock Oysters, Christmas hams, summer fruits, and Christmas pudding, mince tarts and gingerbread. Visit carriageworks.com.au
22 December — Woolworths Carols in the Domain
Australia’s largest free Christmas concert will capture the spirit of the holiday season once again in The Domain Sydney for its 36th year. 2019 stars include Samantha Jade and Australian tenor Mark Vincent, with pre-show entertainment from 3pm. Visit carolsinthedomain.com
23-24 December — Sydney Fish Market Seafood Marathon
Don’t miss the excitement of the annual 36-hour seafood marathon with fresh seafood, fruit and veggies and more for sale from 5am 23 December until 5pm Christmas Eve. Visit sydneyfishmarket.com.au
26 December — Rolex Sydney Hobart Race
The start of this annual yachting event on Sydney Harbour is a Boxing Day tradition. The twin start lines are just north of Shark Island and 170 boats will compete this year. Visit rolexsydneyhobart.com
8-26 January — Sydney Festival
The Sydney Festival enlivens Sydney every Summer with a bold cultural celebration of ideas, art and performance. The diverse 2020 program showcases dramatic cabaret, interesting art installations, modern Indigenous Australian performances and live music. Visit sydneyfestival.org.au
3-12 January — ATP Cup
The ATP Cup is a new world-class tennis tournament launching 2020 to kick-start the tennis season. The tournament will be in the lead up to the Australian Open, and will feature teams from 24 countries. There are 21 matches in Sydney, as well as the thrilling final eight which will decide the winning country. Visit atpcup.com
3-7 January — Domain Pink Test Australia vs. New Zealand
The Aussie cricket team takes on New Zealand this Summer in The Domain Pink Test, where spectators can help raise awareness for breast cancer by wearing pink in support of the McGrath Foundation. Jane McGrath Day is held on 5 January, the centrepiece for the event, which celebrates cricket and supports a worthy cause. Visit sydney.com
25 January - 9 February — Sydney Lunar Festival
Experience the excitement of Lunar New Year at more than 80 events. Highlights include the Lunar Spectacular Show at Lunar Lanes on 25 January, with a wide range of cultural performances; the LED Lion and dragon dances at Circular Quay; see the Lunar Lanterns in The Rocks; and new this year is Lunar Lanes, a street party in Haymarket. Visit whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/ sydney-lunar-festival
26 January — Australia Day Celebrations Sydney
On our National Day celebrating Australia’s diversity and achievements, begin at Barangaroo with a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony, take in the sparkling Harbour extravaganza of tall ships then enjoy the Australia Day concert at Sydney Opera House. Visit sydney.com
26 January — Yabun Festival
Held annually on 26 January upon the traditional lands of the Gadigal people in Sydney, Yabun Festival is a free event with music, market stalls, community discussions and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural performances. Visit yabun.org.au
14-29 February 2020 — Les Miserables Show & Stay Package
The iconic musical Les Misérables is coming to Riverside Theatres in Parramatta this Summer, and Novotel Parramatta are offering awesome Show & Stay Packages. The new package deal includes overnight accommodation, two A-Reserve tickets, pre-theatre dinner and more. Visit novotelparramatta.com.au
REGIONAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
New Year’s Eve around the State
For those living outside of Sydney or simply wanting to escape the bustle of the city, there are many ways to say goodbye 2019 and hello 2020 in Regional NSW.
NYE Party in the Park Bathurst
Bathurst, a city in the Central Tablelands, will come to life from 4pm, with live local music, show rides, food stalls and the adventure playground. Entry is free and there are fireworks at 9pm. Visit visitnsw.com/nye-party-the-park-bathurst
The Tropical Fruits Festival
A celebration of LGBTI culture in Lismore, on the North Coast of NSW, this year’s theme is family. Enjoy a night of entertainment with performances by Maude, DJ [Love] Tattoo and Marcus Luckel. Visit tropicalfruits.org.au/nye
New Year’s Eve Wagga Wagga
Ring in the New Year at this family-friendly event in the Riverina with rides, food stalls and a fireworks display. Visit visitnsw.com/new-years-eve-wagga-wagga
North Gong Hotel New Year’s Eve
Illawarra’s biggest New Year’s Eve event returns after a sell-out 2018 edition. The North Wollongong Hotel will host a party featuring the big names in electronic music including Will Sparks, Joel Fletcher and Jesse Block over three stages with eight bars. Visit visitnsw.com/north-gong-hotel-new-years-eve
PRD Nationwide Hunter Valley presents New Year’s Eve
Locals will come together on the banks of the Hunter River in Maitland to welcome the New Year with food, fun and fireworks. With one of the most spectacular displays in the region, there will also be live entertainment, kids’ activities and food. Visit visitnsw.com/prd-nationwide-hunter-valley-presents-new-years-eve
Cowra Community New Year’s Eve Beach Party
The beach will come to Cowra, in the Central West region, for New Year’s Eve, with a jumping castle, beach volleyball and fireworks. Visit visitnsw.com/cowra-community-new-years-eve-beach-party
Berry New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Every year the Rotary Club of Berry throws a fantastic community New Year’s Eve party at the Berry Showground. From 5pm there are old-fashioned games for the children, carnival rides, market stalls, street food and 9pm fireworks display. Visit berryrotary.org.au
More events in Regional NSW
30 November - 31 December — A Luminous Christmas at The Entrance
A 30-day festive celebration will take place on the Central Coast, with an amazing LED light and sound display that’s 38 metres long and eight metres high. The Annual Carols on the Park celebrations will be held on Christmas Eve, with amusement rides and a fireworks display. Visit visitnsw.com
7-15 December — Shellharbour Skate and Surf Festival
The inaugural festival will bring together the region’s best skateboarders, surfers, artists and musicians across workshops, competitions and events. The Hidden Forest music festival is a day of delicious food, craft beer and wine, markets and live music. Visit visitnsw.com
4-26 January — Australian Indoor Hockey Festival
The festival will be held in Wollongong and include divisions of under-13s, under-15s, under-18s, under-21s and open divisions. See some of Australia’s best young players go head to head. Visit hockey.org.au
17-26 January — Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth
This celebration of country music is Australia's largest music festival with over 700 artists featured in 2,800 scheduled events across 120 venues and the famed Golden Guitar awards. Artists such as Troy Cassar-Daley, Fanny Lumsden, Lee Kernaghan and Kasey Chambers will be performing in 2020. Visit tcmf.com.au
26 January — Australia Day
Celebrate Australia’s national day in regional NSW, with official ceremonies and lots of fun for the whole family. In Wollongong, check out Oz Day in the Gong, the town’s biggest annual event with a fireworks display over Wollongong harbour. In Young, there'll be a breakfast bbq from 8am and in Newcastle you can join in the famous swim across the harbour. Visit visitnsw.com
8-12
January Parkes Elvis™ Festival
The iconic Parkes Elvis Festival is a celebration of the life and music of Elvis Presley held annually in Parkes, in the Central West of NSW, in the second week of January to coincide with the birthday of The King. Put on your dancing shoes and celebrate all things Elvis with over 200 events over five days. Visit parkeselvisfestival.com.au
Until 12 January — Archibald Prize Regional Tour
The Archibald Prize, first awarded in 1921, is Australia’s most popular and one of its most prestigious art awards. Awarded to the best portrait each year, the subjects of the Archibald are a fascinating take on the ‘who’s who’ of Aussie culture. The exhibition is on show at the Gosford Regional Gallery and Arts Centre until January 12. It will be held at Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre from 25 January 2020. Visit artgallery.nsw.gov.au
24-26 January — Youth Trans Tasman Touch Football
The best junior touch football players from Australia and New Zealand will battle it out in Newcastle. Played annually, it features six divisions: under-18 boys, under-18 girls, under-18 mixed, under-20 boys, under-20 girls, under-20 mixed. Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au
31 January – 2 February — LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour
The Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour is a race for endurance vehicles held at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, now acknowledged as one of the most significant races for GT vehicles in the world, visit bathurst12hour.com.au
