No Images? Click here
WE UNCOVER THE BEST OF NSW THIS MONTH
MAY 2019 EDITION
STAY | WATSONS BAY BOUTIQUE HOTEL
One of the prettiest spots to stay in Sydney is Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel with first-rate Harbour views. Now the weekend destination is just as gorgeous inside as out, after interior design ace Sibella Court transformed the 31 rooms into seaside cool. The vibe is retro beach house — think nostalgic vintage finds, artful greenery, Danish armless lounge chairs, textural cushions and framed sailing memorabilia. The Watsons Bay Loft is pitched at families with a twin room upstairs, while the Harbour King Room for two has a picture-perfect panorama of the Harbour. Stroll along the foreshore, linger over lunch in the Beach Club, then sleep in style. Visit watsonsbayhotel.com.au
Image caption: Chris Court
EAT | 6HEAD CAMPBELL'S STORES
One of the first restaurant openings in the highly anticipated revamp of Campbell’s Stores, The Rocks is premium steakhouse 6Head with extraordinary Harbour views, opening May 17. Housed inside the heritage 1839 sandstone building with a contemporary colonial interior, 6Head’s name is derived from the six head of black Cape cattle brought to Sydney by the First Fleet on the HMS Sirius. In the kitchen is Sean Hall with a colourful culinary background spanning cattle farming to classic French training and a stint with Jamie Oliver Group. The curated wine list complements a menu of flavoursome steak cuts along with lobster tail and seasonal vegetable dishes. The entire Campbell’s Stores precinct is set to open in Spring. Visit 6head.com.au
DRINK | THE GLEBE HOTEL
TOUR | HIGH SPIRITED
Formerly the Australian Youth Hotel, this heritage-listed bar and dining room has been renovated over the last seven months. The redesign retains the charm of the Victorian Terrace, with exposed brick walls, industrial lighting and colonial touches. There’s a traditional downstairs pub, a sunny courtyard where dogs are welcome, a baroque-style upstairs function area with chandeliers, as well as a light-filled dining room, The Stables Bar and Grill, boasting a jacaranda mural by artist Indigo Jo, sure to become an Insta favourite. The menu is full of comforting classics such as slow-cooked pork shoulder ragu, Cloudy Bay clams and ale-battered fish finger burger.
Visit theglebehotel.com.au
For an alpine adventure, Wagga Air Centre offers a helicopter tour from Wagga Wagga into Jindabyne for a day of schnapps and gin, Austrian-inspired food and contemporary art. Enjoy a privately chartered flight taking in a bird’s eye view of the Snowy Mountains and visit Wildbrumby Distillery for a tasting tour and two-course lunch. Wildbrumby Distillery is an award-winning distillery producing authentic Schnapps made from locally grown fruits and aromatic gin infused with Australian botanicals. The distillery has traditional brass equipment and the family-owned venue sits amongst an orchard, working raspberry farm and modern sculpture garden. Visit waggaaircentre.com.au
STAY | TATTERSALLS HOTEL ARMIDALE
FESTIVAL | HUNTER WINE & FOOD
Step back in time at the Tattersalls Hotel Armidale, an art deco inn with a rich history that’s had a thoughtful renovation. Established in 1854 alongside the gold-yielding Rocky River, it was remodelled art deco style in 1937 by Harold J Robinson who added 29 bedrooms, a tallow wood dancefloor and pressed-metal ceilings. Back then, Tattersalls was touted as ‘the best hotel from a business point of view outside of Sydney’ before it fell into disrepair. Under the current owners, the ‘Tatt’ shines once again. The rooms have vintage detailing and luxe furniture and dining options range from woodfired pizzas in the beer garden to elegant fare in the dining room where French chef Jean-Luc Morcellet serves delights such as house-smoked trout or black mussels in white wine. Afterwards, unwind in the whisky and cigar
bar.
Visit tattersallsarmidale.com.au
During May and June, the Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival has an expansive program of food and wine experiences celebrating the produce of this famed wine region. This year there are 17 new events including long lunches and wine master classes. Take part in the new Smokey Sundays at Matilda Bay Brewhouse feasting on slow-cooked Texan barbecue; compare current and museum release wines at the Then and Now Tasting Experience at Pepper Tree Wines; or head back to school at Scarborough Sensory Schooling and put your ‘nose’ to the test. There’s also festival favourites such as the 100-metre meal at Margan and the highly-anticipated tenth annual Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight on 17 June when leading Hunter Valley chefs challenge top Sydney chefs.
Visit winecountry.com.au/events/wine-and-food-festival
SPOTLIGHT ON: VIVID SYDNEY 2019
Vivid Sydney, the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere, will ignite the Harbour City this Winter from 24 May to 15 June 2019 as it enters a new decade of innovation and creativity with a bold and exciting program of events. Vivid Sydney, now in its eleventh year, will bring together light artists, music makers and brilliant minds to showcase Sydney as the creative industries hub of the Asia-Pacific.
Vivid School
This year the inaugural Vivid School for high school students in years 9-12 will teach teens about the creative processes involved in imagining, designing and delivering light-based artworks. The initiative will enable students and their teachers to meet the professionals behind Vivid Sydney’s iconic building projections and light walk installations, and to hear from artists, designers and technicians about their career paths.
Vivid Light
This year’s Light Walk showcases over 50 radiant works and in a partnership first, Academy Award-winning Pixar Animation Studios will illuminate Sydney’s heritage-listed Argyle Cut in The Rocks with a light projection to delight visitors of all ages. Lighting of the Sails will be a hypnotic tribute to Australian native botanicals intertwined with a dancer’s movements, by Chinese American artist and filmmaker, Andrew Thomas Huang. Popular precincts Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour, Chatswood, Barangaroo and Luna Park will return for 2019.
Vivid Ideas
Vivid Ideas delves into love, loneliness and belonging in the modern world with a series of talks, workshops and forums. This year’s Game Changers challenge assumptions on race and relationships, with Hollywood trailblazer Spike Lee, as well as iconic psychotherapist and creator of podcast Where should we begin?, Esther Perel.
Vivid Music
At Vivid Music, electronic act RÜFÜS DU SOL and popstar FKA Twigs headline this year’s Carriageworks program, while The City Recital Hall presents Australian music legend Paul Kelly, pop darling Kate Miller-Heidke and more. Vivid LIVE at the Sydney Opera House celebrates artists at the cutting edge of their genre including iconic British alternative rock pioneers, The Cure.
This year, the official charity partner of Vivid Sydney is the Royal Flying Doctor Service, South Eastern Section.
For full program information, visit vividsydney.com
FEATURED STORIES
WELLNESS WEEKENDS in NSW
The pursuit of wellness is a big influence on where we travel. Here are 10 well-being escapes to put on your wish list ...
Image: Gaia Retreat & Spa
WHAT'S NEW IN LAKE MACQUARIE
Lake Macquarie is an adventure-seeker’s wonderland. Visit for an action-packed winter break and find out why we all #lovelakemacquarie ...
WHALE WATCHING in NSW
The Humpback Highway runs right alongside the New South Wales coast every year between May and November. Here's where to spot whales ...
SYDNEY EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
29 March – 21 July | The National: New Australian Art 2019
The National presents the latest in contemporary Australian art across three of Sydney’s top cultural institutions, the Art Gallery of NSW, Carriageworks and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. 65 Australian artists from emerging to established will be showcasing works. Visit the-national.com.au
11 May – 8 September | Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2019
The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes is one of Australia’s most prestigious art awards held at the Art Gallery of NSW. Prizes are awarded to the best portrait painting; the best landscape or figure sculpture; and the best subject, genre or mural. Visit artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions
12-17 May | Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA)
The trade-focused Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia will once again showcase top design talent at Carriageworks. The six-day schedule will include a curated selection of Australia's established fashion designers as well as the brightest emerging talent the country has to offer. Visit mbfashionweek.com/australia
17-18 May | Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Weekend Edition
While MBFWA is predominantly a trade-only event, the MBFWA Weekend Edition gives the general public a chance to view the new season trends. Book a seminar and listen to fashion industry insiders, grab a drink and bite to eat at the MBFWA hub, and see P.E Nation’s street-meets-sportswear on closing night. Visit mbfwe.com
23-25 May | Semi Permanent
Semi Permanent is a global creative-thinking platform and as part of Vivid Ideas series, will host three days of talks, panels, workshops and screenings at Carriageworks. The talented line up of designers includes cult Aussie artist CJ Hendry and French film director Michael Gondry. Visit semipermanent.com
24 May – 15 June | Vivid Sydney 2019
Vivid Sydney is the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the southern hemisphere and will transform the Harbour City into a colourful creative canvas for 23 days and nights. The Festival features spectacular large-scale light installations and projections, cutting-edge music and talks by renowned thought leaders. Visit vividsydney.com
Until 10 June | STAR WARS™ Identities
This exhibition showcases 200 original objects used in the making of the blockbuster Star Wars movies. Visitors can discover the force that shapes them by creating their own bespoke Star Wars character as they journey through the exhibition. Visit starwarsidentities.com
Until June 23 | Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
Roald Dahl’s enduring tale of little boy Charlie Bucket touring the fantastical world of candy maker Willy Wonka is on now in a musical extravaganza at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre. Visit charliethemusical.com.au
REGIONAL
12 April – 12 May | Sculpture at Scenic World 2019
This outdoor exhibition takes art beyond gallery walls into the magical backdrop of an ancient rainforest in the Blue Mountains. Featuring over 35 artworks from more than 40 world-class artists, visitors can take part in guided tours, artist talks and workshops. Visit sculptureatscenicworld.com.au
4 May | Trundle Abba Festival
Held in the rural township of Trundle in Central Western NSW, this popular music festival is Australia’s only and original ABBA festival. It’s packed full of family-friendly entertainment - highlighting Bjorn Again, the World's Number one ABBA Tribute Band, and Fashions of the Festival. Visit visitnsw.com/destinations
3-4 May | Narooma Oyster Festival
Narooma is at the heart of Australia’s Oyster Coast and the festival in Forster’s Bay celebrates the region's oysters and their growers and local chefs. Shuck and devour fresh local oysters, sample wine and listen to live music. naroomaoysterfestival.com
4 May | NRL Regional Match Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers
A festival of action lands in Wagga Wagga on Saturday 4 May when the Penrith Panthers clash with the green machine Canberra Raiders at McDonalds Park in Round 8 of the NRL Telstra Premiership. With the NRL kick off at 3pm, there will also be exciting entertainment. Visit raidersshop.com.au
4-5 May | Wings over Illawarra
Look up at Wings Over Illawarra, Australia’s best annual air show featuring solo and formation aerobatics in classic warbirds and vintage aircraft. See fantastic static displays, classic cars and motorbikes, and explore the free Kid's Zone. Visit wingsoverillawarra.com.au
5 May | A Day in the Orchard
A Day in the Orchard is at the Piccolo Family Farm just over five kilometres from Griffith in The Riverina. A fusion of food, art and culture, wander the Birch Forest, brought to life by Griffith Regional Theatre and Art Gallery; chill out in the Chai Tent, see live performance art or take an art-making workshop. Visit adayintheorchard.com.au
5 May | Ironman Port Macquarie
Australia’s oldest ironman event is a traditional triathlon with legs of swimming, cycling and running throughout the seaside city. Athletes swim in the Hastings River, cycle along the Pacific Ocean and run in the heart of Port Macquarie. Visit ap.ironman.com
10-11 May | LithGlow
Watch a spectacular laser and projection show and explore Lithgow’s history of industrial innovation at LithGlow. Don’t miss the Fire & Ice Dinner Show on 10 May at Foundations Portland and enjoy the Night Markets at Blast Furnace Park on Saturday with international food trucks. Visit lithglow.lithgow.com
11 May | Moree on a Plate
A renowned community food festival, Moree on a Plate showcases the best regional fare and features foodie icons Fast Ed, Marion Grasby, Ben O'Donoghue and Lyndey Milan. Enjoy live entertainment, visit Kids Korner, feast on local produce and watch celebrity cooking demonstrations. Visit moreeonaplate.com.au
17-27 May | River of Art
River of Art festival showcases visual arts, textiles, live music, dance, theatre, poetry and storytelling in the beautiful Eurobodalla Shire on the NSW far South Coast. Listen to live music, enjoy film, theatre and creative workshops and meet inspiring local artists. Visit riverofart.com.au
17-19 May | Ciderfest
Spend time in beautiful Batlow, in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains at the district's premiere event, Ciderfest. Taste and buy cider, visit orchards then enjoy the street festival with markets, craft beer, cold climate wines and performance stages. Visit batlowciderfest.com.au
18-28 May | Casino Beef Week
A unique festival with a focus on the Australian beef industry and life on the land is Casino Beef Week. On the main Saturday a cattle competition is followed by a live auction and there are rides, rodeos and more fun events like the free Breakfast with the Butchers. Visit casinobeefweek.com.au
19 May | NRL Regional Match St George Illawarra Dragons v Newcastle Knights
Get ready for a spectacular showdown in Mudgee when the St George Illawarra Dragons square off against the Newcastle Knights for Round 10, on 19 May at the Glen Willow Regional Sports Stadium. Expect powerful performances from both sides in this year’s NRL Telstra Premiership season. Visit premier.ticketek.com.au
19-24 May | Australian Senior League Baseball Championship
The championship will feature Senior League teams from across Australia over a six-day tournament at Albert Park, Lismore. The winning team (17U age group) will represent Australia at the World Senior League Baseball Championships. Visit littleleague.org.au
23-26 May | Port to Port
One of Australia’s premier mountain bike stage races, The Port to Port MTB, includes challenging climbs, thrilling descents and all the best single tracks throughout the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Visit porttoportmtb.com
29 May – 9 June | NCHA Cutting Futurity
Held at the spectacular $38 million dollar Australian Equine, Livestock & Events Centre and offering $700,000 in cash and prizes, the NCHA Cutting Futurity is the largest and richest indoor sporting horse event in the southern hemisphere. Visit ncha.com.au
