NEW PLACES TO LOVE IN NSW: THE 2021 HOT LIST

If you're looking forward to turning the page and starting a new chapter of travel in 2021, here’s the lowdown on all the must-see, must-visit and must-do experiences for the year ahead. Help get NSW’s tourism industry back on its feet and make 2021 your year to discover the best of Sydney and NSW.

Image above: Hop into summer at Emerald Beach, Coffs Coast

Take in harbour views at TWR Terrace at Crown Sydney Barangaroo

WHAT'S NEW IN NSW

• Crown Sydney in Barangaroo is opening just in time for Christmas. The luxury property boasts 349 rooms and suites with opulent interiors and thoughtful additions — such as toiletries by Aussie brand Grown Alchemist. There are also 14 signature restaurants and bars, including the Sydney outpost of internationally renowned Nobu; Chinese dining room, Silks; lobby bar TWR; On Core by Clare Smyth and a’Mare by Alessandro Pavoni.

• They say ‘go west, young man’, but it could be time for the whole family to head in that direction, as Western Sydney Parklands launches its ‘Stay and Play’ summer tourism campaign. Pack a 72-hour ‘playcation’ in the region full of some of the region’s biggest tourist attractions: Sydney Zoo, Sydney Motorsport Park, Sydney Dragway, Raging Waters Sydney, Calmsley Hill City Farm and TreeTops. There is also a huge range of accommodation options to enhance your stay.

• With borders now open to all Australian states, Sydney can expect an influx of interstate visitors — luckily, we have some new hotels in town. The Little National Hotel at Wynyard opened last month, priding itself on ‘affordable luxury’ with 230 rooms, a rooftop bar and state-of-the-art gym. Hotel Indigo Sydney Central will open in Haymarket midway through 2021, with a distinctive design celebrating the local neighbourhood and culture.

New Sydney Opera House Architectural Tour. Credit: Cybele Malinowski

• The iconic Sydney Opera House has just launched a selection of brand new tours to give everyone (near and far) a glimpse under its famous sails. Design lovers can learn how cutting-edge blueprints changed the face of Sydney Harbour forever on the new Architectural Tour; while the Beyond the Stage Tour offers a rare opportunity to step behind closed doors into areas traditionally reserved for performers, to hear fun facts, anecdotes and more. For those who can’t make it in person, a new Guided Digital Tour goes behind the scenes via Zoom, streaming a virtual tour of how the opera house operates, including a soprano performance on stage and a sneak peek at The Australian Ballet during rehearsals.
   

• Sydney CBD just got more sparkling, as sophisticated wine bar Vini Divini Wine Lab opens in the revitalized Wynyard Park Precinct. Sit alfresco or at the large central bar, taste top drops from their lengthy wine list and graze on a simple Mediterranean mezze menu.
   

• The latest foodie establishment from Porteño Group, Humble is a bakery with a difference. Expect nostalgic baked staples such as finger buns and sausage rolls, freshly baked bread along with contemporary tastes like the olive oil and fennel cake. Humble also sells delicious house-made gelato and daytime cocktails — try the Humble Spritz, Bloody Mary and Mimosas.
   

• While a picturesque place to visit any time of year, Cowra Japanese Gardens are introducing new experiences for 2021. Beginning early next year, Twilight Picnics with gourmet hampers and exclusive after-hours access to the gardens offer a new way add romance to your next trip. Classified by the National Trust as a place of cultural, architectural and historic significance, the garden covers five stunning hectares, incorporating the six elements of Japanese design: mountains, rocks, waterfalls, lakes, rivers turning into oceans and pine trees.

The Shearers Hall at Wilga Station

• Wilga Station in Bathurst will open their Shearers Hall in autumn 2021. Originally the hub of Wilga Station, it’s been transformed into a luxurious family-friendly five-bedroom country retreat that sleeps 10. They’ve even kept the sheep chutes (under glass) and the old wool table. Located at the very heart of the farm with views over Fitzgeralds Valley, Wilga also offers stays in the adults-only Farmer’s Hut.

• With two restaurants in Sydney and another in Byron Bay, the Three Blue Ducks team now have another outpost opening at boutique hotel Nimbo Fork Lodge in regional New South Wales. Nestled in the Snowy Valleys, the new venue has a kitchen garden on site that provides fresh fruit and vegetables for the menu, and a whole bunch of local produce to showcase.

• For Broadway fans heading to Sydney to see Hamilton, The Star has a range of new packages. Take 30 per cent off rooms at The Star Grand and Residences (Sunday to Thursday only), receive a free Hamilton-inspired cocktail per guest, a $50 voucher for signature dining experiences and a late checkout.

The newly renovated Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth

• The only five-star hotel property in the New England region of NSW, Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges has just had a multi-million dollar redevelopment. The beauty is in the detail, with timber hewn by local craftsmen, bespoke leather bedheads and modern yet subtle lighting in each of the guest rooms, bar and dining spaces. Check out revamped The Workshop Kitchen, a dining institution in Tamworth renowned for its wood-fired grill and stand-out local steaks, and also the classy-cool Coal Bunker Bar.

LOCAL SYDNEY TALENT TO STAR IN HAMILTON MUSICAL

Chloe Zuel plays Eliza Hamilton

Catch the Salon Series at Sydney Town Hall, Sydney Festival. Credit: Victor Frankowski

SYDNEY FESTIVAL SET TO INSPIRE 

The annual Sydney Festival is just what we need to kick off the arts scene in 2021, with the event running from 6-26 January. That's 21 days of big ideas and cutting-edge theatre, music, cabaret, dance and visual art. See comic opera H.M.S. Pinafore at the Riverside Theatres, listen to ballad queen Casey Donovan live in concert, check out Firestarter, a documentary about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary dance organization Bangarra Dance Theatre, and watch out for the giant inflatable peace sign at Barangaroo reserve — there will be something for the whole family.

Glebe Foreshore Walk is a running track to suit all fitness levels. Credit: James Horan

MARATHONS AND RUNS TO MAKE TRACKS IN NSW

For the fleet of foot among us, Run Fest Port Macquarie will celebrate its 10th Anniversary on 6-7 March 2021 with a course to suit most fitness levels, from a kids’ fun run to a half marathon. If you’re up for it and need to start training, pull on your joggers and try these Sydney and NSW paths: Glebe Foreshore Walk, a 2.2-kilometre easy run for all fitness levels; Bondi to Coogee coastal track, 6 kilometres with some stairs to add a challenge; Bathers Way Walk in Newcastle, an easy/moderate 6-kilometre track along the coastline; and Cape Byron Walking Track, a moderate and scenic 3.7-kilometre loop. And enjoy views of Mount Canobolas on one of five challenging routes on the Orange Running Festival, also running from 6-7 March 2021.

Guy and Ash visited Symbio Wildlife Park on their Grand Pacific Drive road trip

FIVE MINUTES WITH GUY SEBASTIAN

Pop superstar and Sydney local Guy Sebastian recently embarked on the 210-kilometre Grand Pacific Drive as part of Destination NSW’s new tourism campaign The Long Road, which encourages Australians to take one of NSW’s 28 iconic road trips and discover incredible hidden gems across the state, while supporting local communities along the way. Guy and driving buddy Ash London made the journey from Sydney’s Royal National Park down the South Coast in search of the region’s finest fare, local wildlife and coastal drama aplenty. Read on to see Guy’s favourite parts of the trip, and why he loves travelling in NSW.

You recently embarked on the Grand Pacific Drive road trip from Sydney to Jervis Bay — what were your favourite moments from the trip?
One of my top moments was arriving via helicopter to my favourite tee box at Gerringong Golf Club — arriving via golf cart is going to be so boring now…

What were the stand-out places you can’t wait to get back to?
I loved Symbio Zoo and for sure want to take the kids back there so they can experience the red panda and the meerkats — I think they will love it! I really enjoyed the hike at Minnamurra Falls, too. It was a big hike, and though it might be a bit too much for the littlies, it’s so good for grown-ups! I think Jules would love it.

You have a holiday house in Gerroa and have been known to spend a lot of time nearby in the Shoalhaven region — what do you love about that part of the NSW coast?
I love the connection to nature down there, it really is country meets sea. There are many rolling green hills, wineries… and obviously golf courses!  Amazing fishing, amazing surfing — I spend a lot of time in the water, so I just feel very connected to nature when I am there. Also, there are so many activities to do with the boys — I love it.

Which NSW road trip is on your bucket list to do next?
I really want to go to the snow — I've never really done Thredbo or any snow trips in Australia.  I've only ever skied once and it was in Park City, Utah, and so I'm hanging to go skiing. It's something that I know the boys would love to do as they have never seen snow.

How would you spend a perfect weekend in Sydney?
After the boys’ cricket on a Saturday, I love to have the day free with no plans, to just jump in the pool and hang with the fam. I love ‘no plan’ days because we end up maybe taking the boat out through Botany Bay, doing some fishing or a little mountain bike ride round to Malabar, catch some squid… I just love being outdoors!

Head to visitnsw.com to find our 28 iconic road trips throughout NSW.

Corowa Whisky Distillery in the Riverina uses local barley

NSW HOLIDAYS TO PUT ON YOUR 2021 TRAVEL WISHLIST 

Go in search of something new in NSW with these six fresh travel destinations for 2021.

Rustic eats in the Riverina

• Just opened in the Riverina, Whitton Malt House is an immersive farmgate and brewery experience. Guests can savour ale at the cellar door, learn the malting process and sleep overnight in lakeside villas boasting chic styling, king beds and Hunter Lab amenities.
   
• In Jugiong, The Sir George is a hot wedding destination that attracts visitors from far and wide to its modern rustic vibe, luxury barn stays and seasonal eats. Over in Coolamon, cafes championing local produce are making this historic town a popular stopover, try Little Rustic Pantry or The Bread and Cheese.

Tapas bar, Rosabar in Newcastle

A new kind of luxe in Newcastle

• Newcastle has evolved into an innovative beach city with a light rail system for ease of exploration and plentiful culture, history and modernity. Coming in 2021 is a QT Hotel at the site of the historic former David Jones building. The 106-room hotel will have a rooftop bar and stylish decor that nods to the past.
   
• Crystalbrook Collection Hotel Group is set to open Newcastle’s first five-star hotel, Kingsley, in April. The striking building has a 1970s aesthetic outside, opulent rooms and cocktail bar inside.
   
• Newcastle is just two hours from the Hunter — so expect a thriving food and wine scene. Brand new tapas bar Rosabar has an enviable sleek interior of toffee-toned leather, white marble and navy, and a menu bursting with spicy bites and pots of paella.
   
• For sweet lovers, look out for cute Cakeboi coming in 2021 – it’s a homage to owner and former Masterchef contestant Reece Hignell’s Nan, and all about old-school desserts.
   
• On Sundays, gather armloads of produce from the Newcastle City Farmers Market then stay in the Scandi-style self-contained Pappa Sven apartment.

Summer in Sydney

• While Sydney never strays far from the top of travel wish lists, the harbour city is set to become an even bigger drawcard with new attractions for summer. Sydney Festival from 6-26 January 2021 boasts 100 per cent Australian-made theatre, art and dance, with many of the 130 events outdoors. One exciting new venue is Headland, a custom-built stage at Barangaroo Reserve.
   
• In Randwick, dining and play precinct Newmarket has become a hive of activity, with chic eateries encircling a cutting-edge outdoor play zone for children and luxe apartments above. Try RaRa, serving their famed ramen and Japanese street food, and Baccomatto Osteria for zesty Italian fare. In the north, Sugarlane has popped up in Lane Cove’s Eat Street at The Canopy, with a fun ‘Trust Me’ set menu of South East Asian flavours.
   
• In the CBD, inventive wine bar Monopole has found a new home with floor-to-ceiling windows near Australia Square, delivering an exceptional wine list paired with vino-friendly eats. For the high life, head to Bar 83 at Sydney Tower for plush mid-century interiors, five-star views and refined cocktails.

Boats, beer and bushwalks on the Mighty Murray

• From Euro-centric bistros to historic distilleries, the towns on the fringes of the Murray are an epicurean haven. Take the Echuca Moama Food and Wine Trail to meet makers and taste the region’s bounty. For an all-day breakfast of local produce like Lake Hume free-range eggs and Borella bacon, the gang at Mr Benedict in Albury lead the way.
   
• On Olive Street in Albury, refined Bistro Selle is booked out most nights for their inventive dishes championing local ingredients. 2640 Restaurant and Bar has Riverina-raised chef Andy Milton behind the modern Australian menu, with impressive cocktails and a mural of Albury by a local artist inside.
   
• For whisky lovers, the story of Corowa Whisky Distillery is akin to a fairytale, with two good friends buying a neglected flour mill for $1 and creating a destination distillery using local barley. Restdown Wines is a working cattle farm and certified organic vineyard near Barham where you can taste wine, buy beef and take a wetland walk.
   
• Beyond the culinary attractions of this region, guests can swing a golf club, cruise the Murray River or set out on a memorable adventure to Mungo National Park. Get down to the river on a historic paddle steamer or embark on a multi-day guided bushwalk along the banks with house-boat stays, modern cuisine and local wines. Play the course at Howlong Golf Resort, a finely kept green in a stunning bushland setting, or at Corowa Golf Club: a 27-hole championship golf course and contemporary clubhouse.

New adventures in Richmond Valley

• Across the Richmond Valley, many heritage buildings and laneways have been painted with murals to showcase the storied past of this place. Follow the art trail here and look out for historical signage around the town of Casino in the heart of the Richmond Valley: 18 signs are set to be finished by the end of 2020.
   
• Spend the weekend in a new glamping stay in Myrtle Creek. Aranyani Bison Adventure Tourist Park is a 470-hectare working Bison farm and offers tours during the day plus accommodation in traditional teepees. Along Myrtle Creek there are pockets of golden sand, freshwater fish to catch and plentiful walking trails.
   
• In nearby Leeville, discover another new farm experience at Aramina Farm Stay and Gardens: the traditional-style log cabins are lovingly built from Australian eucalyptus and boast contemporary country styling and a serene natural setting with kangaroos grazing in your backyard.
   
• From valley to coast it’s only about 50 minutes to Evans Head, which has some beautiful, uncrowded beaches. Visit the coffee-coloured rocks at Ten Mile Beach in South Evans Head; immerse yourself in the indigenous significance of Dirawong Reserve or kayak along the peaceful Richmond River.

Eco-stays and botanical gin in the Tweed

• The subtropical climate, swaying palms, glittering beaches and artisan food culture makes the Tweed a hot ticket destination for NSW locals and beyond. New eco-retreat La Rocher melds all that is stunning about the Tweed, with self-contained mountain villas overlooking Mount Warning, an infinity pool and deep freestanding baths with drink-them-in views. Tallaringa Luxury Camping features two luxe bell-tents on a 4-hectare property in the Tweed Valley, offering mountain views, a luxurious outdoor bath, fire pit and delicious breakfast & dinner packages.
   
• The region has had a recent love affair with playful Mexican food and Lolita’s Cantina in Casuarina is a standout to try. The light-filled space is strung with hanging plants and the bold menu has slow-cooked meats, fried fish and Mexican flourishes of mint, jalapeno, chilli, lime and chicharron.
   
• Visitors can also try several Tweed tours: Tropical Fruit World farm tours are back on and give a fascinating insight into sustainable fruit farming – they are now also serving breakfast in their Plantation Café. For spirit sippers, Husk Distillers make cultivated Australian rum, whisky and gin. Their Ink Gin tour takes you through the process of paddock to glass and how nature colours the gin. Every Wednesday, Tweed Eco Cruises run their Pot to Plate Adventure, a part-history, part-cultural, part-food tour led by Bundjalung Nation descendant Luther Cora. Cooly Eco Adventures specialise in eco-conscious marine adventure tours including whale watching, dolphin and turtle safaris and snorkelling tours.

Walcha’s sculpture trail now has a bespoke audio guide

TRAVEL TREND: WILD WALKS 

Embark on a hike through NSW and escape the crowds these summer holidays. From multi-day coastal treks to cultural village trails to laidback rainforest rambles, there are plenty of new and revitalised walking trails to get you out in the fresh air and exploring somewhere new.

Solitary Islands Made Easier
The 60-kilometre Solitary Islands Coastal Track off the Coffs Coast just got a whole lot easier to wander, with a new transport service offering pick-ups, drop-offs and vehicle and luggage transfers. Whether you’re doing a one-day or four-day hike, Solitary Island Coastal Walking Tours will take any excess luggage off your hands so you are free to traverse this string of idyllic golden beaches, rocky headlands and lush rainforest unhindered.

Yuraygir Coastal Trail
In Clarence Valley, Yuraygir National Park boasts NSW’s longest stretch of undeveloped coastline. The new 65-kilometre Yuraygir Coastal Trail is a signposted route inspired by the path of the coastal emu. Traversing the traditional homelands of the Gumbaynggirr (in the south) and Yaegl Nations (in the north), amble across the track’s heathland plains, long sandy beaches, crystal-clear creeks and lagoons at your own pace, with seven camping spots to settle on along the way.

Orara Valley Way
A new illustrated map offers a diverse path to explore the Orara Valley, a short drive from Coffs Harbour. The Orara Valley Way Tourist Trail guides visitors to the natural, cultural, historical and gourmet experiences of the region. Explore the rugged mountains of Bindarri National Park, visit the big Golden Dog statue in Glenreagh and find your way to the swimming holes of the Orara River. Available online and in print.

Murrumbidgee Trails
A joint project between Leeton Shire, Lockhart Shire, Murrumbidgee and Narrandera Shire councils, the newly launched Murrumbidgee Trails offers visitors a selection of themed maps and trails to explore this culturally rich and naturally diverse region. Outdoor adventurers can hike Murrumbidgee National Park or canoe the waters of Lake Talbot; culture seekers can connect with the Indigenous history of the land on a Wiradjuri awareness tour; while foodies can experience the agricultural heritage of the region, picking produce from local farmers and sipping spirits at the new Whitton Malt House. All trails available in a printed guidebook or online.

Walcha Sculpture Soundtrail
Walcha’s ever-evolving Open Air Gallery now offers an even more immersive way to experience the New England country town’s 55 art sculptures. Opened in September, the Walcha Sculpture Soundtrail uses a smartphone app to weave stories, local voices, myths and archival footage into your journey as you walk from artwork to artwork. Narration by bestselling local author John Heffernan and a soundtrack by The Grim Brothers brings the sculptures to life, offering a truly unique way to learn the history of this creative rural town.

For more hikes and walks in NSW, head to visitnsw.com

Frozen the musical has opened in Sydney’s Capitol Theatre. Credit: Lisa Tomasetti

UPCOMING EVENTS

Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop | Museum of Contemporary Art Australia 
Until 26 April 2021 
Australian Chinese artist Lindy Lee melds two cultures together in this mesmerising exhibition of more than 70 works including large-scale sculptures and wax paintings. Lee uses unique processes like burning paper and allowing rain to transform surfaces.

Streeton | Art Gallery of NSW 
Until 14 February 2021 
The most significant exhibition of Australian artist Arthur Streeton ever held is on display at the Art Gallery of NSW. From sun-drenched landscapes to pastoral scenes, the exhibition features more than 150 works from public and private collections.

PIPPIN | Sydney Lyric Theatre 
Until 31 January 2021
The Tony® Award-winning musical premiered at the Sydney Lyric theatre at The Star this November. Full of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs, this is a high-flying, death-defying musical not to be missed.

Tyrannosaurs – Meet the Family | Australian Museum 
From 28 November 
Get ready to travel back 66 million years as the most feared dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus rex, comes crashing out from Cretaceous period and into the new blockbuster exhibition space at the Australian Museum. View a colossal collection of tyrannosaur skeletons, skulls, fossil eggs and more.

Disney’s Frozen – The Broadway Musical | Sydney Capitol Theatre 
From 1 December 2020
Disney’s spectacular new musical opened at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre at the start of this month. With incredible songs, stunning costumes and an inspiring story of sisterhood that will melt your heart, you’ve never seen Frozen like this.

Sydney SuperFight 2020 | Bankwest Stadium Parramatta
16 December 
Cheer on Australia’s number one boxing superstar Tim Tszyu as he goes up against New Zealander Bowyn Morgan in what is slated to be the biggest boxing event of the decade. Plus, Ex-NRL star Paul Gallen will take on former UFC star Mark Hunt in an undercard battle of the big men.

Sydney Festival 
6-26 January 2021  
Every January, Sydney Festival enlivens and transforms Sydney with a bold cultural celebration based on big ideas and cutting-edge art and performance. The diverse program includes everything from jaw-dropping cabaret to acclaimed theatre, modern Indigenous work, exhilarating music, and family-friendly fun. 

HAMILTON | Sydney Lyric Theatre 
From 17 March 2021
The record-breaking musical masterpiece is heading to Sydney’s Lyric Theatre from March 2021. Hamilton is the story of the American founding father told through hip-hop, jazz and R&B, in a revolutionary moment in theatre. Book tickets now.

Come From Away | Sydney Capitol Theatre 
From June 2021
Opening in June at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, The Tony® and Olivier award-winning musical Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of thousands of stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland, Canada that welcomed them all.

Vivid Sydney
August 2021
Sydney’s festival of light, music and ideas will return in August 2021. The popular and award-winning event will take place slightly later than in previous years and will bring a newly reimagined program of light, music and ideas to the city.

VISUAL STORYTELLING GALLERIES

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