No Images? Click here What's New in NSWThere’s a still a month of Summer to go, and with Autumn on its way, there are plenty of brilliant ways to enjoy Sydney and Regional NSW. Whether you’re looking for the perfect destination for a romantic break with your valentine, want to get back to nature on Lord Howe Island or take part in an Indigenous cultural experience, NSW has it all. Enjoy! Image credit: Byron at Byron New Food and WineNewtown favourite Hartsyard 2.0 has reopened with a new menu, designed to serve more contemporary comfort food. The restaurant interior has also had a refresh with a new brighter look. Check out Solander Dining, the 72-seat Modern Australian restaurant - named after Daniel Solander, Captain Cook's botanist on-board his first Pacific voyage, at the new West Hotel in the CBD. The newest eatery to join the Merivale suite of restaurants and bars, Hotel Centennial in Woollahra features local produce served in a Mediterranean-influenced menu. The Christopher Hanna hair salon on Bridge Street is opening a 65-seat bar in February, serving drinks and snacks. The menu will include nitrogen espresso, cocktails, Champagne and bloody marys, as well as caviar and sardines on toast. The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa (pictured above) has transformed its restaurant after a six-week renovation. Matthew Kemp will lead the team behind the burners as Executive Chef. Image credit: William Inglis Hotel New AccommodationThere is an equine themed luxury hotel at the heart of the new Inglis Riverside Stables precinct in Western Sydney. The five-star William Inglis Hotel in Warwick Farm has 144 guest rooms and 22 suites, each named for a champion racehorse, an outdoor pool with cabanas and bar, a spa & wellness centre and a choice of eateries. After a $5 million upgrade, Mercure Penrith has reopened offering extra-long beds, ambient lighting options, spacious desks and laptop tables. The hotel is at the base of the Blue Mountains and is next door to Penrith Panthers World of Entertainment. The latest accommodation in Sydney’s Paddington neighbourhood is the Mrs Banks Boutique Hotel. Offering a choice of five stylish room types, the hotel is based in a beautifully restored heritage building and is a great base for exploring the city. The West Hotel has officially opened, close to Barangaroo. Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, The West has 182 botanical-themed guest rooms, a soothing open-air garden atrium and an emerald terrazzo marble bar. Image credit: Amex Openair Cinemas New ExperiencesThe Twilight at Taronga Summer Concert Series kicks off on 2 February until 17 March. Performers include Neil and Liam Finn, James Morrison Big Band and Bjorn Again. Exclusive to the Art Gallery of NSW, and for the first time in Australia, The Lady and the Unicorn exhibition opens on 10 February. A masterpiece of medieval French art, this six-tapestry series is known as ‘the Mona Lisa of the Middle Ages'. Head to the beach for alfresco cinema at the American Express Openair Cinemas at Bondi, until 4 March. Virtual Room is Sydney’s new virtual reality experience, allowing several people to work together as a team on a problem-solving mission lasting 45 minutes. Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa in Bowral is launching Musical Feasts, a year-long series of operatic dining concerts showcasing Southern Highlands’ seasonal food. The series begins on Sunday, 18 February with Summer Soiree, a red-carpet event with sparkling wine and canapes before a performance by the 3 TenOz, and a wine-matched interval dinner. Destination Lord Howe IslandLord Howe Island is pure paradise. Just 11km by 3km, the crescent-shaped, World Heritage-listed island is the ultimate getaway, at any time of the year, with fine weather and just 400 visitors allowed at any time. With the world’s most southerly coral reef on its doorstep, its spectacular twin peaks and peaceful lush forest walks, Lord Howe Island will take your breath away. Here are 10 reasons Lord Howe Island needs to be on your must-visit list: 1. Hike: Challenge yourself to the one-day, guided climb of Mount Gower, at 875m, considered one of the world's best hikes. The eight-hour trek has rope-assisted sections and sheer drops. 2. Get wet: Take to the island’s crystal-clear waters for swimming, kayaking and surfing. The sheltered lagoon is calm and great for kids. 3. Cycle: Borrow or rent a bike and explore the island on roads with little or no traffic. The island can be explored easily from the saddle of a bike, with lovely lookouts and beaches to stop at along the way. 4. Walk: There’s no better way to enjoy the island’s stunning scenery and wildlife than on one of the many walking trails. Popular walks include Muttonbird Track and the scenic Max Nicholls Track to secluded North Bay. 5. Go underwater: Tropical and cooler waters collide in the ocean around Lord Howe, resulting in the world’s southernmost reef, 90 coral species, green and hawksbill turtles and 500 species of fish – perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. 6. Feed the marine life: Ned's Beach is known for the colourful fish and occasional turtles that inhabit the crystal clear waters. Just wade in and hand-feed mullet, butterfly fish and stingrays, or snorkel the shallow reef to see giant clams and corals. 7. Fish: Lord Howe is a top destination for big-game fishing for yellowfin tuna, wahoo, marlin and more. The island’s abundant waters are home to more delicious fish - whiting, trevally, bonefish, Australian salmon, spangled emperor, bluefish and wrasse. 8. Bird watch: With 14 species of seabird breeding on the island, Lord Howe is Australia’s premier bird-watching destination, boasting more than 130 permanent and migratory bird species, among them the woodhen, unique to the island. 9. Visit Balls Pyramid: Take a boat to the rocky stack rising 552m from the ocean that’s a wonder of geology and natural history. 10. Be pampered: Capella Spa at Capella Lodge offers post-climb treats for weary legs, while Arajilla Day Spa offers treatments based on Ayurvedic methods. The Pinetrees Day Spa has massage and facial treatments for the ultimate in rejuvenation. For more information on Lord Howe Island go to www.visitnsw.com. New Dining Hotspots on the Central CoastAn hour’s drive north of Sydney, the Central Coast is known for its pristine waterways, unspoilt beaches and lush countryside. Visitors can feed pelicans at The Entrance, play golf, cycle, zipline, kayak, and horse ride, while year-round water sports range from surfing and fishing to sailing and water-skiing. But now the region is also getting a name for itself as a food lover’s paradise, with several great food and drink destinations worth heading to the Central Coast for – here are five reasons why:
For more information on the Central Coast go to www.visitnsw.com. Image credit: Luna Park Valentines' Day in Sydney and NSWGet your cupid on with a romantic break with your love this Valentine’s Day. Keep the passion alive at these Sydney and NSW hotspots. In the beautiful Blue Mountains, the luxurious Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley has a two-night Romantic Retreat package for all you lovers out there, which includes a 90-minute couple’s spa treatment, gourmet picnic on a private outdoor deck, a romantic in-villa breakfast served with Champagne, gourmet lunch and dinner and much more. On the South Coast, Bannisters in Mollymook has a two-night Valentine’s Day package which includes daily breakfast, sparkling wine and chocolates, plus $200 towards a meal at Rick Stein at Bannisters restaurant. Romance is in the air at the Yarrangobilly Cave House, a heritage guesthouse in a beautiful limestone valley in Kosciuszko National Park. There are the remarkable caves, a thermal swimming pool and beautiful walks. Treat your love to a stay at the luxurious, award-winning Goonoo Goonoo Station, with its carefully restored 19th-century village of buildings and a focus on quality and privacy. Goonoo Goonoo has extensive landscaped gardens, a swimming pool and a range of accommodation. Sweep someone off their feet with the drama of the 1903-built Norah Head Lighthouse, north of The Entrance. With unforgettable views over the Pacific, and the historic Old Lightkeepers Quarters available for overnight stays, this is a special place for lovers of the ocean. In Morton National Park, in the Southern Highlands, take a romantic stroll with your valentine along the Lovers’ Walking Track, a 750m path from Echo Point picnic area to Bonnie View, a lovely spot for picnicking and bird watching. Look into the eyes of your loved one as you slowly circumnavigate the ferris wheel at Luna Park. With each carriage transformed into a private dining table for two, the Ferris Wheel Dining Experience offers a unique dinner against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Meet the person of your dreams at the Coogee Pavilion Valentine’s Day Rooftop Party, where there will be dating games, a kissing booth, plenty of bubbles and romantic tunes from the resident DJs. Cremorne’s Hayden Orpheum cinema has a special screening of the 1961 movie classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The $60 package for two includes sparkling wine and ice cream. There’s nothing more romantic than a sunrise, so wake your valentine early to watch the sun come up over Bondi Beach. Escape to the Tweed CoastGet away from it all in the beautiful Tweed region, an area known for its uncrowded beaches, the beautiful Tweed River and World Heritage rainforest. Here’s where to eat, stay and play on the coast and in the lush hinterland. EatIn pretty coastal Salt Village, the new Bombay Cricketers Club serves up modern Indian-fusion food with a focus on share plates - Goan fish curry, duck korma, cumin-spiced lamb shoulder and banana leaf-wrapped snapper, in an Indian plantation-style oasis. Inland, at the base of magnificent, World Heritage-listed Wollumbin-Mount Warning, Mavis’s Kitchen is a 25-acre former dairy turned country restaurant, which grows much of the seasonal produce it serves in its organic kitchen garden and sources the remainder locally. StayOn the coast at Casurina, Santai Retreat is a luxurious escape, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. A range of spacious rooms with verandas surround inviting pools, and the in-house spa offers a range of treatments and massages. North-west of Byron Bay in the lush hinterland, EcOasis offers six private, self-contained chalets nestled among trees, with views to Wollumbin-Mount Warning. Rooms include claw-foot and spa baths, double showers, kitchens and barbecues. PlayEnjoy a day of fun on the Tweed River on a Catch A Crab Tour. You can also hunt for yabbies, visit oyster farms and enjoy the bounty of your catch, cooked on board. You can spot dolphins at Point Danger Lookout or take a dive or snorkelling trip to Cook Island with Watersports Guru. Take a break from the coast with a trip to Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre. Six gallery spaces host a range of permanent and touring exhibitions, showcasing national and regional artists, including a collection of portraits of diverse Australians. For more information on the Tweed Coast go to www.visitnsw.com. Video credit: Lachlan Skinner / Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours Unmissable Adventurous Aboriginal ExperiencesThe popularity of Aboriginal tourism experiences is growing as more travellers want to meet the people and understand the language and culture of Australia’s traditional owners. Many Aboriginal tour operators are turning to adventure tours to share their stories. Here are 5 exciting Aboriginal adventure tours:
For more information go to www.visitnsw.com. Mardi Gras – Get Ready to Party!With the announcement that US pop icon Cher is Sydney-bound, and changes to the law making same-sex marriage legal, there is much to celebrate at the 40th Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. Here’s what to expect:
For the full program and for tickets and information go to Mardigras.org.au What's On: Sydney3-4 Feb: Walker Stalker, the largest zombie, horror and sci-fi convention in the world takes place at the Sydney Showgrounds, with stars including many cast members from the hit TV series, The Walking Dead. 9 Feb: Curated by chef Kylie Kwong, the Night Market at Carriageworks showcases locally sourced, seasonal produce with more than 60 food and beverage stalls, plus cooking demos, music and art. 10 Feb: Grab a bunch of mates and challenge yourself to the Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge, a 5km course of 12 epic obstacles including water slides, wrecking balls and foam pits. 10 Feb: Basketball giants the Sydney Kings take on the Brisbane Bullets at Qudos Bank Arena in their penultimate home game of the season. Who will win a spot in the playoffs? Tickets are on sale now. 13 Feb: With trop talks, craft awards and trop junior starting from the 13th as well as the Tropfest film night on the 17th, Tropfest, the world’s biggest small film festival, is better than ever. 16 Feb–4 March: Celebrate the Year of the Dog at the Sydney Chinese New Year Festival, a fun celebration of Chinese culture with markets, tours, music, food, dragon boat races and more. What's On: Regional NSW8-11 Feb: Showcasing the best of emerging and established Australian and international blues talent, the Australian Blues Music Festival is held every year in Goulburn. With more than 70 acoustic and electric performances across 11 venues, including buskers along the city’s main street, this year’s line-up includes Lloyd Spiegel, Geoff Achison, Nick Charles, Ali Penney & The Money Makers and many more. 16-18 Feb: Major musical talents Neil and Liam Finn will be headlining the Riverboats Music Festival, at Echuca-Moama on the Murray River, with Kasey Chambers, Josh Pyke and many more on the bill. The event also includes paddlesteamer sideshows and a festival breakfast. 24-25 Feb: The Australian Bowl-riding Championships hit Newcastle with entry open to riders of any skill level and age in the pros, Masters, Ladies and Juniors categories. 24-25 Feb: The world-famous Hydro Majestic Hotel will go back in time at the Roaring ‘20s Festival. The weekend features the Charleston Challenge for Charity, a Majestic Long Lunch and a Gangster Casino Charity Night. Until 11 March: The NSW Pro Surf Series is on, with events being held on the Tweed and Central coasts and the Great Lakes area, and more than 200 Australian and international surfers taking part. For further information regarding imagery and footage, please contact the DNSW PR team at media@dnsw.com.au. |