Insights -17 April 2025
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SYDNEY POSITIONED AS 'COOLCATION' CAPITAL
Destination NSW has embraced the global ‘coolcation’ trend with its new 'Feel the Sydney side of winter' campaign, which positions the Harbour City as a must-visit winter destination.
Recently added to the Cambridge Dictionary, ‘coolcation’ refers to the growing trend of travellers seeking cooler climates over traditional summer getaways. Booking.com’s Nine Predictions for Travel in 2025 report found that 42 per cent of travellers now prefer cooler destinations, confirming the shift.
Sydney is already ahead of the curve. According to Tourism Research Australia, the city welcomed 8.7 million domestic and international visitors between June and September 2024, injecting more than $6.6 billion into the visitor economy.
The campaign will launch across digital media, content partnerships, radio and press in Victoria, Queensland, ACT, Sydney and regional NSW from 18 April 2025.
Sydney's blockbuster winter 2025 event line-up includes Vivid Sydney, NRL State of Origin, Sydney Comedy Festival, MJ the Musical, Titanique, British and Irish Lions Tour, and TCS Sydney Marathon, alongside art exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (Cerith Wyn Evans) and the Art Gallery of New South Wales (Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala) and many more.
Visitors can also explore on foot or by bike, dive into adventure in Western Sydney, discover hidden pockets of the city, learn about the rich history of Aboriginal culture or dine at acclaimed restaurants – with experiences to match every energy level.
Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper said: “Winter in Sydney is filled with vibrant activity and endless opportunities. Nowhere else in the world can you go whale-watching during the day along pristine coastal waters, enjoy ground-breaking art, musicals and festivals, attend international sporting events and be just over an hour from a jaw-dropping mountain range."
WANDERER FESTIVAL RETURNS TO SAPPHIRE COAST
The Wanderer Festival will return to Pambula Beach from 4-5 October 2025.
Supported proudly by Destination NSW, the multi-day music and arts festival will transform the Bega Valley into a vibrant hub of music, arts and family-friendly entertainment, drawing thousands of festivalgoers.
The event will be an important catalyst for regional tourism on the South Coast and is expected to provide a significant boost to local businesses, injecting more than $1.6 million into the local visitor economy.
GIDJUUM GULGANYI WALK OPENS IN NORTHERN NSW
A new 42km multi-day walking adventure has opened in the Tweed Byron Hinterland on the NSW North Coast.
The four-day, three-night Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk, delivered by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, weaves through the Gondwanan rainforest and ancient volcanic landscapes of Mount Jerusalem National Park, Whian Whian State Conservation Area and Nightcap National Park.
The walk features rainforests, waterfalls and views of the Tweed Range, before finishing at the Minyon Falls lookout.
Along the track are three new campgrounds each with 11 elevated sleeping platforms, available for walkers at the end of each day as part of self-guided or guided packages.
Guided experiences on offer include Vision Walks Eco-Tours and Connect Adventures.
NSW STARS IN NEW TV SERIES
Destination NSW has partnered with Tourism Australia to support the production of a six-part series, Gary Barlow’s Food & Wine Tour: Australia. The Take That singer visits Sydney and regional NSW in the first episode, enjoying visitor experiences including a cruise on Sydney Harbour and wine tasting in the Hunter Valley.
TOP VISITOR MARKETS EXCEED 2019 LEVELS
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows three top 10 visitor markets surpassed 2019 levels in February 2025. South Korean visitors to NSW rose to 28,100, up from 19,300 in February 2019. There were 11,540 Indian visitors to NSW, up from 9810. Visitors from New Zealand to NSW rose from 29,540 to 29,680 during the period.
SAILGP SECURED FOR SYDNEY HARBOUR
Sydney will once again welcome the world’s best sailors when SailGP returns to Sydney Harbour in February 2026. First launched in Sydney in 2019, the championship has since become a global phenomenon and a key event in NSW’s major events calendar. Supported proudly by Destination NSW, the sail racing competition is watched around the globe, capturing the imagination of sports fans and potential visitors alike.
AUSTRALIANS BOOK EXTENDED EASTER BREAKS
New data from the Tourism & Transport Forum shows more than a quarter of Australians plan to extend their Easter break and turn it into an extra-long weekend. Nearly two million passengers are expected to travel through Qantas and Jetstar’s networks during the Easter holiday period, while Booking.com data shows accommodation searches have tripled for Byron Bay, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.
WORKSHOPS: EXPERIENCE DEVELOPMENT
Destination NSW has opened registrations for its 2025 Experience Development workshops in Maitland (13 May), Lismore (15 May), Wollongong (21 May), Coonamble (3 June) and Orange (5 June). The free workshops, delivered under the NSW First Program, support businesses to create new experiences or refine existing ones.
PENRITH STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT
The NSW Government has commenced construction on the $309 million redevelopment of Penrith Stadium. The precinct will be transformed into a modern venue for sport and recreation, with new community spaces and increased capacity for entertainment, including concerts. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.
HINDU CULTURAL CENTRE FOR WESTERN SYDNEY
The Hindu community of NSW has acquired a new property in Western Sydney, which is set to become a cultural hub with the support of $3.75 million in funding from the NSW Government. The venue will host events, music and dance classes and other activities.
CANTERBURY ICE SKATING RINK PLANS APPROVED
Historic Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink's development application has been approved. Plans included a new roof, concrete ice floor, skate hire facilities, changing rooms and seating areas. The NSW Government has committed up to $17.7 million to upgrade the centre.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR AUSTRALIA MARKET PLACE EVENTS: Australia Marketplace South East Asia will be held in Jakarta from 30 July to 1 August 2025. Learn more. Australia Marketplace India will be held in Jaipur from 3-6 August 2025. Learn more
ELECTRIC VEHICLE FLEETS INCENTIVE: The NSW Government has introduced funding to help businesses to boost their electric vehicle fleets. Applications close 30 June 2025. Learn more
NEW INDOOR POOL FOR WESTERN SYDNEY: Blacktown City Council has unveiled draft designs for the $40.6 million redevelopment of Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program. Learn more
SERVICE NSW BUSINESS BUREAU APP USAGE SURGES: More than 195,000 businesses have used the bureau's digital tools since it launched in October 2023. Learn more
ART GALLERY OF NEW SOUTH WALES LAUNCHES EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC SERIES: The Volume presents: Fixtures program will showcase live, experimental music. Learn more
REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR 2025 RURAL WOMEN'S GATHERING: The NSW Government is investing $30,000 in the event, which is being held in Lismore on 25 October 2025. Learn more
FOLLOW DESTINATION NSW ON LINKEDIN: Stay up to date with all the latest Destination NSW initiatives by following us on LinkedIn. Click here
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