Where we’re going this month in NSW

Hello and welcome to the July edition of our media newsletter, Uncovered. This month we’ve uncovered the latest restaurants, accommodation and experiences in NSW that you can share with your readers. Check out a hip new bar and brewery in Marrickville, and stay in a hotel that lets you select your own room design in Camperdown. Escape to the north and discover all the best food and wine, places to stay and things to do on the northern NSW coast. Don’t miss our guide to the best glamping experiences including the star-gazing Bubbletent in Capertree (pictured) and get behind the wheel with our carefully curated list of Winter road trips from the country to the coast.

You are welcome to use this written content or repurpose it for your own publication. If you would like to request any of our DNSW images, please email: paula.lay@dnsw.com.au

TOP SIX NSW WINTER ROAD TRIPS

A road trip brings a great sense of freedom. You can take your time and choose your own route, and there’s a sense of adventure as you decide where to linger next. You’ll discover natural beauty at every turn and quaint, historic towns to explore as you head off the main highways. What better time to pack up the car and hit the road than Winter, with rugged country landscapes to cruise through, cosy wood-fired cabins to stop at and perhaps a sweep of snow-capped peaks in the distance. Here are six snapshots of two to four day drives through NSW, from country to coast.

The Blue Mountains is ideal for a magnificent mini break for two, with its close proximity to Sydney and abundance of boutique guesthouses, galleries, gardens and fine dining. Once there you can loop back to Sydney or head further afield to the Greater Blue Mountains.

Here’s a snapshot of a two-day itinerary to get you started—for full itinerary and map, click here. 

DAY 1: Sydney > Katoomba
The drive from Sydney to Katoomba, in the heart of the Blue Mountains, takes about 90 minutes via the M4 Motorway. The Great Western Highway climbs beyond Penrith into the mountains past charming towns including Springwood, Faulconbridge, Wentworth Falls and Leura.

Katoomba has elegant dining options and plenty of places to stay—use it as a base to explore Leura, Blackheath, Mount Victoria and the Megalong Valley.

DAY 2: Katoomba > Greater Blue Mountains
37km from Katoomba, the historic city of Lithgow is the gateway to a diverse region. Best known for its industrial heritage, Lithgow is also an exquisitely beautiful area boasting seven national parks and rare flora and fauna. Coming back from Lithgow to Sydney, travel through Windsor and along Bells Line of Road where you can stop at the fruit orchards around Bilpin and have lunch at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah.

If you have more time to explore, from The Blue Mountains, there are 18 trips to choose from that branch off the main route, covering national parks, vineyards and historic towns from the Upper Hunter, Mudgee, Goulburn, The Southern Highlands and the Hawkesbury. 

The Grand Pacific Drive is one of Australia's most breathtaking routes taking you through rainforests, seaside villages and spectacular coastline as you head to Wollongong, through Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven.

Here’s a snapshot of a two-day itinerary to get you started—for full itinerary and map, click here.

DAY 1: Royal National Park > Kiama
The Grand Pacific Drive heads south from The Royal National Park, the second oldest National Park in the world, only 36km from Sydney. From here the 140km trip winds past surf beaches, through rainforest and seaside towns. Take the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge, which extends over the ocean as it hugs the coast, stop at the famous Scarborough Hotel for a delicious pub lunch then continue to Kiama, home of the famous blowhole.

DAY 2 Kiama > Shoalhaven
Just south of Kiama is Gerroa, a sweet seaside escape at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach with lots of self-contained accommodation. Further afield, in the Shoalhaven region, Jervis Bay is 79km from Kiama and boasts white sand beaches, turquoise water and resident dolphins.

If you’re heading back to Sydney, take a scenic detour and follow one of the hinterland drives to Berry, Kangaroo Valley and Milton. Cupitt’s Winery and Brewery near Milton and overlooking Lake Burrill is a stunning stop for a lunch and wine or beer tasting.

The Long Paddock route follows the historic Cobb stock route, from the mighty Murray River to iconic Outback towns. Starting in Australia’s paddle-steamer capital, the twin towns of Echuca-Moama are rich in riverboat heritage, food and wine, and towering river red gums. Further on, visit the fascinating Australian Shearers Hall of Fame in Hay or explore Paroo-Darling National Park, home to wetland wildlife and significant indigenous sites.

DAY 1: Moama > Deniliquin
The journey from Moama to Deniliquin features intriguing heritage and natural attractions. Begin by exploring history at Port of Echuca Discovery Centre or taking a ride on a paddle-steamer.

DAY 2: Deniliquin > Hay
Heading north on Cobb Highway, cross The Billabong Creek at Wanganella 42km north of Deniliquin. Flowing for about 320km before entering the Edward River at Moulemein, this is the longest creek in the world and paradise for Murray Cod.

The historic Royal Mail Hotel in Booroorban is a great place to stop for refreshments – it was an original staging post on the Cobb & Co stagecoach route. Keep going to historic Hay, 51km north of Booroorban, nestled on the banks of the beautiful Murrumbidgee River.

DAY 3: Hay > Ivanhoe
Booligal is 38km north of Hay. Stop on the Cobb Highway to see the remains of the famous One Tree Hotel. Continue north past sprawling paddocks and station homesteads to Booligal and stop for a fabulous pub lunch at Duke of Edinburgh hotel. 133km north of Booligal is Ivanhoe—don’t miss The Long Paddock mural ‘The Pioneers’, a fantastic work by Wayne Strickland that tells the story of the Ivanhoe area, then finish off the day with dinner at the Ivanhoe Hotel.

DAY 4: Ivanhoe to Wilcannia
Wilcannia was once a thriving port for cargoes of wool shipped along the Darling River by steamers and is situated 163km from Ivanhoe. The road is unsealed, so before setting out check road conditions with the local Visitor Information Centre, local council, police or motoring authority. Rain may cause closure of these roads. From Wilcannia, you can connect with The Darling River Run or the Great Central to Outback NSW Drive.

An exhilarating drive Winter or Summer, this itinerary gets you from the heart of Australia’s food bowl to the alpine wilderness of the Snowy Mountains.

Here is a snapshot of a four-day itinerary to get you started—for full details, itinerary and map, click here.

Day 1: Griffith > Narrandera
For fine wines and gastronomic delights, start your journey in Griffith in the rich Riverina region in south-western NSW. Between Griffith and Narrandera, wine lovers will enjoy visiting Lillypilly Estate Winery and Toorak Wines in Leeton. You’ll also find an array of restaurants and cafes in Leeton, or have a picnic at the nearby Gogeldrie and Yanco weirs.

Day 2: Narrandera > Wagga Wagga
The journey to Junee takes you 100km east on the Newell Highway and Canola Way. Stop for a wine and cheese tasting at Coolamon Cheese or pick up some local Riverina produce for a picnic in nearby Kindra State Forest.

The pretty heritage town of Junee is 40km further—don’t miss Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, located in an old flour mill. From Junee, drive 42km south to Wagga Wagga, where you can sip a cocktail at Birdhouse Bar before dinner at restaurant Magpies Nest, a converted 1860s stone barn.

Day 3: Wagga Wagga > Tumbarumba
Sturt Highway takes you to the gateway of the beautiful Snowy Mountains. Stop off at enchanting Adelong, where you can stroll along the National Trust-classified main street.

A short drive east is Tumut, famous for its Festival of the Falling Leaf in Autumn and a charming base to explore the NSW Snowy Mountains. Further south, Tumbarumba in the western foothills of the Snowy Mountains has Australia’s highest peaks as a magnificent backdrop. Explore this breathtaking area further on the Kosciuszko Alpine Drive.

Discover NSW at your own pace on the Legendary Pacific Coast Drive. You’ll see spectacular scenery along the way, from rolling green hinterland dotted with macadamia farms and banana plantations, to rugged national parks, great surf beaches and maybe a whale or two.

The drive, best divided into four days, takes in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and the Tweed area.

DAY 1: Sydney > Port Stephens
Drive north on the M1 about 92km to the NSW Central Coast. Beautiful villages on the Central Coast, such as Pearl Beach, Ettalong Beach, Patonga, Avoca and Terrigal, offer a range of opportunities to stop and refresh.

Continuing north, don’t miss a detour to Newcastle, Australia’s second-oldest city where there’s many harbourside restaurants and bars at Honeysuckle.

Port Stephens is a 40-minute drive from Newcastle. With 26 golden beaches and many beautiful inlets, it’s an idyllic beach getaway.

DAY 2: Port Stephens > South West Rocks
The drive from Port Stephens to South West Rocks takes in beautiful beaches, lakes and stunning hinterland. In Port Macquarie, don’t miss Koala Hospital, which conducts daily tours at 3pm. The town of South West Rocks is at the mouth of Macleay River, 85km from Port Macquarie. For spectacular views visit the Smoky Cape Lighthouse, a great vantage point for whale watching between May and November.

DAY 3: South West Rocks > Coffs Harbour
Natural beauty and adventure attractions draw families to Coffs Harbour, a coastal city 106km from South West Rocks. Once in Coffs Harbour, the kids will love the amusement rides at the Big Banana Fun Park, including water slides and tobogganing. Head along the Jetty Strip at the bottom of Harbour Drive and eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes.

DAY 4: Coffs Harbour > Tweed Heads
The scenic 240km drive from Coffs Harbour takes you into the Byron Bay area, famed for its lush hinterland, fresh produce, breathtaking beaches and creative community. 

Further north, with uncrowded beaches and the stunning Tweed River, is the Tweed region where you can surf, dive or kayak. The main town is Tweed Heads, where you’ll find fishing charters, houseboats for hire and underwater tours.

The Legendary Pacific Drive concludes in this beautiful region, but the drive back is a good opportunity to explore attractions and detours you may have missed along the way.

There’s nothing like a road trip in the NSW Outback to escape the everyday and get a sense of the wide open space – from star gazing to far-reaching landscapes. On this road trip, you’ll depart from Dubbo, the heart of the Great Western Plains, and travel through spectacular countryside and charming country towns to Broken Hill.

Here is a snapshot of a four day itinerary to get you started—for full details, itinerary and map, click here.

DAY 1 Dubbo > Nyngan
The vibrant regional city of Dubbo is home to the award-winning Taronga Western Plains Zoo where you can hop on the Pride Lands Patrol, explore a replica African Maasai village, and dine and stay in one of their safari-style lodges. The beautiful rural town of Nyngan is further west of Dubbo on the Mitchell Highway. Don’t miss the fascinating Nyngan Museum and for a waterbird wildlife adventure head to the Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve.

DAY 2 Nyngan > Cobar
Head to Cobar, 132km further west along the Barrier Highway. It’s worth lingering in Cobar for the mining heritage—you can observe open cut mines, visit The Great Cobar Heritage Centre and take a Cobar Heritage Walk through the town’s historic buildings.

DAY 3 Cobar > Wilcannia
Wilcannia is on the Barrier Highway between Cobar and Broken Hill. Visit the former Athenaeum Library from 1883, now the town's Pioneer Museum; sit and soak up the sunsets and abundant wildlife at Warrawong on the Darling and stay in one of their accommodation options such as cabins, caravans or bush camping.

DAY 4 Wilcannia > Broken Hill
Broken Hill is Australia’s first heritage-listed city and you’ll find palatial heritage buildings, fine dining and fascinating galleries with a backdrop of desert landscape. The clear night sky just outside Broken Hill is ideal for stargazing and you can book a Spectacular Sky Encounter with Outback Astronomy.

From Broken Hill you can choose several country drives — head south to Wentworth, where the Darling River meets the Murray or check road conditions and head north to Corner Country.

GLAMPING EXPERIENCES IN NSW

Stay overnight in the great outdoors—without giving up home comforts

Cockatoo Island | Sydney Harbour | 10-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay

Sydney’s best-kept secret is glamping on Cockatoo Island, which puts you front and centre on the iconic harbour. The historic island—a former convict penal establishment—is a 10-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay and has three types of glamping: Glamping for Two; Two-bedroom Glamping for four people and Mini Glamping—a cosy tent for couples. You’ll arrive to a pre-erected tent with toiletries, bedding and cooler box, and have access to hot showers and a communal camp kitchen with 10 BBQ areas, fridges, microwaves and a boiling water system.

What to bring? Bring your own food or order BBQ and breakfast packs from the island café, Societe Overboard. Don’t forget cooking utensils, cutlery and plates.

Need to know: There are strict alcohol rules on Cockatoo Island—you cannot BYO alcohol but you can purchase takeaway alcohol from Societe Overboard if you’re a Cockatoo Island guest, or enjoy a drink at the Cockatoo Island Marine Centre.

For rates and booking information, visit www.cockatooisland.gov.au/stay/glamping

Mini glamping from $130

Tandara | Lane Cove National Park | around 20 minutes from Sydney CBD

For a luxe camping weekend away without the road trip, Tandara, which means  ‘camp here’, is nestled in the Lane Cove National Park, just a 15-20 minute drive from Sydney city. The safari-style tent made for those who like creature comforts with a king-size bed, stunning bathroom with deep tub and a smart sound system, which pumps tunes through speakers in the garden. For nature lovers there is myriad wildlife to observe, such as eastern water dragons, kookaburras and sulphur-crested cockatoos. If you want to do something other than sit with a glass of wine in hand and fire up the BBQ, you can canoe or kayak on the Lane Cove River.

What to bring: Hiking boots; your own bike helmet if preferred (Tandara supplies mountain bikes for guest use); food supplies (you can pre-order a delicious gourmet BBQ or breakfast hamper).

Need to know: There’s only one tent—so book early. No smoking, no children, no pets and there is limited phone reception in Lane Cove National Park.

For rates and booking information, visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/accommodation/tandara

From $220 per night

Paperbark Camp | Jervis Bay | 2 hours 40 minutes from Sydney

Paperbark Camp offers a luxurious but sustainable camping experience in bushland a few hours south of Sydney in stunning Jervis Bay. Inspired by the tented-style safari accommodation the owners experienced in South Africa, Paperbark Camp has established itself as a premier eco-tourism experience at the forefront of Australian glamping since it opened in 1999. Owners Jeremy & Irena Hutchings have created a remarkable stay with 12 cosy canvas tents placed strategically among native eucalypts. All the tents have five-star hotel-quality linen and amenities, hot showers, a wrap-around deck and full insect screening—with a bathtub in the Deluxe tents. You can canoe, cycle, read a book on the beach and head to dinner at onsite tree-top restaurant Gunyah, and then meander back to your tent, spotting native wildlife along the way with your torch.

What to bring: With a licensed restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, plus gourmet picnic baskets available, there’s no need to bring anything, other than some BYO wine to sip in your luxury tent and your own beach towels, which Paperbark don’t supply.

Need to know: You can switch off and get away from it all at Paperbark Camp—they have Advanced Eco Accreditation, which means you won’t find air-conditioning or heating, TV, bar fridge or power points for technology. Note: power and WiFi can be accessed from Gunyah Restaurant.

For rates and booking information, visit www.paperbarkcamp.com.au/bookings

From $495 per night

BubbleTent Australia | Capertree Valley | 2 hours 40 minutes from Sydney

Stargazers and romantics will fall in love with this magical clear dome overlooking the Capertree Valley near Round Swamp in New South Wales. The three transparent spheres named after zodiac constellations—Leo, Virgo and Cancer—sit atop wooden platforms and give guests a spectacular view of the stars at night and the vast valley during the day. Inside you’ll find a chic setup with a queen bed, hidden sliding cabinet for storage underneath and a luxury vanity and composting toilet. While the bathroom is also spherical, it’s not transparent. Outside, stairs lead down to a lower deck, which boasts a kitchenette and a seating area, an ideal spot to drink in the spectacular views. The Virgo BubbleTent has the romantic addition of an outdoor wood-fired hot tub.

The host supplies binoculars and an iPad loaded with a birdwatching app, a USB charger, a sun shield, deck slippers, headlamps, an emergency torch, insect repellant, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. For cooking, you’ll find a pan, a kettle, serving utensils and cutlery, plus your very own herb garden.

What to bring: A backpack or overnight bag with easily-layerable clothing such as jumpers, thermals, jackets and a beanie; food and drink for your stay; extra drinking water and your fave tipple; a camera and a good book!

Need to know: This one-of-a-kind tent is constructed with fireproof, commercial-grade PVC, and renews, filters, and dehumidifies the air inside the tent up to nine times an hour. The tent will fully protect guests if it rains and it’s strong enough to withstand winds of up to 70kms an hour. Bubbletent books quickly, so subscribe to hear updates, www.bubbletentaustralia.com/book/

From $340 per night

Turon Gates Country Resort | Blue Mountains | 2 hours 30 minutes from Sydney

If you would like to ‘go bush’ in NSW without heading too far from the centre of Sydney, Turon is a tranquil bushland property less than three hours from Sydney, with rocky outcrops over a crystal-clear creek, misty valleys and native wildlife to spot, such as kangaroos, wombats, platypus and bush lizards.

A collection of valley cottages, river cabins and a glamping tent make up the accommodation on the property, which has a land holding of over 6000 acres in the Blue Mountains region. The cabins are perfect for families, while the canvas tent is ideal for a romantic getaway. The roomy canvas tent has a heated floor and is set on a raised platform with a spacious deck overlooking the river. There’s a hot shower with strong water pressure, a fireplace, and a comfy bed just made for sleeping in.

While you’re at Turon, you can try horse riding with one of their qualified team or travel further south to explore the Jenolan Caves. Turon Gates Country Resort is also on the way to Mudgee, which has dozens of wineries, exquisite eateries and stunning heritage streetscapes.

What to bring: Only bring your linen (or pay extra to have it provided) plus an esky with your cold food, drinks and ice.

Need to know: Turon is a pet-friendly resort and smoking is allowed outside.

For rates and booking information, visit www.turongates.com

Glamping Tent from $161 per nigh

Roar and Snore Taronga Zoo | Sydney | 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay

At Sydney’s Taronga Zoo you can stay overnight in a safari-style tent, enjoy gourmet feasts under the stars and have an up close and personal experience with the exotic and native animals in the zoo. After the zoo closes to general admission, the Roar and Snore itinerary begins with a twilight walk, canapes and welcome drinks, buffet dinner, then a night-time safari at 9pm.

Wake up at sunrise to the roar of a lion and the stunning backdrop of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. After breakfast, head off on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour then feel free to explore the zoo for the rest of the day. Each tent has a double bed, a single pop-up trundle bed and there’s an on-site amenity block with hot showers.

What to bring: Camera; toiletries; closed-toed shoes (no sandals, thongs or heels); wet-weather gear (Roar and Snore is an all-weather program).

Need to know: All meals and drinks are supplied by the zoo, strictly no BYO. If you have any special dietary requirements, special needs or peculiar requests let Taronga Zoo know and they will see what they can do. Roar & Snore has disabled-access facilities.

For more information, visit taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo/accommodation/roar-snore-bookings

From $275 per adult per night
 

Permanent Camping | Mudgee | 3 hours 40 minutes from Sydney

This architect-designed, eco-friendly tower was built as a retreat from the world for the owner Jason and since then, he has opened the unique two-story, copper-clad structure to guests. The ground level has panels which lift up to create an airy living space and take advantage of the stunning views across the Australian bushland. Inside there’s a kitchen and wood-fired stove downstairs and a sleeping loft upstairs, accessed by ladder. The tower is heavily insulated so you’ll be cool in summer and warm in winter. There’s a separate toilet made of copper-clad hardwood like the tower—and the WC has spectacular views of the valley. The property is a bushwalker’s paradise with a mix of native bushland and clearings; permanent waterholes and unusual rock formations. It’s very quiet with no one else around—so if you crave time far from the madding crowd, it’s an ideal bush escape.

Need to know: You can self-cater or enjoy a hamper of seasonal produce, which includes breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and a bottle of local wine. There is a ladder up to the sleeping loft, the shower is outside and the toilet is a short walk from cabin, so it may not suit everyone.

What to bring: Hiking boots, wine and a good book.

To book visit, www.permanentcamping.com.au

From $350 a night

Flash Camp | Jervis Bay |3 hours from Sydney

Flash Camp is Australia’s premier pop-up accommodation, pitching bespoke, beautiful tents with all the trimmings in various properties in Australia. Flash Camp has recently partnered with The Woods Farm in beautiful Jervis Bay to provide glamping on their 40 acre property, just three hours’ drive from Sydney.

For a fun, communal atmosphere, the glamping field at Woods Farm has 10 canvas bell tents, fitted out with king-size beds, rugs, tables and deck chairs as well as extra touches the Woods Farm is known for.

There’s a shared space with fire pits and log stools, tables and chairs and BBQ and camp kitchen facilities. When the sun goes down, fairy lights and lamps create a beautiful ambient setting from which to gaze at the stars, eat, drink and be merry with family and friends.

If you have little ones (the glamping tents can have a maximum of four), they’ll love the swimming pool, bikes, farm animals and outdoor games.

Need to know: Flash Camp South Coast proudly partners with Dinner Ladies, the Sydney-based gourmet meal delivery.

What to bring: Wine, food supplies, BBQ beads, beach towels and a good book.

For rates and booking information, visit www.thewoodsfarm.com.au/southcoastglamping

From $220 per night

Image: Elise Hassey

Tilba Lake Camp | Tilba | 5 hours 10 minutes from Sydney

Tilba Lake Camp offers a variety of accommodation options on 11 acres of coastal countryside in Central Tilba on the NSW South Coast. There are two yurt-style tents with loads of standing space and stylishly appointed, Instagrammable interiors. Sibley Bell Tent and Lotus Bell Tent give you the choice of a king bed or twin beds, and have technological additions, such as LED lanterns and a smart phone in-tent charger. There’s a large esky with ice to house all your perishables, tea and coffee making supplies and a wood-fire to keep you warm throughout the cooler months.

Once you venture outside this heavenly haven, there are bathrooms, a heated saltwater pool, a communal sun-house and a store to top-up your in-tent dining supplies. In addition to the two tents, there are two unique Tilba Lake pods, named Bonnie and Clyde. The ‘tiny homes’ cosily accommodate two adults in country-luxe style and have a toasty wood fire inside.

Need to know: The tents have thoughtful touches such as fluffy towels, free WiFi, outdoor chairs, a portable gas stove and playing cards for those quiet nights by the wood fire.

For rates and booking information, visit www.tilbalakecamp.com.au

From $195 per night

Glamping Out South Coast | 2 hours 30 minutes from Sydney

This luxury glamping hire company on NSW’s beautiful South Coast supplies everything you need for a stylish camp out and has become popular for romantic getaways, kids’ parties and festival-style weddings.

Once you choose your location on the South Coast (their website has a list of recommended camping sites) Glamping Out’s owner Kristy and her talented team erect, furnish and style one of their beautiful canvas belle tents. Glamping Out will also return to take it all down and pack up later, so you don’t have to do a thing.

Owner Kristy is a passionate stylist and she creates magical spaces for her guests with rugs, quirky cushions, lanterns, textured throws, plants and fairy lights. You’ll also find thoughtful touches on your arrival such as tissues, towels and a mini amenities pack. For cooler nights, Kristy will supply a heater too.

What to bring: All you need is your clothing, personal toiletries and any food and wine supplies, unless you wish to explore all the wonderful restaurants nearby.

Need to know: The Glamping Out fees cover delivery, labour and hiring of the tents, so you will need to organise a campsite after reserving your tent.

For rates and booking information, visit www.glampingout.com.au

From $190 per night

Sierra Escape | Mudgee | 4 hours from Sydney

For rolling hills as far as the eye can see and memorable five-star glamping, Sierra Escape, just 20 minutes from Mudgee, is a magical place to unwind and immerse yourself in an Australian bush experience. Winter is the ideal time to visit Sierra, with the sturdy canvas tents fully insulated against the elements and open campfires to toast marshmallows on.

There are three tent styles to choose from—Carinya, Dulili and Uralla—all with expansive windows and decks to take in the spectacular views. Carinya is ideal for a couple with a king-size bed, wood fireplace and a large freestanding bath. Dulili is a family tent, sleeping up to seven people with two queen beds, one single trundle and a second bedroom with double bed.

Uralla is Sierra’s premium tent with a secluded position high on the hill and a freestanding bathtub perched on the deck so you can soak and sip a wine while watching the sun set.

All three tents are kitted out with luxe linen; a breakfast pack including marshmallows to roast, muesli and pancake mix; and power for charging laptops, iPads and phones.

Need to know: Due to the amount of wildlife at Sierra, pets are not allowed. Dulili is suitable for children, whereas Carinya and Uralla are only set up to sleep a maximum of two people with the exception of children under 2.

What to bring: Toiletries, comfy clothing, ugg boots, a good book and extra marshmallows!

For rates and booking information, visit www.sierraescape.com.au

From $290 per night. 
 

SPOTLIGHT ON: WINTER IN THE NORTH COAST

Winter is the perfect time to visit the North Coast of NSW. The days are warm, beaches are quiet, prices are lower and the whales are in season. Here’s a wrap up of the best new activities, accommodation, restaurants and events on offer right now in the North Coast.

WHALE WATCHING

The 2018 whale watching season is well under way and the North Coast of NSW is one of the major stops on the Humpback Highway.

Coolangatta Whale Watch is the only licensed whale-watching operator in Tweed Heads and offers early morning cruises six days a week. The 50ft vessel has undercover seating and open-deck space to move around, and will bring passengers close to these curious mammals.

Take a cruise through the stunning Cape Byron National Park in search of humpback whales with Out of the Blue Adventures. Based in Ballina, their modern eco vessel seats just 20 people with 360-degree views, exploring secluded stretched of coastline accessible only by water.

There are just a handful of places around the world where you can swim with whales in their natural habitat. Jetty Dive in Coffs Harbour takes you out in search of humpbacks and—when it’s safe—lets you slip into the water alongside them. It’s an incredible experience to swim with a whale weighing over 40 tonnes and see these giants of the sea in all their glory.
 

WHERE TO STAY

Taking inspiration from New York’s Bowery district, The Bower Byron Bay is a motel-turned-luxury boutique hotel. There are 14 suites, a barn for couples, and a cottage and family house for larger groups. The minimalist interiors are bathed with light and open out onto the surrounding gardens full of native flora.

Instagram favourite Halcyon House is one of the North Coast’s most stylish stays. The former motel in Cabarita Beach has been completely transformed into a chic Mediterranean-style retreat with lots of bright white, nautical blues and luxurious touches. In February, a new spa extension was opened complete with a dome-shaped Turkish hammam (traditional steam bath). Treatments use products from WA brand Sodashi.

Diggers Beach Cottage is a newly renovated boutique-style accommodation, set in the beautiful beach suburb of Diggers Beach on the Coffs Coast. It’s just 50 metres to the sand and has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, modern kitchen and a spacious landscaped courtyard.

Elements of Byron resort opened in 2016 and has recently completed the second stage of development. The new additions include 99 one- and two-bedroom villas, fitted out like small beach houses and with plenty of space for families. There’s also a new adults-only pool with a swim-up bar focusing on tequila, a van serving Mexican street food, and lots of daybeds and cabanas for lounging.

The exclusive Rae’s on Wategos has been the hotel of choice for celebrities in Byron Bay since the 1980s. In mid-2017 the iconic property underwent an extensive refurbishment and the seven rooms are now styled with natural materials, custom fittings and one-off Italian furnishings. The Rae’s team also has plans in the works for a private jet and superyacht service in the future.

The family-run 28 Degrees guesthouse in Byron Bay is all about laid back luxury. There are just seven rooms (three with private plunge pools); a main house with a gourmet kitchen, living and dining area; common lap pool; and a focus on eco-friendly products throughout.

THINGS TO DO

Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours is an Aboriginal-owned venture that opened on the Coffs Coast at the start of 2017. The tours use kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding as a way to introduce people to their traditional Gumbaynggirr culture. Twenty per cent of the profits are invested back into the not-for-profit Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation that runs cultural camps, after-school centres and language programs.

The annual show is an integral part of country life. A new exhibition at the Tweed Regional Museum in Murwillumbah celebrates the people, produce and animals that are at the heart of this event. Titled Chutney, Chooks and Champions: Stories from the Show, the exhibition, features a short film and vox pops with people who have spent their lives contributing to the success of the show.

Cape Byron Distillery opened its doors in 2016, creating small batch gins flavoured with native rainforest botanicals on a property in the Byron hinterland. Last year they introduced a cellar door program that includes a gin tasting and tour of the surrounding rainforest. You’ll learn about the distillation process and how they combine native flavours to create award-winning gins.

EAT AND DRINK

Two of Sydney’s top chefs made a seachange to sunny Sawtell and opened the Hilltop Store in March. Carla Jones, former co-owner and head chef at 4Fourteen, and husband Richie Dolan, former head chef at Chiswick, are behind the new licenced café set inside a 1924 general store. The menu champions local seasonal produce with refined yet unfussy dishes, great coffee and house-pressed juice.

The team from Sydney’s popular Bloodwood restaurant opened a second outpost in Bellingen in mid-2017. Popla Bellingen is located in a heritage-listed weatherboard cottage and serves up a menu of the best local produce flavoured by the smoky char of the hearth grill. The interesting drinks list includes house-made sodas, kombucha and whey-based ginger beer.

The popular Nyanggan Gapi Coffee Van at Sealy Lookout in Orara East State Forest on the Coffs Coast is now a permanent fixture, with the opening of a container café in early 2018. The café is run by the not-for-profit Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation and incorporates indigenous flavours into the menu, like lemon myrtle chicken skewers, cordials made with lemon myrtle bush and kangaroo meatballs with native spices.

The café at the Sawtell Surf Club was renovated and relaunched in April as The Kiosk Sawtell. The sweeping ocean views complement a menu of acai bowls, homemade sourdough crumpets, burgers and Will and Co coffee. The space is dog- and kid-friendly, with groups spilling out onto the surrounding grass on sunny days.

Bayside Bar & Grill opened its doors in March as part of the redevelopment of Coffs Harbour's Pacific Bay Resort complex (previously a Novotel) by Bonville Golf Resort. The restaurant is open seven days for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving modern Australian and Italian cuisine overlooking the resort’s tropical lagoon.

NEW EVENTS FOR 2018

Woolgoolga MTB Festival, 25-26 August, is a two-day mountain biking extravaganza in the beachside town of Woolgoolga with over $10,000 in prizes up for grabs. The event aims to provide a platform for riders of all disciplines, ability and fitness levels to enjoy mountain biking. 

Port Macquarie Elephant Trail Race, 20-22 July, is a multi-race running event through the rugged trails of Mt Cairncross with distances ranging from a 160km ultramarathon to 13km fun runs for the family.

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