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Where we’re going this month in NSW
Hello and welcome to the September edition of our media newsletter, Uncovered. This monthly collection of curated highlights has the latest editorial content that's available to publish or repurpose for your media publication.
This month we’ve uncovered the latest restaurants, accommodation and experiences in NSW ready to share with your audience. Discover a new rooftop bar in Sydney, sample delicious seafood at Rick Stein at the new Bannisters Hotel in Port Stephens (pictured) and glamp under the stars in stunning Mayfield Garden, Oberon.
Don’t miss our September stories — Sydney’s top art events, a spotlight on Tathra, the first Dark Sky Park in the Southern Hemisphere and what to do on the October long weekend.
WHAT'S NEW IN NEW SOUTH WALES
Sea change: The stunning view from new boutique hotel, Bannisters, at Port Stephens.
What's new in places to stay
Beachside boutique hotel brand, Bannisters, opens its newest haven on the New South Wales North Coast at Port Stephens this month. Nestled on the coast fringed by national parks, Bannisters Port Stephens has 80 coastal-luxe rooms, four suites and a breathtaking penthouse. Slide into the infinity pool overlooking the glittering bay, dine on fresh seafood by celebrated chef Rick Stein or venture into the pristine surroundings of Port Stephens. Bookings from September 7.
Two top resorts on the Coffs Coast have merged into a powerhouse of event and conferencing spaces, contemporary dining and accommodation. The Bonville Golf Resort has joined forces with Pacific Bay Resort to attract regional and interstate conferencing groups and leisure seekers to this stunning region of the New South Wales North Coast. The main resort village has been completely refurbished and the restaurant refreshed and rebranded into Bayside Bar and Grill.
Bangalay Villas are 16 new luxury villas on the New South Wales South Coast situated near Seven Mile Beach. With a pared-back, beachy style, the one- or two-bedroom villas have sweeping views over the Shoalhaven Heads golf course to the mountain range. Spend the day exploring the stunning South Coast, take a dip in the pool, then dine on site at Bangalay Dining, with chef Brent Strong executing a bold menu showcasing local produce.
A Spring special at beautiful Paper Bark Camp includes a free whale-watching cruise. For all mid-week bookings from 2 September until 27 September you’ll enjoy dinner, breakfast and a whale-watching cruise for two adults. Paperbark Camp is the original glamping experience situated in stunning Jervis Bay on the New South Wales South Coast, amongst lush rainforests, pure white sands and the sapphire-hued ocean.
Rum diaries: The sleek industrial interior of the new Brix Distillers in Surry Hills.
What's new in food & wine
Lovers of fine rum will welcome a new craft distillery in Sydney’s Surry Hills. Brix Distillers, the brainchild of three Aussie blokes, is a dedicated rum distillery with ex-Archie Rose’s Shane Casey overseeing the 1200-litre copper still and barrelling room. As well as Brix’s core range of rums—Brix White, Gold and Spiced—there are 150 local and global rums. Take a seat in the industrial-style bar with roaming rum trolley and tuck into butter-grilled prawns with chilli oil, lime and rum coconut cream.
A new state-of-the-art cellar door has opened in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. The modern construction at Shaw Vineyard Estate overlooks the sweeping vineyard and provides visitors with dedicated spaces to sample local wines at their leisure. The cellar door also has a private tasting room available and a lounge area where wine lovers can enjoy a tipple with a cheese tasting plate.
One of Australia’s favourite cooks, Adam Liaw, will be Southern Highlands Food and Wine Festival’s chef for 2018. The television presenter and author will host two cooking demonstrations using local produce on each day of the festival, held at the iconic Bradman Oval, Bowral on 29-30 September. Liaw won the second series of MasterChef 2010, currently hosts SBS food and travel program, Destination Flavour, and has written five popular cooking books on Asian cuisine.
The Pacific Club has opened in Bondi Beach with former Harvest Newrybar head chef in the kitchen and an extraordinary fit-out courtesy of designer Michael McCann—the mastermind behind Sydney restaurant spaces Felix and Mr Wong. The elegant eatery has a menu of fancy favourites integrating native Aussie ingredients like wattleseed and desert lime. Open for breakfast until late.
Image: Caroline McCredie
Hidden away on 199 Clarence Street in Sydney’s CBD is a quirky new drinking hole designed to resemble an abandoned Gentlemen’s Club. Old Mate’s Place is cosy and elegant with a rooftop space, shelves crammed with early edition books and a menu of creative cocktails and bar bites. While it’s tricky to find—it’s on level 4 behind a generic office door—it’s licenced until 2am so you can linger until late.
What's new in things to see and do
Mayfield Garden in Oberon is offering a magical overnight experience this Spring from 21 September to 17 November. Glamping in The Garden by Simple Pleasures Camping Co. gives exclusive night-time access to Mayfield Garden, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately-owned cool climate garden. Stylish belle tents with Hugo Sleep queen mattresses and luxury linen are dotted around the lush grounds. Bookings include a cook-your-own Mayfield Farmers BBQ with local steaks and fresh vegetable platter. Bring the kids or book the adults-only area for a unique, relaxing retreat.
Terragong Country House Bed and Breakfast is once again hosting its spectacular Star Gazing event on 14-15 September. Astronomer David Finlay will navigate the story of the starry sky in Jamberoo, secluded from significant man-made light pollution, and teach participants how to photograph star trails, the Milky Way and time-lapse images. The Star Gazing Package includes two nights stay with breakfast and happy hour with wine and canapés.
A creative new tour from National Photo Training College takes keen photographers on a stunning journey along Grand Pacific Drive to Minnamurra Rainforest and remote South Coast beaches. Guided by a professional photographer, get behind the lens to capture breathtaking views, the Sea Cliff Bridge and native wildlife such as lyrebird and eastern water dragon. Wattamolla Falls is a highlight, where guests meander along trails to remote lagoons and waterfalls and take a dip in the clear water.
Take a fascinating look at Cowra’s beautiful canola region with the Fields of Gold guided tour, which includes entry into the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, commentary on canola history and photo opportunities at canola 'hot spots'. The tours are subject to canola crop availability and depart every Saturday and Sunday through September and October from the Cowra Visitor Information Centre, for $50 per person.
To coincide with its 30th Anniversary, the Fairmont Resort and Spa in the Blue Mountains has opened one of the largest purpose-built day spas in Australia. The two-storey Ubika Day Spa & Wellness Retreat with sandstone walkways and water features, boasts 16 treatment rooms and four couple’s rooms. Guests can relax in the Zen Room with fireplace and enjoy the signature two-hour De-Stress Body and Mind Balance Ritual.
Usain Bolt to make Central Coast home
The world’s fastest man and eight time Olympic medallist Usain Bolt has chosen to base himself on the Central Coast to develop his career as a professional footballer.
Bolt made his debut with the Central Coast Mariners at a pre-season trial game at Gosford’s Central Coast Stadium on 31 August, with the global superstar drawing a crowd of 10,000 and shining a spotlight on the stunning Central Coast region.
After his debut Bolt said: “It’s like starting a new career … the fans really help. I really enjoy the energy they give, so for me it was wonderful. I enjoyed every minute of being on the field. And I’m looking forward to my next match.”
The Central Coast region, just an hour north of Sydney, is known for its beautiful beaches, adventurous activities and gourmet delights and Bolt has been warmly welcomed by the Central Coast community.
“People are really nice here. They’ve been really welcoming. I’ve had a few pats on the shoulder and ‘good luck’ and a few pictures so it’s been good so far,” said Bolt.
Central Coast Mariners FC, established in 2004, is a professional football club and founding team of A-League—Australia’s national football competition. Tourism Central Coast is currently partnering with Central Coast Mariners to work collaboratively to promote the Central Coast. Over the years, the ‘Bolt’ effect has generated over $22 million in equivalent advertising value publicity and reached a global audience of 470 million. Here's where to see Usain Bolt on the Central Coast:
The 9 Places You Might See Usain Bolt On The Central Coast
Visit the Central Coast Mariners for more information, and for more to see and do on the NSW Central Coast, go to Visitnsw.com.
Image: Central Coast Mariners
NSW EDITORIAL PACKAGES
This month, explore the lovely South Coast town of Tathra, find out what to do this October long weekend and let us take you on a cultural journey through the art events of Sydney.
These content packages are available for you to reprint or repurpose for your publication, with editorial, images and video available to download. If you are interested in using any additional content from our extensive library, please get in touch.
THE MUST-SEE ART EVENTS IN SYDNEY THIS SUMMER
The curtain is about to come up on Sydney’s season of the arts. Every Spring and Summer, the city comes alive with exhibitions, dance, film, music, architecture and more. Add these 10 events to your diary.
DISCOVER TATHRA
Tathra may be small, but there's so much to do. Find family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, fishing spots, historical sites and, of course, oysters.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE THIS OCTOBER LONG WEEKEND
With NSW school holidays kicking off with a long weekend, here’s our guide to the best events and fun things to do with the family …
AUSTRALIA'S MUST-VISIT FIRST DARK SKY PARK
The southern hemisphere's first and only Dark Sky Park is in the Warrumbungle region of country NSW. It's the Astronomy Capital of Australia, recognised for its breathtaking starry nights. Witness the night time show in this new highlights video. This video is also available to download in 4K to make the most of the stunning skies footage, including timelapse photography. Images and a short form article on star gazing are available to download from our Image Library.
WHAT'S ON IN NSW
FEATURED EVENT
Evita
Rehearsals for the Australian production of Evita have commenced in Sydney, with the musical opening at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House, on 13 September.
Evita charts the story of Eva Perón, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Perón, from her humble beginnings, through to the extraordinary wealth and status which ultimately led her to be heralded the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’.
This recreation of the original West End and Broadway production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, has Tina Arena in the lead as Eva Perón, alongside Paulo Szot as Juan Perón.
Visit evitathemusical.com.au for details and tickets.
Image: John Patrick
SYDNEY
Until 1 November – The smash hit musical Jersey Boys is back at the Capitol Theatre, telling the true-life story and the rise to stardom of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
1-30 September – The Sydney Fringe Festival is the largest independent arts festival in NSW with over 300 productions across 50 venues, celebrating local artists and encouraging new audiences to experience the independent arts.
4 September-28 January – Witness nature at its most dramatic, graceful and unexpected with the stunning images from the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year, on display at the Australian Museum.
5 September-11 November – The world's first full-scale temporary working replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre will pop up in the Entertainment Quarter for an epic festival of the Bard’s best work.
6-15 September – From the dark and mysterious, to the downright fun and profoundly beautiful, the 13th annual Sydney Latin American Film Festival presents a curated collection of features, short films and documentaries at venues across Sydney.
From 7 September – The Lord Howe Island Photo Exhibition will be the first show held at the new gallery space in the Hyatt Regency Hotel. For the first time, a collection of new images from local and professional photographers will showcase the island’s natural beauty.
13-16 September – Sydney Contemporary is Australasia's largest premium contemporary art fair, with galleries from around the globe, showcasing the work of over 300 leading artists from more than 30 countries.
20-23 September – On four big days, with over 150 exhibitors, the Caravan Camping Outdoor Lifestyle Expo at Sydney Olympic Park is the ultimate way to check out what caravan and camping is all about.
21-23 September – Learn how to grow your own food, design your own backyard, hear from the experts and stock up on plants at the first ever Camden Garden Festival.
22 September – The Surry Hills Festival is back with a unique arts program ready to transform Sydney’s culturally vibrant suburb. The free family-friendly day is packed with performances, pop ups, music, food, tours and more.
23 September – The Cabramatta Moon Festival is Sydney’s largest Asian festival, attracting more than 90,000 people each year with its food markets, live entertainment, rides, fireworks, lantern parade and fun competitions.
28 September-1 October – The Sydney Architecture Festival presents a program of talks, tours and exhibits around the theme 'What makes a building truly great?'
29 September – Don't miss seeing the number one ranked team in the world, Australia take on New Zealand in the opening match of the Commonwealth Bank T20I Series.
29 September-1 October – The internationally acclaimed Manly Jazz is known worldwide for its beautiful location and the diversity of music it presents. It’s a celebration of sound and Australian beach culture.
30 September – Be in Sydney to witness Australia's biggest and most entertaining sporting spectacle, the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final.
REGIONAL
6-9 September – The inaugural Peter Allen Festival honours the legendary performer in his hometown of Tenterfield with arts, culture, singing, song writing, theatre, dance and entertainment.
7-9 September – Find desert, disco and plenty of divas at the Broken Heel Festival in Broken Hill. An homage to Priscilla Queen of the Desert with comedy, cabaret, live music and lots of social activities.
7-30 September – Celebrate the bounty of the Mudgee region at the Mudgee Wine and Food Festival. There’s a huge range of events including live music, tastings, lunches, dinners, tours and the headline Flavours of Mudgee street festival on 22 September.
14 September – Join astronomer and Master of Celestial Ceremonies David Finlay for A Night With the Stars at Terragong, a memorable guided tour of the wonders of the night sky.
15 September – Over 20 of Hunter Valley Wine Country’s famous wineries come together for the new End2End Festival with local gourmet food, live music, celebrity chefs, bush tucker, Semillon and seafood, and boutique brews.
18 September-1 October – Now in its 58th continuous year, Tulip Time in Bowral is one of Australia's biggest floral festivals, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. There’s a street parade and mass planting of more than 75,000 tulip bulbs and 15,000 annuals at Corbett Gardens.
22 September – Come out of hibernation this Spring at Riverfest Food, Wine and Music Festival at Dubbo's Lazy River Estate with a focus on local food suppliers, regional wines and headline acts from the 80s.
22 September – Seven food stations are set up along an old stock run beside the river for Grazing Down the Lachlan, a degustation evening under the creative direction of renowned indigenous chef Mark Olive.
22 September-7 October – Huge sculptures will pop up in a 50-acre field at Shaw Vineyard Estate in Yass as a celebration of art in a rural landscape.
23 September – Sit down for the Cherry Blossom Long Lunch in Young, with exceptional Hilltops food and wines served on trestle tables in the middle of an orchard.
28-29 September – The Deni Ute Muster is an iconic rural event with 24 hours of live music, Ute Show N Shine competition, Bullride Spectacular (Rodeo), NSW Whip Cracking Championships, woodchop demonstrations, helicopter rides, circus, camel rides and more.
28-29 September – Look to the skies for StarFest, a weekend of astronomy-themed talks, hands-on open days and lectures at the Siding Springs Observatory. It will also celebrate the official launch of the Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park.
29-30 September – Tantalise your taste buds with the Murrumbateman Moving Feast, a roving degustation of fine local wines matched with delicious tasting plates.
29 September-13 October – Discover the wild-er side of the Southern Highlands at Wildfest, Australia’s first wilderness festival. Choose from hands-on foodie experiences, adrenaline-pumping activities, wellness events, glamping and more.
