Connect & refresh in New South Wales 

With summer now officially underway in New South Wales, the sunshine’s spotlighting all the exciting new ways to play with your favourite people. As your curiosity leads you far and wide, you’ll find stellar opportunities to connect – just like 102-year-old Dorothy Smith, who recently accomplished her lifelong dream of visiting Sydney, Australia to officially tick off every continent in the world. 

The feelgood connections continue when you meet the state’s finned, feathered and furry residents – as you’ll see in our handpicked wildlife experiences. From snorkelling with dolphins to greeting kangaroos on the beach, these animal encounters bring a deep sense of connection to all walks of NSW’s life.  

Or turn the Harbour City into your own personal playground at the Sydney Festival’s 24-day celebration of entertainment and creativity. And in Country NSW, the welcoming community and buzzing bush dancefloors of The Toyota 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival invites you to party from 17 January – see this week’s Event Spotlight for all the details. 

And it wouldn’t be summer without a classic road trip with your nearest and dearest – so this week we’ve got you covered with a North Coast adventure that’ll see you experiencing everything from Aboriginal-guided adventures to river cruises, hatted restaurants, luxe stays, iconic galleries, and more. Enjoy! 

102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream  

Destination NSW has teamed up with the popular YouTube channel Yes Theory, with its impressive 9.2 million subscribers, and Qantas, to fulfil 102-year-old San Franciso local, Dorothy Smith’s lifelong dream of visiting Sydney, Australia, completing her remarkable journey to every continent in the world.  

Cruise the coast from Coffs to the Tweed  

Sense your body lighten and your mood lift as you trace the coastline from Coffs Harbour to Tweed Heads on a memory-making road trip. The soul-stirring northern section of the Legendary Pacific Coast Drive spans just 285km, but with plenty of scenic stops to be uncovered on the way, you’ll want to slow down and savour every moment. Start your engine and begin with these highlights. 

Meet Australia's Iconic Wildlife in NSW  

NSW’s animals are as welcoming as its locals. From kangaroos to snoozing koalas — and everything furry or finned in between — Australia’s wild animals are as unforgettable as the land they call home. Here’s where to find these incredible creatures in their natural habitat across New South Wales.