Insights - 1 August 2025
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CELEBRATE WORLD OYSTER DAY IN NSW
NSW will proudly celebrate World Oyster Day on 5 August 2025, showcasing the state’s world-class oyster sector and the communities that support it.
NSW is home to Australia’s fastest-growing oyster industry, with farm gate value increasing by 30 per cent in 2022–23 to reach $78 million. The sector also contributes more than $30 million to the broader state economy, supporting thousands of jobs across farming, processing, retail, and tourism.
Stretching across more than 30 estuaries along the NSW coastline – from the Tweed River in the north to Wonboyn Lake in the south, the state’s oyster trail includes approximately 280 farming businesses producing premium oysters.
To help grow the aquaculture industry, the NSW Government has set a target to double the sector’s farm gate value to $300 million by 2030, supported by investment in research, selective breeding programs and water quality improvements. These initiatives are outlined in the NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement, launched at the 2024 NSW Oyster Conference in Port Macquarie.
Ahead of World Oyster Day, visitors can enjoy a range of oyster agritourism experiences across NSW. Highlights include:
- Sydney Oyster Farm Tours (Mooney Mooney): Wade into the waters of the Hawkesbury River and taste oysters fresh from the leases.
- Region X’s Oyster Tasting Kayak Tour (Batemans Bay): Paddle the Clyde River on a guided kayak tour, meet a fourth-generation oyster farmer and sample local delicacies.
- Navigate Expeditions’ Kayak and Shuck Tour (Pambula): Learn the art of shucking while paddling the pristine Pambula River and visiting Broadwater Oysters.
- Merimbula Oyster Tours (Merimbula Lake): Join an in-water tasting session at a floating table, with oysters freshly harvested from the surrounding leases and stories shared about the region’s oyster heritage.
To help visitors plan their coastal culinary adventures, Destination NSW has developed a guide to key oyster regions, available here.
This year, World Oyster Day will also be marked by the launch of the inaugural Western Sydney Oyster Festival at West HQ in Rooty Hill. Held Sundays to Thursdays throughout August, the festival offers a premium yet accessible showcase of NSW’s finest Sydney Rock Oysters in the heart of Western Sydney, bringing the coast to the city.
AFC WOMEN'S ASIAN CUP 2026
PATH REVEALED
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) officials and team representatives from across Asia gathered at Sydney Town Hall this week for the official Draw Ceremony unveiling the tournament schedule and kicking off what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 will run from 1–21 March 2026, with Sydney hosting 11 matches, including two Quarter Finals, a Semi Final and the Final.
Sydney will also host a crucial group match for the Matildas against Korea Republic – runners-up from the last tournament – on 8 March at Stadium Australia.
Another key match will take place on 3 March at Western Sydney Stadium, where defending champions and nine-time winners China PR will face debutants Bangladesh in what promises to be a challenging first outing.
With thousands of fans expected in the city, the tournament further cements Sydney’s status as Australia’s home of football and as a premier destination for international sport.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 is supported proudly by Destination NSW.
NEW PARK TO PROTECT SYDNEY KOALAS
Sydney’s koala population will be better protected with the creation of Warranmadhaa National Park. The new 962-hectare reserve stretches along the Georges River and safeguards vital koala habitat. It also supports koala movement between Campbelltown and the Southern Highlands and protects critically endangered ecosystems as part of the NSW Government’s broader conservation plan. This reflects ongoing efforts to secure a healthier future for wildlife.
MUDGEE LAUNCHES BOLD NEW CAMPAIGN
Mudgee Region Tourism has proposed a new campaign called Mudgee Monday – an additional public holiday designed to boost regional tourism, support mental wellbeing and encourage Australians to take restorative breaks. Supported by new national research, the campaign highlights that 47 per cent of Australians have used personal or sick leave for short getaways, while 57 per cent believe an extra-long weekend would help reduce burnout and improve overall wellness.
RUGBY WORLD CUP TICKET ANNOUNCEMENT
The ticketing program for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 has been unveiled in Sydney. More than 2.5 million tickets will be available for this expanded edition – the most in the tournament’s history – reflecting a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Fans will have two opportunities to secure tickets in 2026 – a closed presale in February, followed by the general public on-sale in May.
JOIN AUSTRALIA'S LEADING BUSINESS TRADE EVENT
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading annual trade event for the business event industry. Taking place across 9-11 February 2026, the event is expected to attract over 570 exhibitors and 3500 global attendees, offering a valuable opportunity to connect with key buyers. Expressions of interest to co-exhibit with Destination NSW are now open and will close on 20 August 2025.
WEBINAR: CRUISE SHORE EXPERIENCES
NSW welcomed more than 1.2 million passengers and crew from 312 cruise ships during the 2024-25 cruise season, with 2025-26 set to deliver another boost for the visitor economy. Destination NSW will host a free webinar on 5 August 2025 – ‘How to create unforgettable cruise shore experiences’ – that looks at creating, enhancing and delivering world-class cruise shore experiences.
FUNDING FOR WESTERN SYDNEY CREATIVE BOOM
The NSW Government has launched the first Western Sydney arts strategy in over 25 years, backed by a $5 million investment to support local creatives and grow the area’s dynamic arts sector. The Plan for Western Sydney Arts, Culture and Creative Industries 2025–2028 aims to boost careers, celebrate diverse voices, and enhance access to arts and culture across Western Sydney communities.
DESTINATION NSW VISITS PORT STEPHENS
The Destination NSW Board met this week in Port Stephens to connect with local visitor economy stakeholders. The visit gave the Board and the Destination NSW executive team insight into regional opportunities and challenges, highlighting the vital role of local leadership and collaboration in growing NSW’s visitor economy and supporting exceptional cultural and nature-based experiences.
DISCOVER SYDNEY IN SPRINGTIME
Sydney transforms into a vibrant destination during spring, showcasing world-class events, natural landscapes and unforgettable experiences, from watching the sunrise on the harbour to catching the sunset at a rooftop bar. Destination NSW supports a number of major spring events that reinforce Sydney's status as a premier destination and drive significant visitation throughout the season.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
NSW SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS DEADLINE EXTENDED: The closing date for the 2025 NSW Sustainability Awards has been extended to 9 September 2025. Learn more
BOUNDARY AGREEMENT TO STRENGTHEN TOURISM SUPPORT: NSW Tourism Association and Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council have announced a refined boundary agreement. Learn more
NEW CHAPTER FOR READERS AND WRITERS: The partnership between the Sydney Writers Festival and the State Library of NSW will see a $1.5 million investment towards a dedicated literature hub in Sydney. Learn more
MAJOR UPGRADES FOR HAWKESBURY ROADS: The NSW Government and Federal Government are working together to deliver critical road upgrades in the Hawkesbury region. Learn more
METRO TUNNEL TRANSFORMATION UNDER PARRAMATTA: Parramatta is now connected to the Metro tunnels, which in future will link millions of passengers to the Sydney CBD via a seamless 20-minute underground trip. 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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