What’s New in NSW

With unique retreats and a slate of new eateries and experiences, there’s plenty to dream about for a spring adventure in Sydney and NSW. These new additions must be top of the to-do list when travel resumes across the state. 

NEW STAYS 

Riverside glamping 
Amaroo Escape is a new luxury eco escape on the banks of the Manning River near Gloucester. Adults-only glamping tents are situated in the pristine Barrington Coast hinterland and feature king beds, kitchenettes and generous bathrooms. 

Forge your own farm-stay 
Combining a blacksmith studio, chemical-free farm and boutique accommodation, Nulla Nulla Blacksmiths Farm is a unique retreat in Bellbrook on the mid North Coast. Book a massage, yoga class, and order an organic vegetable box or enjoy brunch at the onsite Laughing Kookaburra café.

NEW FOOD, DRINK AND ENTERTAINMENT  

Food fiesta 
Sydney is set to enjoy a vibrant dose of Mexican hospitality, with three new venues from the Milpa Collective launching across the city from September. Casa Merida will dive into ancient Mayan cuisine; Londres 126 takes its inspiration from the cantinas of Mexico City; and Santa Catarina will deliver fine-dining Oaxacan food. 

Culinary maestro’s next move 
Award-winning chef Joel Bickford has begun his new chapter as culinary director for new venues Shell House and Fort Denison, part of The Point Group’s dining collective. After almost four years as executive chef of Aria, Bickford will oversee both menus for the new properties, with Fort Denison due to open in 2022.   

Sweet class in session
Premium artisan chocolate company Byron Bay Cacao has launched a range of workshops from their Ballina shop, including molecular gastronomy, macaron making and a chocolate masterclass. Suitable for kids, beginners as well as professional chefs, the workshops can also be tailored for conference groups.  

Hard kombucha on tap
Ventura Brewing, Australia’s first artisanal alcoholic kombucha brewery, plans to open a tap room at their Northern Rivers brewhouse this summer. Located just outside Murwillumbah, the venue aims to become a space for tastings, retail, events and even exhibitions from the local art and craft community.  

NEW EXPERIENCES  

Virtual harbour walk 
Sydney Harbour EcoWalks Tours have launched a 60-minute live virtual tour of the Sydney Harbour National Park, providing travellers the chance to see natural, historical and traditional sights, plus the pristine beaches along Sydney Harbour, without leaving their home. 

New Tweed tours 
Blending the best food and drink with the Northern Rivers’ natural beauty, Kiff & Culture offer guided tours around Byron Bay and The Tweed. In Byron, explore the Byron Bay lighthouse alongside lunch at The Farm and a brewery tour, while a gourmet tour in The Tweed includes tastings at Farm & Co, Earth Beer Company and Husk Distillers. All tours depart from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. 

Sculptures in the Snowies 
A new 100-kilometre sculpture trail will soon launch along the Snowy Valleys Way, with artworks immersed in the historic towns of Adelong, Batlow, Tumbarumba and Tooma. Developed in partnership with Sculptures by the Sea, the trail is set to launch later this year with installations planned across a two-year period.  

Valley adventure 
Travellers can explore the epic Snowy Valleys and Snowy Mountains regions with the guidance of new tour operator Our Snowy, providing unique day tours and charters for small groups. Tours take in local culture and beautiful landscapes and are led by experienced locals.  

UPCOMING EVENTS  

While these events are still set to proceed at time of publication, due to the ongoing pandemic, some events may change. Check the individual websites for details.  

Write Around the Murray | Albury Wodonga  
15-19 September    
This five-day writers festival brings lovers of the written word together in Albury Wodonga for a storytelling event unlike anywhere else, with both live and online events. This year’s theme centers on ‘The Things We Love’ — exploring people, places and things in all their challenging complexity and diversity.  

Highland Valley Forage | Kangaroo Valley 
23-24 October
This sell-out foodie trail connects the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven on a delicious journey in Kangaroo Valley from 23-24 October. Guests walk along the Three Views Walking track, stopping at 10 local food and beverage stations along the way for an active degustation lunch. Tickets still available for 24 October. 

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella | Capitol Theatre, Sydney  
From 1 December 
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical bringing a contemporary take on the classic tale to Sydney audiences this November. Featuring incredible orchestrations, jaw-dropping transformations plus beautiful costumes, this romantic production is a must-watch. 

Vivid Sydney | Across Sydney  
27 May-18 June 2022  
While the Vivid Sydney 2021 lights won’t be illuminating the city this year, the festival will shine brighter than ever in 2022 with even more innovative light art, music and ideas in a playground of the unexpected.