SYDNEY & EVENTS CALENDAR JULY 2 016 –JUNE 2017

.com | visitnsw.com the University of Hawaii, Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical, Sculpture by the Sea, the 2016 NRL Grand Final and Vivid Sydney, the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas. There are a great range of Regional NSW events including the Indoor Cricket National Junior Championships in Dubbo, On behalf of the NSW Australian Surf Festival in Coffs Government, I am proud to Harbour, Taste Riverina Festival in present the 2016-17 Sydney Wagga Wagga, Bravo Challenge and NSW Events Calendar – in Wollongong and the Tamworth your essential guide to the Country Music Festival. fantastic range of activities and I encourage you to make the entertainment on offer across most of this impressive 2016-17 Sydney and Regional NSW. Sydney and NSW Events Calendar This world-class calendar reveals and take some time to visit our the impressive line-up of sporting, spectacular beaches, restaurants arts, culture and lifestyle events and local attractions as there is to be staged over the next year. plenty to see and do in ’s The NSW Government remains premier tourism and events State. committed to securing major events across the State which attracts visitors from around NSW, Australia and the world, helping Stuart Ayres MP boost the NSW visitor economy. Minister for Trade, Tourism The calendar features events that and Major Events will appeal to people of all tastes Minister for Sport and ages, including the Australian premiere of Disney’s musical Aladdin, the NCAA College Football Sydney Cup match between the University of California and CONTENTS

SYDNEY AND NSW HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2016–2017 4 JULY 2016 6 AUGUST 2016 8 SEPTEMBER 2016 10

OCTOBER 2016 12

NOVEMBER 2016 16

DECEMBER 2016 20

JANUARY 2017 22

FEBRUARY 2017 24

MARCH 2017 28

APRIL 2017 30

MAY 2017 32

JUNE 2017 35

DISCOVER REGIONAL NSW 36

EXPERIENCE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF SYDNEY AND SURROUNDS 40 CONNECT WITH SYDNEY facebook.com/seesydney twitter.com/sydney_sider

@sydney sydney.com

CONNECT WITH REGIONAL NSW facebook.com/visitnsw twitter.com/nswtips

@visitnsw visitnsw.com

For full disclaimer please see outside back cover SYDNEY AND NSW HIGHLIGHT EVENTS

JULY 2016 AUGUST 2016

AUSTRALIAN SURF FESTIVAL BLEDISLOE CUP FESTIVAL 29 July – 15 August 6 - 20 August Coffs Harbour Various locations across Sydney

NOVEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016

SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL ART SERIES 3 November – 5 March 2 – 4 December Art Gallery of NSW & Olympic Park Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney

MARCH 2017 APRIL 2017

SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS 4 March 6 – 19 April Various locations across Sydney Sydney Showground,

4 | sydney.com SEPTEMBER 2016 OCTOBER 2016

2016 NRL PREMIERSHIP FIM ASIA SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND FINAL WEEK SYDNEY 3 – 4 September 26 September – 2 October Foreshore Park, Newcastle Various locations across Sydney

JANUARY 2017 FEBRUARY 2017

PARKES ELVISTM FESTIVAL HSBC SYDNEY 7s 11 – 15 January 4 – 5 February Parkes Allianz Stadium, Sydney

MAY 2017 JUNE 2017

VIVID SYDNEY PEAK MUSIC FESTIVAL May – June 9 – 12 June Various locations across Sydney Perisher

visitnsw.com | 5 6 v Isabella Blow: A Fashionable Life JULY 2016 7 Showcasing finalists from from finalists Showcasing prize. portrait favourite Australia’s of NSW Art Gallery 2016 Helpmann Awards 25 July in achievement artistic Celebrate performance live the Australian industry. Theatre Lyric Sydney Surf Festival Australian -15 August 29 July than 500 surfers more Watch the title, for compete Champion. Australian Coffs Harbour Competition July 6 - 23 of outstanding A showcase world. the all over from pianists of Music andConservatorium House Opera Sydney 3 of Origin - Game State 13 July Blues play the QLDSee the NSW to the finale in a thrilling Maroons 2016 Origin Series. ANZ Stadium, Park Olympic Sydney Prize Exhibition Archibald - 9 October 16 July Piano International Sydney

visitnsw.com | Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ sydney.com Choice Destinations Awards. Sydney awarded #1 in Australia and South Pacific in 2016 prestigious youth tournament. youth prestigious Coffs Harbour Australia’s best female female best Australia’s in this compete footballers Championships for Girls Championships for 4 - 8 July Wollongong Youth National Westfield individual sports in this highly series. competitive University and TAFE students TAFE and University and of team will play a variety Eastern University Games University Eastern 3 - 7 July Dubbo cricketers in Australia battle it out battle in Australia cricketers titles. the annual national for 2 - 9 July under-age indoorThe best 2016 Australian Indoor2016 Australian Junior Championships and entertainment. Ballina Savour this showcase of the of showcase this Savour drinks food, local best Food Festival Food 1 - 3 July Ballina Fine Wine andBallina Fine muse Isabella Blow. muse Isabella Sydney Museum, Powerhouse A rare chance to see the wardrobe wardrobe see the to chance A rare and stylist editor, fashion of late Isabella Blow: A Fashionable Life A Fashionable Blow: Isabella August Until 28 Disney’s Aladdin - The Musical Supercars Red Rooster From August Sydney SuperSprint The beloved story of Aladdin 26 - 28 August comes to thrilling theatrical life in Get up close to the super action Disney’s bold new musical comedy. when the Supercars come to Capitol Theatre Sydney’s home of . , Evocities MTB Series Eastern Creek 7 August Australia’s best mountain bikers College Football Sydney Cup gear up to compete in this major 27 August regional NSW enduro race series. University of California Berkley vs Tamworth University of Hawaii in the opening round of the NCAA College Bledisloe Cup Festival Football Championships. 6 - 20 August ANZ Stadium, A series of rugby events builds up to Sydney Olympic Park the spectacle of the Bledisloe Cup. Various locations across Sydney Dubbo Stampede Running Festival Bangalow Music Festival 28 August 12 - 14 August This community event has plenty The finest chamber and orchestral of options - walk 5.5km, run 10km musicians perform along with or run a marathon. artists from around the world. Dubbo Bangalow My Fair Lady The Sun-Herald City2Surf From 30 August 14 August Don’t miss this 60th Anniversary Elite athletes and beginners join in production directed by the world’s largest fun run. Julie Andrews. Hyde Park to

NSW won best sporting event at the 2015 Australian Event Awards for Chelsea FC v Sydney FC match.

8 sydney.com | visitnsw.com AUGUST 2016 9 College Football Sydney Cup Sydney Football College v 10 v Dream Lover - The Bobby Darin Musical SEPTEMBER 2016 11 Telstra Premiership Premiership Telstra NRL Wagga Wagga, Griffith Wagga, Wagga 26 September - 2 October 26 September builds events A series of fun-packed NRL the much anticipated up to Final. Grand Premiership Telstra Sydney across locations Various Muster Deni Ute - 1 October 30 September event This family-friendly the flattest to visitors attracts plains on earth. Deniliquin Festival Riverina Taste - 31 October 30 September with harvest year’s the Celebrate food, wine, beer and fun. fine The Bobby Darin Musical Darin The Bobby September From of story The extraordinary singer, songwriter legendary Bobby Darin, starring and actor David Campbell. Theatre Lyric Sydney CurryFest 24 September Indian Punjabi Woolgoolga’s through is celebrated heritage and fun. music, dancing, food Woolgoolga 2016 Sydney Final Week Grand Dream Lover - Lover Dream has grown to become NSW

visitnsw.com (Dubbo) | (Wagga Wagga) (Wagga one of Australia’s sydney.com premier rural events. The Deni Ute Muster in all ages and fitness levels. all ages and fitness SydneyMilsons Point, 18 September for cater to events exciting Four Blackmores Sydney Blackmores Running Festival Bowral Two weeks of beautiful gardens of beautiful gardens weeks Two in springtime. Tulip Time Festival Time Festival Tulip 13 - 25 September gear up to compete in this major in compete gear up to series. race NSW enduro regional 25 September bikers mountain best Australia’s Evocities MTB Series Evocities 4 September offers fun runs and walks. offers Coffs Harbour 4 September family the whole for This event Festival Coffs Harbour Running off-road motorcycle action. motorcycle off-road Newcastle Park, Foreshore 3 - 4 September on and fun and exciting Fast, FIM Asia Supermoto – Round 1 Championship adventure playground. adventure Wollongong Experience 50 Challenges over 50 Challenges Experience Wollongong’s throughout 2 days Bravo Challenge Bravo 3 - 4 September Murrumbateman Moving Feast Rose Spectacular 1 - 2 October 15 October - 13 November A delicious event for the tastebuds More than 2 million blooms features local wines and food. include 35,000 rose bushes in Murrumbateman more than 125 varieties. Barellan Working Clydesdales Pokolbin and Heavy Horses Good Old Real Juice Company Days Weekend Citrus Sculptures 1 - 2 October 9 - 22 October Early farming and lifestyle More than 60 large, fabulous 3D practices feature Clydesdale citrus sculptures line the main horses, bullocks, vintage farm machinery and so much more. street of Griffith. Barellan Griffith FFA National Youth Wingham Akoostik Music Festival Championships for Boys 14 - 16 October 3 - 7 October Camping, music workshops, food Footballers from across and creative places are on offer Australia compete in this for all. prestigious youth tournament. Wingham Coffs Harbour Yokohama World Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 Challenge 6 - 9 October 14 - 15 October Experience the most iconic See the fastest teams in the world Supercars event at Mount go head-to-head in Sydney. Panorama, the ultimate battle- Sydney Motorsport Park, ground for this endurance race. Eastern Creek Mount Panorama, Bathurst Orange Wine Festival Kidtopia 14 - 30 October 7 - 9 October A three-day festival for families to This Festival showcases stunning enjoy live music, activities for the cool climate wines, talented chefs, young and young-at-heart, great local produce and eclectic retailers. food and more. Orange Park

The Orange wine region grows more than 1,500ha of wine grapes, has 80 vineyards, over 40 wine labels and 35 cellar doors.

12 sydney.com | visitnsw.com OCTOBER 2016 13 Real Juice Company Citrus Sculptures Juice Real v 14 v UON Central Coast Sevens OCTOBER 2016 15 Eden Sculpture 2016 Wollombi in the Vineyards - 3 December 29 October boutique vineyards Wollombi’s in this feature village and historic popular event. Wollombi MTB Series Evocities 30 October bikers mountain best Australia’s in the sixth leg compete gear up to NSW enduro of this major regional series. race Armidale 28 - 29 October & 3 - 5 November & 3 - 5 October 28 - 29 magnificent those facing Seated Sydney’s of tale epic the watch sails, life. to building come famous House Forecourt Opera Sydney Hastings on Tastings 28 - 30 October premier the North Coast’s Enjoy wine festival. and food Macquarie Port Festival Eden Whale 28 - 30 October at the annual migration Celebrate whale- premier one of Australia’s locations. watching Sydney Opera House - The Opera - House Opera Sydney

visitnsw.com | cruise along the NSWsydney.com coast during the annual migration. All 45 species of whales and dolphins found in Australian waters is fun for all. is fun for Dungog This country festival of film, music, festival This country and markets performances food, Dungog Festival 27 - 30 October All Arts. Dubbo 27 - 30 October Festival. Part Conference. Part ARTLANDS Dubbo 2016 as a backdrop. Penrith Australia’s oldest held in triathlon oldest Australia’s with the Blue MountainsPenrith Nepean Triathlon 22 - 23 October sevens tournament. sevens Wyong Catch all the action duringCatch rugby premier Australia’s UON Central Coast Sevens Coast UON Central 21 - 23 October and rockabilly. The Entrance Join in this tribute to hot rods, hot rods, to Join in this tribute n’ roll rock’ bicycles, low-rider ChromeFest 21 - 23 October Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk Walk Coastal Tamarama Bondi to Join us for the largest free, public free, the largest for Join us in the world. exhibition sculpture Sculpture by the Sea by the Sculpture November - 6 20 October Sydney International Art Series - Sydney International Art Series - Tatsuo Miyajima Nude: Art from the Tate Collection 3 November - 5 March 5 November - 19 February Exclusive major exhibition A spectacular tour through of world-renowned Japanese many major art movements, artist. A feast of light including romanticism, cubism, featuring key sculptures and expressionism, realism, immersive installations. surrealism and feminism. Museum of Contemporary Art Art Gallery of NSW Australia, Sydney Adventure Racing World Ballet Under the Stars - Championships Swan Lake 8 - 18 November 5 November The world’s toughest adventure Under a blanket of stars, The athletes traverse the Shoalhaven Australian Ballet brings a free wilderness. outdoor performance of world- Shoalhaven class ballet to Penrith. NSW Open Golf Championship Sydney International Regatta (Kel Nagle Cup) Centre, Penrith 10 - 13 November Tastes at the Bay Food, Watch the battle for one of Wine & Jazz Festival the most prestigious titles in 5 - 6 November Australian golf. Wine, food, music and markets Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club, are the highlights. Colebee Port Stephens AUS-X Open Sydney Carcoar Cup Running Festival 12 - 13 November 5 - 6 November World Champions take on Some of the nation’s best Australia’s best in Supercross runners compete on this and FMX. challenging course. Qudos Bank Arena, Carcoar & Neville Sydney Olympic Park

Sydney ranks 10 in the World’s Most Liveable Cities list for 2016.

16 sydney.com | visitnsw.com NOVEMBER 2016 17 Adventure Racing World Championships World Racing Adventure v 18 v Kennards Hire Rally Australia NOVEMBER 2016 19

final leg of this major regional leg of this major final series NSW enduro Orange Sydney Vanfest 25 - 26 November that’s A boutique music festival acts. names with world-class packed Forbes Sydney 70.3 Western Ironman 25 - 27 November the iconic along race Athletes with the Blue Lakes Penrith as backdrop. Mountains Sydney Penrith, MTB Series Evocities 27 November bike mountain best Australia’s in the compete gear up to riders November like music festival and A food and local featuring no other talent. international Wollongong Draft 2016 NAB AFL 25 November brings together This major event the best recruiting all 18 teams in the country. prospects young Pavillion Hordern The 2016 McDonald’s AFL9s Tournament 25 - 26 November A fun, social and non-contact all ages. for tournament & Eats Beats MTV

visitnsw.com | creative and performing sydney.com arts sector in Australia. The is home to 11 per cent of the Sydney Annual awards celebrating celebrating Annual awards music. of Australian the best Connected by Telstra Connected November 2016 ARIA Awards 2016 ARIA Awards event for ‘champion of the world’. for event Mountains Snowy More than 1,000 of the world’s the world’s than 1,000 of More a gruelling tackle athletes best World Championships World 19 - 20 November Various locations across Sydney across locations Various Triathlon 2016 ITU Cross ground-breaking music ground-breaking conferences. industry November plus artists new The best ARIA Week prized trophy. Golf Club, Rose Bay Sydney Royal The world’s best compete in compete best The world’s most golf’s Australian for Sydney Emirates Australian Open Golf Australian Emirates 17 - 20 November Championship. Coffs Harbour Coffs Coast hosts the final the hosts Coffs Coast Rally World of the 2016 round Kennards Hire Rally Australia Rally Hire Kennards November 17 - 20 MotorWorld Sydney nudie Australian Boardriders 1 - 4 December Battle - Qualifying Event Check out the latest cars and motor- 10 December bikes on track, street and off-road The last of the NSW qualifying circuits at this new family festival. events before the National Final. Sydney Motorsport Park, Kiama Eastern Creek Egyptian Mummies: L’Étape Australia by Exploring Ancient Lives Le Tour de France 10 December - 30 April 1 - 3 December Come face-to-face with six Ancient This road cycling event offers Egyptian mummies and amateurs the chance to cycle discover their stories. under professional Tour de , Sydney France conditions. Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Snowy Mountains - Crackenback, 26 December Jindabyne, Perisher An iconic harbour event on Boxing Day Coates Hire Sydney 500 Sydney Harbour 2 - 4 December Sydney New Year’s Eve The streets of Sydney Olympic Park 31 December will ignite for the final showdown Sydney welcomes in the New Year in the Virgin Australia Supercars with spectacular fireworks at 9pm Championship. and midnight. Sydney Olympic Park Sydney Harbour 6th AACTA Awards New Year’s Eve presented by Presto at Hunter Valley Gardens 7 December 31 December Celebrating the best of Australian Welcome in the New Year with film and television in 2016. entertainment, fireworks and The Star Event Centre Christmas Lights. Pokolbin

An estimated one billion people around the world watch Sydney light up for New Year’s Eve each year.

20 sydney.com | visitnsw.com DECEMBER 2016

v Sydney New Year’s Eve 21 22 v Australia Day JANUARY Tamworth Country Music Festival 7 - 29 January 20 – 29 January A summer highlight in Sydney Australia’s largest music festival for everyone over 10 days with 700 artists and Various locations across Sydney 2,800 events. Tamworth Apia International Sydney 2017 8 – 14 January Australia Day Watch the stars of world tennis 26 January in action in Sydney. Music, entertainment and plenty Sydney Olympic Park of free fun for the family. Tennis Centre Various locations across Sydney and NSW Parkes ElvisTM Festival 11 – 15 January Yabun Celebrating 25 years in 2017 with 26 January more than 120 events over five days. Australia’s largest indigenous Parkes festival is held on Australia Day. Victoria Park, Sydney Australia v The World in FAST4 Tennis Sydney Chinese January New Year Festival Tennis biggest stars take the court 27 January – 12 February for a night of spectacular shot- Giant zodiac lanterns, food making and entertainment. and events celebrating the Sydney Year of the Rooster. Various locations across Sydney NSW Pro Surf Series - Carve Pro January The first stop of the qualifying series events to the World Surf League Championship Tour. Maroubra Beach

Sydney is the only Australian city to be featured by The New York Times in the 52 Top places to go in 2016. sydney.com | visitnsw.com 23 Surfest Southern 80 February 10 – 12 February Australia’s largest festival of The world’s largest waterski race hosts the world’s best offers thrills and spills along the professional men, women and . junior surfers. Moama Newcastle Miracle Mile Carnival Telstra Stores Tweed Coast Pro 11, 18 & 25 February February The fastest horses in Australian and international surfers Australasia on the fastest compete for a spot on the World harness racing track. Surf League Championship Tour. Tabcorp Park Menangle, Cabarita Beach Campbelltown Liqui-Moly Komunity Project Great Lakes 3 - 5 February Pro pres. By Rockstar An international endurance February race at the home of Surfers compete for a spot on Australian motorsport. the World Surf League Mt Panorama, Bathurst Championship Tour. Boomerang Beach The Sydney Morning Herald Sun Run Australian Surf Rowers 4 February League Open A popular, family-friendly event 17 – 19 February on Sydney’s northern beaches. The premier surf boat event to Manly in the world. Shellharbour HSBC Sydney 7s 4 – 5 February Deniliquin Classic A fun, thrilling and fast-paced 17 – 19 February seven-a-side competition with 16 The premier Murray Cod fishing teams from around the world. event on the Edward River. Allianz Stadium, Sydney Deniliquin

The Blue Mountains was awarded Best Bushwalking Journey at the 2015 Australian Traveller People’s Choice Awards.

24 sydney.com | visitnsw.com FEBRUARY 2017 25 Surfest v 26 v BOWL-A-RAMA Bondi FEBRUARY 2017 27

25 - 26 February in the fast-growing A 25km race racing. sport of outrigger Manly of Surfing Open Australian – 5 March 25 February the world’s featuring festival A free and skateboarders surfers, best entertainment. Beach Manly February 14 different will see Spectators in a compete countries visiting tournaments series of Volleyball period. a 3 week across Beach Manly Bowl-riding Australian Championships 25 – 26 February true ‘nationals’ only Australia’s competition skateboarding from skateboarders welcoming and age. skill level every Newcastle Harbour Challenge Sydney by Hawaiian Airlines presented Volleyfest

visitnsw.com | Bondi Beach set right in the heart of iconic Bondi Beach. most exciting professional professional exciting most competition skateboarding 18 – 19 February and biggest Australia’s NSW Bondi BOWL-A-RAMA clubs as they compete for the title the title for compete clubs as they champion club. of Australia’s 17 – 19 February their of all ages represent Surfers nudie Australian Boardriders Boardriders nudie Australian - National Final Battle of Jervis Bay. Huskisson 17 - 19 February 17 - 19 February on the shores A multisport festival Pearl Izumi Huskisson Long Huskisson Izumi Pearl Festival Triathlon Course Moama features brilliant artists and brilliant artists features and wine. food delicious regional The Murray River’s premiere premiere River’s The Murray event music contemporary Riverboats Music Festival Music Riverboats February 17 – 19 in Trip Advisor’s 2016Travellers sydney.com Choice Awards. Manly and Shelly Beach in Australia’s top 10 beaches Komunity Project Commercial Club Albury Central Coast Pro Gold Cup Carnival March 23 - 24 March Surfers compete for a spot on One of the premier country racing the World Surf League carnivals in Australia. Championship Tour. Albury Avoca Beach Newcrest Orange Challenge Sydney Gay and Lesbian March Mardi Gras Parade An exciting cycling event over 4 March rolling hills, around beautiful The world’s loudest and vineyards and picturesque proudest celebration of gay open plains. and lesbian diversity. Orange Various locations across Sydney Australian X-Tri Championships National Touch League & MultiSport Festival 8 - 11 March March Indulge your passion for all things See Australia’s best touch football mountain biking, trail running and talent in action. in this scenic location. Coffs Harbour Lake Crackenback, Longines Golden Slipper Snowy Mountains 18 March Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour Enjoy the thrill of one of the - Carmen world’s best racing carnivals. 24 March - 23 April Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, Sydney’s spectacular cultural Sydney event on Sydney Harbour. Australian Longboard Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney Surfing Open Sydney International 16 - 19 March Regatta The warm surfing waters of 27 March - 2 April Kingscliff welcome this annual Featuring some of the world’s surfing challenge. finest athletes in a week-long Kingscliff Beach rowing regatta. Penrith, Sydney

Sydney awarded #1 in Australia and South Pacific in the 2016 Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice Destinations Awards.

28 sydney.com | visitnsw.com MARCH 2017

v Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – Carmen 29 30 v Sail Port Stephens APRIL Orange F.O.O.D Week Bluesfest 31 March – 9 April 13 – 17 April Entice your tastebuds as you Australia’s famous blues and

experience the best of the region’s roots music festival. 2017 food and wine in a festival atmosphere. Byron Bay Orange Easter Long Weekend at Bundanoon Highland Hunter Valley Gardens Gathering Festival 14 – 17 April 1 April A fantastic program of activities The highland setting is perfect as and prizes including a giant Easter the backdrop to a range of traditional egg hunt on Saturday and Sunday. Scottish Highland Games. Pokolbin Bundanoon Sail Port Stephens The Championships April 1 April A week long, family friendly The grand finals of Australian regatta held on the stunning racing and the jewel in the crown waters of Port Stephens. of the Sydney Autumn Carnival is Port Stephens not to be missed. Kidgeeridge Music Festival Royal Randwick, Sydney April Sydney Royal Easter Show A diverse array of musical talent 6 - 19 April features some of Australia’s most Australia’s largest annual event recognised artists. showcasing country life and Milton Showground family entertainment. Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

First held in 1823, the Royal Easter Show is now Australia’s largest annual event, attracting over 800,000 people every year. sydney.com | visitnsw.com 31 Wings Over Illawarra Sydney Writers Festival 6 – 7 May 22 -28 May See jaw-dropping aerobatics Australia’s largest celebration of plus classic and vintage literature, stories and ideas. aircraft in flight. Various locations across Sydney Illawarra Regional Airport Mercedes-Benz Fashion IRONMAN Australia & IRONMAN Weekend Edition 70.3 Port Macquarie May 7 May Sit where they sat and access Swim, cycle and run in idyllic Fashion Week like a true insider. locations around Port Macquarie. Carriageworks, Sydney Port Macquarie Batlow CiderFest May Hunter Valley Wine Australia’s best CiderFest street and Food Festival party comes alive with great May - June entertainment, cider and food. The region’s diverse wine and Batlow food culture is showcased with two months of themed activities Port to Port MTB Newcastle throughout May and June. 25 – 28 May Hunter Valley A four day stage mountain bike race across the iconic local Ultra-Trail Australia scenery of Newcastle, Port 18 – 21 May Stephens, Lake Macquarie and Join the southern hemisphere’s the Hunter Region. largest trail running festival in the Newcastle and the Hunter Region Greater Blue Mountains World Vivid Sydney Heritage Area. May – June Katoomba Sydney becomes a creative canvas Mercedes-Benz of light, music and ideas. Fashion Week Australia Various locations across Sydney May NCHA Futurity Australia’s best designers May - June showcase their Resort 18 The pinnacle of horse-cutting Collections. championships in Australia. Carriageworks, Sydney Tamworth

Vivid Sydney was named Australia’s Best Tourism Event for the third consecutive year at the 2015 Australian Event Awards.

32 sydney.com | visitnsw.com MAY 2017 33 Vivid Sydney Vivid Sydney v 34 v Holden State of Origin – Game 2 JUNE 2017 35 Winter Wine Festival Winter June music, food, Fine wine, fabulous and more. tours vineyard markets, Shoalhaven in the Garden Time Snow June - July for Time in the Garden Visit Snow with ice experience a fun, family play and snow skating, toboggan, Gardens. Valley at Hunter more Pokolbin June over obstacles than thirty More military 10-12km a rugged course obstacle inspired terrain. natural through Portland, Lower Farm, Dargle Hawkesbury Rodeo Coonamble and Campdraft June rodeo combined The largest in the and campdraft southern hemisphere. Coonamble CoastShoalhaven True Grit True visitnsw.com | Reserve with more sydney.com than half the area of the park declared wilderness. Kosciuszko National Park has been named a UNESCO Biosphere Sydney Olympic Park Olympic Sydney Sports Centre than 30 countries compete for compete than 30 countries prize money. top 20 - 25 June more from players The best 2017 Australian Badminton Open Badminton 2017 Australian great music. great Perisher Celebrate the opening of Celebrate season with snow the winter Peak Music Festival Music Festival Peak 9 – 12 June and the world. Sydney across locations Various documentaries and shortdocumentaries Australia across films from 7 – 18 June features, the best Enjoy Sydney Film Festival Film Sydney ANZ Stadium, Park Olympic Sydney the NSW Blues play the QLDthe NSW Blues Maroons. Don’t miss Rugby League’s League’s Rugby miss Don’t in action when rivals greatest Holden State of Origin – Game 2 – Game of Origin State Holden June DISCOVER REGIONAL NSW

THE REGIONS OF NSW OFFER A YEAR-ROUND SOURCE OF ADVENTURE AND EXPERIENCES FOR EVERYONE. Whether you enjoy hiking through alpine scenery to the peak of the highest mountain in Australia, paddling along a peaceful river to an overnight campsite or hang gliding over golden beaches – NSW is the perfect destination. Make sure the stunning World Heritage Areas are top of your NSW must-visit list; Lord Howe Island Group, the Greater Blue Mountains, Willandra Lakes Regions featuring Mungo National Park, and the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia along the North Coast. BLUE MOUNTAINS Just 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney, this region is famous for the beautiful sandstone cliffs and deep valleys that are part of the vast Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This extraordinary setting is the perfect backdrop for bushwalking, climbing, abseiling and mountain biking; more relaxing past times include dining, shopping, golf and spa treatments in luxurious retreats.

36 CENTRAL COAST An hour’s drive north of Sydney, this region is known for its many natural attributes - waterways, sparkling beaches and lush countryside. National parks here offer many different experiences while water sports range from surfing and fishing to and . Feed pelicans at The Entrance, visit local zoos, play golf, go cycling and skydiving, ziplining, horse riding and quad biking. COUNTRY NSW The rural heartland of NSW offers an amazing variety of holiday experiences. Savour beautiful food and wine in the Southern Highlands and the Region; on the Great Western Plains visit the incredible Taronga Western Plains Zoo; or head to Orange and Mudgee for gourmet produce and acclaimed wines. Discover Tamworth, Capital of Country, or head to Armidale, hub for New England High Country. LORD HOWE ISLAND This World Heritage-listed paradise, located two hours’ flight from Sydney or Brisbane, is a crescent-shaped island where you’ll be one of only 400 visitors. Swim in the pristine waters of the world’s southernmost coral reef or explore the palm-fringed paradise by bike or on foot. Outstanding natural beauty is your backdrop to swim, snorkel, dive, fish, canoe and bushwalk at every turn.

For more information on events, travel and accommodation go to visitnsw.com 37 DISCOVER REGIONAL NSW MURRAY AND RIVERINA Australia’s greatest river is the heart of this rich agricultural region. Life on The Murray is relaxed and laid-back with plenty of ways to soak up the ambience. Take a paddle boat cruise or hire a houseboat, play golf, go cycling or fishing. Enjoy wine-tasting at cellar doors in the Riverina and discover a variety of paddock-to-plate experiences including food and wine trails. NORTH COAST Stretching from the Mid-North Coast to The Tweed, this region abounds in stunning natural treasures: beautiful beaches, big rivers, volcanic hinterland and World Heritage rainforests. Immerse yourself in nature, sample the famed beach culture, dine well on fresh seafood and gourmet produce, luxuriate in five- star resorts, play golf on championship courses and see dolphins and whales in the wild. OUTBACK NSW The most intoxicating aspect of this grand region is space – it’s vast, open and liberating. Touring by car is the best way to get around, creating an unforgettable adventure along the way. Drop into outback pubs and country towns, visit an outback city (Broken Hill), camp out under the stars and gain insights from local guides into Aboriginal heritage through shared stories and cultural sites.

38 SNOWY MOUNTAINS Whatever the season, there’s nowhere quite like the Snowy Mountains region. During winter, enjoy skiing, snowboarding and snow- play at Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snowfields; when the snow melts, the landscape is perfect for adventures from hiking and mountain biking to fishing and horse riding. Discover fine food and wine, enjoy exhilarating alpine drives and take in spectacular scenery at every turn. SOUTH COAST Stretching from Stanwell Park along the coast to Eden, the South Coast is a region of unspoilt natural beauty. Popular water- based activities include whale watching (May-Nov) and swimming with seals; the lush bushland is enjoyed by bush walkers, bird-lovers and bike riders. Local dairy farms have a long tradition of producing gourmet cheeses while pristine waterways form part of a 300km oyster trail. Explore the region by following the Grand Pacific Drive from Sydney to Wollongong. THE HUNTER This region of varied landscapes encompasses the beautiful vineyards and restaurants of the Hunter Valley, the world- class horse studs of the Upper Hunter, the vibrant coastal city Newcastle, the vast blue waterways of Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie. Enjoy pampering, golf, hot air balloons, hiking, quad biking and endless water sports or gaze in awe at dolphins and whales in the wild.

For more information on events, travel and accommodation go to visitnsw.com 39 EXPERIENCE THE WORLD-FAMOUS ICONS Admire one of the world’s most beautiful cities from the summit of the on a guided BridgeClimb. Then explore the famous stages of the World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House on a backstage tour or enjoy a world-class performance. SEE AUSTRALIA’S ANIMALS Sydney is home to world-class zoos and aquariums where you can see Australia’s unique animals up close. Taronga Zoo, Manly Sanctuary, and WILD LIFE Sydney are harbourside while Featherdale Wildlife Park is in Western Sydney. SYDNEY SHOPPING Whether you love chic international fashion or cutting-edge Australian designers, you’ll enjoy shopping in Sydney. Highlights include Westfield Sydney, the and Strand Arcade, The Galeries and funky weekend markets across the city. SYDNEY WALKS Sydney’s a great city to explore on foot with walking tracks that are both easy and scenic. Check out the Manly to Spit Walk, the foreshore walk and the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk as well as the newest trail at Barangaroo Reserve by the harbour.

40 HIGHLIGHTS OF SYDNEY SYDNEY’S HERITAGE Join a walking tour of The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest colonial quarter or visit museums, historic houses and cultural sites across the city where you’ll get the inside story on Sydney’s unique history and heritage both from an Aboriginal and European perspective. DISCOVER THE HARBOUR Soak up the natural beauty of Sydney on a leisurely harbour cruise or short ferry ride from to Manly. Alternatively, go for a spin around the harbour on a high-speed jet boat, kayak in sheltered coves or laze on the deck of a luxury yacht with a skipper at the wheel. SYDNEY ARTS Sydney has a dynamic arts scene with major exhibitions at prestigious galleries and museums and world-class performances at venues including the Opera House. A vibrant cultural events calendar keeps the city buzzing with highlights such as New Year’s Eve and Vivid Sydney. TASTE SYDNEY Fabulous harbourside restaurants, cool bars, funky cafes and heritage pubs; Sydney’s dining scene is creative, eclectic and affordable. Add exciting eat streets in Western Sydney serving cuisine from around the world and you’ve got a global dining hot spot.

For more information on events, travel and accommodation go to sydney.com AND SURROUNDS BEACHSIDE COOL Learn to surf with experienced guides at some of the most famous beaches in Australia, Bondi and Manly. Bondi’s Campbell Parade and Manly’s Corso are lined with outdoor cafes, gelato bars, cool restaurants, organic stores and surf shops. SYDNEY FROM ABOVE Brave a sky dive onto the beach, go on a tandem hang-glide over the coast or get your adrenalin racing on a helicopter flight over the city. Get a bird’s eye view from Eye or board a luxury seaplane on Sydney Harbour for a flight over the harbour. EXPLORE ABORIGINAL HERITAGE Just 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney is the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area where you can gain insights into the culture of the Aboriginal people who have lived here for thousands of years at the Waradah Aboriginal Centre.

WESTERN SYDNEY ADVENTURES Explore the growing adventure playground in Western Sydney. Go at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, enjoy the thrills and spoils of Wet’n’Wild Sydney, experience thrilling aerial adventures with iFLY Downunder and Jetpack Adventures in Penrith.

42

PLAN. BOOK. GO! DESTINATION NSW HAS THE DIGITAL TOOLS YOU NEED TO PLAN AND BOOK AN EVENTFUL GETAWAY. Our websites are the one-stop shop for all the latest news about events in Sydney and Regional NSW. Don’t miss out on any of the State’s biggest and best events for 2016/17.

Download our free digital travel guides plus special travel and event apps. Get started now by heading to sydney.com and visitnsw.com

CONNECT WITH SYDNEY CONNECT WITH REGIONAL NSW facebook.com/seesydney facebook.com/visitnsw twitter.com/sydney_sider twitter.com/nswtips

@sydney @visitnsw #ilovesydney #NewSouthWales plus.google.com/+sydney plus.google.com/+visitnsw sydney.com visitnsw.com

Disclaimer: Destination NSW advises the details contained in the “Sydney & NSW Events Calendar July 2016 - June 2017” are presented in good faith and based on the best available information as at time of printing. The “Sydney & NSW Events Calendar July 2016 - June 2017” highlights the main events and is not a complete list of the events occurring from July 2016 - June 2017. Destination NSW accepts no legal liability arising from or in connection to the information contained in the “Sydney & NSW Events Calendar July 2016 - June 2017”. Please consult the relevant ticketing agency and/or location for ticket prices, booking fees, surcharges and applicable taxes before purchase. There may be other conditions imposed by the ticketing agency and/or location as a result of your purchase or attendance. Please make yourself aware of all conditions before purchase and/or attendance. Note that events may be subject to change or cancellation without notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Location capacity restrictions may apply for some events. Check sydney.com,visitnsw.com or other relevant event owner websites for the latest information. Destination NSW acknowledges and appreciates all photographic and rendered images supplied by each event owner and their photographers and graphic artists for use in this guide. Image page 6: Isabella Blow: A Fashionable Life. Donald McPherson / Contour by Getty Images. Cover Photo by James Horan.