& NSW EVENTS CALENDAR July 2012–June 2013

1 | sydney.com | visitnsw.com CONTENTS

ANNUAL SYDNEY EVENTS...... 2 behalf of the NSW ONLY IN SYDNEY IN 2012-2013...... 3 Government and Destination NSW, I am proud to present the ANNUAL REGIONAL NSW EVENTS...... 4 2012-2013 Events Calendar. JULY...... 6 AUGUST...... 8 With such a wide variety of SEPTEMBER...... 10 activities and entertainment on offer, it’s easy to see why OCTOBER...... 12 Sydney and NSW are amongst NOVEMBER...... 16 the world’s premier tourism and DECEMBER...... 18 major events destinations. JANUARY...... 20 Tourism and events are a key Events provide a significant FEBRUARY...... 24 pillar in the NSW Government’s economic boost and flow-on MARCH...... 26 plans to rebuild the economy, benefits to NSW and as such, and through Destination NSW, will contribute to the NSW APRIL...... 30 the Government is committed Government’s target of doubling MAY...... 32 to securing major sporting and overnight visitor expenditure in JUNE...... 34 cultural events that appeal to a the State by 2020. variety of international, interstate Things to see and do in Sydney and surrounds...... 36 and local audiences. Welcome and enjoy all that EXPERIENCE REGIONAL NSW...... 39 Sydney and regional NSW have Delivering a premium visitor to offer. experience is essential to Disclaimer: Destination NSW advises the details contained in the “Sydney & NSW generate new and repeat Events Calendar July 2012–June 2013” are based on the best available information visitation. That’s why Destination as at time of printing. The “Sydney & NSW Events Calendar July 2012–June 2013” NSW continues to work closely highlights the main events and is not a complete list of the events occurring from July 2012–June 2013. Please consult the relevant ticketing agency/Location for with a broad range of industry ticket prices. Please note that individual activities may be subject to change or partners to secure a strong George Souris MP cancellation without notice. Location capacity restrictions may apply for some calendar of events for NSW. Minister for Tourism, Major individual activities. Check sydney.com or other relevant websites for the latest Events, Hospitality and Racing information. Destination NSW acknowledges and appreciates all photographic Minister for the Arts images supplied by each event owner and their photographers for use in this guide.

Photo credits: Anish Kapoor, My Red Homeland (detail) 2003 installation view, CAC Málaga, 2006 wax and oil-based paint, steel arm, motor. Image courtesy and © the artist. Sydney NYE images p.6 & 23 and Chinese New Year image p.29 courtesy of City of Sydney. Sculpture by the Sea p.18 ByeongDooMoon – I have been dreaming to be a tree, 2011, J White.

1 sydney.com | sydney.com | visitnsw.com | visitnsw.com 1 ANNual SYDNEY Events Only in SYDNEY IN 2012-2013 The Sydney Events Calendar features a number of signature events that For a short time only – catch these special Sydney events as part of the captivate people each and every year. 2012-2013 NSW Events Calendar.

DECEMBEROCTOBER 2012 MARCH 2013 SEPTEMBER 2012 MARCH 2013

Crave Food Opera on Sydney Harbour Legally Blonde the Musical – The Addams Family – Australian Festival Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens Australian Premiere Premiere Various venues March , The Star Capitol Theatre 1-31 October From 21 September From 9 March

NOVEMBER 2012 MARCH 2013 NOVEMBER 2012 MARCH & JUNE 2013

Sydney International Art Series The BMW Alexander the Great: 2000 Years of 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Art Gallery of NSW and Museum of Rosehill and Royal Randwick Treasure ANZ Stadium Contemporary Art Racecourses and Newmarket 26 March & 18 June November – April 23 March – 27 April 24 November – 28 April

DECEMBER 2012 MAY 2013 JANUARY 2013 JUNE 2013

Sydney New Year’s Eve Paris Opera Ballet British & Irish Lions Tour Sydney Harbour , and Capitol Theatre Various venues 31 December The Rocks 29 January – 9 February 12 June – 6 July 24 May – 10 June

2 | sydney.com | visitnsw.com 3 Annual Regional NSW Events Every year Regional NSW plays host to a spectacular array of unique entertainment. With welcoming locals and beautiful backdrops, there is and entertaining festivals, high adrenalin sports and exciting family no better way to experience NSW.

SEPTEMBER 2012 JANUARY 2013 MARCH 2013 MAY 2013

Deniliquin Ute Muster CountryLink Parkes Elvis Festival Dungog Film Festival Plains of Deniliquin Parkes Merewether Beach, Newcastle Dungog 28-29 September 9-13 January March May

OCTOBER 2012 JANUARY 2013 APRIL 2013 MAY 2013

Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 Tamworth Country Music Festival Orange F.O.O.D Week Newton’s Nation Mt Panorama, Bathurst Tamworth Orange Mt Panorama, Bathurst 4-7 October 18-27 January 12-21 April May

DECEMBER 2012 MARCH 2013 APRIL 2013 MAY 2013

Jack Newton Celebrity Classic Bluesfest Byron Bay Sail Port Stephens 2013 NCHA Futurity Cypress Lakes Resort, Hunter Valley Byron Bay Port Stephens Tamworth 18-19 December 28 March – 1 April 15-21 April 29 May – 9 June

4 | sydney.com | visitnsw.com 5 Terrain, Bangarra Dance Theatre Aberdeen Highland Games amarcord, presented by Distinctive dance theatre program telling A Celtic display of food, culture Musica Viva the stories of Indigenous Australia. and recreation over two days. The internationally acclaimed a Location Sydney Opera House Location Aberdeen cappella group. Dates 18 July – 18 August Dates 7-8 July Location City Recital Hall Angel Place, Sydney & Harold Lobb Shannons Nationals Concert Hall, Newcastle Australia’s most prestigious car Dates 21-30 July

racing series. 2012 J U LY Location Sydney Motorsport Splendour in the Grass Park, Eastern Creek Splendour returns to Byron Bay Dates 14-15 July with three days of knockout talent. Aida Location Byron Bay Verdi’s epic drama of the Dates 27-29 July princess sold into slavery. Location Opera Theatre, Sydney The Rocks Aroma Festival Opera House Escape to a world of coffee, Dates 17 July – 13 October chocolate, tea and spice. Location The Rocks, Sydney Dates 29 July

Sydney was named ‘World’s Best Festival 6 | sydney.com | visitnsw.com and Event City’ in both 2010 and 2011 7 Byron Bay Writers’ Festival Australian Surf Festival The annual gathering of writers Over 400 surfers compete for the and literary lovers! Australian Titles. Location Byron Bay Location Port Macquarie Dates 3-5 August Dates 11-25 August

Flair Fashion Awards The Sun-Herald Festival of fashion including Elite athletes and beginners take Australia’s largest regional on the world’s largest fun run. fashion awards. Location Hyde Park to Bondi Location Taree Beach, Sydney

Dates 4 August Dates 12 August A U G ST 2012

Fireside Festival The Life of Patrick White Celebrate all that’s good A wide ranging conversation about winter. about Patrick White from a Location Yass Valley personal perspective. Dates 4-26 August Location State Library of , Sydney Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge Dates 15 August Eight race categories ranging from elite through to family friendly. Russian Passions - Location Coffs Harbour Rachmaninoff & Tchaikovsky Sydney Symphony provides a Dates 5 August bewitching and exhilarating concert. Roger and Hammerstein’s Location Sydney Opera House South Pacific Dates 15-17 August The Tony Award® winning production is heading to Sydney! Spring Dance Festival 2012 Location Sydney Opera House From acclaimed international Dates 8 August – 9 September artists to amazing local talent. Location Sydney Opera House World Time Attack Challenge Dates 20 August – 2 September A race against the clock, featuring big-money and 2012 V8 Supercars modified vehicles. Championships – Round 9 Location Sydney Motorsport See all of the best drivers in the Bledisloe Cup Festival Park, Eastern Creek country battle it out. A week-long calendar of events in Sydney Dates 10-11 August Location Sydney Motorsport building up to the Bledisloe Cup Test. Park, Eastern Creek Location Various venues across Sydney Dates 25-26 August Dates 10-18 August

In 2012, Sydney placed 3rd in the world’s ‘Ultimate Sport City’ ranking 8 | sydney.com | visitnsw.com by SportBusiness 9 2012 International Great Art & About Sydney Waiters Race Experience Sydney through art in Based on the traditional race unusual spaces. from 20th Century Paris. Location Various venues Location Woolloomooloo Bay across Sydney Wharf, Sydney Dates 21 September – 21 October Dates 2 September NSW Motor Racing Dubbo Festival Championship Annual festival that celebrates Featuring some of the best arts, culture, film and music. racing that NSW has to offer. Location Dubbo Location Sydney Motorsport Dates 7-30 September Park, Eastern Creek Dates 22-23 September

Blackmore’s Sydney Running 2012 SEPTEMBER Festival 2012 Helpmann Awards® Four exciting events to cater for Celebrate artistic achievement all ages and abilities. in the Australian Live Location Sydney Performance Industry. Dates 16 September Location Sydney Opera House Dates 24 September Tulip Time Festival One of Australia’s most beautiful Deniliquin Ute Muster flora festivals. Two days of nonstop Location Bowral entertainment including Kelly Dates 18 September – 1 October Clarkson live on the Plains. Location Plains of Deniliquin X-Blades National Youth Dates 28-29 September Championships and State of Origin Murrumbateman Moving Feast A festival of Touch Football with Showcasing the best of NSW facing QLD. Murrumbateman’s wine and food. Location Port Macquarie Location Yass Valley Dates 19-22 September Dates 29-30 September

Legally Blonde the Musical – Zoo Grooves Australian Premiere Season Activities for the kids and live Telstra Premiership Final Series and Grand Final The award-winning romantic entertainment. Watch the NRL heavyweights battle it out for the top spot. comedy hits Sydney. Location Western Plains Zoo, Location Various venues across NSW Location Sydney Lyric, The Star Dubbo Dates 7 – 30 September Dates From 21 September Dates 29 September

2012 will mark the 3rd year of the NRL Grand FINAL Week being held 10 | sydney.comsydney.com | visitnsw.com exclusively in NSW 11 Supercheap Auto Dvorák and Shostakovich - Bathurst 1000 Beauty & Turmoil V8 Supercars celebrate 50 years Sydney Symphony presents two of the Bathurst endurance race. masterpieces conducted by Location Mt Panorama, Bathurst Vladimir Ashkenazy. Dates 4-7 October Location Sydney Opera House Dates 11 October Epsom Super Saturday The pinnacle race day of Sydney’s Spirit of the Land Lockhart Spring Carnival. Includes Australia’s only National Location Royal Randwick Farm Art Sculpture Awards. Racecourse, Sydney Location Lockhart Dates 6 October Dates 12-14 October 2012 OCTOBER

Platform Hip Hop Just for Laughs at Sydney The best breakers, MCs, DJs, and Opera House graffiti artists in a massive two- The funniest and finest day celebration. comedians to Australia’s Location Carriageworks, Sydney most iconic venue. Dates 6-7 October Location Sydney Opera House Dates 18-22 October Fiesta A huge line-up of bold Latin Orange Wine Week American performers. A 10 day festival showcasing the Location Darling Harbour, Sydney region’s premium wines. Dates 6-7 October Location Orange Dates 19-28 October National Geographic Live! Packed full of the wildest images 2012 World and most awe inspiring stories. Firefighter’s Games Location Sydney Opera House Join the sports and fun at the Dates 7 October, 18 November & 12th World Games. 9 December Location Various venues across Sydney Dates 19-28 October

Crave Sydney International Food Festival A month long celebration of extraordinary food experiences. Location Various venues across Sydney Dates 1-31 October

133 Chef were awarded to NSW restaurants in 2012 – more than any 12 | sydney.com | visitnsw.com other state 13 Batlow Apple Cockatoo Island Film Festival Blossom Festival Be enchanted by Australia’s most A large variety of events to exciting new film experience. celebrate the region’s fruit Location Cockatoo Island, farming heritage. Sydney Harbour Location Batlow Dates 24-28 October Dates 20 October Chromefest Gentleman of the Road A tribute to American classics, Stopovers - Mumford & Sons hot rods, low rider bicycles, rock- Combining a music festival n-roll and rockabilly. and a local gathering into one Location The Entrance epic party. Dates 26-28 October 2012 OCTOBER Location Dungog Showground Dates 20 October IRONMAN Australia 70.3 Australian Age Group The Wingham Championships Akoostik Festival Athletes battle it out in a massive A two day celebration of test of endurance. original music performed in Location Port Macquarie an idyllic location. Dates 28 October Location Wingham Dates 20-21 October Cancer Council NSW Seven Bridges Walk NSW / Maharashtra Cup Put on your walking and NSW Premiers XI battle Mumbai raise money for a great cause. in a charity match. Location Sydney Harbour Location Blacktown International Dates 28 October Sportspark Dates 21 October Project Rameau (Australian Chamber Orchestra & Sydney Death of a Salesman Dance Company) Belvoir’s theatre smash hit A new production by Rafael returns to The Theatre Royal. Bonachela and Richard Tognetti. Location Theatre Royal, Sydney Location Sydney Theatre Dates 23 October – 3 November Dates 29 October – 3 November Sculpture by the Sea Annual outdoor art exhibition that welcomes in Sydney’s summer. Location Tamarama to Bondi Coastal Walk, Sydney Dates18 October – 4 November

Around 500,000 people visit Sculpture by the Sea during its 14 | sydney.com | visitnsw.com annual 3 week exhibition 15 Sculptures in the Vineyards Sydney International Art A sculpture festival in the Series: Francis Bacon – vineyards of the Wollombi Valley. Five Decades Location Wollombi The first major exhibition of Dates 3-30 November Bacon’s paintings held in Australia. Tastes at the Bay Location Art Gallery of NSW, Gourmet food, wine and boutique Sydney beer festival. Dates 17 November – 24 February Location Port Stephens Dates 3-4 November Australian Historic Championships – Motorcycles Bitter and Twisted The Post Classic Racing Associa-

International Boutique Beer tion brings the Championships 2012 NOVEMBER Festival back to NSW for 2012. Tasting and stalls, held at the Location Sydney Motorsport historic . Park, Eastern Creek Location Maitland Dates 17-18 November Dates 3-4 November Schools Spectacular The Australian Boat Race Featuring the state’s most An annual rowing eights talented young singers, dancers challenge between Australia’s and musicians. two oldest universities. Location Sydney Entertainment Location Woolwich to Darling Centre Harbour, Sydney Dates 23-24 November Dates 4 November ARIA Awards Parramasala – Australian Celebrating the best in Australian Festival of South Asia Arts music. An eclectic festival featuring Location Sydney Entertainment music, theatre, comedy, film and Centre outdoor entertainment. Dates November Location Dates 8-11 November Sydney Telstra 500 The 2012 grand final showdown Alexander the Great: 2000 Years of Treasure for the V8 Supercars The largest exhibition ever seen in Australia Championship. from the State Hermitage, Russia. Location Location Australian Museum, Sydney Dates 30 November – 2 December Dates 24 November – 28 April

Since launching in 2010, almost 900,000 people have attended Sydney International 16 | sydney.comsydney.com | visitnsw.comvisitnsw.com Art Series exhibitions 17 Emirates Australian Open Sydney International Art Championship Series: Anish Kapoor The world’s best battle to claim Sydney is proud to present the Australian golf’s most prized work of international artist trophy. Anish Kapoor. Location The Lakes , Location Museum of Eastlakes, Sydney Contemporary Art Australia, Dates 6-9 December Sydney Dates 20 December – 1 April Wollongong Gran Fondo A two-day signature cycling festival. Australia’s largest free Location Wollongong Christmas concert. Dates 8-9 December Location The Domain, Sydney Dates 22 December DECEMBER 2012 ahm Wave Warriors – Surf Lifesaving Junior Challenge Rolex Sydney Hobart Junior lifesavers come together Yacht Race from around Australia to push An iconic part of Australia’s their own limits. summer. Location Wollongong Location Sydney Harbour Dates 15-16 December Dates 26 December

Jack Newton Celebrity Classic Celebrities and golfing pros rub shoulders in a pro-am charity tournament. Location Cypress Lakes Resort, Hunter Valley Dates 18-19 December

Sydney New Year’s Eve Sydney welcomes the New Year with 9pm family and midnight fireworks. Location Sydney Harbour Dates 31 December

An estimated 1 billion people around the world see the Sydney New Year’s Eve 18 | sydney.com | visitnsw.com Midnight Fireworks 19 Vodafone New Year Test Match The Big Issue Street – Australia v Sri Lanka Football Festival Sri Lanka faces Australia in their Played on a spectacular floating first match ever at the SCG. pitch on Darling Harbour. Location Location Darling Harbour, Dates 3-7 January Sydney Dates 18-28 January Apia International Sydney Come and experience Sydney’s Commonwealth Bank Series - summer party. One Day Internationals Location Sydney Olympic Park Australia takes on Sri Lanka and Tennis Centre the big hitting West Indians. Dates 6-12 January Location Sydney Cricket Ground 2013 U ARY JAN Dates 20 January & 8 February CountryLink Parkes Elvis Festival Hip-swivelling Elvis impersona- Australians show their national tors and tribute artists convene pride in celebrations across for a dazzling array of events. the State. Location Parkes Location Various venues across Dates 9-13 January NSW Dates 26 January Australian Youth Olympic Festival Yabun International multi-sport youth Australia’s largest single-day event in the spirit of the Olympics. Indigenous festival. Location Various venues across Location Victoria Park, Sydney Sydney Dates 26 January Dates 16-20 January

 One of the world’s most wonderful summer festivals! Location Various venues across Sydney Dates 5-28 January

Lonely Planet’s 700,000 global Facebook and Twitter followers voted Sydney one 20 | sydney.comsydney.com | visitnsw.comvisitnsw.com of the world’s best summer cities 21 Body Science Great Australian 2013 Samsung AACTA Awards Swim Series Recognising outstanding Bringing an exciting experience achievement in Australian Film to swimmers of all ages and and Television. abilities. Location Sydney Location Sydney Harbour Dates January Dates 26 January St.George OpenAir Cinema KFC T20 INTL: Australia v The Sydney skyline sets the Sri Lanka scene for this celebration of film, It’s the Aussies v Sri Lanka in an food and wine. explosive game of T20 cricket! Location Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Location ANZ Stadium, Sydney Sydney 2013 U ARY JAN Dates 26 January Dates January – February

Paris Opera Ballet – Giselle The triumphant return to Sydney of the world famous Paris Opera Ballet. Location Capitol Theatre, Sydney Dates 29 January – 9 February

Tamworth Country Music Festival Hundreds of performers hit the stage at this iconic country music festival. Location Tamworth Dates 18-27 January

In the year ending March 2012, major festivals and events delivered over 22 | sydney.comsydney.com | visitnsw.comvisitnsw.com 3.9 million visitor nights to Regional NSW 23 Bathurst 12 Hour Australian Open of The ultimate Aussie endurance Featuring the best of surfing, race. skating and music. Location Mt Panorama, Bathurst Location Dates 8-10 February Dates 16-24 February

Movie Extra 2013 Australian Surfing Awards The world’s largest short-film Recognising those who have festival. continued to develop surfing in Location The Domain, Sydney Australia. Dates February Location Novotel Manly Dates 20 February Navy Australian Surf Rowers Open Tumbafest 2013 FEBR U ARY An adrenalin filled display of A celebration of music, wine teamwork and fitness. and food. Location Newcastle Location Tumbarumba Dates 8-10 February Dates 23-24 February

Sydney Chinese New Year Festival Celebrate with cultural events, food markets and the Twilight Parade. Location Various venues across Sydney Dates 8-24 February

The City of Sydney’s Chinese New Year 24 | sydney.comsydney.com | visitnsw.comvisitnsw.com Festival is the largest outside of Asia 25 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival and Parade Byron Bay International CMC Rocks the Hunter A dazzling celebration of diversity and flamboyance. Film Festival The world’s biggest headliners in Location Various venues across Sydney Screening a diverse and dynamic country music provide a weekend Dates Festival: 10 February - 3 March range of films. of entertainment. Parade and Party: 2 March Location Byron Bay Location Hunter Valley Dates 1-10 March Dates 15-17 March

Inter Dominion Championship Opera in the Paddock Grand Final Enjoy renowned singers Harness racing’s pinnacle event and orchestra in a natural

in the southern hemisphere. bush setting. MARCH 2013 Location Tabcorp Park, Location Inverell Menangle Dates 16 March Dates 3 March Sydney International The Addams Family – Rowing Regatta Australian Premiere Season Australia hosts the opening Broadway’s smash hit musical round of this prestigious event. comedy hits Sydney! Location Sydney International Location Capitol Theatre, Sydney Regatta Centre, Penrith Dates From 9 March Dates 18-24 March

Sydney Track Classic Commercial Club Albury Gold Australia’s premier athletics Cup Carnival competition. One of the premier country Location Sydney Olympic Park racing carnivals in Australia. Athletics Centre Location Albury Racing Club Dates 9 March Dates 21-22 March

2013 X-Blades National Sydney Royal Easter Show Touch League Fun for everyone, showcasing the Touch Football teams from best of Australian agriculture and across the nation compete. country life. Location Coffs Harbour Location Sydney Showground Dates 13 - 16 March Dates 21 March – 3 April

In 2012 the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade included over 9,000 participants, 134 parade 26 | sydney.comsydney.com | visitnsw.comvisitnsw.com floats and over 100,000 spectators 27 Opera on Sydney Mercedes-Benz Fashion Harbour – Carmen Week Australia Experience the grandeur of Designers showcase Spring/ opera outdoors on a giant stage Summer Collections to leading on the harbour. buyers and media. Location Sydney Royal Botanic Location Sydney Gardens Dates March Dates 22 March - 12 April Surfest 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian See the world’s best surfers

Qualifier – Qantas Socceroos compete in 6-star rated events. MARCH 2013 v Oman Location Merewether Beach, Support the Socceroos in their Newcastle World Cup bid in the Matchday Dates March 7 qualifier. Location ANZ Stadium, Sydney Dates 26 March

Bluesfest Byron Bay Australia’s premier blues and roots music festival. Location Tyagarah, Byron Bay Dates 28 March – 1 April

The BMW Sydney Carnival Featuring Tooheys New Golden Slipper Day and David Jones Day. Location Rosehill Racecourse and Royal Dates 23 March – 27 April

The Golden Slipper is the world’s 28 | sydney.comsydney.com | visitnsw.comvisitnsw.com richest horse race for 2 year olds 29 Darling Harbour Hoopla Sail Port Stephens Orange F.O.O.D Week Hoopla Australia’s annual circus Get ready to set sail in one of Savour the region’s best food and wine in a festival atmosphere. and street theatre festival. Australia’s fastest growing Location Orange Location Darling Harbour, Sydney regattas. Dates 12-21 April Dates 29 March – 1 April Location Port Stephens Dates 15-21 April 2013 Yonex Australian Open Archibald Prize Exhibition See the world’s best players in Showcasing finalists from the

the world’s fastest racquet sport. nation’s favourite and most APRIL 2013 Location Darling Harbour, Sydney prestigious prize for portraiture. Dates 2-7 April Location Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Inglis Australian Easter Dates April Yearling Sale Australasia’s finest bred and SEW Eurodrive Miracle Mile conformed yearlings. The most talked about harness Location Newmarket, Sydney race across Australia and New Dates 9-11 April Zealand. Location Tabcorp Park, Menangle Dates 28 April

In 2012, NSW scored wins in 11 out of 27 categories at the Qantas Australian 30 | sydney.comsydney.com | visitnsw.comvisitnsw.com Tourism Awards 31 Newton’s Nation Emirates Park Scone Australia’s largest action sports Cup Carnival and music festival. The biggest country racing Location Mt Panorama, Bathurst carnival in Australia. Dates May Location Scone Race Club Dates 17-18 May Urban Hotel Group

IRONMAN Australia Sydney Writers’ Festival 2013 MAY See Australia and the World’s Australia’s largest annual best ironman triathletes celebration of literature and ideas. compete! Location The Rocks, Sydney Location Port Macquarie Dates 20-26 May Dates 5 May Dungog Film Festival Commonwealth Bank Discover the biggest Aussie Beachley Classic movie bush bash in the country. The best in women’s surfing Location Dungog battle it out for world title rating Dates May points. Location Beach CeBIT Australia Dates May Australia’s number one business technology event. Location Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Dates 28-30 May

NCHA Futurity One of the richest horse performance events in Australia. Location Tamworth Dates 29 May – 9 June

Newton’s Nation is home to the world’s fastest downhill skating course, and 32 | sydney.comsydney.com | visitnsw.comvisitnsw.com 4 World Cup competitions 33 British & Irish Lions Tour Enjoy the best features, docos The British and Irish Lions tour and from across Australia Australia for the first time in and the world. 12 years. Location Various venues Location Various venues across across Sydney NSW Dates 5-16 June Dates 12 June – 6 July

ISEA2013 – International Harvey Norman State of Origin J U NE 2013 Symposium on Electronic Art II – NSW V QLD Talks, exhibitions and events See the clash of Australia’s featuring the world’s leading Rugby League titans with the electronic artists. Blues and Maroons. Location Sydney Location ANZ Stadium, Sydney Dates 7-16 June Dates 13 June

Darling Harbour Jazz & 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Blues Festival Qualifier – Qantas Socceroos A stellar line up of blues, soul, v Iraq funk and swing. Support the Socceroos in their Location Darling Harbour, Sydney World Cup bid in the Matchday Dates 8-10 June 10 qualifier. Location ANZ Stadium, Sydney Dates 18 June

Vivid Sydney Sydney is transformed into a creative canvas of lights, music and creative forums. Location Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay and The Rocks Dates 24 May – 10 June

In 2012 more than 500,000 people 34 | sydney.comsydney.com | visitnsw.comvisitnsw.com attended Vivid Sydney events 35 Things to see and do in Sydney and surrounds

Climb our biggest icon Get a bird’s eye view Appreciate the Arts & markets Test your head for heights at the top of Catch the view from above and make the one Visit the Art Gallery of NSW, the Museum of the Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb. hour drive south towards Wollongong. Brave Contemporary Art Australia and the Chinese Leave at dawn to see the city as it wakes; a sky dive on the beach, hang-gliding over collection at White Rabbit Gallery. For local during the day for clear panoramic views; Bald Hill or even get your adrenalin racing arts and markets check out the street art twilight to catch dusk; or at night to see in an aerobatic over the coastline in a at Mays Lane in St Peters and weekend Sydney sparkle. classic biplane. markets at Bondi, Paddington and Eveleigh.

Go backstage Walk the coastal track Take a culinary journey Step inside this masterpiece of design and Walk some of the 100km scenic pathway Treat yourself to a mouth-watering taste of hear how it came to life against impossible from Palm Beach in the North to the Royal Sydney’s best food and wine as you explore odds. Then take a peek at areas normally National Park in the South, and discover five-star harbourside restaurants, bars reserved for the stars and their crew. pristine beaches, cliffs and secret coves. The and cafes as well as culinary quarters and You’ll discover the inner beauty of this walk from Bondi to Tamarama is particularly bustling eat streets. You’ll see why Sydney is cultural wonder. amazing in October – November when the Australia’s capital of cuisine. Sculpture by the Sea exhibition is on.

Find your Sydney wardrobe Step back in time Discover the Blue Mountains Stroll through the historic Queen Victoria Explore the cobblestone laneways and rich Hike the spectacular mountain trails, visit Building and Strand Arcade, or visit history of Sydney’s oldest quarter. Take a the amazing Skyway at Scenic World, or Castlereagh, Elizabeth and King Streets for guided walking tour or simply wander at just explore the picturesque villages such the best in top designers. For something your own pace. On Fridays, Saturdays and as Katoomba, Blackheath and Leura. This more eclectic head to Oxford Street in Sundays The Rocks is buzzing with food World Heritage region is only a few hours by Paddington, Crown Street in Surry Hills or stalls and street markets. car, coach or train from Sydney. Queen Street in Woollahra.

Talk to the animals Ride the Harbour Cockatoo Island escape Ride the Sky Safari up to Taronga Zoo for What better way to soak up the majesty of The largest island in Sydney Harbour an abundance of fascinating animals and Sydney than on a harbour cruise? Time on retains its character and offers remnants mesmerising views of the city. For an up an iconic Sydney Ferry is a must, particularly of Sydney’s convict and shipbuilding past. close encounter in the heart of Sydney visit if you take the 30 minute ride to Manly. Glide Explore at your own pace, or join a weekend Wildlife World and Sydney Aquarium in past some of the Harbour’s best assets tour. Better still, hire a tent and camp Darling Harbour. before strolling along Manly’s beautiful overnight. beaches.

For more information on events, travel and 36 | sydney.com | visitnsw.com accommodation go to sydney.com and visitnsw.com 37 38 Experience Regional NSW Beyond the borders of Sydney, World Heritage national parks the unspoilt natural beauty and and spectacular country and charm of Regional NSW is sure Outback scenery. to delight all tastes and budgets. Regional NSW is also home This vast region of NSW offers to some of Australia’s oldest stunning wine regions in the country towns, bringing Hunter Valley and Southern history and character together Highlands, amazing coastline to offer many of the classic and beaches on the South, Australian experiences. Central and North Coasts,

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