NEW PRODUCTS IN REGIONAL NSW
New tours, new accommodation and experiences that are unique to the State continue to attract more visitors than ever to NSW.
Multi-region
Go Fish Australia, Sydney and Byron Bay Go Fish Australia is a fishing adventure specialist, offering bespoke bucket-list experiences departing from Sydney, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. Fishing on Sydney Harbour is a private half-day experience on custom-built five-metre fishing vessel where guests enjoy spending time with one of the best fishing guides in the business and discovering the abundant fish that can be caught in the harbour. The Hawkesbury River by Seaplane experience is an exclusive adventure where guests discover Sydney Harbour from the air and Hawkesbury River from the land, a region well known for its amazing fishing and local organic produce. From Byron Bay, Go Fish offer the Outback Fishing Experience, which departs by helicopter providing incredible views over pristine beaches, waterfalls and rich farming land before arriving in a private location in Northern NSW. The local guide takes guests by kayak under waterfalls and to fish rapids. Go Fish also offers the Rainforest Fishing Experience from Byron Bay. Guests travel by helicopter or vehicle to meet their guide to fish from the river bank or from a kayak. A sumptuous outdoor lunch of local produce completes the experience with views over the surrounding macadamia farms. Mandarin-speaking interpreters are available on request. gofishaustralia.com.au
Freeland Hiking Co., Blue Mountains, Snowy Mountains & Royal National Park Freeland Hiking Co. offers full-day and multi-day hiking tours through NSW’s premier National Parks, including the Blue Mountains, Snowy Mountains and Royal National Parks. The company passionately believes the best way to experience a destination is by slowing down and weaving through it on foot in the company of a local. Owned and managed by an experienced hiking guide, Freeland Hiking Co. tours have been thoughtfully crafted from start to finish. From the gear and safety equipment provided to the meals prepared and the knowledge shared, every detail has been carefully considered and refined.
Tours include full-day trips trip to the Royal National Park and Blue Mountains and return transport from Sydney, gourmet picnic lunch and more. The four- day Mt Kosciusko Summit experience completes a 22km expedition through the glacial-carved landscape. Guests will spend one night camping and two nights in a luxury chalet at Lake Crackenback Resort. freelandhikingco.com.au
Updated March 2020 – subject to change
Blue Mountains & Hawkesbury
High and Wild, Katoomba High and Wild Blue Mountains adventures is an outdoor adventure company specializing in canyoning, rock climbing, abseiling and two-day bush survival courses, which caters for all levels of ability. Located in Katoomba, all adventures happen in the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains National Park, 90-minutes west of Sydney. High and Wild have over 30 years of experience, a 100 per cent safety record and hold all relevant qualifications, insurances and licences to operate in the Blue Mountains World Heritage National Park. High and Wild can cater for FITs, groups, corporate groups and VIP private groups. highandwild.com.au
Blueberry Hills on Comleroy, Kurrajong Located just over one hour northwest of Sydney, Blueberry Hills on Comleroy is a rural retreat nestled between the foothills of the Blue Mountains and the Wollemi National Park. This multi-award winning boutique farm stay offers accommodation in a 4 ½ star rated bed and breakfast and self-contained cottages. Soak up the majestic beauty of the surrounding rolling farmland, on a charming countryside escape. Pick fresh blueberries in the summer months, feed the sheep and alpacas or simply relax in the outdoor hot tub soaking up the sweeping countryside views by day, and under the stars by night. blueberryhillsoncomleroy.com.au
Central Coast
Firescreek Winery, Holgate Firescreek Fruit Winery handcraft an innovative and diverse variety of award- winning fruit, flower and herb wines. Wines are made following the seasons of Mother Nature, so every season there is something new and interesting to try. Located on the Central Coast, just one hour north of Sydney, visitors can enjoy the stunning gardens at Firescreek Winery, which are set on 2.5 acres of lush grounds featuring a rainforest, creek, waterlily ponds and numerous fruit trees and vines. It has the rustic feel of a Tuscan vineyard, combined with the lushness of a temperate rainforest. Experiences include wine tasting the unique wine varietals made from fruit, flowers and botanics; sampling chocolate paired with wine; relaxing in the beautiful gardens, as well as opportunities to meet the winemaker. firescreek.com.au
Pearls of Australia – Shellar Door, Mooney Mooney Pearls of Australia represents Broken Bay Pearls, the only pearl farm in NSW. Broken Bay Pearls is located on the Central Coast just one hour’s drive north of Sydney, offers the Broken Bay Pearl Farm Tour. The newly opened Shellar Door in Mooney Mooney introduces a land based operation seven days a week in NSW. This exciting addition invites people into the working pearl farm on the Hawkesbury River offering land and marine-based Pearl Farm Tours as well as a selection of premium Australian pearls and jewellery direct from their farms. This new facility showcases farming, grading and finished pearl products whilst creating an immersive and educational experience, giving customers never before seen access to NSW's only pearl farm. pearlsofaustralia.com.au
Updated March 2020 – subject to change
Central NSW
Country Escape Tours, Mudgee Country Escape Tours specialise in tours with a difference. Mudgee is a stunning wine region in country NSW, four hours’ drive northwest of Sydney. In the Mudgee region, visitors can enjoy premium food and wine experiences, discovering gold rush heritage, interesting villages and UNESCO World Heritage wilderness. Country Escape Tours offer small group and private tours that showcase the Mudgee region, with local guides sharing their local knowledge, history and love of the region. Tour options include food and wine experiences, horse riding, kayaking and discovering the local history. Country Escape Tours has a tour to suit all needs. We cater for couples, groups and children and operate seven days a week. countryescapetours.com.au
Evanslea, Mudgee Evanslea is five-star luxury boutique accommodation minutes from the Mudgee town centre and wineries. The Mudgee wine region is located 90 minutes from the Blue Mountains and four hours’ drive northwest of Sydney. Evanslea is an exclusive property with four intimate, beautifully appointed cottages, along with historic and luxurious Evanslea House, all situated on over four acres of riverside gardens. Each of the cottages is self-contained and has a spa, wood fireplace and pool access. Evanslea offers bespoke packages including chartered flights, helicopter tours, in-room massage, private on-site wine tastings, wine tours, nature or farm tours, and private yoga classes in the gardens. The cottages are perfect for couples and the house sleeps up to eight. The entire property can also be booked exclusively. evanslea.com.au
The Oriana, Orange The Oriana is a stylish retro hotel located in Orange, a beautiful town located three and a half hours’ drive or a 50-minute flight from Sydney, and just 90 minutes from the Blue Mountains. The hotel features cosy rooms and suites with vibrant colour schemes and furnishings including plush bedding. Enjoy cocktails by the pool or head inside to enjoy a glass of wine in the glamourous Bela Vista Bar and a delectable meal in the luxurious restaurant, The Peacock Room. Orange is a renowned food and wine region with premium restaurants, fashionable cafes, shops and galleries and award-winning cool climate wineries. The Oriana is located in the town centre with the golf course, wineries, restaurants, entertainment only minutes away. orianaorange.com
Rowlee Wines, Orange Rowlee is situated in the cool climate, high altitude wine region of Orange, a three-and-a-half-hour drive or 50-minute flight from Sydney. The estate makes wines exclusively from their single vineyard located in the foothills of Mount Canobolas. At Rowlee, wine tasting is a sensory experience, with intimate tastings and visits to the estate enhanced by curated wine and food pairings, picnics in the vines, bespoke activities and luxury accommodation. Surrounded by vineyards, farmland and a conservation area, Rowlee dates back to the mid 1800’s and includes the original homestead and outbuildings. rowleewines.com.au
Updated March 2020 – subject to change
Silver Compass Tours, Orange and Central West NSW Silver Compass Tours is premium private day tour and multi-day tour operator that curates immersive local food, wine and cultural travel experiences. Silver Compass Tours are based in the historic village of Carcoar near the Orange wine region, three and a half hours from Sydney. Tours include food and wine experiences, Aboriginal cultural heritage and bush tucker experiences, as well as explorations of historic gold rush-era European settlement villages. Silver Compass Tours was established in 2014 by Founder and Chief Experience Officer Kelly Picarazzi, whose mission is to enrich people’s lives by enhancing their discovery of people, places and new ideas. silvercompasstours.com.au
Hunter Valley and Newcastle
Brokenwood Wines, Pokolbin Established in 1970 Brokenwood Wines is one of Australia’s most reputable premium wine labels and a must visit in the Hunter Valley. Consistently listed as a five-star winery, Brokenwood is home to the famous Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz; the highly acclaimed ILR Reserve Semillon and the popular Cricket Pitch Range. They recently opened a new state-of-the-art tasting facility, incorporating a pod system tasting room, museum, café, and restaurant and function space for 20-400 people. Their VIP soil-to-cellar experience is a rare opportunity to gain exclusive access to one of Australia’s most iconic vineyards whilst enjoying a unique and personalised experience. It includes a behind-the- scenes tour of the winery, a six-course degustation menu with matched wines, wine barrel tasting and a bottle of current release Graveyard Shiraz. brokenwood.com.au
Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows, Caves Beach, Lake Macquarie Caves Beach is located on the Swansea peninsula between Lake Macquarie and the Pacific Ocean. Located 45 minutes south of Newcastle and less than two hours north of Sydney. Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows has 18 luxury adults-only one-bedroom bungalows and 34 two- and three-bedroom villas and townhouses linked by Hamptons-style timber boardwalks. Caves Coastal offers escapes for both couples and families as well as corporate retreats. The on- site restaurant uses a paddock- and ocean-to-plate ethos within a newly renovated casual-chic indoor and outdoor setting. Caves Coastal also has a range of spacious event room with inspiring settings to meet the needs of corporate travellers and MICE groups, and is just minutes to the beach. cavescoastal.com.au
Tyrrell's Vineyards, Pokolbin Tyrrell’s Vineyards is a winery located in Australia’s oldest wine region, Hunter Valley, two hours’ drive north of Sydney. A Hunter Valley icon, Tyrrell's is a much-loved Australian wine brand family owned since 1858, home to some of Australia’s most awarded wines including the iconic Vat 1 Semillon. Guests can discover over 160 years of winemaking experience with a trip to Tyrrell’s Hunter Valley winery. They can visit the cellar door and taste award-winning wines, take a tour and experience first-hand the old oak vats and historic red cellar still in full operation. Tyrrell’s Vineyards is a member of Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia. tyrrells.com.au
Updated March 2020 – subject to change
Tulloch Wines, Pokolbin Over four generations and 125 years, Tulloch have been crafting wines and experiences that celebrate ‘the good life’ of wine, food, family and friends. Located in the Hunter Valley, two hours’ drive north of Sydney and 45 minutes from Newcastle, Tulloch Wines Cellar Door is an award-winning venue and renowned for their customer service. Join the team for one of their new bookable experiences, including Hunter Heroes & Global Flavours, where guests can immerse themselves in the history of Australia's oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley, while being guided through a tasting of six Tulloch Wines — all heroes of the Hunter: semillon, chardonnay, verdelho, shiraz — matched with global food. The Hunter Wine, Seafood & Aussie BBQ experience showcases the Australian culture’s love of cooking meat and seafood over an open flame. Grill seafood, beef and lamb with an expert chef and learn barbeque techniques. All the meat and seafood is premium quality and sourced from local farmers. tullochwines.com
Murray
Circa 1928, Albury
Circa Hotels and Spas has opened a new hotel in Albury, Circa 1928. Housed in a former bank, the boutique hotel offers two suites, five spa treatment rooms, a retail outlet and gallery with a focus on local art. The hotel features a selection of artworks by high profile Indigenous artists including Patrick Butcher, and is one of the stops on the North East Aboriginal Art Trail. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of luxurious treatments in the spa or take a one-on- one tour experience with a local (exclusive to Circa) to the Murray Art Museum Albury or Botanic Gardens. circahotels.com/circa-1928-albury
North Coast
North Star Holiday Resort, Hastings Point The multi award-winning North Star Holiday Resort at Hastings Point is an idyllic, family-friendly destination located on the beautiful Tweed Coast, just 25 minutes south of Gold Coast Airport. Nestled between the pristine Hastings Point beach, national parks and a tidal estuary, North Star has a range of accommodation including fully self-contained luxury poolside spa villas and spacious family cabins, as well as caravan and camp sites, all set amidst 10 hectares of landscaped, tropical gardens. northstar.com.au
Updated March 2020 – subject to change
Out Of The Blue Adventures, Byron Bay Out Of The Blue Adventures specialises in premier eco cruises and tours, including whale watching, ocean adventures and river cruises, departing from Ballina, a 30-minute drive from Byron Bay. All cruises are guided by a marine biologist. From June to November, the two-and-a-half-hour Whale Watching cruise departs up to three times daily. The three-hour Ocean Adventure cruise runs daily from November to June and explores the Cape Byron Marine Park with the opportunity to encounter dolphins, turtles and birdlife. The two-hour early evening River Cruise takes visitors on the tranquil waters of the Richmond River to learn about the diverse flora and fauna in the region. Return transfers from Byron Bay and Lennox Head are available for each cruise. outoftheblueadventures.com
Port Cruise Adventures, Port Macquarie Port Cruise Adventures offers all of the fun activities visitors can have on the water in Port Macquarie, four hours’ drive north of Sydney on the NSW North Coast. Visitors can choose from two vessels to enjoy whale watching from May to November each year, while scenic coastal tours with dolphin spotting are offered year round. Thrill seekers can hop aboard the Ocean Blast Thrill Ride, which rides the swell and speeds along the beautiful coastline, or jump on a jet ski and enjoy the exclusive Jet Ski Park. For visitors looking for relaxation, they may prefer a Sunset River Cruise along the stunning Hastings River. portjet.com.au
Port Stephens
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, Port Stephens (opening 2020) Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is a first-class facility that cares for sick, injured and orphaned koalas. The Koala Sanctuary will offer visitors a unique opportunity to see koalas in their natural habitat. It will also support their long-term rehabilitation and preservation. Visitors to the sanctuary will enjoy unique experiences with koalas in a natural and idyllic bushland setting. There are also tailored education sessions on koala care, rehabilitation and eventual return back to the wild and opportunities to directly contribute to the preservation of local koalas in Port Stephens. portstephenskoalas.com.au
South Coast
Abode Malua Bay, Malua Bay Situated in south coast of NSW, four hours south of Sydney and 15 minutes from Batemans Bay, Abode Malua Bay opened in early 2020 and offers 52 stylishly appointed self-contained, apartment-style rooms. Abode Malua Bay provides several room types to accommodate for all needs, including inter- connecting rooms for families or groups, pet friendly rooms and studios designed specifically for the mobility impaired. Each room has a kitchenette, washer/dryer, and bathroom amenities by Ideology. Located just metres from the pristine patrolled beachfront of Malua Bay Beach, guests will enjoy unrivalled access to the ocean, nature walks and cultural landmarks of Australia’s south coast. abodehotels.com.au/hotels/malua-bay
Updated March 2020 – subject to change
Bangalay Luxury Villas, Shoalhaven Heads Bangalay Villas are 16 luxury villas on the NSW South Coast situated near Seven Mile Beach, two hours’ drive from Sydney. With a pared-back, beachy style, the one- or two-bedroom villas have sweeping views down the Shoalhaven Heads golf course to the mountain range, and a Tesla charging station out front. Spend the day exploring the stunning South Coast, take a dip in the pool, then dine on site at Bangalay Dining, with chef Brent Strong executing a bold menu showcasing local produce of oysters, flathead, local beef and native herbs and florals such as banksia and eucalyptus. Set amongst coastal Bangalay Sand Forest distinctive to the region, a boardwalk winds from each villa up towards the ocean, creating a nostalgic beach holiday feel. bangalayvillas.com.au
Southbound Escapes, Narooma and South Coast Southbound Escapes is a luxury tour operator specialising in the South Coast of New South Wales from Sydney to Eden with a focus on sustainable, nature based tourism. Southbound Escapes provide a fully integrated quality tourism experience including impeccable service, unique locations and local knowledge, all packaged for convenience. Offering private- and small-group full and half-day tours, experiences may include E-Bike adventures, food and wine, Aboriginal culture, wildlife and nature, and special interest tours bespoke designed for individual guests. Many experiences with Southbound Escapes provide the opportunity to meet artisans, local makers, experts and farmers. southboundescapes.com
Touchdown Helicopters, Wollongong Touchdown Helicopters is the only helicopter operator south of Sydney covering the beautiful Illawarra Region and beyond. Touchdown Helicopter is a privately owned business and was established in 2006 and now provides public charters, scenic flight and tours for FIT and group travellers. Their base at Illawarra airport, 90 minutes south of Sydney and 15 minutes from Wollongong city centre, sits in between the mountains and sea ensuring scenic flights over many spectacular locations, including waterfalls, gorges, ravines and valleys as well as the sun-drenched, golden beaches of the Pacific coast. Touchdown Helicopters also partner with local vineyards, restaurants and pubs at various locations to provide unforgettable flight and lunch packages. touchdownhelicopters.com.au
Wine Knot Tours, Shoalhaven Wine Knot Tours is a small group and private tour operator that has a vision to share what they love about the spectacular Shoalhaven Wine Region on the NSW South Coast located two to three hours south of Sydney. Shoalhaven is a food, wine, nature and adventure lover’s paradise. As devoted locals, Wine Knot Tours has built unrivalled, quality experiences and valued relationships with wineries and local providores. Wine Knot Tours provides unforgettable tours where guests can immerse themselves into the regions sublime produce, wine, rich culture, history and world-renowned scenery and wildlife. Wine Knot Tours provide day tours of the Shoalhaven region and multi-day tours from Sydney with luxury accommodation included. wineknottours.com.au
Updated March 2020 – subject to change
Southern Highlands
PepperGreen Estate, Berrima PepperGreen Estate is a winery, restaurant, cellar door, tasting room and olive grove located in the historic town of Berrima in the cool climate wine region of Southern Highlands. PepperGreen Estate provides experiences to visitors that showcase all elements of their business. With easy access from Sydney and Canberra, and a quick 90-minute drive either way from international airports. All experiences are hosted by charismatic and knowledgeable guides and include an interactive wine discovery paired with food in their premium private room at the Cellar Door. There are several core experiences such as: The Private Cellar Door Experience; The Private Olive Grove Experience; and The Ultimate Vineyard Experience and Limited Edition Olive Grove Picking Experience. Some of these experiences include a visit to their vineyard and olive groves in Canyonleigh. peppergreenestate.com.au
The Loch, Berrima Nestled in rolling green hills, The Loch is a working farm, garden and guest house in historic Berrima in the Southern Highlands, only 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney. Within the hub of the architecturally converted barn are four guest suites providing luxury self-contained accommodation; an authentic paddock-to-plate restaurant, the Tasting Room; and a farm stall selling freshly harvested fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers, meat and eggs, along with house- made cakes, jams and chutneys and hand-restored antiques. The Tasting Room offers a weekly farm tour followed by a three-course lunch. Seasonally, The Loch also offers a range of foodie events to showcase the farm produce and other local artisan producers. theloch.net.au
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Updated March 2020 – subject to change