SYDNEY & NSW EVENTS CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2013 – JUNE 2014 On behalf of the NSW Government, I am proud to present the 2013–2014 and NSW Events Calendar. With a world-class range of activities and entertainment on offer, it’s easy to see why NSW and Sydney are ’s premier tourism and major events destinations. Sydney, the Australian The NSW Government is Premiere of Monster Jam in committed to securing major Western Sydney, the Opening sporting and cultural events Series of the Major League that appeal to a variety of Baseball and Baz Luhrmann’s audiences and the event line-up World Musical Premiere of from September 2013 to June Strictly Ballroom. 2014 is no different. The Sydney and NSW Events From the highly-anticipated Calendar presents some of return of The Lion King, through the very best that this State to Sydney’s world-renowned has to offer and I encourage New Year’s Eve fireworks, the you to experience as many World Rally in Coffs Harbour events as possible! and the Deni Ute Muster in Deniliquin – there is something for everyone across every location and season in NSW. George Souris MP This year, we also have a Minister for Tourism number of ‘firsts’ for NSW, and Major Events including the Corroboree Indigenous Festival, the Australian Garden Show

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SYDNEY AND NSW HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2013-2014 4–7 CONNECT WITH SYDNEY

SEPTEMBER 2013 8 facebook.com/seesydney

OCTOBER 2013 10 twitter.com/sydney_sider

NOVEMBER 2013 14 @seesydney or #sydney DECEMBER 2013 18 sydney.com JANUARY 2014 20

FEBRUARY 2014 22 CONNECT WITH REGIONAL NSW

MARCH 2014 24 facebook.com/visitnsw

APRIL 2014 28 twitter.com/nswtips

MAY 2014 32 @visitnsw or #nswgetaways JUNE 2014 34 visitnsw.com DISCOVER REGIONAL NSW 36

EXPERIENCE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF SYDNEY AND SURROUNDS 40 For full disclaimer please see outside back cover

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SEPTEMBER 2013 SEPTEMBER 2013 OCTOBER 2013 OCTOBER 2013

Australian Garden Show Sydney Rally Australia RAN International Fleet Review Sydney Deniliquin Ute Muster Location Centennial Park, Sydney Location Coffs Coast Location Sydney Harbour Location Plains of Deniliquin Date 5 – 8 September Date 12 – 15 September Date 3 – 11 October Date 4 – 5 October

OCTOBER 2013 OCTOBER 2013 NOVEMBER 2013 NOVEMBER 2013

Sydney International Art Series V8 Supercars Supercheap Auto Monster Jam Newton’s Nation Location Art Gallery of NSW & Museum of Location Mt Panorama, Bathurst Location ANZ Stadium, Location Newcastle Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney Date 10 – 13 October Date 19 October Date 2 – 3 November Date 8 November 2013 – 23 February 2014

DECEMBER 2013 DECEMBER 2013 JANUARY 2014 JANUARY 2014

The Lion King – Season Premiere Sydney New Year’s Eve Parkes Elvis Festival Tamworth Country Music Festival Location The Capitol Theatre, Sydney Location Sydney Harbour Location Parkes Location Tamworth Date From 12 December Date 31 December Date 9 – 12 January Date 17 – 26 January

4 sydney.com visitnsw.com 5 SYDNEY AND NSW HIGHLIGHT EVENTS

FEBRUARY 2014 FEBRUARY 2014 MARCH 2014 MARCH 2014

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – Major League Baseball: Hurley Australian Open of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Madama Butterfly LA Dodgers v Arizona Diamondbacks Location , Sydney Location Sydney Location The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney Location Date 8 – 16 February Date 9 February – 2 March Date 21 March – 13 April Date 22 – 23 March

APRIL 2014 APRIL 2014 APRIL 2014 APRIL 2014

Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom the Orange F.O.O.D Week Sail Port Stephens Bluesfest Byron Bay – 25th Anniversary Musical – Global Premiere Location Orange Location Port Stephens Location Byron Bay Location , The Star Date 4 – 13 April Date 11 – 16 April Date 17 – 21 April Date From April

APRIL 2014 MAY 2014 MAY 2014 MAY 2014

2014 Toyota IRONMAN Australia Sydney Royal Easter Show 2014 NCHA Futurity Port Macquarie Location Sydney Showground Location Venues across Sydney Location Tamworth Location Port Macquarie Date 10 – 23 April Date 23 May – 9 June Date 29 May – 8 June Date 4 May

6 sydney.com visitnsw.com 7 Sydney Moderns: Vikings – Beyond the Legend SEPTEMBER art for a new world Discover how Vikings really lived An artistic celebration of modern through hundreds of rare objects. Sydney life. Location Australian National Location Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Maritime Museum, Sydney Date Until 7 October Date 19 September – 2 February

Toast Urunga Art & About Sydney Indulge at the Coffs Coast’s Experience Sydney through art in biggest food-themed festival.

unusual places. 2013 Location Urunga Location Venues across Sydney Date 1 September Date 20 September – 20 October Australian Garden Show Sydney 2013 NSW Motor Racing Celebrating Australia’s passion Championship for gardens and outdoor spaces. Featuring some of the best Location Centennial Park, Sydney racing that NSW has to offer. Date 5 – 8 September Location Sydney Park Date 21 – 22 September Sample Food Festival Northern NSW WUPA@Wanaruah Showcasing the region’s finest Follow the Aboriginal Art Trail food producers & restaurants. through 7 locations across the Location Bangalow wine region. Date 7 September Location Pokolbin Date 21 September – 31 October South Pacific A truly extraordinary production Blackmores Sydney Running of this classic musical. Festival Location Four exciting events, including Date 10 – 27 September the Sydney marathon, to cater Coates Hire Rally Australia for all running abilities. Round 10 of the prestigious FIA Location Milsons Point, Sydney Tulip Time Festival World Rally Championships. Date 22 September One of Australia’s most beautiful floral festivals. Location Coffs Coast Date 12 – 15 September Location Corbett Gardens, Bowral Date 24 September – 7 October NSW IS HOME TO 189 NATIONAL PARKS 8 sydney.com | visitnsw.com AND 18 AQUATIC PROTECTED AREAS 9 Good Food Month NRL Telstra Premiership International Netball Test Series: OCTOBER A month long celebration of Grand Final Australian Diamonds v extraordinary food experiences. Watch the NRL heavyweights Malawi Queens Location Venues across Sydney battle it out for the top spot. Catch some of the world’s Date 1 – 31 October Location ANZ Stadium, Sydney greatest players in action. Olympic Park Australian World Orchestra 2013 Date 6 October Location WIN Entertainment Australia’s finest classical Centre, Wollongong musicians from home and abroad. Temptation Reloaded Date 16 October 2013 Location Sydney Opera House Featuring Shahrukh Khan, Date 3 October one of Bollywood’s biggest film stars. RAN International Fleet Review Location Allphones Arena, Sydney Sydney 2013 Olympic Park A spectacular program of events Date 7 October celebrating the centenary of the Royal Australian Navy. V8 Supercars Supercheap Auto Location Sydney Harbour Bathurst 1000 Date 3 – 11 October Australia’s biggest motorsport event. Deniliquin Ute Muster Location Mt Panorama, Bathurst Two days of nonstop Date 10 – 13 October entertainment live on the Plains. Location Plains of Deniliquin Spirit of the Land Lockhart Date 4 – 5 October Festival Murrumbateman Moving Feast Includes Australia’s only National The region’s best wine and food. Farm Art Sculpture Awards. Location Murrumbateman Location Lockhart Date 4 – 7 October Date 12 – 13 October Parramasala Fiesta A vibrant and entertaining festival A huge line-up of bold Latin of music, dance and theatre. American performers. Location Location Darling Harbour Date 4 – 7 October Date 12 – 13 October

2013 WILL MARK THE 4TH YEAR OF THE NRL GRAND 10 FINAL WEEK BEING HELD EXCLUSIVELY IN NSW sydney.com | visitnsw.com 11 Sculpture by the Sea Zoo Grooves IRONMAN 70.3 Port Macquarie OCTOBER The 17th annual free-to-the-public 2011 Music events held in the Athletes battle it out in a massive outdoor sculpture exhibition. picturesque grounds of the Zoo. test of endurance. Location Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk Location Taronga Western Plains Location Port Macquarie Date 24 October – 10 November Zoo, Dubbo Date 20 October Date 13, 20, 27 October

Photo Matthew Stanton Matthew Photo Chromefest Orange Wine Week A tribute to classics, hot rods Celebrating the cool climate and rockabilly. 2013 wines from the Orange region. Location The Entrance

splash, Sculpture by the Sea, by Bondi splash, Sculpture Location Orange Date 25 – 27 October Date 17 – 27 October CoastOut Festival The Wingham Akoostik The Coffs Coast’s annual Gay, Music Festival Lesbian and friends festival. Tomas Misura, Misura, Tomas A celebration of original music. Location Coffs Harbour Location Wingham Date 25 – 27 October Date 18 – 20 October Be the Influence Albury Applause and Buskers Australian Boardriders Battle Festival Australia’s biggest grassroots Enjoy a day of free entertainment. boardriding event. Location Albury Location Forster Date 19 October Date 26 – 27 October Monster Jam Eden Whale Festival The most intense motorsport All things whale collide for a experience on the planet. week-long celebration. Location ANZ Stadium, Sydney Location Eden Olympic Park Date 26 October – 3 November Date 19 October Cancer Council NSW Seven Batlow Apple Blossom Festival Bridges Walk Enjoy great food, markets, art, Put on your walking shoes and photography and collectibles. raise money for a great cause. Location Batlow Location Sydney Date 19 October Date 27 October

AROUND 500,000 PEOPLE VISIT SCULPTURE BY 12 sydney.com | visitnsw.com THE SEA DURING ITS ANNUAL 3 WEEK EXHIBITION 13 NOVEMBER 2013 15

Tabcorp Park, Menangle Park, Tabcorp Glenworth Valley Glenworth Wollombi of NSW, Art Gallery Beach Ettalong

8 November – 9 February – 9 8 November 16 – 30 November 16 – 17 November 2 November – 1 December 2 November 10 November The Carnival of Miracles The Carnival up to leading A series of events Mile. Miracle the SEW Eurodrive Location Date Sculpture in the Vineyards in Sculpture along exhibition sculpture A free Trail. Wine Valley the Wollombi Location Date Series: Art International Sydney – painting a nation America its history, of American 200 years and people. landscape Location Sydney Date Festival Oyster Brisbane Water wine and food, Bringing together entertainment. family Location Date The Stampede obstacle leading Australia’s series. course Location Date

Maitland Gaol Nelson Bay Foreshore Bay Nelson Mildura Temora Newcastle

2 – 3 November 1 – 3 November 1 – 5 November 2 November 2 – 3 November

SINCE LAUNCHING IN 2010, OVER 1 MILLION PEOPLE HAVE PEOPLE MILLION 1 OVER 2010, IN LAUNCHING SINCE EXHIBITION SERIES ART INTERNATIONAL SYDNEY A ATTENDED Bitter and Twisted International and Twisted Bitter Boutique Beer Festival of all things A celebration and beer. music, food Location Date Tastes at the Bay Festival Bay at the Tastes and wine food, gourmet Enjoy beer. boutique Location Date and Wine Jazz Food Mildura Festival jazz of round-the-clock days Five and wine. food entertainment, Location Date Downunder Warbirds 2013 Airshow from ranging See aircraft military. antiques to Location Date Nation Newton’s pumping of adrenalin 2 days action sports. Location Date

courtesy and © the artist. Photograph: Minoru Niizuma Minoru Photograph: artist. the © and courtesy

Yoko Ono, Ono, Yoko , 1964, performed by the artist, March 21, 1965, Carnegie Recital Hall, New York, image image York, New Hall, Recital Carnegie 1965, 21, March artist, the by performed 1964, , Cut Piece Cut

visitnsw.com | Museum of Contemporary Art Contemporary Museum of

15 November –23 February 15 November sydney.com sydney.com

Australia, Sydney Australia, Date Location Five decades of work by the legendary artist, legendary by the of work decades Five and activist. musician Art Series: Art International Sydney Ono it) – Yoko want you (if Is Over! War 14 The Mullum Music Festival Tweed Foodie Fest Corroboree Sydney NOVEMBER Held in the little town of A unique culinary experience The largest annual national Indigenous arts Mullumbimby tucked in the hills located in the heart of the and cultural festival in Australia. behind Byron Bay. Tweed hinterland. Location Venues across Sydney Location Mullumbimby Location Murwillumbah Date 14 – 24 November Date 21 – 24 November Date 27 November – 1 December

The 33rd Annual Merimbula Emirates Australian Open Golf Classic Championship A celebration of wind and waves The world’s best battle to claim 2013 for wave sailors, kite surfers and Australian golf’s most prized stand up paddle surfers. trophy. Location Merimbula Location The Royal Sydney Golf Club Date 21 – 24 November Date 28 November – 1 December Lithgow Flash Gift PBR Tamworth Invitational A professional athletics Experience the brutal power of a carnival with athletes from all bull up close at this rodeo. over Australia. Location Tamworth East Location Lithgow Date 23 November Date 30 November Rob Guest Endowment Special Olympics 2013 Gala Concert 2013 Asia Pacific Games See the culmination of a year-long Bringing together 32 nations from search for the next big name in across the Asia Pacific region. musical theatre. Location Newcastle and Hunter Location Sydney Lyric, The Star Region Date 25 November Date 30 November – 7 December ARIA Week and ARIA Awards Australian Junior Surfing Titles Celebrating the best in Featuring more than 200 of Australian music. Australia’s best junior surfers. Location Venues across Sydney Location Kiama Date November Date 30 November – 7 December

NSW HAS MORE HATTED RESTAURANTS 16 THAN ANY OTHER AUSTRALIAN STATE sydney.com | visitnsw.com 17 Sydney New Year’s Eve Lord Howe Island Art Trail Carols in the Caves DECEMBER Sydney welcomes the New Year with Visit five studios and talk with The dramatic setting provides an 9pm family and midnight fireworks. local artists. unforgettable experience. Location Sydney Harbour Location Lord Howe Island Location Jenolan Caves Date 1 – 6 December Date 14 December Date 31 December National Cherry Festival Jack Newton Celebrity Classic A three day celebration including Celebrities and golfing pros rub quirky and colourful festivities. shoulders in a pro-am charity

Location Young tournament. 2013 Date 6 – 8 December Location Cypress Lakes Resort, V8 Supercars Hunter Valley The 2013 grand final showdown. Date 17 – 18 December Location Sydney Olympic Park Date 6 – 8 December Woolworths Australian Beach Soccer Cup Australia’s largest free Two days of international Christmas concert. competition and entertainment. Location The Domain, Sydney Location Wollongong Date 21 December Date 7 – 8 December Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race An iconic part of Australia’s Enjoy the world’s largest short Summer. film festival. Location Sydney Harbour Location Centennial Park, Sydney Date 26 December Date 8 December The Lion King Jindabyne’s Snowy Mountains Disney’s landmark musical event Muster will redefine your expectations A wide variety of bush festival of theatre. entertainment. Location The Capitol Theatre, Location Jindabyne Sydney Date 29 – 31 December Date From 12 December Image courtesy of City Sydney Image courtesy

AN ESTIMATED 1 BILLION PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD 18 sydney.com | visitnsw.com WATCH THE SYDNEY NEW YEAR’S EVE MIDNIGHT FIREWORKS 19 JANUARY 2014

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Venues across Sydney across Venues Victoria Park, , Victoria Huskisson Darling Harbour, Sydney Darling Harbour, Beach Cronulla NSW across Venues

26 January 31 January – 15 February 24 January – 9 February 25 – 26 January 26 January 17 – 27 January Australia’s largest single-day largest Australia’s Indigenous festival. Location Date 20th Hobie 16 World Championships Jervis Bay international An iconic championship. catamaran Location Date The Big Issue The Festival Football Street purpose- on an amazing Held pitch. built floating Location Date Festival Year New Chinese Sydney events, with cultural Celebrate Parade. the Twilight and markets Location Date Be the Influence Battle Boardriders Australian grassroots biggest Australia’s event. boardriding Location Date 2014 Day Australia of free and plenty Music, events the family. fun for Location Date Yabun

Venues across Sydney across Venues Sydney Tamworth Sydney Cricket Ground Cricket Sydney Park Olympic Sydney Newcastle

January 17 – 26 January 3 – 7 January 5 – 11 January 9 – 26 January 11 – 12 January THE CITY OF SYDNEY’S CHINESE NEW YEAR NEW CHINESE CITY SYDNEY’S THE OF ASIA OF OUTSIDE LARGEST THE IS FESTIVAL 3rd AACTA Awards AACTA 3rd of Australia’s the best Celebrating industry. film and television Location Date Country Music Festival Tamworth music festival. largest Australia’s Location Date Commonwealth Bank Sydney Sydney Bank Commonwealth v – Australia Match Test Ashes England sides as both action Explosive the urn. for play Location Date Sydney Apia International Sydney’s Come and experience party. Summer tennis Location Centre Tennis Date Festival Sydney most One of the world’s Summer festivals! wonderful Location Date Beer Festival the World of Tastes of varieties sample to A chance wine and food. beer, Location Date

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9 – 12 January

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Date for a dazzling array of events. array a dazzling for Location Parkes Elvis Festival Elvis Parkes convene impersonators Elvis Hip-swivelling 20 FEBRUARY 2014 23

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Merewether Beach, Newcastle Merewether

February

Surfest 2014 Surfest of surfing will festival largest Australia’s of competition. see 12 days Location Date Joel Parkinson – credit Grant Sproule Red Monkey Red Sproule Grant credit – Parkinson Joel

Manly Beach, Sydney Manly Byron Bay Byron Kiama Tumbarumba Venues across Sydney across Venues of College International

Festival: 9 February – 2 March 2 – February 9 Festival: 28 February – 9 March 28 February 13 February 22 February 22 – 23 February 8 – 16 February

Location Date Management, Sydney Date Kiama Rugby Sevens out competition. knock A one day Location Date Tumbafest celebration. A music, wine and food Location Date Film International Bay Byron Festival and dynamic a diverse Screening of films. range A unique beach, lifestyle, sports beach, lifestyle, A unique festival. and music Location Date and Lesbian Gay Sydney Gras Mardi spectacular most The world’s diversity. of celebration Location Date 1 March and Party: Parade Awards Surfing Australian those who help Recognising surfing in Australia. develop Location Hurley Australian Open of Surfing Open Australian Hurley

Newcastle : River: Murray Mt Panorama, Bathurst Mt Panorama, Venues across NSW across Venues , Stadium 8 – 10 February 7 – 9 February 7 – 9 February 2 February – 28 April 2 February 2 February NSW HAS NINE NATIONAL SURFING RESERVES SURFING NATIONAL NINE HAS NSW Date teamwork and fitness. teamwork Location Surf Rowers Open Surf Rowers of display filled An adrenalin Date Navy Australian Location -Moama to Torrumbarry Club Marine Southern 80 ski race. water largest The world’s Date endurance race. endurance Location Liqui-Moly Bathurst Liqui-Moly Aussie The ultimate Date rhino sculptures charge into town. into charge rhino sculptures Location Taronga Wild! Rhinos Wild! Taronga colourful of wildly A huge herd Date Location Park Olympic Sydney Packed with massive hits and hits with massive Packed action. explosive KFC Twenty20 International – International Twenty20 KFC v England Australia 22 MARCH 2014

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Sydney Olympic Park Olympic Sydney Maitland Bathurst Mt Panorama, Harbour Coffs Katoomba

14 – 16 March 15 March 8 – 9 March 8 – 9 March 12 – 15 March Date Classic Track Sydney athletics premier Australia’s competition. Location Centre Athletics Date Maitland Taste Maitland Festival and Music Wine Food, most Hunter’s of the A celebration and winemakers. chefs renowned Location Date Autofest Bathurst with festival car A performance all the family. excite action that will Location Date National Touch 2014 X-Blades League bringsAustralia Football Touch across from competitors together the country. Location Date Music Festival Blue Mountains roots of folk, festival day A three and blues music. Location

The Entrance Allphones Arena, Sydney Arena, Allphones Menangle Park, Tabcorp Junee Innes Glen

7 – 9 March 1 – 8 March 2 March 7 – 9 March 7 – 9 March USA’S WINEUSA’S ENTHUSIAST VALLEY HUNTER NAMED MAGAZINE 2013 FOR DESTINATIONS TRAVEL WINE BEST 10 THE OF ONE Central Coast Country Music Coast Central Festival with a days three over Held music country line up of fantastic performers. Location Date Mrs Browns Boys Live Boys Browns Mrs from cast the original Featuring TV series. the BBC Location Park Olympic Date Dominion ChampionshipInter Final Grand event pinnacle racing’s Harness hemisphere. in the southern Location Date Festival ‘n’ Rail Junee Rhythm of Junee’s A celebration heritage. rail distinctive Location Date Fossicking, Minerama Show Gem & Jewellery annual gem show. largest NSW’s Location Date

visitnsw.com | Sydney Motorsport Park Motorsport Sydney

8 – 9 March

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Location Date Australia’s leading motoring festival with festival motoring leading Australia’s laughs, spills and thrills. stunts, Top Gear Festival Sydney Gear Festival Top 24 CMC Rocks the Hunter 2014 St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Sydney International MARCH Offers music fans mind-blowing Enjoy music, food, entertainment Regatta line-ups not seen anywhere and the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Featuring some of the world’s else in Australia. Location Sydney best rowers. Location Hunter Valley Date 16 March Location Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith Date 14 – 16 March Date 24 – 30 March 2014 Australia’s largest contemporary visual arts festival. Australian Longboard Surfing Location Venues across Sydney Championship Date 21 March – 9 June A celebration of the surfing Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour lifestyle. – Madama Butterfly Location Kingscliff Experience the grandeur of opera Date 26 – 30 March outdoors on a giant harbour stage. Location The Royal Botanic Plunge Gardens, Sydney Celebrating local arts, culture and Date 21 March – 13 April creativity in the Clarence Valley. Location Grafton, Maclean & Major League Baseball Yamba – LA Dodgers v Arizona Date 26 March – 26 April Diamondbacks Catch the first two games for the Commercial Club Albury Gold Opening Series of 2014 Major Cup Carnival League Baseball. One of the premier country racing Location Sydney Cricket Ground carnivals in Australia. Date 22 – 23 March Location Albury Racing Club Date 27 – 28 March The BMW Sydney Carnival Sydney’s premier racing carnival Nosh on the Namoi and a world-class event held over A celebration of regional produce 6 weeks. and culture. Location Rosehill Gardens & Location Narrabri Royal Randwick, Sydney Date 29 March Date 22 March – 26 April

BMW SYDNEY CARNIVAL’S GOLDEN SLIPPER IS THE 26 sydney.com | visitnsw.com WORLD’S RICHEST HORSE RACE FOR 2 YEAR OLDS 27 APRIL 2014 29

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Carriageworks, Sydney Carriageworks,

April

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia Week Fashion Mercedes-Benz their showcase designers hottest Australia’s collections. Summer Spring Location Date Credit Getty Images Getty Credit

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Port Stephens Port Ground Booligal Cricket Maitland Newmarket, Sydney Newmarket, Showground Sydney 11 – 16 April 12 April 12 – 13 April 8 – 10 April 10 – 23 April regattas. Location Date Booligal Sheep Races the and see how Come along fun in the outback. have locals Location Date Steamfest Valley Hunter rides, steam train Steam activities and children’s displays, stalls. market Location Date Yearling Sale Yearling and bred finest Australasia’s yearlings. conformed Location Date Show Easter Royal Sydney showcasing everyone, for Fun agriculture of Australian the best life. and country Location Date Stephens Sail Port of set sail in one to Get ready growing fastest Australia’s Inglis Australian Easter Australian Inglis

Bathurst Bundanoon Narooma Orange Sydney Lyric, The Star Lyric, Sydney

5 – 6 April 5 April 5 April 4 – 13 April From April From NAST TRAVELLER’S UK READER’S CHOICE AWARDS 2012 AWARDS CHOICE READER’S UK TRAVELLER’S NAST SYDNEY WAS NAMED ‘FAVOURITE OVERSEAS CITY’ IN COND IN CITY’ OVERSEAS ‘FAVOURITE NAMED WAS SYDNEY Location Date the general public and affiliated public and the general members. association cycling Bathurst to Blayney to Bathurst for which caters event Bicycling Location Date Bundanoon becomes Brigadoon Bundanoon becomes a day. for Festival where The 37th annual festival Bundanoon Highland Gathering Location Date Narooma Oyster Festival Oyster Narooma Experience’. Oyster The ‘Ultimate Date wine in a festival atmosphere. wine in a festival Location Orange F.O.O.D Week F.O.O.D Orange and food best region’s the Savour Date follow his heart. follow Location A championship ballroom ballroom A championship to the rules defies all dancer Baz Luhrmann’s Baz the Musical Ballroom Strictly 28 Canowindra Balloon Challenge Tullamore Irish Festival Deni Blues & Roots Festival APRIL The 19th Australian National Celebrating historic Irish Selected artists from Bluesfest Balloon Championships. connections with music, dancing, perform at this two-day music Location Canowindra singing and games. festival. Date 22 – 27 April Location Tullamore Showground Location Deniliquin Date 17 – 20 April Date 19 – 20 April 2014

Bluesfest Byron Bay – 25th 10th Annual Sydney Anniversary Comedy Festival Australia’s premier blues and Sydney’s biggest annual comedy roots music festival. event with more than 500 shows. Location Byron Bay Location Venues across Sydney Date 17 – 21 April Date 22 April – 17 May 2014 ICF Slalom Junior Bathurst Motor Festival and U23 World Championships Multiple races and nonstop Welcoming over 350 athletes, action will be on order during coaches and officials from around this three day event. the world. Location Mt Panorama, Bathurst Location Penrith Whitewater Date 18 – 20 April Centre Date 23 – 27 April Darling Harbour Hoopla Australia’s annual circus, sideshow 2014 Trans-Tasman Test Series – and street theatre festival. Touch Football Location Darling Harbour, Sydney Arch rivals Australia and New Date 18 – 21 April Zealand battle it out. Location Mudgee La Festa Date 25 – 27 April Griffith’s largest annual festival, with the best of local food, wine Boggabri Drovers Campfire and music. Bring your caravan, motor home, Location Griffith camper trailer, tent, swag or ute. Date 19 April Location Boggabri Date 25 – 27 April

IN 2012, NSW SCORED WINS IN 11 OUT OF 27 CATEGORIES 30 sydney.com | visitnsw.com AT THE QANTAS AUSTRALIAN TOURISM AWARDS 31 MAY 2014 33

Blue Mountains Tamworth Shellharbour NSW across Venues Casino 29 May – 8 June 29 May 17 – 18 May 18 – 24 May 19 – 25 May – 3 June 24 May

2014 NCHA Futurity calendar of the equine A feature in of cutting and the pinnacle Australia. Location Date The North Face 100 Face North The running trail and 50km A 100km picturesque in the held event mountains. Location National Park Date Shellharbour KidsFest for festival week-long A vibrant and their families. children Location Date Festival Writers’ Sydney of literature, celebration The largest and ideas in Australia. stories Location Date Casino Beef Week of culture, A celebration in the and heritage community industry. beef cattle Location Date

Scone Race Club Race Scone Tilba Tilba Lake, Durras Glen Innes Glen Murrurundi Macquarie Port

16 – 17 May 16 – 25 May 1 – 4 May 1 – 4 May 4 May IN2013, MORE THAN800,000 PEOPLE EVENTS SYDNEY VIVID ATTENDED Location Date of Art River Eurobodalla art festival. 10 day A vibrant Location Date Australian Celtic Festival Celtic Australian national groups, clans, Attracting and artists dancers, pipe bands, spectators. Location Date Stockman’s King of the Ranges and Bush Festival Challenge showcasing bush festival An iconic stockmen. top Australia’s Location Date Australia IRONMAN 2014 Toyota Macquarie Port best the World’s and See Australia compete! triathletes Ironman Location Date Cup Scone Park Emirates Carnival country biggest Australia’s carnival. racing

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Sydney Harbour Foreshore Harbour Sydney

23 May – 9 June 23 May

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Date lights, music and creative forums. and creative music lights, Location Vivid Sydney Vivid of canvas a creative into transformed is Sydney 32 JUNE 2014 35

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ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park Olympic Sydney ANZ Stadium,

June

State of Origin II – NSW v QLD State rivalry: greatest See Rugby League’s the Blues v the Maroons. Location Date

Various locations Various Coast Central Centre, Sports State Bellingen & Dorrigo Bellingen & Coonamble

24 – 29 June 7 – 9 June 21 June 7 – 9 June 7 – 9 June Sydney Olympic Park Olympic Sydney Date across the region. across Location including Kiama & Shoalhaven Date 5 Lands Walk 5 coastal through A 10km walk lands, with 5 multicultural festivals. Location Date Open Badminton 2014 Australian SuperseriesOne of the 12 leg prize with the largest events, in the world. money Location Festival set in the and writing books Great environs. natural magnificent Location Date and Rodeo Coonamble Campdraft and rodeo combined Largest in the Southern campdraft Hemisphere. Location Date Wine Winter Coast Shoalhaven Festival from doors 12 cellar Featuring Bellingen Readers and Writers and Readers Bellingen

Parkes Racecourse Parkes Perisher Valley Perisher Venues across Sydney across Venues Hunter Hunter Valley Albury Entertainment

6 – 9 June 4 – 15 June 7 June 1 – 30 June 1 June AND ANZ STADIUM HISTORY STADIUM ANZ AND 2013 SAW THE BIGGEST CROWD IN STATE OF ORIGIN OF STATE IN CROWD BIGGEST THE SAW 2013 Date Enjoy this vibrant music festival. this vibrant Enjoy Location Snowy Mountains of Music of Mountains Snowy Festival Location Date from across Australia and the and the Australia across from world. Enjoy the best features, features, the best Enjoy and short films documentaries Sydney Location Date Loads of entertainment with a Loads of entertainment of racing. day great Parkes Picnic Races Parkes Location Date Premium wine and food events in events wine and food Premium June. throughout Valley the Hunter Hunter Valley Wine and Food Wine and Food Valley Hunter Month Date Location Centre supergroup continues to astonish to continues supergroup the world. across audiences Celtic Thunder Celtic acclaimed The internationally 34 SOUTHERN HIGLANDS DISCOVER AND TABLELANDS This delightful region, just 90 minutes’ drive south of Sydney, is known for its heritage villages and old world charm. REGIONAL NSW Also known for its great dining options and cool-climate wines, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.

BLUE MOUNTAINS MID NORTH COAST

The small picturesque towns of the The incredible natural wonders of region are surrounded by the sandstone this region on land and in the sea cliffs and deep valleys thick with offer plenty of enjoyable experiences rainforest that are part of the vast from bushwalking and snorkelling Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage to dolphin-watching, surfing, bird- Area, just 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney. watching and canoeing.

CENTRAL COAST NORTHERN RIVERS

An hour’s drive north of Sydney, this Long stretches of coastline with beaches, region is known for its many natural headlands and bushland make this a attributes - waterways, sparkling special part of the State. Go surfing, beaches and lush countryside – where bushwalking, , yoga on the beach you can go bushwalking, surfing, fishing and with dolphins. Your choices and , and whale watching. are endless.

THE HUNTER NEW ENGLAND AND NORTH WEST

Known for its top-class wineries, A touring holiday is the best way to enjoy restaurants and accommodation, the this region of wide open spaces, vast Hunter is a dynamic place for a getaway. horizons and an unhurried pace of life. Add golf courses and spa retreats, The region’s natural attractions offer fabulous beaches, bushwalking and water opportunities for bushwalking, bird- sports just two hours’ drive from Sydney. watching, canoeing and fishing.

36 visitnsw.com For more information on events, travel and accommodation go to visitnsw.com 37 CENTRAL NSW THE RIVERINA

This region of varied landscapes is Known as the ‘food bowl of Australia’, one of the State’s richest agricultural this region is the largest wine region regions as well as one of its most in NSW and perfect for wine-tasting historic. Visit historic towns, enjoy great experiences. The great outdoors beckons food and wine experiences, visit national with cycling, bushwalking, fishing, and parks and gardens. bird watching all popular.

SOUTH COAST OUTBACK NSW

Stretching from Stanwell Park to Eden, This grand region is a vast area where the South Coast is a region of unspoilt red ochre earth merges with clear blue natural beauty. It has more than 30 skies. A highlight of the Outback is the national parks, crystal-clear bays and Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area, lakes, uncrowded beaches, beautiful famous for the 60,000-year-old burial rivers and the whitest sand in the world sites at Lake Mungo. at Hyams Beach.

SNOWY MOUNTAINS LORD HOWE ISLAND

Whatever the season, the Snowy This World Heritage-listed paradise Mountains is spectacular. Mt Kosciuszko, located two hours’ flight from Sydney or Australia’s highest peak, is located in Brisbane is a crescent-shaped island, here, while Kosciuszko National Park is surrounded by the world’s most-southerly the largest national park in Australia. Go coral reef. Explore the island by bike or on skiing in Winter and hiking in Summer. foot, snorkel, canoe and bushwalk.

THE MURRAY

Australia’s greatest river forms a rich agricultural region where life on the river is relaxed and laid-back with plenty of ways to soak up the ambience. Take a paddle boat cruise or hire a houseboat If it’s worth seeing or doing, It’s ON! in NSW. and tour the river at your own pace. For more information go to visitnsw.com

38 visitnsw.com 39 EXPERIENCE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF SYDNEY AND SURROUNDS

Climb our highest icon Put your best foot forward Taste Sydney

See one of the most beautiful cities in Sydney’s a great city for walkers with Fabulous harbour-side restaurants, cool the world from the summit of the Sydney a series of scenic walking tracks and bars, tapas cafés and heritage pubs – Harbour Bridge. BridgeClimb tours depart trails. Check out the Manly to Spit Walk, Sydney’s dining scene is one of the most from dawn until dusk, day and night, giving the Nielsen Park foreshore walk or the creative and eclectic in the world. Add everyone the opportunity to scale this Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, popular exciting multi-cultural eat streets serving world-famous icon at their own pace. from October to November during every cuisine on the planet and you’ve got Sculpture by the Sea. a global dining hot spot.

Go backstage The past and the present meet Be cool at

Step inside the World Heritage-listed Sydney’s oldest quarter, The Rocks, is a Learn to surf with local experts at one Sydney Opera House to hear the story of fascinating world of cobblestone laneways, of the most celebrated beaches in how this 20th century icon came to life. heritage buildings, galleries, restaurants Australia. Bondi’s Campbell Parade is a You’ll get a sneak-peek backstage which and bars. Get the inside story about near-continuous strip of outdoor cafés, has welcomed legends such as Ella Sydney’s earliest colonial days on a guided gelato bars, gourmet burger bars, tapas Fitzgerald, Pavarotti, Mikhail Baryshnikov walking tour or wander at your own pace. and more. and Cate Blanchett.

Find the perfect Sydney wardrobe Ride the Harbour Explore Aboriginal heritage

Whether you love chic international There’s no better way to soak up the Just 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney is the brands, stylish vintage or cutting-edge natural beauty of Sydney than on a Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Australian fashion designers, you’ll leisurely harbour cruise or short ferry Area where you can gain insights into have fun shopping in Sydney. Inner-city ride from to Manly. Go on the culture of the Aboriginal people who highlights are the a spin around the harbour on a jet boat, have lived here for thousands of years at and Strand Arcade and boutiques along kayak in sheltered coves or laze on the the Waradah Aboriginal Centre. Castlereagh, Elizabeth and King streets. deck of a luxury yacht.

Talk to the animals Sample arts and markets Feel like an air adventure?

Just 12 minutes’ from the city by ferry, Enjoy art? Don’t miss the Art Gallery of Brave a sky dive onto the beach, go on a Taronga Zoo has breathtaking harbour NSW, the Museum of Contemporary Art tandem hang-glide over the coast or get views, free shows and keeper talks Australia or the contemporary Chinese your adrenalin racing in an aerobatic flight throughout the day. More Australian collection at White Rabbit Gallery. See over the coastline in a classic biplane. Find animal encounters can be found at local artists’ work and more at weekend your very own air adventure just one hour’s WILD LIFE Sydney and SEA LIFE Sydney markets in Bondi, Paddington, Eveleigh drive south of Sydney at Wollongong. Aquarium at Darling Harbour. and The Rocks.

40 sydney.com If it’s worth seeing or doing, It’s ON! in Sydney. For more information go to sydney.com visitnsw.com 41

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Disclaimer: Destination NSW advises the details contained in the “Sydney & NSW Events Calendar September 2013-June 2014” are based on the best available information as at time of printing. The “Sydney & NSW Events Calendar September 2013-June 2014” highlights the main events and is not a complete list of the events occurring from September 2013-June 2014. 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 images supplied by each event owner and their photographers for use in this guide. Images page 4 - 7: 2009 - 4 April Centennial Park, Photo Chris Gleisner (100); AOS - Sally Fitzgibbons; by Steve Baccon; Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour - Carmen 2013: Credit Keith Saunders; Sydney New Year’s Eve – image courtesy of City of Sydney; Henry Inman, No-Tin (Wind), a Chippewa chief (detail) 1832-33 Los Angeles County Museum of Art, gift of the 2008 Collectors Committee M.2008.58; The Lion King - Photograph by Brinkenhoff/Mogenburg © Disney; Splendour in the Grass: Photographer Marc Grimwade; Bathurst 1000: Edge Photographics; NHCA Futurity - credit Wild Fillies Photography.