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SYDNEY & EVENTS CALENDAR AUGUST 2017 - JUNE 2018 .com | visitnsw.com Grand Final, the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival and, of course, , the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas. There is also a great range of rural and regional NSW events including the Parkes ElvisTM Festival, Snowtunes in Jindabyne, FFA National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour, Taste in , the Grafton Jacaranda Festival and the TOYOTA Tamworth On behalf of the NSW Government, Country Music Festival. it gives me great pleasure to present the 2017/18 Sydney I encourage you to make the most of and NSW Events Calendar; this impressive 2017-18 Sydney and your essential guide to the NSW Events Calendar. Take some fantastic range of activities and time to visit our iconic and unique entertainment on offer across attractions, events and getaways as Sydney and rural and regional NSW. there’s plenty to see and do, and it’s all in our backyard. Through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, we are growing the State’s economy by securing major events and attracting The Hon. Adam Marshall MP record numbers of visitors to NSW. Minister for Tourism We are committed to building a and Major Events top-class major events calendar and promoting our incredible State right around the world. This calendar reveals the impressive line-up of sporting, arts, cultural and lifestyle events to be staged over the coming year. Some of these highlights include College Football Sydney Cup 2017, the Australian premiere of Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, the 2017 NRL CONTENTS

SYDNEY AND NSW HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2017-2018 4 AUGUST 2017 6 SEPTEMBER 2017 8

OCTOBER 2017 12

NOVEMBER 2017 16

DECEMBER 2017 20

JANUARY 2018 22

FEBRUARY 2018 24

MARCH 2018 28

APRIL 2018 30

MAY 2018 32

JUNE 2018 34

DISCOVER REGIONAL NSW 36

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

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

AUGUST 2017 SEPTEMBER 2017

2017 NRL PREMIERSHIP COLLEGE FOOTBALL SYDNEY CUP GRAND FINAL WEEK 27 August 25 September - 1 October Allianz Stadium, Moore Park ANZ Stadium & Sydney CBD

NOVEMBER 2017 DECEMBER 2017

MURIEL’ S WEDDING - THE MUSICAL VANFEST 6 November - 27 January 2018 1 - 2 December , Forbes Sydney Theatre Company

MARCH 2018 APRIL 2018

SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN SAIL PORT STEPHENS MARDI GRAS PARADE 9 - 15 April 3 March Port Stephens Various locations across Sydney

4 | sydney.com OCTOBER 2017 OCTOBER 2017

BARBARIANS TOUR 2017 ORANGE WINE FESTIVAL 24 and 28 October 13 - 22 October Lismore and Sydney Orange

JANUARY 2018 FEBRUARY 2018

PARKES ELVISTM FESTIVAL HUSKISSON ULTIMATE 10 - 14 January TRIATHLON FESTIVAL 16 - 18 February Parkes Huskisson

MAY 2018 JUNE 2018

VIVID SYDNEY PEAK MUSIC FESTIVAL May - June 8 - 11 June Various locations across Sydney Perisher

visitnsw.com | 5 Kinky Boots Sydney Bledisloe Cup: Ends 13 August Qantas Wallabies v All Blacks Cyndi Lauper’s hit musical Kinky 19 August Boots takes you on a hilarious The ultimate trans-Tasman journey from a working-class rivalry continues when the Qantas shoe factory to the runways Wallabies face the of Milan. All Blacks. Capitol Theatre, Sydney ANZ Stadium, Love Sea Food My Fair Lady 1 – 31 August From 24 August A month-long celebration of the Don’t miss the 60th-anniversary fresh and delicious Port Stephens production of this iconic musical, seafood and the people who catch it. directed by Julie Andrews. Nelson Bay Capitol Theatre, Sydney The Sun-Herald Offshore Superboats presented by Westpac Championships - Round 3 13 August 26 - 27 August Elite athletes and beginners run A round of the adrenaline- side by side in the world’s largest racing Offshore Superboats fun run. Championships. Hyde Park to Coffs Harbour Bangalow Music Festival College Football Sydney Cup - 18 - 20 August Stanford University Cardinal v The finest Australian chamber Rice University Owls and orchestral musicians 27 August perform along with artists from Experience the match day around the world. passion, cheerleaders, mascots Bangalow and marching bands, plus Red Rooster Sydney SuperSprint American food. 18 - 20 August Allianz Stadium, Moore Park Get up close to the action when Supercars come to Sydney’s home of . , Eastern Creek

The first official Bledisloe Cup match was held at Sydney Ground on July 2, 1932.

6 sydney.com | visitnsw.com AUGUST 2017

v Bledisloe Cup: Wallabies v All Blacks 7 8 v Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Snowtunes Tulip Time Festival SEPTEMBER 1 - 2 September 12 - 24 September ’s music festival in the One of Australia’s oldest and snow, over two nights, on largest floral festivals showcases two stages. 100,000 tulip bulbs in a Snowy Mountains spectacular Springtime display. Bowral Sample Food Festival 2 September Write Around the Murray Festival 2017 Celebrating local growers, chefs, 13 - 17 September and food artisans, Bangalow hosts A five-day festival of reading, more than 200 producers. writing and storytelling held in the Bangalow vibrant regional city of , on the Murray River. FIM Oceania Supermoto Albury Championship 2 - 3 September Westfield Matildas v Fast and furious on-and off-road 16 and 19 September motorcycle action that mixes road Two powerhouse teams go head- racing with motocross. to-head in the 2017 International Newcastle Series. Penrith and Newcastle Broken Heel Festival 8 - 10 September Beautiful: The Carole King Musical A handbag full of stunning drag From 17 September artists and entertainers descend Discover the inspirational true on this iconic Outback city for three story behind Carole King’s days of divas and disco. remarkable rise from teenage Broken Hill songwriter to global superstar. Theatre Mudgee Wine and Food 9 September - 2 October Blackmores Sydney Hosted by various cellar doors Running Festival with live music, lunches, dinners, 17 September tastings and tours. Take part in the marathon, half Mudgee marathon, 10km Run or 3.5km Family Run. Sydney

Over 20,000 visitors head to each year to celebrate the iconic ute and all things Australian. sydney.com | visitnsw.com 9 KCON Deni Ute Muster 22 - 23 September 29 - 30 September This global Korean pop music and This family-friendly event cultural convention is coming to celebrates the ute, plus country Sydney. music and life. Qudos Bank Arena, Plains of Deniliquin Sydney Olympic Park 2017 Australian Women’s Woolgoola CurryFest Masters Hockey Championships 23 September 29 September - 7 October Celebrate Woolgoolga’s Punjabi Seven age groups compete to take heritage with music, dancing, food. out the Master Championship. Woolgoolga Newcastle International Hockey Centre Grazing Down The Lachlan 23 September Yours and Owls Festival An epic long lunch held along the 30 September - 1 October banks of the Lachlan River beneath The best home-grown talent, and the beautiful river gums. international acts from around Forbes the world, perform in a beautiful coastal location. FFA National Youth Stuart Park, Wollongong Championships for Boys 25 - 29 September Murrumbateman Moving Feast Footballers from across Australia 30 September - 2 October compete in this prestigious youth Move between wineries sampling tournament. local wines and food. Coffs Harbour Murrumbateman 2017 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final Week Sydney 25 September - 1 October A series of fun-packed events builds up to the much-anticipated NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final. ANZ Stadium & Sydney CBD

At the inaugural Grazing Down The Lachlan event, guests will wander along the banks of the river, eating wine-matched food, made with native ingredients.

10 sydney.com | visitnsw.com SEPTEMBER 2017

v Deni Ute Muster 11 Taste Riverina Festival The Wingham Akoostik 1 - 31 October Music Festival Celebrate the year’s harvest with 13 - 15 October fine food, wine, beer and fun. Kasey Chambers, Russell Morris Griffith, Leeton, Temora, plus more perform in Manning & surrounds Valley. Kidtopia Festival Wingham 6 - 8 October Orange Wine Festival A festival for families with music, 13 - 22 October food, rides and more. Showcasing delicious cool-climate Park wines, talented chefs and delicious Oceania Cup local produce. 9 - 15 October Orange See Australia compete against The Everest hockey’s best in Oceania including 14 October NZL and PNG. The very best sprinters converge Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre onto Royal Randwick, in what is Two Weddings, One Bride the World’s Richest Turf Race. 12 - 22 October Royal Randwick, Sydney A scheming father plans a double 2017 Constellation Cup: wedding to balance the books. Australian Diamonds v Playhouse, New Zealand Silver Ferns 14 October Macquarie Credit Union Watch the final match of the hotly DREAM Festival 12 - 22 October contested trans-Tasman clash. Enjoy visual arts, music and a Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney huge light and lantern spectacular. Olympic Park Dubbo Offshore Superboat Yokohama World Time Championships - Round 4 Attack Challenge 14 - 15 October 13 - 14 October Extreme superboat racing on the See the fastest motorsport shores of Lake Macquarie. teams in the world go head-to- Lake Macquarie head in Sydney. Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek

Run for the first time at Royal Randwick, The Everest will be a Spring Carnival highlight, and is worth $10 million.

12 sydney.com | visitnsw.com OCTOBER 2017

v The Everest 13 14 v XI FIP World Polo Championship Sculpture by the Sea UON Central Coast Sevens OCTOBER 19 October - 5 November 27 - 29 October Join us for the largest free, public Catch all the action during sculpture exhibition in the world. Australia’s premier rugby sevens Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach tournament. Wyong XI FIP World Polo Championship 21 - 29 October Tastings on Hastings 2017 See the best polo in the world 27 - 29 October when eight international Showcasing regional farmers, teams compete for the World artisans, food producers, wine Championship trophy. growers and brewers. Sydney Polo Club, Richmond Port Macquarie Bowral Classic Grafton Jacaranda Festival 22 October 28 October - 5 November Gran Fondo cycling event in the Celebrate Grafton’s stunning breathtaking Southern Highlands. jacaranda trees with an array of Bowral marvellous festival events. Barbarians Tour 2017 Grafton 24 and 28 October Sculpture in the Vineyards The mighty Barbarians head 28 October - 3 December to NSW to take on the Classic The annual arts and culture Wallabies and the Qantas festival held in the boutique Wallabies in matches that will be vineyards. all about the fans. Wollombi Lismore and Sydney Nepean Triathlon Women’s 29 October Ashes Series 2017 Australia’s oldest triathlon is held 26 October - 17 November in Penrith, with the magnificent See the highly ranked Australian Blue Mountains as a backdrop. and English women’s cricket Regatta teams, battle it out in a multi- Centre, Penrith format series. Coffs International Stadium and North Sydney Oval

NSW is the horse capital of Australia, home to polo heartlands in the Hawkesbury, the Hunter, Central NSW and the NSW Southern Tablelands. sydney.com | visitnsw.com 15 Sydney International Art Series - AUS-X Open Sydney Pipilotti Rist: Sip my Ocean 11 - 12 November 1 November 2017 - 18 February 2018 World’s best supercross and Be immersed in light, video and freestyle motocross gladiators go sound as you explore installations head-to-head. and artworks, both expansive and Qudos Bank Arena, intimate. Sydney Olympic Park Museum of Contemporary Sydney International Art Series - Art Australia, Sydney Rembrandt and the Dutch golden Carcoar Cup Running Festival age: masterpieces from the 4 - 5 November Rijksmuseum Iconic marathon and supporting 11 November 2017 – races on the best course in 18 February 2018 Australia. All ages and abilities. See outstanding works of art by Carcoar and Neville the greatest Dutch painters of the World Cup 2017 17th century. 4 November - v Lebanon Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney 11 November - Australia v Lebanon Kennards Hire Rally Australia See the best players and teams 16 - 19 November from around the world compete. Coffs Coast hosts the final round of , the 2017 World Rally Championship. Moore Park Coffs Harbour Muriel’s Wedding - The Musical NSW Open Golf Championship 6 November 2017 - 27 January 2018 16 - 19 November The iconic Australian film is now Walk the fairways with some a big, brash and very cheeky new of the best Australian and musical. Exclusive to Sydney. international players. Roslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club Theatre Company Women’s Rugby League The Ballina Prawn Festival World Cup 2017 11 November 16 - 26 November The quintessential Aussie See the world’s best female rugby event celebrating the famous league players battle it out in the Ballina Prawn. pools and semi-finals. Missingham Park, Ballina Southern Cross Group Stadium, Cronulla

Synonymous with world-class exhibitions, the Sydney International Art Series has attracted 1.7 million visitors since its launch in 2014.

16 sydney.com | visitnsw.com NOVEMBER 2017

v Sydney International Art Series - Pipilotti Rist 17 18 v Emirates Australian Open Golf Championship MTV Beats & Eats AFL 9’s Classic NOVEMBER 18 November 25 - 26 November A food and music festival like no other, A fun, social and non-contact featuring local and international talent. tournament with great prizes up Wollongong for grabs. Volleyfest Sydney Queens Park, Sydney 18 - 26 November Surf Dive ‘N Ski Australian See international teams compete Junior Surfing Titles 2017 in an action-packed Beach 25 November - 2 December Volleyball over nine days. Australia’s best junior surfers will duke it out in Shoalhaven for a Mammoths – Giants of the Ice Age prestigious Aussie title. 18 November 2017 – 13 May 2018 Culburra Beach Explore the ice age and learn the Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific story of Lyuba, a 40,000 year-old Championships preserved baby mammoth. Western Sydney , Sydney 26 November Emirates Australian Open Golf Athletes run, swim and bike along Championship the iconic with the 23 - 26 November Blue Mountains as backdrop. The world’s best compete in Sydney International Regatta Sydney for Australian golf’s most- Centre, Penrith prized trophy. 2017 ARIA Awards and ARIA Week The Australian Golf Club, Rosebery ARIA Awards: 28 November 2017 NAB AFL Draft ARIA Week: November 24 November Annual celebration of the This major event brings together best of Australian music. all 18 AFL clubs to recruit the best Sydney young prospects in the country. Sydney Ballet Under the Stars November Coates Hire Newcastle 500 The Australian Ballet stages a free 24 - 26 November outdoor performance of Be part of history as the Supercars world-class ballet. take to the streets of Newcastle Penrith for the first time. Newcastle

Newcastle has been awarded three International Festivals and Events City Awards. sydney.com | visitnsw.com 19 Vanfest Woolworths 1 - 2 December 17 December A boutique music festival packed Australia’s largest free Christmas with world-class artists. concert, featuring Australian and Forbes international Artists joining together to perform Christmas songs and L’Étape Australia by carols. Le Tour de France The Domain, Sydney 2 December The only amateur cycling event in Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Australia with fully closed roads 26 December and professional Tour de France The start of this challenging race conditions. is a Boxing Day tradition on Sydney Jindabyne, Thredbo and Perisher, Harbour. Snowy Mountains Sydney Harbour Macquarie Bondi to Carols by the Sea Bronte Ocean Swim December 3 December The annual event will kick off From Bondi Beach, competitors with fantastic entertainment from swim 2.4 Km to Bronte, finishing at young, local musicians followed by Bronte SLSC, the world’s first Surf a night of Christmas favourites and Life Saving club. carol singing. Bondi Beach, Sydney Bondi Beach, Sydney 7th AACTA Awards Sydney New Year’s Eve presented by Foxtel 31 December 6 December Sydney welcomes in the New Year Celebrating the best of Australian with spectacular fireworks display film and television in 2017. at 9pm and midnight. The Star Event Centre, Sydney Sydney Harbour

Australian Traveller magazine named the Bondi to Bronte walk the Best Experience in Australia for 2016.

20 sydney.com | visitnsw.com DECEMBER 2017

v L’Étape Australia by Le Tour de France 21 22 v TOYOTA Country Music Festival Tamworth Ashes Pink Test: Australian Deaf Games JANUARY Australia v England 20 - 27 January 4 - 8 January Sporting competitions and a wide Don’t miss your opportunity to be variety of events. a part of Australia and England’s Albury / Wodonga greatest rivalry. 3rd One Day International: 2018 Australia v England WSL Junior Championships 21 January 4 -12 January Be part of the action and fun when The world’s best surfers under-18 the two teams face off. years compete for this Sydney Cricket Ground prestigious title. Kiama 26 January Music, entertainment and plenty 6 - 28 January of free fun for the family. A Sydney summer highlight Various locations across celebrating the arts. Sydney and NSW Various locations across Sydney Yabun Festival Sydney International 2018 26 January 7 - 13 January Australia’s largest festival of Watch the stars of world tennis in indigenous culture. action in Sydney. Camperdown, Sydney Sydney Olympic Park Tennis HSBC Sydney 7s Centre 26 - 28 January Parkes ElvisTM Festival A fun and fast-paced Men’s and 10 - 14 January Women’s rugby 7s tournament, Enjoy a jam-packed five-day with 18 international teams. program with over 120 events. Allianz Stadium, Moore Park Parkes NSW Pro Surf Series: Carve Pro TOYOTA Country Music January Festival Tamworth The first of the qualifying series 19 - 28 January events. Music festival features over 700 Maroubra Beach artists at 120 venues. Tamworth

Yabun is Australia’s largest one day gathering and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. sydney.com | visitnsw.com 23 Surfest 10 and 17 February 20 January - 25 February 2016 Super League Champions, Australia’s largest festival of 2017 World Club Champions and surfing hosts the world’s best 2017 Challenge Cup Finalists, professional men, women and Wigan will host Hull F.C in the first junior surfers. ever Super League match held Newcastle outside of Europe. Wollongong and Sydney Liqui-Moly 2 - 4 February Deniliquin Fishing Classic Globally recognised international 16 - 18 February GT racing endurance race at the The premier Murray cod fishing home of Australian motorsport. event on the Edward River. Mt Panorama, Bathurst Deniliquin Sydney Morning HeraldSun Run Riverboats Music Festival and Cole Classic 16 - 18 February 3 and 4 February The Murray River’s premiere A popular, family-friendly event on contemporary music event Sydney’s . features brilliant artists, and to Manly delicious regional food and wine. Roaring 20s Festival 3 - 25 February Huskisson ULTIMATE Celebrate and relive the Triathlon Festival 1920s golden era of opulence, 16 - 18 February architecture and jazz music. A multisport festival on the white Blue Mountains shores of Jervis Bay. Huskisson Southern 80 9 - 11 February nudie Australian Boardriders The world’s largest waterski Battle - National Final race offers thrills along the 16 - 18 February Murray River. Surfers of all ages represent their Along the Murray River clubs to compete for the title of Echuca-Moama Australia’s champion club. Newcastle

Wigan Warriors NSW Tour 2018 Australian Surf Rowers

The Murray is the third longest navigable river in the world, after the Amazon and Nile.

24 sydney.com | visitnsw.com FEBRUARY 2018

v Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour 25 26 v BOWL-A-RAMA Bondi League Open February FEBRUARY 16 - 18 February Australia’s most prestigious short The world’s premier surf boat film competition, and the largest event. short film festival in the world. Elouera Parramatta Park Sydney Gay and Lesbian NSW Pro Surf Series: Mardi Gras Tweed Coast Pro 2018 16 February - 4 March February The world’s loudest and proudest Australian and international surfers celebration of LGBTQI diversity. compete for a spot on the World Various locations across Sydney Surf League Championship Tour. BOWL-A-RAMA Bondi Cabarita Beach 17 - 18 February Australian Open of Surfing Australia’s biggest and February most exciting professional A free festival featuring the world’s skateboarding competition. best surfers, skateboarders plus Bondi Beach, Sydney entertainment. Sydney Harbour Challenge Manly Beach 24 February Sydney Chinese A 25km-race in the fast-growing New Year Festival sport of outrigger canoe racing. February Manly / Sydney Harbour Giant zodiac lanterns, food and Australian Bowl-riding events celebrating the Year of Championships the Dog. 24 - 25 February Various locations across Sydney Australia’s only true nationals NSW Pro Surf Series - skateboarding competition Great Lakes Pro welcomes skateboarders from February every skill level and age. Promising professional surfers Newcastle from all over the world compete to win ranking points and prize money. Boomerang Beach

Attracting more than 42,000 international and domestic visitors each year, the Mardi Gras Parade is one of the greatest public celebrations in the world. sydney.com | visitnsw.com 27 Newcrest Orange Challenge Aon Sydney International 4 March Rowing Regatta An exciting cycling event over rolling 19 - 25 March hills, around beautiful vineyards Featuring some of the world’s and picturesque open plains. finest athletes in a week-long Orange rowing regatta. 21st Sydney International Regatta 16 March - 11 June Centre, Penrith Australia’s leading contemporary art event presents its 21st edition. 23 March - 3 April Expect extraordinary art in Australia’s biggest annual event unexpected locations. And it’s free! showcasing country life and family Multiple locations across Sydney entertainment. (including Cockatoo Island) Sydney Olympic Park Wollongong Triathlon Festival Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour 17 - 18 March -La Bohème The stunning harbour precinct 23 March - 22 April and blue mile of Wollongong City Experience the romance of will come alive with a festival of the original Bohemian love fitness, health and family fun. story on the magnificent, Wollongong floating harbour stage. Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point Longines Golden Slipper Carnival 17, 24 and 31 March NSW Pro Surf Series: Enjoy the thrill of one of the Central Coast Pro world’s best racing carnivals. March Rosehill Gardens, Sydney The final stop of the series when the winner will be crowned for the Albury Gold Cup Carnival entire NSW Pro Surf Series 18 and 23 March Avoca Beach One of the premier country racing carnivals in Australia. National Touch League Albury March See Australia’s best touch football talent in action. Coffs Harbour

The Sydney Royal Easter Show is Australia’s largest annual ticketed event, attracting on average 850,000 attendees per year.

28 sydney.com | visitnsw.com MARCH 2018

v Sydney Royal Easter Show 29 30 v Canowindra Balloon Challenge Bluesfest Sail Port Stephens APRIL 29 March - 2 April 9 - 15 April Australia’s premier blues and An annual yachting regatta held in roots festival. the pristine waterways of the Port 2018 Stephens Marine Park. Port Stephens Easter Long Weekend at Hunter Valley Gardens Sculpture at Scenic World 30 March - 2 April 13 April - 13 May A fantastic program of activities See the transformation of the and prizes including a giant Easter natural Jurassic rainforest in the egg hunt on Saturday and Sunday. Blue Mountains by world-class Pokolbin sculpture. Blue Mountains Newcastle Writers Festival 6 – 8 April Canowindra Balloon Challenge Celebrating national and 21 - 29 April regional literary talent with panel Experience the magic and discussions, readings, book spectacle of over 20 hot air launches and interviews. balloons taking to the skies each Newcastle morning and late afternoon. Canowindra Orange F.O.O.D Week 6 - 15 April Boggabri Drovers Campfire Experience the best of the 27 - 29 April region’s food and wine in a festival An unforgettable country atmosphere. experience celebrating the Orange camaraderie of Aussie drovers. Share a meal and chat around the The Championships campfire and enjoy other weekend 7 and 14 April activities. The jewel in the crown of the Boggabri Showground Sydney Autumn Carnival features 12 races and a total prize pot of $20.2 million. Royal Randwick, Sydney

The Orange wine region has more than 1,500 hectares with an impressive 55 wineries now producing wine under Orange region labels. sydney.com | visitnsw.com 31 Wings Over Illawarra Australian Senior League 5 - 6 May Baseball Championships Flying displays of jaw-dropping 20 - 25 May aerobatics, classic warbirds, The winning team (17U age group) military and vintage aircraft. will represent Australia at the Illawarra Regional Airport World Senior League Baseball Narooma Oyster Festival Championships. 5 May Lismore Celebrates the region’s oysters Port to Port MTB and their growers, quality produce, 24 - 27 May chefs and cultural talents. A four-day mountain bike stage Narooma race which takes place in the IRONMAN Australia & Newcastle and . IRONMAN 70.3 Port Macquarie Newcastle, Hunter Valley 6 May & Port Stephens Swim, cycle and run in idyllic Mercedes-Benz locations around Port Macquarie. Fashion Week Australia Port Macquarie and Weekend Edition Ultra-Trail Australia May 17 - 20 May Australia’s best designers Join the southern hemisphere’s showcase their Resort 19 largest trail-running festival in the Collections. Greater Blue Mountains World Carriageworks, Sydney Heritage Area. NCHA Futurity Katoomba May - June River of Art The biggest and richest indoor 17 - 27 May horse event in Australia held over Explore live music, visual arts, 12 days. theatre, film, literature, creative Tamworth workshops and cultural activities. Vivid Sydney May - June Batlow CiderFest Sydney becomes a creative canvas 19 May of light, music and ideas. Australia’s best CiderFest street Various locations across Sydney party comes alive with great entertainment, cider and food. Batlow

The annual NCHA Tamarang Futurity is the best Cutting Horse event in Australia and has a prize pot worth more than $700,000.

32 sydney.com | visitnsw.com MAY 2018

v Wings Over Illawarra 33 34 v Snow Time in the Garden True Grit JUNE 2 - 3 June Winter Wine Festival More than 30 obstacles over a June Long Weekend rugged 10-12km military- Fine wine, fabulous food, music, 2018 inspired obstacle course markets, vineyard tours and more. through natural terrain. Shoalhaven Dargle Farm in Lower Portland, Hawkesbury Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft Australian Little League June Long Weekend Baseball Championships The largest combined rodeo 6 - 11 June and campdraft in the southern Youth sports baseball program hemisphere. where 20 teams from across Coonamble Australia compete. Lismore Holden State of Origin Game II 24 June Don’t miss Rugby League’s 6 - 17 June greatest rivals in action when the Enjoy the best features, NSW Blues play the QLD Maroons. documentaries and short ANZ Stadium, films from across Australia Sydney Olympic Park and the world. Various locations across Sydney Snow Time in the Garden - Hunter Valley Gardens Peak Music Festival 30 June - 22 July 8 - 11 June Enjoy a fun, family experience with Celebrate the opening of the winter ice skating, tobogganing, snow snow season with great music. play and more. Perisher Pokolbin Obstacle Course Racing World Championships Long Course 9 - 10 June The first independent global championship for the burgeoning sport of Obstacle Course Racing. Dargle Farm, Lower Portland, Hawkesbury

Perisher in the NSW Snowy Mountains is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. sydney.com | visitnsw.com 35 DISCOVER REGIONAL NSW

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

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

For more information on events, travel and accommodation go to visitnsw.com 37 DISCOVER REGIONAL NSW MURRAY AND RIVERINA The famous Murray is the heart of this rich agricultural region. Life on the river is relaxed and laid-back offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature. Take a historic paddle boat cruise or head out on a luxury houseboat, play riverside golf, go cycling or fishing. Enjoy wine-tasting at cellar doors in the Riverina and discover a variety of paddock-to-plate experiences including food and wine trails, markets and events. NORTH COAST Stunning natural treasures are to be found along the North Coast: beautiful beaches, , volcanic hinterland and World Heritage rainforests. Immerse yourself in nature, experience the famed beach culture, dine well on fresh seafood and gourmet produce, luxuriate in five- star resorts, play golf on championship courses and see dolphins and whales in the wild. OUTBACK NSW The most appealing aspect of this grand region is space - it’s vast, open and liberating. Touring by car is the best way to get around, giving you the chance to create your own adventures along the way. Drop into outback pubs and country towns, visit the outback city Broken Hill, camp out under the stars in remote national parks, and gain insights from local guides into Aboriginal heritage through shared stories and cultural sites.

38 SNOWY MOUNTAINS Whatever the season, there’s nowhere quite like the Snowy Mountains region. During winter, enjoy skiing, snowboarding and snow- play at Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snowfields; when the snow melts, the landscape is perfect for adventures from hiking and mountain biking to fishing and horse riding. Discover fine food and wine, enjoy exhilarating alpine drives and take in spectacular scenery at every turn.

SOUTH COAST This region has an unspoilt natural beauty comprising national parks, beaches, bays, rivers and hinterland forests. Water-based activities include whale-watching (May- Nov) and swimming with seals; the lush bushland is enjoyed by walkers, bird-lovers and bike riders. Local dairy farms have a long tradition of producing gourmet cheeses while pristine waterways form part of a 300km oyster trail. Start your South Coast journey along the Grand Pacific Drive from Sydney to Wollongong. THE HUNTER This region of varied landscapes encompasses the beautiful vineyards and restaurants of the Hunter Valley, the world- class horse studs of the Upper Hunter, the vibrant coastal , the vast blue waterways of Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie. Enjoy pampering, golf, hot-air balloons, hiking, quad biking and endless water sports or gaze in awe at dolphins and whales in the wild.

For more information on events, travel and accommodation go to visitnsw.com 39 EXPERIENCE THE WORLD-FAMOUS ICONS Admire one of the world’s most beautiful cities from the summit of the on a guided BridgeClimb. Then explore the famous stages of the World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House on a backstage tour or enjoy a world-class performance. SEE AUSTRALIA’S ANIMALS Sydney is home to world-class zoos and aquariums where you can meet Australia’s unique animals up close. Taronga Zoo, Sydney Aquarium and are in harbourside locations while Featherdale Wildlife Park is in Western Sydney. SHOP’TIL YOU DROP Whether you’re looking for chic international brands or cutting-edge Australian designers, you’ll find plenty of shopping choice in Sydney. Must-visit locations include Westfield Sydney, Queen Building and Strand Arcade, The Galeries and local weekend markets across the city. SYDNEY WALKS Sydney’s a great city to explore on foot with scenic walking tracks that are easy to follow. Check out the Manly to Spit Walk, the foreshore walk and the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk as well as the newest trail at harbourside Barangaroo.

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

For more information on events, travel and accommodation go to sydney.com AND SURROUNDS BEACHSIDE COOL Learn to surf with experienced guides at some of Australia’s most famous beaches at Bondi, Cronulla and Manly. Then check out the outdoor cafes, gelato bars, alfresco restaurants, organic stores and surf shops to savour beachside cool in Sydney.

SKY HIGH IN SYDNEY Brave a skydive onto the beach or a tandem hang glide over the coast, be swept up inside a glass tunnel on an indoor skydiving adventure. Take a helicopter flight or seaplane joyride over the harbour and city, or visit Eye for a bird’s-eye view from above. INSIGHTS INTO ABORIGINAL HERITAGE Authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences give visitors the chance to learn about the Aboriginal people who have lived here for thousands of years. Join a harbour cruise, a botanic gardens walk, national park adventure and much more. WESTERN SYDNEY ADVENTURES Explore the growing adventure playground located in Western Sydney. There’s rafting at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, thrills and spills at Wet’n’Wild Sydney, aquatics, archery and cycling at Sydney Olympic Park, ziplining at Treetops.

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PLAN. BOOK. GO!

DESTINATION NSW HAS THE DIGITAL TOOLS YOU NEED TO PLAN AND BOOK AN EVENTFUL GETAWAY. Our websites are the one-stop shop for all the latest news about events in Sydney and Regional NSW. Don’t miss out on any of the State’s biggest and best events for 2017-18. Download our free digital travel guides plus special travel and event apps. Get started now by heading to sydney.comand visitnsw.com

CONNECT WITH SYDNEY CONNECT WITH REGIONAL NSW #ilovesydney #NewSo thWales facebook.com/seesydney facebook.com/visitnsw twitter.com/sydney_sider twitter.com/NewSo thWales

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Destination NSW advises the details contained in the “Sydney & NSW Events Calendar July 2017 - June 2018” are presented in good faith and has sought to ensure its contents are true, correct and based on the best available information as at time of printing. The “Sydney & NSW Events Calendar July 2017 - June 2018” highlights the main events and is not a complete list of the events occurring from July 2017 - June 2018 in Sydney and NSW. Destination NSW accepts no liability arising from or in connection with the information contained in the “Sydney & NSW Events Calendar July 2017 - June 2018”. Destination NSW cannot guarantee that at any time in the future, the information will not be out of date, incorrect or out of context. Please consult the relevant event ticketing agency and/or location for ticket prices, booking fees, surcharges and applicable taxes before purchase. There may be other conditions imposed by the ticketing agency and/or location as a result of your purchase or attendance. Please make yourself aware of all conditions before purchase and/or attendance. Note that events may be subject to change or cancellation without notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Location capacity restrictions may apply for some events. Check sydney.com, visitnsw.com or other relevant event owner websites for the latest information. Destination NSW acknowledges and appreciates all photographic and rendered images supplied by each event owner and their photographers and graphic artists for use in this guide. The “Sydney & NSW Events Calendar July 2017 - June 2018”is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of Destination NSW. Some information contained in this publication has been provided by third parties and may be subject to change, conditions and availability. Please ask the third party for any additional information (including current terms and conditions) when contacting them. Inclusion of this third party information is not an endorsement of the information or of the supplier nor of its accuracy.