Sydney & surrounds

Coastal calm down

Just a short 20-minute drive from Gold Coast Airport lies a region called Tweed, where you’ll find loads of sugarcane farms, mountain views and a laidback towns. Tweed feels tailor-made for Kiwi travellers, but somehow, it’s often overlooked. Start your adventure at Husk Farm Distillery, which creates hand-crafted rum and gin in small batches. Just down the road, Tropical Fruit World is part orchard, part Willy Wonka. This working farm grows more than 500 exotic fruits - from chocolate pudding fruit to ice-cream beans. Tucked away in the tiny surf town of Cabarita Beach, Halcyon House is one of Australia’s most stylish stays, where vintage European flair meets laidback Aussie luxury. Read more

The best of Byron

After exploring the Tweed, head further south to Byron Bay - a beach town that’s popular for a reason. Known for its surf culture and bohemian energy, it also has a more tranquil side. One of those places is Crystalbrook Byron, a luxury eco-resort hidden within 45 acres of subtropical rainforest. Wake to birdsong, do yoga by the pool, and wander the boardwalk trails that weave through the forest. It’s also worth a trip to Raes on Wategos with its views over Byron’s most beautiful beach. To get under the skin of Byron Bay, join a Vision Walks eco-tour. You also can't beat wandering along the main beach or meandering up to Cape Byron Lighthouse. Read more

The unbelievable tiny island

Less than a two-hour plane ride from Sydney is the crescent-shaped island paradise that Sir David Attenborough described as “so extraordinary it is almost unbelievable”. Only 400 tourists are allowed on Lord Howe Island at a time, making it the perfect destination for escaping the crowds. Just 11km long and 2km wide, there’s no need for a car,  but a whole lot is packed into this tiny area. The island is crisscrossed with walking trails, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. It’s also a top bird-watching destination, but there’s even more to be found in the water - the island is fringed by the world’s southernmost coral reef.

Secrets of the Sapphire Coast

The Sapphire Coast should be top of your bucket list. It's full of tropical-like beaches, pristine national parks and exceptional hospitality. You'll find it in the southern reaches of New South Wales, almost on the border with Victoria. The small towns along this stunning coastline pulse with a vibrant dining scene, thanks to an abundance of fresh seafood. From wildlife sanctuaries to wineries and off-grid escapes to magical oyster tours, the Sapphire Coast is the perfect region to tag onto your next Sydney trip. Read more

The hidden gem north of Sydney

While the Hawkesbury River is frequented by boating and fishing enthusiasts, the region remains something of a hidden gem, despite being a quick and easy drive from Sydney. The best things to see and do here include joining the daily post run by boat, visiting NSW's only pearl farm and its "shellar door", walking a convict-built road through Dharug National Park and sit down for a degustation dining experience. Read more

A picture-perfect escape

Five hours south of Sydney, Narooma has everything a food-focused water baby could want in a beach break. With a string of sandy surf beaches to the east and the clear waters of the Wagonga Inlet at its centre, the South Coast town is essentially a giant natural waterpark - with some of the best al fresco dining south of the Harbour Bridge. Barunguba (Montague Island) gives visitors the chance to swim with fur seals, snorkel through submerged kelp forests and spend the night in a historic lighthouse keeper’s cottage. The 21km Narooma to Dalmeny cycle route is a great way to explore the inlet and beaches outside the town centre. Narooma Surf Beach is home to two ancient geological marvels. Read more

The next Byron Bay

For years, Yamba has flown under the radar, but the laidback coastal retreat is changing. The Surf is the town's first boutique hotel. Downtown, there are chic homewares shops, boutiques where the racks are filled with draped linen separates, and plenty of places brewing up flat whites. There is a microbrewery and a sophisticated restaurant. For all the creature comforts it offers, however, Yamba's biggest attraction remains its spectacular surrounds. Read more

An underrated coastal getaway

The setting is beyond lovely in Merimbula, found six hours south of Sydney. Lagoons, lakes and waterways blue as peacock feathers are embraced in bushland that rises up hillsides and spritzes the breeze with the scent of eucalyptus. A string of voluptuous beaches allows you to pick from a daily menu of desires: snorkelling off Bar Beach, surfing at Short Point, picking your spot to flop on six-kilometre Main Beach. The charm is old-fashioned and makes you think of childhood holidays. Read more

A Jurassic wonderland

The Blue Mountains is a playground full of geological marvels on Sydney's back doorstep. You've probably heard of Scenic World, with its world-famous cable car, known as the Skyway, which has carried millions of people over the years. It's known for its magnificent views of Mount Solitary and the Three Sisters. While the masses have experienced the vistas from the inside, you can now take it to the next level with the Beyond Skyway experience. On one side, you have the Katoomba Falls, while on the other is one of the most breathtaking views in Australia.

The ultimate rainforest hike

The ultimate rainforest hike Australia’s newest multi-day trail traverses three parks in the Tweed Byron Hinterland. The Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk, means ‘Old People’s Track’ and honours the path's cultural significance, which traces ancient routes covered by the Widjabul Wia-bal native title holders and the Minjungbal Bundjalung. The 42-kilometre, Grade 4 trail extends through the Gondwana rainforest, passing ancient volcanic landscapes in Mount Jerusalem National Park, Whian Whian State Conservation Area, and Nightcap National Park. You should be fit and ready for long, challenging hikes over four days.

Sleep with koalas

You haven't truly experienced Australia without seeing a koala, and one of the best places to do that is at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. A kilometre-long trail ascends into the trees via a "SKYwalk", where you’ll see rescued koalas rehabilitating. A recent addition to the sanctuary is a series of luxurious glamping tents just outside the koala enclosure – they’re designed to be like plush hotel rooms in the bush. In the morning, you're likely to be woken up by cackling kookaburra, before getting first access to the koala enclosure. Read more

Explore ancient rainforests

Taking its name from the ancient supercontinent, the Gondwana Rainforests contain the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforests in the world. These offer a rare glimpse into what life on Gondwanaland was like. The World Heritage-listed area is made up of 41 parks and reserves, which can be visited and explored. There are a number of walking tracks that take you through the rainforest to scenic lookouts and waterfalls. You can stay in one of the many campgrounds, but there’s also accommodation ranging from cosy cabins to houses for larger groups. One of the best ways to get a taste is to head to the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, where you can take a guided tour and walk among the treetops.

The glamping escape of a lifetime

Sierra Escape is found on the rolling hills outside Mudgee, a small town with a big wine scene. The 280-hectare property has five adults-only glamping tents scattered among the hills - it's like a five-star hotel in the wild. Each tent has an opulent indoor tub, kitchen and bathroom, but the pièce de résistance is a freestanding outdoor bath overlooking the countryside. The escape also has a resort-style infinity pool and there are also lots of walks where you can go kangaroo spotting (that's if they don't come to you first). Read more

Sleep in a bubble

Around 200km from Sydney, on a working farm in the Central Tablelands, are Australia’s first Bubbletents - transparent hideaways where you can completely immerse yourself in the surrounding landscape. There are three tents, each in their own secluded spot, with a queen bed, hot tub, and telescope. The exact location remains a secret until you book, but you can be sure the views are spectacular - the tents overlook Capertee Valley, the second-largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon. 

Wake up surrounded by kangaroos

At Sydney's famous non-profit Taronga Zoo you can sleep among rescued and rehabilitating animals. The Wildlife Retreat found next door is home to koalas, wallabies and echidnas, and if you stay the night you get free access to the zoo and private sanctuary tours to get up close to friendly creatures. The retreat's treetop restaurant comes with sweeping views of Sydney, and waking up to the morning symphony of 350 species is incredible. Read more

The best places to spot whales

New South Wales is one of the best places to watch whales feed, rest and nurse their young in Australia. Grab a coffee and stroll along the 6km Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk where you might be lucky enough to see a majestic humpback whale breach. They call NSW’s Sapphire Coast the Humpback Highway for good reason – thousands of whales journey to Antarctica every year. If you find yourself in Bryon Bay and need a break from the beaches, strap on your walking shoes for the 3.7km Cape Byron walking track. The two-hour loop is the best place to spot humpbacks from May to November. Read more

A beautiful stretch of highway

From Royal National Park in the north to the Sapphire Coast, the Grand Pacific Drive is a 140km scenic route taking in rainforests, picturesque tiny towns and too many beaches to count. The 665-metre Sea Cliff Bridge is one of the most popular photo stops. Travellers can park here and stretch their legs along the viewing platform which follows the length of the road bridge around the rockface.

Sydney's secret rock pool

Bondi Beach - and its Icebergs rock pools - are world famous for a reason: it’s hard to find a more beautiful beach anywhere in the world. But that beauty draws the crowds, so to escape them, head along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk towards Bronte Beach. Along this short walk you’ll enjoy sea cliffs, crashing surf, and panoramic views - and when you arrive in Bronte, you’ll find the Bronte Baths which is free to enter and much less busy. Read more

Journey into the mountains

Home to glacial lakes, skeletal snow gums and every Australian mountain higher than 2000 metres, Kosciuszko National Park has long been an irresistible beacon for bushwalkers, but it’s never had a hero multi-day hike – no Overland Track, no Larapinta Trail. Until now. Launched in December 2024, the Snowies Alpine Walk is a four-day, 56km hike that provides an all-angles look at the Snowy Mountains, from atop the Main Range to deep beside the Snowy River and deeper still into the Thredbo Valley. It was built with a flourish, incorporating the Alpine Walk’s signature moment – Australia’s highest suspension bridge. Read more

Australia's only Dark Sky reserve

Six years ago Warrumbungle National Park was declared Australia's first and only Dark Sky Park – a place where the lack of light pollution makes it perfect for night-time stargazing. And you can – quite literally – see why. The bejewelled night sky comes to life with its milky clouds of stars – like an infinite number of tiny diamonds scattered on a bed of the blackest velvet. World Expeditions' Warrumbungle Summits tour explores the iconic scenery and unique flora and fauna from April to October. Read more

A desert by the sea

If you journey to the Worimi Conservation Lands, just a few hours north of Sydney, it feels like you’ve reached another world. This enormous succession of sand dunes is just a few minutes’ drive from town, and classified as the largest coastal moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. Sand Dune Adventures provides exclusive access to protected Aboriginal land, and their guides will lead you from the bush to the beach via the ever-changing dunes. You'll ride past ancient campsites, dig for fresh water and even get a chance to go sand boarding down giant dunes. And best of all, you don't need any experience quad biking to take the trip.

Australia's most spectacular caves

Tucked away in a remote corner of the Unesco World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, the limestone Jenolan Caves are believed to be one of the most extensive and complex cave systems in the world. Several caves can be explored on guided tours. The adventurous can climb, crawl and abseil their way through the mountain, while those who’d prefer a gentle stroll might like to opt for the Imperial cave tour. Self-guided bushwalks in the valley include a gentle trail to a hidden blue lake where platypuses like to hang out.

Paddle across Sydney Harbour

The best place to have a morning coffee in Sydney is out on the harbour. Launching from Lavender Bay before dawn, the guided kayak tour with Sydney by Kayak navigates through tranquil waters while the city awakens. Just before you take off, you’ll be offered a hot barista-made coffee that you can enjoy during your trip. Don’t worry, you have a special cup holder to store it in so you can concentrate on paddling. As the sun pierces through the clouds, you’ll get a photo with the Opera House and learn about the harbour’s fascinating history.

A shucking good time

Kiwi seafood lovers will have to swap out their beloved Bluff oysters for rock oysters at family-friendly Narooma Oyster Festival in southern New South Wales - where festival-goers have been known to eat 70,000 oysters in one event. Visitors can expect dining experiences, masterclasses, cooking demonstrations and Australia's biggest oyster competition. It’s a great event for families as there are free tickets for children aged 16 and under who are accompanied by a paying adult.

The magic of cinema

A celebration of cinema, the Sydney Film Festival kicks off in June featuring an exciting mix of shows, from documentaries to international blockbusters, independent films and locally produced shows in Australia. Dive even deeper into the world of film with director Q&As, parties, panel talks and special screenings. The festival is one of the longest running in the world, with its debut at the University of Sydney back in June 1954.

A new high-flying spectacle

Be prepared for amazement and jaw-dropping awe as Cirque du Soleil brings to Sydney its latest production, Corteo. The spectacle follows the story of a clown imagining his own festive parade for his own funeral, combining the classic aerial artistry and gravity-defying stunts that Cirque is so famous for, along with a dreamlike storyline. The set design is inspired by European circus traditions, this new production will captivate audiences of all ages.

From the screen to the stage

Making its Australian premiere in 2025, new musical Back to the Future is based on the classic 1980s film of the same name. Follow as Marty McFly gets transported back to 1955 with mad scientist Doc Brown. A classic for those who grew up in the 80s, this musical includes songs from the film as well as original music. This family-friendly show is suitable for audiences aged six years and older.

Celebrate the joy of winter

This Central Tablelands town plays host to an annual celebration of winter, which takes place over two weeks in July. At Bathurst Winter Festival, visitors can expect stunning illuminations and light shows, carnival rides, live entertainment, twilight markets and even an outdoor ice skating rink.

Australia’s largest music festival

Tamworth is Australia’s country music capital, and every January the city plays host to the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Tens of thousands of music lovers descend on the city over the 10 days of the festival for a toe-tapping good time, with hundreds of artists taking over venues all over the city - including the streets for the hotly-anticipated busking competition - and the event culminating in the Golden Guitar Awards, which celebrate Australia’s hottest country music talent. 

The great race

Australia’s historic Great Race, Bathurst 1000, has been held at Mount Panorama, 200km inland from Sydney, since 1963. The 1000km touring car race runs over four days before the main event whips around 161 laps on the last Sunday. This year's event returns from October 9-12 as part of the Repco Supercars Championship. The event attracts around 200,000 car enthusiasts every year.

A destination for creatives

Headline-grabbing pop culture and tech conference South by Southwest (SXSW) launched its first event outside of the US in 2023, bringing all the hottest developments in gaming, music, screen, tech and innovation to Sydney. Keep an eye out for the full programme for the 2025 event, running from October 15-22, which is specifically dedicated to innovation and creativity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An independent arts showcase

Every September, Sydney is taken over by musicians, magicians, comedians, circus performers and much, much more for the Sydney Fringe Festival - the largest independent arts festival in New South Wales. This year the festival is set to be bigger and better than ever - presenting hundreds of events across the city from September 1-30.

A fabulous night out

Sydney Mardi Gras celebrated 47 years in 2025 with another dazzling celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. The colour-loaded festival features the iconic Pride Parade through Oxford Street, Flinders Street, and Anzac Parade as well as parties, talks, exhibitions, a fair day, and more. Mark your calendars for the next edition from February 13 to 1 March, 2026.

Sydney's intimate harbour experience

If you’re ever in a position to get out on the water in Sydney you should. Why not go one better by dining on the water itself. Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney’s dinner cruise takes place aboard a 24-metre vessel with two enclosed decks. The food gives the passing scenery some competition. Each of the three courses has at least three choices which are masterfully created and presented. There’s an emphasis on regional ingredients in the dishes, which are accompanied by local wines. Between courses, wander out onto the deck to take in the harbour’s sights as the sky turns dark - the vista is more magical after sunset. Read more

A solid pick in any season

This remodelled motel from the 70s is now a chic bolthole of 46 hotel rooms split into three wings named in homage to the Blue Mountains' famed Three Sisters range nearby. Found in bohemian Blackheath, on the doorstep of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, the Kyah is a surprising haven of inviting nooks and crannies. Add to that an impressive locavore restaurant, Palm Springs-inspired design and a mid-range price tag. Read more

A perfect resort, for a price

In the Greater Blue Mountains region set between the Gardens of Stone National Park and Wollemi National Park, the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley resort is set on a 2800-hectare carbon-neutral conservancy. Transfer by helicopter from Sydney to the property provides a once-in-lifetime view over dense bushland and ancient sandstone escarpments. Overlooking the resort's pool area and in the middle distance 40 freestanding villas, the elevated homestead is a warm gathering spot. Hikes to remote areas of the reserve can be arranged. There's also tennis, mountain biking and archery available. Read more

The hotel of incredible freebies

Sydney's Ovolo Hotel Woolloomooloo prides itself on freebies. This luxury waterfront hotel is a part of Finger Wharf, which is the longest timbered-piled wharf in the world built in 1915. The hotel effortlessly blends its historic shell with modern luxury. The hotel has a range of rooms, many with harbour views. Aside from exceptional service, the freebies are where the hotel really sets itself apart. If you book directly with the hotel, guests get a vast array of "perks" included in their room, including a loot bag of goodies, breakfast, happy hour drinks, mini-bar, and all-day snacks and lollies. Read more

Sydney's most eclectic stay

For a night you’ll never forget, head to QT Sydney - the city’s most eclectic hotel. Situated right in the vibrant CBD, the 200 room hotel is found in a heritage building from the 1920s. The hotel is a feast for the eyes, with a fusion of Italian, Gothic, Art Deco, Baroque and ultra-modern all combined in a blend of effortless elegance. You’re only a few steps from some of the best things to do in the city, and you can’t miss a meal at the hotel’s restaurant, Gowings. Under the careful watch of celebrity chef Sean Connolly, the restaurant serves some of the best food in the city, such as the “mushroom orgy”.

Shop til you drop

Sydney offers sensational shopping precincts and stores with goodies we still can't get our mitts on back home. Spanning an entire block on George Street, the Queen Victoria Building houses 180 luxury and high street fashion boutiques across three levels of a beautifully restored 19th century arcade. Sydney's newest and coolest boutique, Ganni, is the Danish brand’s first Australian store, bringing style, personality and colour Down Under. Those who get a thrill from hunting out one-off pieces will find plenty to love in Sydney's vintage shops. Make a beeline to Storeroom Vintage in Surry Hills for true vintage band tees, beautifully aged workwear fills the racks at Fabrique in Darlinghurst and Di Nuovo in Paddington offers preloved designer fashion from global brands on consignment.

Australia’s first six-star hotel

Crown Towers Sydney is the jewel in Sydney's newest waterfront precinct. British architect Chris Wilkinson designed the hotel to be reminiscent of three twisting petals, while the lobby reinforces the idea that you’re somewhere special, from miles of Italian marble to an enormous crystal chandelier. There are 349 rooms, including 22 luxury villas, but no matter what your room number, there are views for days. The real show-stopper is the fifth-floor infinity pool with what must be some of the best views in the world. You can also take your pick from 14 restaurants, including a northern Italian eatery and a traditional Chinese teahouse. Read more

Sydney's luxurious floating villa

This simple A-frame house bobs up and down among the million-dollar yachts and sleek motorboats moored near Palm Beach on Sydney's Barrenjoey peninsula. Not a houseboat. An actual house. A luxurious two-storey villa, if truth be told, with a lounge, kitchen, loft bedroom and rafters. There's also a gas fireplace and a flat-screen TV with Netflix, et al. Oh, and an open-air deck with a barbecue and furniture on which it's a pleasure to sit and consume the champagne and seafood platter. Lilypad was the realisation of a 10-year dream by northern beaches native Chuck Anderson. Initially part of an exclusive members-only consortium, it is now open to the public. Read more

Lord Howe's signature stay

The Capella Lodge is one of Australia's most iconic accommodations on one of the world's most singularly spectacular and remarkable islands. The modern-day lodge is nestled among luxuriant, billowing palms, over which loom Lord Howe Island's spectacular twin peaks. The mountains are framed by a turquoise Pacific Ocean and the island's lagoon is home to the world's southern-most coral reef, with Capella on Lord Howe – two hours by air from Sydney – to deliver both peaks and sea vistas. When you dine at Capella's in-house, guests-only restaurant you'll be doing so in what is unequivocally the best eatery with the finest views on the island. Read more

Sydney's five-star escape

One of Sydney’s newest luxury hotels has transformed the old Sydney Water Board offices into an Art Deco masterpiece - paying homage to the 1930s with a mix of modern luxury and heritage features like marble columns. The rooms at Kimpton Margot Sydney are large by Sydney standards, most come with bathtubs, and the hotel is also home to an excellent restaurant. In the summer, head up to rooftop pool and bar to soak away the afternoon with a cocktail and swim. Each night at 5pm is “social hour” with complimentary drinks in the lounge.

Room with a view

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is one of the city's best five-star experiences. This glistening 35-storey glass tower is one of the main features on Darling Harbour. It has a whopping 590 rooms, 35 lavish suites and jaw-dropping uninterrupted views of the water and skyline. If you don't end up getting a room with a view, the infinity pool more than makes up for it. There is also a poolside bar which keeps the food and cocktails flowing throughout the afternoon. If you're celebrating a special occasion, this is the place to book. Read more

All about the location

Pier One hunkers almost under the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and is part of elegantly restyled old wharves in Walsh Bay arts and restaurant hub. You couldn't be better placed to enjoy Sydney, with The Rocks historical precinct, newly developed Barangaroo, Circular Quay and the Opera House within an easy walk. The interior deftly marries industrial leftovers such as original flooring and ironwork with contemporary style and glimmering harbour outlooks. Read more

Sydney's new food market

Hay Street Market is a new addition to Paddy’s Market in Chinatown, with almost 50 stalls showcasing more than 25 cuisines. One walk around the market feels like a culinary journey around the world. You’ll find everything from Cypriot souvlaki to Spanish deli classics, Japanese sashimi to Turkish gözleme, Vietnamese pho, Lebanese shawarma, Mexican street food, Korean fried chicken, and freshly rolled pasta — alongside artisan bakeries, a cheesemonger, a butcher, a florist, and even a mini indoor farm sustainably sprouting herbs under neon light. Give yourself plenty of time, and an empty belly, to fully explore this iconic new market. Read more

For elevated dining

For some of the best views of Sydney, and lunch to match, head 245 metres above street level in the landmark Sydney Tower. Formerly an events space, Bar 83 has been transformed into retro-futuristic eye candy with bright red, white and gold decor. At the highest venue in the city diners can sip cocktails while sampling contemporary bar food whipped up by fine-dining sibling venue, Infinity - from cheese plates to classic lobster rolls and seasonal ice cream sandwiches wrapped in hazelnut brownies. Floor-to-ceiling windows dish up 260-degree views of Sydney's cityscape.

Award-winning drinks

Maybe Sammy is regularly named among the world's best bars. The venue, which lives in Sydney's buzzing restaurant precinct, The Rocks, takes inspiration from the 1950s golden age of glamour. Suited bartenders shake and stir signature drinks behind the elegant deep green bar. It's all about the drink; the menu features sections dedicated to the martini, miniature riffs on classic cocktails for those who would like to sample more than one, and another utilising some of the world's finest sipping spirits. Visit on Saturday and have your fill during the oyster happy hour.

MasterChef-approved cuisine

Forget watching MasterChef, it’s time to become a judge yourself. Crafted by Matt Moran is run by its namesake celebrity chef, who was previously a MasterChef Australia judge. His food is exceptional, with a focus on seasonal and locally-sourced food. You’ll find it at the Art Gallery of NSW, giving you the perfect place for a lunch pitstop. Matt was an early adopter of the “paddock to plate” philosophy, and his family even runs a dairy farm, which supplies beef and lamb to his restaurants. Some of the must-try dishes include Sydney rock oysters, ricotta gnocchi and the cured ora king salmon.

Sipping and sleeping in the regions

It's no longer all about wide-open spaces, soul-cleansing vistas and heartfelt hospitality when travelling in regional NSW. Even before the pandemic, regional hubs like Orange and Bathurst had been quietly upping their game. As the result of droves of talented city slickers relocating to the bush, you'll now find high-end boutique accommodation and fine-dining restaurants throughout Central NSW. Rustic cellar doors, upmarket concept stores and award-winning eco-retreats await. Read more

Internet-famous brunch

The pancakes from The Brothers Cafe are made for social media. Not your average stack of batter bread, these giant jiggling towers sit somewhere between a soufflé and pancake. The tiramisu flavour comes topped with a generous amount of velvety coffee, cocoa-dusted mascarpone cream, a scoop of chocolate ice cream, cookie chunks and chocolate pouring sauce. The 'croffle' – a hybrid of croissant and waffle - is also worth a try. Read more

A tour of Sydney’s Middle Eastern cuisine

In Sydney you can travel the world without leaving the city. Taste Cultural's Afghanistan and Syria food tour takes place in the streets of Merrylands, allowing guests to wander between bakeries, supermarkets, restaurants and family-owned kebab joints serving everything from stretchy loaves of bread in the Afghan style, crisp doughnut-shaped falafel, Syrian ice cream studded with pistachios, Persian-style pastries and curious Middle Eastern snacks. Read more

Fire, steam, smoke and ice

Woodcut at the bottom of Crown Sydney is a dining experience like no other. Harnessing the elements of fire, steam, smoke and ice, feasting there is like culinary theatre as you see, feel, hear and taste fresh Australian produce prepared in the open kitchens for a full sensory experience. Feast on southern rock lobster straight from the wood oven, oysters and tiger prawns kept chilled in the ice bar, pippies and mussels from the steam kettle or wagyu beef prepared over the grill. You can choose to dine at the counter for a full immersive experience, or opt for a quieter, sophisticated evening in the dining room. Either way, expect to first ‘eat with your eyes’.

The wine region on Sydney's doorstep

Hunter Valley is not only Australia's oldest wine region, it also has the highest number of cellar doors (more than 150). Its flagship varietals are world-renowned. Hunter semillon has been called "Australia's unique gift to the wine world", while the shiraz also has a trademark style. Another area in which the Hunter has consistently over-delivered is as a culinary destination, with some restaurants worth the drive from Sydney alone. The region also boasts distilleries, breweries, health retreats, family attractions and activities from horse-riding to hot air ballooning. Read more

Australia's secret wine region

If you're after a wine escape in Australia, the verdant Hunter Valley is what often comes to mind. If you head a little deeper into the New South Wales hinterland you'll discover Mudgee – a rustic little wine village that's one of Australia's best-kept secrets. Mudgee is best-known for cabernet sauvignon, with a history that stretches back to 1858. The district is home to more than 60 wineries and 35 cellar doors, with 44 different grape varietals. The choice is overwhelming. Some of the best are Logan Wines, First Ridge, Robert Stein and Lowe Family Wine Co. Read more

For more information visit sydney.com and visitnsw.com