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2017 SYDNEY&NSWEVENTS CALENDAR
LORD HOWE ISLANDThis World Heritage-listed paradise, just two hours’ flight from Sydney or Brisbane, is a crescent-shaped island where you’ll be one of just 400 visitors. Natural highlights are the twin peaks, Mt Gower and Mt Lidgbird, lush kentia palm forests and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Popular activities include swimming and surfing, snorkelling and diving, fishing, canoeing, bushwalking and birdwatching – the island is one of Australia’s premier birdwatching destinations. Challenge yourself on a one-day guided climb of Mt Gower (considered to be one of the world’s best hikes) or take a more leisurely walk under lush forest canopies in the Valley of Shadows.
THE HUNTERThe great outdoors is never far away in The Hunter. This region of varied landscapes encompasses the beautiful vineyards and restaurants of the Hunter Valley, the lush horse studs of the Upper Hunter, the vibrant coastal life of Newcastle, and the vast blue waterways of Port Stephens. Be pampered in a luxury day spa, tee off on a championship golf course, sail above the vines in a hot air balloon or hike through World Heritage rainforests in the Barrington Tops National Park. Explore the famous sand dunes of Stockton Beach on a quad bike or gaze in awe at dolphins and whales on a cruise from Nelson Bay. Sail on Lake Macquarie or snorkel, dive and surf in the pristine waterways along the Hunter coast.
BLUE MOUNTAINSJust 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney, this region is famous for the beautiful sandstone cliffs and deep valleys that form the vast Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This extraordinary setting is the perfect backdrop for bushwalking, abseiling and mountain biking. More relaxing pastimes in its small towns and heritage villages include dining, shopping, golf and spa treatments. Awe-inspiring limestone formations in the Jenolan Caves and the beautiful cool-climate gardens at Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah are well worth a visit, while the 1,200km Greater Blue Mountains Drive is the perfect way to link the spectacular landscape of the region in a series of Discovery Trails.
DISCOVER SYDNEY & REGIONAL NSWWinner of the IFEA World Festival & Event City award seven years in a row, Sydney is the ultimate destination any time of year. With a spectacular harbour, amazing beaches, world-class dining, and award-winning entertainment, it’s one of the world’s most-loved cities.
If you love every second of Sydney then you’ll find there’s more to love in NSW. Enjoy hiking through alpine scenery and a stunningcoastline of endless beaches, or sample the local drop in one of 14 wine regions. Don’t miss the State’s World Heritage Areas – LordHowe Island, the Greater Blue Mountains, Willandra Lakes featuring Mungo National Park, and the Gondwana Rainforests along the North Coast.
COUNTRY NSWThe rural heartland of NSW offers an amazing variety of year-round holiday experiences. Around Orange, Mudgee and Bathurst, indulge in seasonal produce including beautiful wine, explore the amazing limestone caves at Wellington or the dramatic gorges, waterfalls and national parks in the New England High Country. Soak in Moree’s hot mineral baths; at Parkes, visit The Dish, a giant radio telescope, or head to Tamworth, Australia’s Capital of Country. On the Great Western Plains, experience Great Big Adventures by car, bicycle or foot at Taronga Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo and see living history in many towns from Braidwood and Cowra to Uralla and the Canberra Region.
NORTH COASTStretching from Port Stephens to The Tweed, this region abounds in stunning natural treasures - beautiful beaches, big rivers, volcanic hinterland and World Heritage forests. A highlight of any North Coast holiday is the experience of immersing yourself in nature. Sample Byron Bay’s famous beaches, go scuba diving at Solitary Island Marine Park near Coffs Harbour, experience the timeless beauty of World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia at Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, kayak on the serene waters of Myall Lakes National Park, or see dolphins and whales in the wild. Enjoy fresh local seafood and gourmet produce, luxuriate in five-star resorts, play golf on championship courses and visit the iconic Big Banana.
CENTRAL COASTAn hour’s drive north of Sydney, this region’s waterways, sparkling beaches and lush countryside make it perfect for fun and adventure. Feed pelicans at The Entrance, visit local zoos, play golf, go cycling, scuba diving, ziplining and horse riding. National parks here offer a wide variety of experiences while year-round water sports range from surfing and fishing to sailing and water-skiing. Air adventures include microlight flights, tree-top adventures, flying foxes and suspension bridges. Australia’s largest horse riding and outdoor adventure centre is at Glenworth Valley on 1,200 hectares of wilderness; meet the local wildlife at the Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park and the Australian Reptile Park, which is also home to exotic reptiles and wildlife.
OUTBACK NSWOne of the most intoxicating aspects of this grand region is space – it is vast, open and liberating. Here red ochre earth merges with clear blue skies and ancient history can be experienced through beautiful Aboriginal rock art and remote cultural sites, some 40,000 years old. Touring by car, caravan or RV is an unforgettable adventure, the best way to have an authentic ‘outback’ experience with all the comforts of home. Pass through historic townships and the outback city of Broken Hill, drop into friendly pubs and camp out under the stars, stay in heritage homesteads and historic shearing sheds. Become bewitched by the dark glitter of black opals, travel by historic steamer on the Darling River or sleep soundly in an underground motel.
MURRAY AND THE RIVERINAThe Murray River is at the heart of this rich agricultural region. Visitors can enjoy life on the river in a relaxed and laid-back fashion, soaking up the ambience on a paddle-boat cruise or houseboat from Echuca-Moama, Mildura or Wentworth. Golf and cycling are also popular pursuits. Enjoy wine-tasting at cellar doors in the Riverina, which produces a quarter of Australia’s wine, and discover a variety of product-to-plate experiences including food and wine trails. Marvel at a natural wonder along the river – the beautiful, 600-year-old river red gums that line the waterway and wetlands.
SNOWY MOUNTAINSWhatever 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, high-altitude landscapes, lakes and waterways become the perfect natural setting for adventure. Trek to the top of Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko, find world-class mountain biking and road cycling, go bushwalking and hiking, explore Yarrangobilly Caves, go fly fishing and horse riding with experiences reminiscent of the ‘Man from Snowy River’. Discover fine food and wine, including Tumbarumba’s renowned sparkling wines, beer and schnapps, explore exhilarating alpine routes, taking in spectacular scenery at every turn.
SOUTH COASTStretching from Stanwell Park, south of Sydney, along the coast as far as Eden, the South Coast is a region of unspoilt natural beauty with more than 30 national parks, marine parks and reserves. Crystal-clear bays and lakes, uncrowded beaches and beautiful rivers are perfect year-round for fishing, surfing, driving, canoeing and boating, while the pristine bushland is enjoyed by bush walkers, bird-lovers and bike riders. Seaside towns and historic villages reveal fascinating histories while fine food and wine can be found at cafes, pubs, restaurants and cellar doors. Uncover the region’s many experiences along the Grand Pacific Drive which links up to the Sydney-Melbourne Coastal Drive. Enjoy adventures along the way: walk on the whitest sands in the world at Jervis Bay, go whale- and dolphin-watching, explore Montague Island or skydive over the beach at Wollongong.
For more information on events, travel and accommodation go to sydney.com and visitnsw.com
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Egyptian Mummies: Exploring Ancient Lives Location // Powerhouse Museum Date // Showing until 25 April
Sydney International Art Series – Nude: art from the Tate collection Location // Art Gallery of NSW Date // Showing until 5 February
Sydney International Art Series – Tatsuo Miyajima: Connect with Everything Location // Museum of Contemporary Art Date // Showing until 5 March
Disney’s Aladdin Location // Capitol Theatre Date // Playing until 26 March
Commonwealth Bank Pink Test: Australia v Pakistan Location // Sydney Cricket Ground Date // 3 – 7 January
World Surf League Junior Championships Location // Kiama Date // 4 – 13 January
Sydney Festival Location // Various locations across Sydney Date // 7 – 29 January
Apia International Sydney Location // Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre Date // 8 – 14 January
FAST4 Tennis – Australia v The World Location // ICC Sydney Theatre Date // 9 January
Parkes Elvis™ Festival Location // Parkes Date // 11 – 15 January
Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series: Carve Pro Location // Maroubra Beach Date // 19 – 22 January
Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth Location // Tamworth Date // 20 – 29 January
Victoria Bitter One Day International Series: Australia v Pakistan Location // Sydney Cricket Ground Date // 22 January
Australia Day Location // Various locations across Sydney & NSW Date // 26 January
Yabun Festival Location // Victoria Park, Sydney Date // 26 January
Sydney Chinese New Year Festival Location // Various locations across Sydney Date // 27 January – 12 February
Surfest Location // Merewether Beach Date // 11 – 26 February
Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series: Telstra Stores Coast Pro Location // Cabarita Beach Date // 1 – 5 February
Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour Location // Mount Panorama Date // 3 – 5 February
HSBC Sydney 7s Location // Allianz Stadium Date // 3 – 5 February
Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series: Komunity Project Great Lakes Pro Pres. By Rockstar Location // Boomerang Beach Date // 7 – 11 February
Tropfest Festival Location // Various locations across Parramatta Date // 7 – 11 February
2017 Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars Location // McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Date // 10 February
Riverboats Music Festival Location // Moama Date // 17 – 19 February
nudie Australian Boardriders Battle National Final Location // Newcastle Date // 17 – 19 February
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Location // Various locations across Sydney Date // 17 February – 5 March Parade // 4 March
BOWL-A-RAMA Bondi Location // Bondi Beach Date // 18 – 19 February
Sydney Harbour Challenge Presented by Hawaiian Airlines Location // Manly Date // 25 February
Australian Bowl-riding Championships Location // Newcastle Date // 25 – 26 February
Australian Open of Surfing Location // Manly Beach Date // 25 February – 5 March
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – Carmen Location // Mrs Macquaries Point Date // 24 March – 23 April
Newcrest Orange Challenge Location // Orange Date // 5 March
NSW Pro Surf Series: Komunity Project Central Coast Pro Location // Avoca Beach Date // 8 – 12 March
National Touch League Location // Coffs Harbour Date // 8 – 11 March
Longines Golden Slipper Carnival Location // Rosehill Gardens Racecourse Date // 11 – 25 March
Volleyfest Location // Manly Beach Date // 17 – 26 March
Commercial Club Albury Gold Cup Carnival Location // Albury Date // 24 March
Opera in the Paddock Date // 24 March - Armidale Date // 25 March - Delungra
Sydney International Rowing Regatta Location // Sydney International Regatta Centre Date // 27 March – 2 April
Socceroos v United Arab Emirates2018 FIFA World Cup RussiaTM Asian Qualifiers Location // Sydney Football Stadium Date // 28 March
Orange F.O.O.D Week Location // Orange Date // 31 March – 9 April
Holden State of Origin - Game 2 Location // ANZ StadiumDate // 21 June
Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft Location // Coonamble Date // June Australian Little League Championships Location // Lismore Date // 7 – 12 June
Sydney Film Festival Location // Various locations across Sydney Date // 7 – 18 June
Peak Music Festival Location // Perisher Date // 9 – 12 June
June Winter Test Series: Qantas Wallabies v Scotland Location // Allianz Stadium Date // 17 June
Australian Badminton Open Location // Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre Date // 20 – 25 June
Vivid Sydney Location // Various locations across Sydney Date // 26 May – 17 June
World Polo Championship Location // Sydney Polo Club Date // 21 – 29 October
Sculpture by the Sea Location // Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach Date // October
Taste Riverina Location // Various locations across the Riverina region Date // October
Kidtopia Festival Location // Parramatta Park Date // 6 – 8 October Orange Wine Festival Location // Orange Date // 13 – 22 October
Central Coast Sevens Location // Wyong Date // 20 – 22 October
Chromefest Location // Central Coast Date // 27 – 29 October
Snowtunes Location // NSW Snowy Mountains Date // 1 – 2 September
Watson Demolition Newcastle City Supermoto Location // Newcastle Date // 2 – 3 September
Sydney Running Festival Location // Sydney Date // 17 September
FFA National Youth Championships for Boys Location // Coffs Harbour Date // 25 – 29 September
Deni Ute Muster Location // Deniliquin Date // 29 – 30 September
2017 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final Week Location // ANZ Stadium & Sydney CBD Date // 25 September – 1 October
Muriel’s Wedding – The Musical Location // Roslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company Date // From 6 November Ballet Under the Stars Location // Western Sydney Date // November
ARIA Week & Awards Location // Sydney Date // November
NAB AFL Draft Location // Sydney Date // November
McDonald’s AFL 9s Classic Location // Sydney Date // November
Coates Hire Newcastle 500 Location // Newcastle Date // November
MTV Beats and Eats Location // Regional NSW Date // November
Sydney International Art Series: Pipilotti Rist Location // Museum of Contemporary Art Date // 1 November – 18 February 2018
Rugby League World Cup Location // Allianz Stadium Date // 4 November – England v Lebanon Date // 11 November – Australia v Lebanon
Sydney International Art Series: Rembrandt and the Dutch golden age: masterpieces from the Rijksmuseum Location // Art Gallery of NSW Date // 11 November – 18 February 2018
Kennards Hire Rally Australia Location // Coffs Coast Date // 16 – 19 November
Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championships/Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney Location // Sydney International Regatta Centre Date // 26 November
L’Étape Australia by Le Tour de France Location // NSW Snowy Mountains Date // 2 December
7th AACTA Awards Location // Sydney Date // December
Vanfest Location // Forbes Date // December TBC
Sydney New Year's Eve Location // Various locations across Sydney Date // 31 December
Please note that events are subject to change and conditions such as ticketing fees may apply. Please check relevant event websites for details. Destination NSW acknowledges and appreciates all photographic images supplied by each event owner for use in this advertisement. For more information on events, travel and accommodation go to sydney.com and visitnsw.com
Bundanoon Highland Gathering Festival Location // Bundanoon Date // 1 April
The Championships Location // Royal Randwick Date // 1 & 8 April
Sail Port Stephens Location // Port Stephens Date // 3 – 9 April
Easter Long Weekend at Hunter Valley Gardens Location // Hunter Valley Date // 14 – 17 April Canowindra Balloon Challenge Location // Canowindra Date // 18 – 25 April
Two Weddings, One Bride Location // Playhouse, Sydney Opera House Date // 27 April – 25 June & 12 – 22 October
Battle on the Border Location // Murwillumbah Date // 27 April – 1 May
JANUARY 2017
FEBRUARY 2017
MARCH 2017
APRIL 2017
MAY 2017
JUNE 2017 AUGUST 2017
SEPTEMBER 2017
OCTOBER 2017 Emirates Australian Open Golf Championships Location // Australian Golf Club Date // November
NOVEMBER 2017
DECEMBER 2017
Sydney Royal Easter Show Location // Sydney Showgrounds Date // 6 - 19 April
Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival Location // Hunter Valley Date // 1 May – 30 June
Wings Over Illawarra and Aviatex Location // Illawarra Regional Airport Date // 6 – 7 May
IRONMAN Australia & IRONMAN 70.3 Port Macquarie Location // Port Macquarie Date // 7 May
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia & Weekend Edition Location // Carriageworks, Eveleigh Date // 14 - 20 May
Australian Senior League Championships Location // Lismore Date // 14 – 19 May
Batlow CiderFest Location // Batlow Date // 20 May
Sydney Writers’ Festival Location // Various locations across Sydney Date // 22 – 28 May
Port to Port MTB Newcastle Location // Port Stephens, Newcastle & The Hunter Date // 25 – 28 May
Semi Permanent Sydney Location // Carriageworks, Eveleigh Date // 25 – 27 May
Arsenal FC in Sydney Location // ANZ Stadium Date // 13 July – v Sydney FC Date // 15 July – v Western Sydney Wanderers
Westfield National Youth Championships for Girls Location // Coffs Harbour Date // 10 – 14 July
Archibald Prize Location // Art Gallery of NSW Date // 29 July – 22 October
Australian Surf Festival Location // Tweed Coast Date // 30 July – 14 August
JULY 2017
For a full list of events go to sydney.com
and visitnsw.com
Bledisloe Cup: Qantas Wallabies v All Blacks Location // ANZ StadiumDate // 19 August
My Fair Lady Location // Capitol Theatre Date // From August Byron Bay Writers Festival Location // Byron Bay Date // 4 – 6 August
Sun Herald City2Surf Location // Hyde Park to Bondi Beach Date // 13 August
Red Rooster Sydney SuperSprint Location // Sydney Motorsport Park Date // 18 – 20 August