2017 SYDNEY&NSWEVENTS CALENDAR

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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 stunning coastline of endless beaches, or sample the local drop in one of 14 wine regions. Don’t miss the State’s World Heritage Areas – Lord Howe 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

2017 SYDNEY&NSWEVENTS CALENDAR

CONNECT WITH SYDNEYfacebook.com/seesydney

@sydney_sider

@sydney

sydney.com

#ilovesydney

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CONNECT WITH REGIONAL NSWfacebook.com/visitnsw

@NewSouthWales

@visitnsw

visitnsw.com

#NewSouthWales

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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 2017 Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars

Location // McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Date // 10 February

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

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

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

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

Chromefest Location // Central Coast Date // 27 – 29 October

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Location // Sydney Lyric Theatre Date // Opens September 2017

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

ARIA Week & Awards Location // Sydney Date // November

NAB AFL Draft Location // Sydney Date // November

McDonald’s AFL 9s Classic Location // Sydney Date // November

Emirates Australian Open Golf Championships Location // Australian Golf Club 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

Muriel’s Wedding – The Musical Location // Roslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company Date // From 6 November Sydney New Year's Eve

Location // Various locations across Sydney Date // 31 December

Ballet Under the Stars Location // Western Sydney Date // November

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

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

Vivid Sydney Location // Various locations across Sydney Date // 26 May – 17 June

JANUARY 2017

FEBRUARY 2017

MARCH 2017 Bundanoon Highland Gathering Festival Location // Bundanoon Date // 1 April

APRIL 2017

MAY 2017

JUNE 2017 AUGUST 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017Central Coast Sevens Location // Wyong Date // 20 – 22 October

OCTOBER 2017

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

Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft Location // Coonamble Date // June

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