Explore Sydney, Canberra and the sensational Southern Highlands

Vivid Sydney 2023 will take place from Friday 26 May to Saturday 17 June. It will feature dedicated food programming for the first time – Vivid Food – which will sit alongside Light, Music and Ideas.
All the details on the website here.
Note events are launched March 2023!
Sydney Festival: This month-long festival of arts and culture takes place in January, and features a wide range of performances, exhibitions, and events, including theatre, dance, music, and visual arts.
Sydney Worldpride 2023 Mardi Gras: This annual celebration of LGBTQI+ culture takes place in February or March, and features a colourful parade, parties, and cultural events.
Royal Easter Show: This annual agricultural show takes place in April, and features a wide range of exhibits and competitions, including livestock, farm produce, and handicrafts, as well as rides and games for all ages.
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will be a tournament of firsts. In 2023, fans will see 32 nations playing 64 matches across nine host cities in Australia and New Zealand for the first time in Women’s World Cup history. The tournament – is held from 20 July to 20 August 2023. Details here.
SXSW Sydney 2023. For the first time since 1987, the iconic SXSW is heading out of Austin TX and making its way to Sydney in 2023. The harbour city will play host to a collision of creativity and culture, forming the centre-point for change-makers over a week-long celebration. Connecting the world’s most awe-inspiring thinkers, creators and innovators, SXSW Sydney will showcase diverse topics, people and free-roaming ideas across Music, Screen, Gaming, Technology, Innovation and culture. Full details here. 
Christmas in the City: During the festive season, Sydney transforms with a range of Christmas events such as Carols in the Domain, Christmas markets and light displays throughout the city, New Year’s Eve is a fantastic time to visit as Sydney puts on an amazing fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Sydney to Canberra via the Southern Highlands seasonal festivals and events:

Bundanoon is Brigadoon (a Scottish gathering) – Easter 2023
Mushroom Foraging – April & May 2023
Kangaroo Valley on Show – Lunch 6 May 2023 ( Part of Shoalhaven Food Network)
Robertson Potato Festival – 6 & 7 May 2023 ( Home of Babe the film)
Winterfest in Bundanoon – July 2023
Various Truffle Lunches July 2023 – Berrima Vault House does one
Coastal Forage – late September 2023
Bong Bong Picnic Races – late Nov 2023
Christmas Lights across the region – mid Dec 2023
Australia Day in Berrima – 26 Jan 2024

Some great things to do in Sydney:

• Sunrise Breakfast at Shangri-La Sydney, Altitude Bar level 36.
  As the sun hits the sails of Sydney Opera House, guests can enjoy an opulent lobster breakfast with a glass of Veuve Clicquot in hand. This is served with a banquet of treats including scrumptious pastries, artisanal cheeses, luscious salads and charcuterie. After a delicious banquet, breakfast lovers can opt to round off their morning meal with a bit of indulgence with Black Oscietra Caviar served with blinis, crème fraiche, chives and a glass of Dom Perignon to wash it down in style. Bookings via hotel here.
• The Porter House Foodie destination. The heritage-listed Porter House building in Sydney’s CBD has been restored and transformed into a multi-level top-notch cuisine zone with outstanding hospitality offerings – Dixson & Sons and Henry’s Bread and Wine – now open. Dixson & Sons, named after Porter House’s founding merchant family, offers a contemporary interpretation of a traditional brasserie. Diners can enjoy a menu grounded in French technique, but with Asian influences and Australian native ingredients.
  Diners and drinkers alike will love the beautiful buzz of Henry’s Bread and Wine. The short, all-day menu kicks off with a selection of pastries from Baked and Co and breakfast bagels, followed by sandwiches and salads from 10am. Much of the menu will be available as take away, making it the perfect grab-and-go destination for a day exploring Sydney city.
  ​Indulge in Spice Trader. A seductive playground for the curious and discerning, Spice Trader is Sydney’s latest cocktail haunt paying homage to a bygone era of merchant traders from across the globe. A stylish late night rendezvous with an unforgettable bar, artisanal cocktails with the allure of the new and exotic. Website and details here.
• Intercontinental Sydney: Aster bar & The Treasury, the luxury hotel in the city’s CBD has unveiled two new venues which opened in September 2022. Aster Bar and The Treasury form part of the venue’s transformation and rewriting of its restaurant and bar concepts. For the first time in the history of the hotel, the rooftop bar, located on the 32nd floor, will open to the public as Aster Bar, offering uninterrupted 270-degree panoramic views of Sydney. Inspired by the hotel’s legendary history and astrology, Aster Bar will offer elevated experiences and high-end touches mixed with an experiential approach to service and creative mixology using Australian flavours and local produce. Located at the heart of the hotel on the site of the former lobby is The Treasury – an all-new dining destination with strong references to the
  roots and history of its location, offering all-day dining and drinking amidst lush plant life inspired by the adjoining Sydney Royal Botanic Garden. A menu of botanical flavours will be available, supplemented by
  an experimental bar offering old classics and a unique mix of local wines and spirits. Look at the bars and the views here
• Tombik – next-door to Crown Sydney Barangaroo for a quality informal meal.
  Tombik is a sleek 45-seat neighbourhood kebab bar in Sydney’s Barangaroo where you’ll find Istanbul-style street food, including the restaurant’s namesake; puffy woodfired tombik bread. The menu at Tombik has been dreamt up by the group’s executive chef Arman Uz, and is inspired by his upbringing in Tarsus in Turkey. Expect house beef rump and lamb belly kebabs, falafel, and biber flatbread with chilli and tahini.
• Rumble – a short 15 minute stroll from Darling Harbour.
  Celebrating the four classic flavours of Southeast Asian culinary culture – sweet, salty, spicy and sour – Rumble is now open at The Star Sydney, in the waterfront suburb of Pyrmont. Rumble takes inspiration from nostalgic, authentic flavours from Head Chef Benjamin Tan’s childhood paired with his experience in modern kitchens across Asia, resulting in an unexpected, progressive and contemporary take on elevated hawker-style street food. The bar offers an inventive cocktail list infused with spices, herbs, teas and fruits that complement Rumble’s four flavour pillars, which are also reflected in the venue’s unique interiors. Located opposite the Lyric Theatre, Rumble is now open for lunch, dinner, drinks and pre-show snacks, seven days a week. Rumble details here.
• Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House and take a tour of the venue
• Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge for amazing views of the city
• Explore the Royal Botanic Garden for a peaceful escape in the heart of the city
• Visit Bondi Beach for a swim or surf and grab a bite to eat at one of the many beachside cafes
• Take a ferry to Taronga Zoo to see Australian wildlife
• Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains for hiking and scenic views
• Visit The Rocks, a historic neighbourhood with cobblestone streets and 19th-century buildings
• Visit Darling Harbour for waterfront dining and entertainment options
• Explore Paddington’s Oxford Street for trendy boutiques and vintage shops.

Some top things to do in Canberra include:

Blue eyes bar & lounge – just opened November 2022…
Inspired by the soulful songs of Frank Sinatra and old Hollywood bars, Blue Eyes’ opulent atmosphere will transport patrons to the glitz and glamour of the golden ages with plush velvet curtains, glittering chandeliers, intimate booths and a mini stage for live music. The lavish decor and interior are complimented by a curated menu of oysters, charcuterie, caviar and expertly crafted signature cocktails. Blue Eyes Bar & Lounge is an unmissable new addition to Canberra’s nightlife scene. For more information, visit the Blue Eyes Bar & Lounge website.

SNAPPER & CO – a great informal dining option.
Canberra’s favourite lakeside venue just got even better, with the new-look Snapper & Co. now open on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin at Yarralumla. The downstairs area of the Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club now
features The Deck at Snapper & Co. – a new indoor dining space and a la carte service with stunning lake views. If you prefer to sit out in the open air, the existing courtyard has also been given a makeover, featuring a gelato bar, loads of seating, a casual dining menu and unrivalled views. A menu expansion accompanies the makeover, but Snapper & Co’s famed fresh fish and chips still take centre stage. On weekends, Snapper & Co. will also offer a breakfast service as well as lunch and dinner. Over the spring and summer periods, sit back and soak up the sounds of live local music every Friday evening and Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
For more information, visit the Snapper & Co website.

Such and Such. A contemporary take on nostalgic classics, the menu twists and turns through a series of snacks, share plates and larger portions. the wine list is subject to frequent rotation…
Drop into Such and Such and taste the new food from the team behind the acclaimed two-hatted Canberra restaurant, Pilot. Such and Such is designed for company, with dishes made to share. Pull up a chair at the luxurious 80 seat venue and relax with a glass of wine, from an extensive wine list boasting premium international and Australian drops. Oysters, pasta, and whole fish are among the highlights of the tastefully luxurious a la carte menu, all locally sourced from producers that share the team’s focus on sustainable, quality cuisine.
Make your booking at Such and Such’s website to suss what the fuss is all about!

1. Visit the National Gallery of Australia, which houses an extensive collection of Australian and international art.
2. Take a tour of Parliament House, the seat of Australia’s government, which offers panoramic views of the city.
3. Enjoy a meal at one of Canberra’s many fine dining restaurants, such as Aubergine or Monster Kitchen and Bar.
4. Explore the Royal Australian Mint, which offers tours of the facility and the opportunity to strike your own coin.
5. Visit the Australian War Memorial, which commemorates the sacrifices and achievements of Australia’s military.
6. Go to the Questacon – National Science and Technology Center, which is an interactive science centre with exhibits and activities for all ages.
7. Take a guided bushwalking tour of the nearby Namadgi National Park to enjoy the scenic beauty and unique wildlife of the Australian bush.
8. Visit the National Portrait Gallery for a unique view of Australian history and culture through the portraits of influential Australians.
9. Take a hot air balloon ride over Canberra to get a bird’s eye view of the city and its surroundings.
10. Relax in one of Canberra’s many parks, such as Commonwealth Park or the Botanic Gardens, which offer beautiful relaxing spaces and recreational areas.

Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales, is a city with a rich history that spans back to the arrival of the first European settlers in 1788. Here are a few historical highlights of Sydney:

1. The Sydney Opera House: This iconic building, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, was opened in 1973 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for its distinctive sail-like design and is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.
2. The Sydney Harbour Bridge: This steel-arch bridge, completed in 1932, connects the city centre with the North Shore and offers spectacular views of the harbour. Visitors can take a guided tour of the bridge or climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
3. The Rocks: This historic neighborhood, located on the western side of Sydney Harbour, is one of the oldest areas of the city and was the site of the first European settlement in Australia. The area is now home to a variety of shops, restaurants and museums, and offers a glimpse into Sydney’s past.
4. Darling Harbour: This waterfront area, located on the western side of the city centre, is home to a variety of attractions including the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Chinese Garden of Friendship, and the Powerhouse Museum.
5. The Australian Museum: This museum, founded in 1827, is the oldest in Australia and is dedicated to the natural and cultural history of the country. It features a wide range of exhibits, including the history of the First Nations peoples, the natural environment and the country’s fauna and flora.
6. The Queen Victoria Building: This historic building, located in the heart of the city, was built in the late 19th century and is now a popular shopping and dining destination. It features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, and is known for its ornate architecture and grand design.
7. The Art Gallery of New South Wales: This gallery, founded in 1871, is home to an impressive collection of Australian and international art and is one of the most visited art museums in the country.
8. The Sydney Town Hall: This historic building, located in the heart of the city, was built in the late 19th century and is now a popular venue for concerts, conferences and events. It is known for its grand architecture and is an important symbol of Sydney’s history.

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, has a rich history that is reflected in its many landmarks and institutions. Here are some historical insights about Canberra:

1. The land on which Canberra sits was originally inhabited by the Indigenous people of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri tribes.
2. The city was chosen as the capital of Australia in 1908, after a long-standing debate between Sydney and Melbourne over which city should hold the title.
3. The design of the city was created by American architect Walter Burley Griffin, who won a competition held in 1912 to design the new capital. The huge main lake is named after him!
4. The construction of Canberra began in 1913, with the first government buildings, such as the Old Parliament House and the National Library of Australia, opening in the 1920s.
5. During World War II, Canberra played an important role as the location of several key government departments and as a training ground for Australian and American military personnel.
6. In 1988, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was granted self-government, with Canberra becoming the seat of the ACT’s government.
7. The city has a strong connection to the country’s political history, with many national institutions and monuments located in Canberra, such as the Australian War Memorial, the National Museum of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia.
8. The city has been built to reflect the country’s history, culture and its aspirations for the future with the presence of national institutions, monuments, and cultural institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery, Questacon – National Science and Technology Center, and the National Arboretum Canberra, which is a living tribute to Australia’s forest heritage.
9. The city has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental conservation, with many green spaces and a commitment to using renewable energy sources.

3 winery Ultimate Hunter Valley Wine Experience – Tyrrell’s VIP Premium Tasting Experience, Audrey Wilkinson master class and premium tasting as well as picnic among the vines and Brokenwood for an intimate tasting in the private tasting room. Your personal host will guide you through six premium Brokenwood wines (three white and three red) as you enjoy specially prepared canapés and a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery where you will learn all aspects of winemaking and delve deep into the history of Brokenwood Wines. Your tour ends in the barrel hall with the opportunity to taste pre-release Brokenwood wine straight from the barrel. From $620 per couple, a hire car is required at additional cost.

Fly Fishing Experience at Printhie – Live the ‘high life’ at 5-star Printhie Wines, where elevated vineyards combined with cool climate craftsmanship produces impeccable wines in picturesque countryside. Set amongst rolling hills, and cradled in the protective shade of magnificent Mt Canobolas, Printhie’s vineyards truly capture the defining elements of the Orange wine region.

Includes:

• Private instructor to guide you through 2 hours of fly fishing including provision of all equipment
• A five-course degustation lunch at Printhie Dining
• Five flagship wines matched perfectly to the menu

From$1220 per couple, a hire car is required at additional cost.