New experiences in NSW 2017

Summer is in full swing, and locals and visitors alike are being treated to a range of exciting new cafés, restaurants, bars and hotels that are opening across Sydney and regional NSW. Some of the Summer’s hottest new venues and experiences include the Queens Hotel in Enmore, Sydney Opera House’s pop-up Summer Playground, and Bills Fish House + Bar in Port Macquarie.

For the first time ever, Sydney’s major arts and cultural venues will all be open together late on Wednesday nights throughout summer. Participating venues include the Art Gallery of NSW, Australian Museum, Carriageworks, Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, Museum of Contemporary Art, State Library of NSW, and Sydney Opera House. More information is available here.

The Sydney Opera House’s Coney Island inspired Summer Playground has rolled up to the Western Broadwalk, transforming the prime harbour side location into a hub of fairground frivolity throughout January. The pop up will include a light-adorned wooden rollercoaster track and a gravity-defying rollercoaster Virtual Reality experience, handcrafted classic board games, crazy mirrors, giant jenga, deckchairs, and even a sandpit. A full line-up of entertainers, menus, and more information is available here.

Fantasea Cruising has launched a new catamaran cruising experience. The ‘Classic Aussie Cruise’ will take in Sydney’s iconic landmarks the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and include an authentic Australian burger and beer plus insightful commentary from an Aussie host.

Goulburn Visitor Information Centre has turned mobile taking to the road in a Mercedes Sprinter van nicknamed Vicki. The van features television screens showcasing local attractions, and provides visitors with all the latest information with visitor guides, city and region maps, dining and accommodation guides as well as the monthly calendar of events.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo has launched its new African safari-style experience. The Savannah Safari features two purpose-built safari trucks that carry visitors through the zoo’s African Savannah exhibit, to see giraffes, two species of antelopes and ostriches.

The Australian National Maritime Museum’s cutting-edge attraction and permanent exhibition Action Stations has won the display category at the prestigious World Architecture Festival Awards in Berlin. Action Station is a hi-tech and immersive exhibition that allows visitors to explore the danger and drama of military life and the inner workings of the Navy.

Australian artisan jewellery and accessories designer Lucy Folk has opened the doors of its first Sydney concept store, PLAYA by Lucy Folk in iconic Bondi Beach. The concept store is a tropical oasis complete with Lucy Folk jewels, eyewear and accessories.

Madame Tussauds Sydney has welcomed the world’s first figures of Angry Birds. The feathered friends will take center stage in a digital experience which allows guests to star alongside the life-size wax figures in scenes from the blockbuster movie through a 3D touch screen.