Four Captivating Inland NSW Landscapes You Need to See to Believe

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

From dramatic waterfalls plunging into ancient gorges to volcanic rock formations, alpine wildflowers and some of the clearest night skies in Australia, inland New South Wales is home to landscapes that seem almost too spectacular to be real.

For travellers seeking unforgettable scenery, walking adventures and nature escapes, these four captivating landscapes showcase the extraordinary diversity of inland NSW.

1) Wollomombi Falls, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Near Walcha, Wollomombi Falls is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in inland NSW. Water plunges approximately 220 metres from the edge of the gorge into the Wollomombi River below, creating a dramatic scene surrounded by rugged cliffs and deep valleys.  

The waterfall's horsetail shape narrows at the top before expanding into a powerful cascade, with mist sometimes producing rainbows in the sunlight.

The Main Lookout provides a broad, wheelchair-accessible viewing platform, while the Wollomombi Lookout can be reached via the 1.6 kilometre Wollomombi Track for an elevated perspective.

Armidale, about 30 minutes away, makes a convenient base for exploring the region.

2) Volcanic Wonders of Warrumbungle National Park

Warrumbungle National Park

Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran combines spectacular daytime scenery with extraordinary night-time views. The landscape was shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity, leaving behind dramatic peaks, cliffs and distinctive rock formations.

One of the best ways to experience the scenery is the Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk. The famous Breadknife rises about 90 metres above the valley floor, creating one of the park's most recognisable natural landmarks.

After sunset, the Warrumbungle region becomes equally impressive. The park is Australia's first International Dark Sky Park, offering exceptional opportunities to experience a spectacular star-filled sky away from city light pollution.

3) Snowy Mountains Scenery on the Snowies Alpine Walk

Snowies Alpine Walk

For mountain scenery, the Snowies Alpine Walk through Kosciuszko National Park offers an unforgettable four-day adventure.

The 56 kilometre walking experience travels through snow gum forests, alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and high mountain landscapes, linking Guthega, Perisher Valley and Charlotte Pass.

The walk is designed for the warmer months when alpine conditions allow access. Experienced walkers can undertake a self-guided journey, while guided options are available for travellers wanting additional support.

Jindabyne provides a useful base for exploring the Snowy Mountains, with accommodation ranging from cosy mountain cabins to distinctive retreats.

4) Wollemi National Park, Blue Mountains

Wollemi National Park

It is hard to believe that such a vast and solitary wilderness can be found so close to Sydney. Wollemi National Park is a spectacular landscape of towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, dense bushland and winding rivers, offering travellers a genuine escape into nature.

Near Rylstone, Pagoda Lookout provides a memorable view of the park's ancient conical sandstone formations. At sunset, the rocks are transformed by warm shades of pink and gold, creating one of inland NSW's most captivating landscapes.

For adventurous travellers, Newnes Campground offers a secluded camping experience beneath sandstone cliffs, reached by a 10km hike. Those seeking greater comfort can stay at Kyah Hotel in Blackheath, while Yutori in the Capertee Valley offers an off-grid farm stay with cabins, sauna and cold plunge.

Where to stay: Choose Newnes Campground for a wilderness experience, Kyah Hotel for comfortable accommodation in Blackheath, or Yutori for a peaceful off-grid escape in the Capertee Valley.

Inland NSW Is a Landscape Adventure

These remarkable destinations reveal a side of New South Wales where enormous waterfalls, ancient volcanic landscapes, alpine wilderness and extraordinary dark skies create memorable travel experiences.

Whether you are planning a weekend escape, a walking holiday or a longer NSW road trip, inland NSW offers spectacular scenery well beyond the state's famous coastline.

From the plunging waters of Wollomombi Falls to the volcanic peaks of the Warrumbungles and the alpine landscapes of Kosciuszko National Park, these are landscapes that truly need to be seen to be believed.

Destination NSW

Website: https://www.visitnsw.com/
Phone: 1800 002 234
Address: 35 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

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LUMINA Opens in Hobart: The Tasman’s New Event Space Shines on the Waterfront

LUMINA

Hobart has welcomed a new destination for conferences, corporate events, gala dinners and celebrations with the opening of LUMINA at The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart.

Located in Parliament Square in the heart of Hobart, LUMINA combines contemporary architecture, flexible event space and the distinctive Tasmanian character of The Tasman. Its central location places event guests close to Hobart’s historic waterfront, Salamanca Place, accommodation, restaurants and the city's cultural attractions.

A Flexible New Hobart Event Venue

Designed as a column-free, clear-span space, LUMINA provides organisers with an open setting that can be adapted for different styles of events.

The venue can accommodate up to 220 guests for a reception and up to 190 guests for a banquet, while conference-style events can accommodate up to 150 people. The flexibility makes LUMINA suitable for corporate conferences, incentive events, product launches, gala dinners, cocktail functions, meetings and weddings.

With 270 square metres of event space, LUMINA provides a substantial new option for organisations searching for a Hobart conference venue or business events destination.

Tasmanian Design at the Heart of LUMINA

LUMINA

The design of LUMINA reflects the connection between The Tasman and its island home.

Tasmanian materials and craftsmanship are incorporated throughout the development, complementing the hotel's architectural story and its blend of heritage and contemporary design.

The result is an event environment that combines modern functionality with a strong sense of place, giving visiting delegates an opportunity to experience Tasmania through design, food and hospitality.

Events with Hobart on the Doorstep

One of LUMINA's attractions for event planners is its location.

The Tasman sits between Hobart's CBD and waterfront, with Salamanca Place and Battery Point within easy reach. Guests can also explore Hobart's cultural attractions, restaurants and waterfront experiences during a conference or incentive program.

The hotel itself provides accommodation and dining, allowing organisers to combine meetings and events with a stay in one location. The Tasman has 152 rooms and suites spanning heritage, Art Deco and contemporary accommodation styles.

A New Choice for Business Events in Tasmania

LUMINA

LUMINA adds another option for event organisers considering Tasmania for conferences, incentives and corporate gatherings.

For incentive groups, the combination of a luxury Hobart hotel, locally inspired dining and access to Tasmania's natural and cultural experiences creates opportunities to extend an event beyond the meeting room.

For organisers searching for a Hobart event venue, conference venue or gala dinner location, LUMINA provides a flexible new setting in the centre of the city.

The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hbalc-the-tasman-a-luxury-collection-hotel-hobart/

Director of Sales: Kim Upton
Email: kim.upton@luxurycollection.com

Phone: +61 447 587 100
Hotel phone: +61 3 6240 6000
Address: 12 Murray Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia

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Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of): Jane Austen Gets a Hilarious Musical Makeover in Brisbane

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)

Jane Austen's beloved romance has been given a wildly entertaining musical makeover, with the Olivier Award-winning Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) now bringing its irreverent humour, pop music and larger-than-life characters to Brisbane.

The five-star musical comedy sensation opens at the Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre to 18 October 2026. Direct from its acclaimed West End run, the Australian production offers audiences a fresh and energetic interpretation of one of literature's most famous love stories.

Jane Austen Meets Pop Musical Comedy

Written by Isobel McArthur after Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) takes the familiar world of Elizabeth Bennet, Mr Darcy, Jane, Bingley and the Bennet family and turns it into an irreverent musical comedy.

Five performers take on the entire cast of characters, moving rapidly between roles and combining comedy, music and theatrical storytelling. The Brisbane production stars Amy Lehpamer, Zoe Ioannou, Kaori Maeda-Judge, Ruby Shannon and Teo Vergara.

Rather than presenting Austen's story as a traditional period drama, the production uses contemporary humour and pop classics to create a very different theatrical experience.

Pop Classics and Regency Romance

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)

Music is central to the show's distinctive style, with familiar songs including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You're So Vain woven into the story.

The result is a collision of Regency romance and modern musical comedy, as love, money, marriage and social expectations become the ingredients for an energetic theatrical romp.

The production has been described by the Daily Telegraph as "smart, laugh out loud funny", while its Australian tour follows a West End season in which it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy.

Five Performers, Dozens of Characters

One of the show's theatrical attractions is the way its five performers transform into numerous characters.

Amy Lehpamer plays Tillie, Charlotte Lucas, Charles Bingley and Miss Bingley, while Zoe Ioannou takes on Flo, Mrs Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Kaori Maeda-Judge plays Clara, Jane Bennet, George Wickham and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Ruby Shannon portrays Anne, Mary Bennet, Lydia Bennet, Mr Collins and Mrs Gardiner, while Teo Vergara plays Effie and Elizabeth Bennet.

A Limited Brisbane Season at QPAC

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) plays at the Playhouse at QPAC until 18 October 2026.

Performance times vary throughout the season, with evening and matinee performances scheduled across the week. Tickets are currently listed by QPAC from $69 to $149, plus a transaction fee, with discounts available for selected groups and younger audiences.

The Playhouse is an 850-seat theatre at QPAC, located on the Russell Street side of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and close to South Bank Parklands and South Brisbane Station.

Recommended for audiences aged 14 and over, the production contains coarse language, loud sound effects, strobe and flashing lighting, smoke and haze.

Pride and Prejudice (sort of) Brisbane

Venue: Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Season:  to 18 October 2026
Tickets: From $69, plus transaction fee
Bookings: QPAC / QTIX
Phone: 136 246
Website: https://www.prideandprejudicesortof.com.au/
QPAC: https://www.qpac.com.au/

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Skyline Queenstown: A New Era for Business Events Above Lake Wakatipu

Skyline Queenstown

Few business event destinations can match the setting of Skyline Queenstown, where delegates can travel by Gondola from the heart of Queenstown to a spectacular alpine location overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

Skyline Queenstown is a major attraction and business events venue on Bob’s Peak, combining spectacular scenery, dining, entertainment and adventure experiences. The destination is now undergoing a major phased redevelopment designed to create a world-class attraction and an enhanced conference and events facility.

Skyline Queenstown was one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, New Zealand’s national business events tradeshow, held in Auckland from 17 to 18 June 2026. 

Business Events with a Spectacular View

The Skyline experience begins with the Gondola journey from Brecon Street, rising above Queenstown to Bob’s Peak. At the top, delegates are rewarded with panoramic views across Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown and the surrounding Southern Alps.

Before the redevelopment, Skyline Queenstown’s conference and event facilities offered capacity for up to 430 guests for a banquet, 650 for cocktails and 380 in theatre-style seating, with three meeting rooms. However, BEIA advises that the current redevelopment means standard conference and event space has limited availability and capacity.

For organisers planning future conferences, corporate functions and incentive programmes, this makes Skyline Queenstown a destination worth watching as its transformation progresses.

Project Skyline Creates a New Events Destination

Skyline Queenstown

The redevelopment began in late 2021 and is being delivered in stages. Skyline says the project is designed to create a new era for its Queenstown complex, including upgraded attractions, hospitality facilities, viewing areas and conference and event spaces.

The current Skyline information indicates the redevelopment is expected to be completed in early 2029, while BEIA's supplier listing refers to completion by late 2028. Event planners should therefore confirm current availability, capacities and project timing directly with Skyline when planning an event.

The future events offering is planned to include 535 square metres of purpose-built space with flexible layouts and capacity for up to 700 guests for cocktail events.

More Than a Conference Venue

Skyline Queenstown provides opportunities to combine business events with some of Queenstown’s best-known visitor experiences.

Delegates can enjoy the Gondola, spectacular viewing areas, dining at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar and the Queenstown Luge, while the wider destination provides an extensive choice of adventure, wine, nature and incentive experiences.

For conference and incentive organisers, the attraction of Skyline is the ability to turn a meeting into an experience, with Queenstown’s alpine landscape becoming part of the event itself.

A Venue to Watch in Queenstown

Skyline Queenstown

As Project Skyline progresses, the destination is being positioned for a new generation of conferences, corporate events, incentive groups and celebrations.

For event planners searching for distinctive Queenstown conference venues, Skyline Queenstown represents an evolving destination where spectacular scenery, hospitality, entertainment and business events come together above Lake Wakatipu.

Skyline Queenstown

Contact Person: Richard Crouch, Head of Sales NZ
Website: www.skyline.co.nz/queenstown
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkylineQueenstown/

Email: Richard.crouch@skyline.co.nz
General Email: queenstown@skyline.co.nz
Phone: +64 3 441 0101
Address: Brecon Street, Queenstown, New Zealand

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/.

Karate Day 2026: Experience Okinawa’s Martial Arts Heritage in Naha

Karate Day Commemorative Performance Festival in Naha

Visitors to Okinawa in November can experience the birthplace of karate at the Karate Day Commemorative Performance Festival in Naha on 8 November 2026.

Held along the famous Kokusai Street, the spectacular event celebrates Okinawa’s centuries-old martial arts heritage with demonstrations by skilled karate practitioners. For martial arts fans, active travellers and first-time visitors to Okinawa, it is a unique opportunity to see the island’s traditional culture performed at the highest level.

Celebrate the Birthplace of Karate

Okinawa is internationally recognised as the birthplace of karate, a martial art that has spread from the Ryukyu Islands to countries around the world.

The roots of Okinawan karate can be traced back many centuries, with the art shaped by the island’s unique history and cultural connections. More than a fighting discipline, karate embodies values including courtesy, discipline, respect and self-control.

Okinawa officially designated 25 October as Karate Day, commemorating the history and international development of the martial art. The prefecture describes karate as an important part of Okinawa’s cultural identity and a tradition that has reached communities across the globe.

Watch Spectacular Karate Demonstrations

Karate Day

The 2026 Karate Day Commemorative Performance Festival will be held on Sunday 8 November from 3pm to 4:30pm on Kokusai Dori Street in Naha.

Visitors can watch experienced karate practitioners demonstrate precise kata, powerful techniques and the disciplined movements that distinguish Okinawan karate. The performance provides an accessible introduction to the martial art, even for visitors who have never studied karate.

The event is free, making it an appealing addition to an Okinawa holiday itinerary. The official Okinawa tourism guide recommends checking the event website or contacting the organiser for the latest information before attending.

Discover Okinawa Beyond the Beaches

The Karate Day celebration offers travellers an opportunity to experience an important part of Okinawan culture beyond the island’s famous beaches, resorts and marine attractions.

Naha provides an ideal base for exploring Okinawa’s martial arts heritage, with Kokusai Street also offering restaurants, shops, markets and other attractions. Travellers can combine the festival with sightseeing around Naha and visits to other cultural attractions.

For active travellers, karate experiences can also be incorporated into a wider Okinawa itinerary, with opportunities around the prefecture to learn about traditional karate and its techniques.

Plan Your Okinawa Karate Experience

Karate Day

For anyone searching for things to do in Okinawa in November, the Karate Day Commemorative Performance Festival offers a memorable cultural experience.

Whether you are a dedicated martial arts enthusiast or simply curious about Okinawan traditions, watching karate practitioners perform in the heart of Naha provides an opportunity to connect with one of Japan’s most internationally recognised cultural traditions.

Okinawa Prefecture Karate Promotion Division

Website: https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/
Phone: +81 98 866 2232
Address: 1-2-2 Izumizaki, Naha, Okinawa 900-8570, Japan

Official Okinawa Travel Guide

Website: https://visitokinawajapan.com/

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Auckland Beyond the City: Seven Rural and Waterfront Venues for Business Events

The Boat House at The Riverhead

Auckland’s business events scene extends well beyond the city centre. Vineyards, waterfront properties, private estates and rural venues provide memorable alternatives for incentive groups, executive offsites, conference dinners and corporate celebrations.

Auckland Convention Bureau, one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, showcased the region’s diverse business-events experiences and venues. For organisers, travelling beyond central Auckland can become part of the programme, with the changing scenery adding another dimension to the delegate experience.

The Riverhead: Waterfront Corporate Events

Around 25 minutes from central Auckland, The Boat House at The Riverhead provides a private riverside setting with indoor and outdoor spaces, expansive decks and lawns. The venue accommodates up to 140 guests for a banquet and 250 for cocktails, making it suitable for corporate functions, private dinners and celebrations.

Vin Alto: Mediterranean Style in Clevedon

Set among olive trees in Clevedon, Vin Alto combines a rural setting with Mediterranean-inspired dining. Around 40 minutes from Auckland CBD, its renovated winery is suited to smaller corporate dinners and incentive groups, with capacity for 60 banquet guests or 120 for cocktails.

The McCallum Residence: Exclusive Coastal Hosting

The McCallum Residence

For executive and incentive groups seeking privacy, The McCallum Residence in Clevedon offers an exclusive estate experience with a private beach, luxury accommodation, a private chef and butler service. Its event spaces can accommodate up to 50 guests for a banquet or 70 for cocktails.

Puketutu Island Estate: Island Atmosphere Without a Ferry

Connected to Auckland by an all-tide causeway, Puketutu Island Estate creates an island-style escape without complex ferry logistics. Gardens, terraces and elegant indoor spaces can accommodate up to 200 banquet guests and 300 for cocktails.

Kauri Bay: Adventure Meets Business Events

Kauri Bay 

Kauri Bay combines a 500-acre Clevedon property, coastal views and a private event setting. Corporate groups can combine dining with activities including claybird shooting, four-wheel-drive experiences, extreme golf and helicopter experiences. The venue accommodates up to 200 banquet guests and 250 for cocktails.

Settlers Country Manor: Heritage and Gardens

About 25 minutes from Auckland CBD, Settlers Country Manor in Waimauku offers historic character, landscaped gardens and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces. The property can host corporate functions, awards evenings and celebrations, with capacity reaching 350 banquet guests and 400 for cocktails.

Karaka Pavilion: Events with Equestrian Character

Vin Alto

In Auckland’s rural south, Karaka Pavilion provides spacious event areas surrounded by gardens and stable buildings, reflecting Karaka’s equestrian heritage. Its Pavilion can accommodate up to 300 banquet guests and 500 for cocktails, making it suitable for larger corporate dinners, conferences and celebrations.

Auckland Convention Bureau

Contact: Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events
Phone: +64 21 142 2245
Email: meet@aucklandnz.com
Website: https://origin.aucklandconventionbureau.com/

The Riverhead – The Boat House

Contact: Functions Team
Phone: +64 9 412 8902
Email: book@theriverhead.co.nz
Website: https://www.theriverhead.co.nz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRiverhead/

Vin Alto

Contact: Events Team
Phone: +64 9 292 8845 or +64 21 289 7776
Email: enquiries@vinalto.co.nz
Website: https://www.vinalto.co.nz/

Puketutu Island Estate

The McCallum Residence

Contact: Events Team
Phone: +64 21 882 320
Email: info@mccallumresidence.co.nz
Website: https://www.mccallumresidence.co.nz/

Puketutu Island Estate

Contact: Events Team
Email: info@puketutuislandestate.co.nz
Website: https://www.puketutuislandestate.co.nz/
Address: 600 Island Road, Māngere, Auckland 2022

Kauri Bay

Settlers Country Manor

Contact: Events Team
Phone: +64 9 298 7779
Email: events@kauribay.co.nz
Website: https://kauribay.co.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kauribay/

Settlers Country Manor

Contact: Events Team
Phone: +64 9 411 7809
Email: info@settlersmanor.co.nz
Website: https://www.settlerscountrymanor.co.nz/
Address: 81 Waimauku Station Road, Waimauku, Auckland 0812

Karaka Pavilion

Karaka Pavilion

Contact: Bec McLeod
Email: bec.mcleod@99reasons.co.nz
Website: https://karakapavilion.co.nz/

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at The Holiday and Travel Magazine.

Cambodia's One Tourist, One Tree Campaign Grows a Greener Future

“One Tourist, One Tree”

Cambodia is inviting travellers to leave more than memories behind with its new “One Tourist, One Tree” campaign, an initiative encouraging domestic and international visitors to plant a tree during their journey and contribute to greener tourism destinations.

The campaign connects travel with environmental conservation and community benefits, supporting Cambodia's ambition to develop a more sustainable tourism industry while protecting the country's natural resources for future generations.

Planting Trees Through Tourism

The “One Tourist, One Tree” initiative was highlighted on 1 August following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The agreement focuses on cooperation to promote green belts in tourism areas and improve the efficiency of agricultural production chains.

The initiative was marked by a tree-planting ceremony at the ASEAN-Korea Garden, also known as Rosewood Garden, in Siem Reap Province. Tourism Minister Huot Hak and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Dith Tina, accompanied by Siem Reap Provincial Administration Governor Prak Sophorn, took part in the event.

Making Every Visit More Sustainable

“One Tourist, One Tree”

The campaign encourages visitors to plant a tree during their stay, transforming a holiday or domestic trip into an opportunity to make a positive environmental contribution.

For travellers visiting Cambodia, the concept provides a simple way to become involved in sustainable tourism. A tree planted today can contribute to greener landscapes and provide environmental benefits for local communities over many years.

The initiative also reflects the growing importance of responsible tourism, where destinations seek to balance visitor experiences with environmental protection and community development.

Cambodia's tourism offering extends well beyond its internationally recognised cultural attractions. The country has forests, wetlands, rivers, mountains, beaches and rural communities, making environmental conservation an important part of maintaining its tourism appeal.

Siem Reap Leads the Green Tourism Message

Siem Reap provided a fitting location for the campaign's launch activity. The province is internationally recognised as the home of Angkor, while also offering opportunities to explore the Tonle Sap, rural landscapes and nature-based experiences.

The Ministry of Tourism promotes a range of eco-tourism activities across Cambodia, including birdwatching, mangrove kayaking, cycling, hiking, wildlife experiences and visits to natural areas.

By connecting tree planting with tourism, Cambodia can add an environmental dimension to the visitor experience while strengthening awareness of conservation.

Towards a Green, Clean and Smart Destination

The “One Tourist, One Tree” campaign supports Cambodia's broader vision of becoming a “Green, Clean and Smart Tourism Destination”.

For international travellers increasingly interested in responsible and sustainable travel, initiatives such as this can provide another reason to explore Cambodia while contributing to environmental conservation.

The campaign also highlights an important principle for the future of tourism: destinations can welcome visitors while encouraging them to become participants in protecting the places they visit.

With every tree planted, a holiday can leave a lasting legacy that extends beyond the traveller's departure and benefits local communities and future generations.

Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia

Website: https://www.tourismcambodia.org/
Email: info@tourismcambodia.org
Phone: +855 23 426 124
Address: No. 3, Street 350, Sangkat Boeung Keng Kang 1, Khan Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Australian Poetry Slam 2026: The Road to the Sydney Opera House National Final

The Australian Poetry Slam 2026

The Australian Poetry Slam 2026 season is heading towards its biggest moments, with poets across the country competing in a series of state and city finals before the national competition reaches the Sydney Opera House on Sunday 25 October.

From Sydney and Melbourne to Queensland and beyond, the remaining Australian Poetry Slam finals offer audiences the opportunity to experience powerful live poetry, spoken word and storytelling as emerging writers take to the stage.

Australia’s National Celebration of Spoken Word

Australian Poetry Slam is a nationwide spoken-word competition presented by Word Travels, giving writers an opportunity to perform their original work before a live audience.

The 2026 season has taken poetry beyond traditional literary venues and into communities across Australia. The competition includes heats and finals in more than 60 locations, with performers progressing through the stages towards the national final.

The format puts the audience at the centre of the experience, with audience members involved in judging performances and helping determine which poets progress.

The Remaining Australian Poetry Slam 2026 Finals

The Australian Poetry Slam 2026

For audiences looking for live entertainment and cultural events in October, several major Australian Poetry Slam finals are still to come.

The Sydney Final takes place on Friday 9 October from 7pm to 10pm at Word Travels – International Performing Writers Centre at Impact Lab in Darlinghurst.

Melbourne hosts the Victoria State Final on Saturday 10 October from 5pm to 7.30pm at The Performance Space at The Wheeler Centre.

The NSW State Final follows on Friday 16 October from 7pm to 9.30pm at the State Library of New South Wales in Sydney.

Queensland's State Final takes place on Saturday 17 October from 7pm to 9.40pm at the Queensland Multicultural Centre in Kangaroo Point.

Event times and venues are subject to change, so audiences should check the official Australian Poetry Slam listings before attending.

Sydney Opera House Hosts the National Final

The journey reaches its national finale on Sunday 25 October when the Australian Poetry Slam National Final takes over the Sydney Opera House.

The 2026 National Final is scheduled from 5pm to 8pm, bringing together leading poets who have progressed through the national competition.

At the National Final, the highest-scoring Australian resident aged over 18 is awarded the Australian Poetry Slam Champion title and a prize package valued at $20,000. The package includes publication opportunities, paid performance opportunities and professional mentoring.

Where Words Take Centre Stage

The Australian Poetry Slam 2026

Australian Poetry Slam offers more than a traditional poetry reading. Performers deliver their original words live, while audiences become part of the atmosphere through the competition's interactive format.

The result is an energetic evening of spoken word, personal stories, ideas and performance, making the remaining 2026 finals worth considering for anyone searching for cultural events, live entertainment and things to do in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

With the national final approaching, the Australian Poetry Slam 2026 season is entering its final and most anticipated stage.

Australian Poetry Slam

Website: https://www.australianpoetryslam.com/
Email: info@australianpoetryslam.com

For event dates, tickets, venues and the latest 2026 Australian Poetry Slam information, visit: https://www.australianpoetryslam.com/all-events

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A Beautiful Noise: Neil Diamond Musical Brings His Greatest Hits to Sydney

BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL

Sydney audiences will soon have the chance to experience the music and story of one of popular music’s most enduring performers when A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL arrives at Sydney Lyric.

Following its Melbourne season, the Broadway musical will begin Sydney previews on Saturday 14 November 2026, with the season now extended through to Sunday 14 February 2027. Final tickets have been released for the Sydney season at Sydney Lyric in Pyrmont.

The Story Behind the Songs

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE tells the story of how a Brooklyn kid became an international singer-songwriter and rock icon.

The musical traces Diamond’s extraordinary career through the songs that became part of the soundtrack of generations. His catalogue includes enduring favourites such as “Sweet Caroline”, “America” and “Forever in Blue Jeans”, bringing the familiar music together with the story behind the performer.

With more than 140 million albums sold, membership of both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Diamond’s career provides plenty of material for a large-scale musical biography.

A Broadway Musical Comes to Sydney

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE

The Australian production features Broadway star Will Swenson as Neil Diamond – Then, bringing his performance to Australian audiences for the first time.

He is joined by an Australian cast including Terence Crawford as Neil Diamond – Now, Ashleigh Rubenach as Marcia Murphey, Monica Sayers as Doctor, Alana Tranter as Jaye Posner and Tim Wright as Fred Weintraub and Tommy O’Rourke.

The creative team includes Tony Award winner Michael Mayer as director, Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett as choreographer and four-time Academy Award nominee Anthony McCarten as writer.

A Musical Celebration of a Remarkable Career

For Australian audiences, Neil Diamond has a particularly strong connection with the country. His music has been part of Australian popular culture for decades, while his 1972 live album Hot August Night became a major Australian chart success.

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE brings those songs and memories to the theatre in a production combining live performance, storytelling, choreography and a catalogue of songs that has travelled across generations.

The Sydney production runs for approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Ticketmaster currently lists the production at Sydney Lyric through 14 February 2027.

Plan a Sydney Theatre Night

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE

Sydney Lyric is located at The Star on Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, overlooking Pyrmont Bay. The theatre can be reached by light rail, ferry, bus and train, making it convenient for audiences travelling from across Sydney and beyond.

The theatre also has bars for pre-show and interval refreshments, while nearby restaurants and accommodation make it possible to turn a visit to A BEAUTIFUL NOISE into a complete Sydney night out.

Sydney Season Details

Venue: Sydney Lyric, Pyrmont
Previews: From Saturday 14 November 2026
Season: Through to Sunday 14 February 2027
Performance times: Various Wednesday to Sunday sessions
Tickets: From $69, plus applicable transaction fees
Bookings: Ticketmaster
Group bookings: Available for groups of 10 or more

Sydney Lyric

Website: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Phone: 02 9509 3600
Address: 55 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia

Tickets: Ticketmaster – A Beautiful Noise

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Silk Estate Marquee Events: Extraordinary Canterbury Events in Extraordinary Locations

Silk Estate Marquee Events

Imagine a business event surrounded by Canterbury’s spectacular landscapes, with a stylish marquee designed to bring the outdoors into the experience. That is the concept behind Silk Estate Marquee Events, an award-winning Canterbury specialist creating premium marquee events in some of New Zealand’s most inspiring locations.

Silk Estate Marquee Events was one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026 in Auckland, where New Zealand’s business events industry gathered at the New Zealand International Convention Centre on 17 and 18 June. The company is listed by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) as a multi-region service and venue provider.

Canterbury Marquee Events with a Difference

Silk Estate offers a distinctive alternative to conventional conference and event venues. Its premium marquees can transform a field, private property, garden, lakeside setting, historic homestead or other meaningful location into an elegant event space.

The company works throughout Canterbury, combining contemporary design with the region’s spectacular natural scenery. Panoramic sides allow natural light to flood into the marquee while providing guests with views of the surrounding landscape.

Premium Marquees for Corporate Events

Silk Estate Marquee Events

For business events, Silk Estate offers contemporary structure marquees with clear or solid roof panels, traditional peg and pole marquees and elegant Hampton-style marquees.

The marquees provide a flexible blank canvas that can be styled to reflect a company, brand or event theme. Furniture, tableware, linen, lighting and bespoke décor can be incorporated to create everything from sophisticated corporate functions and gala dinners to relaxed incentive events and special celebrations.

More Than Marquee Hire

Silk Estate provides a collaborative event design and delivery service rather than simply supplying a marquee. Its team can assist with site visits, event planning, layout design, styling, logistics, compliance and onsite management.

Corporate event services can also include furniture, tableware, catering facilities, audiovisual equipment, lighting, heating and cooling, electrical requirements, generators and restrooms. This integrated approach allows event organisers to bring together the practical and creative elements of an outdoor event through one experienced team.

Creating Memorable Canterbury Experiences

Silk Estate Marquee Events

For conference organisers, incentive planners and companies looking for a venue with a difference, Silk Estate opens up possibilities beyond traditional hotel function rooms.

Its approach makes Canterbury’s landscapes part of the event itself, creating opportunities for delegates to experience New Zealand’s scenery while enjoying a carefully designed business or social event.

Silk Estate’s participation at MEETINGS 2026 also placed its Canterbury marquee experiences before buyers and event professionals from across the business events industry.

Silk Estate Marquee Events

Contact Person: Kate Blundell
Website: silkestate.co.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SilkEstateMarquees/
Email: hello@silkestate.co.nz
Phone: +64 3 975 8688
Toll Free: 0800 558 558
Address: 81 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch, New Zealand

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