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Need A Lift? Here Are 11 Things To Make You Smile In NSW

With everything that’s happening in the world, it’s important to find ways to feel inspired and uplifted, so here are 11 things NSW has to offer, to put a big cheesy grin on your face.

With everything that’s happening in the world, it’s important to find ways to feel inspired and uplifted, so here are 11 things NSW has to offer, to put a big cheesy grin on your face.

We need all the happy-vibes we can get at the moment, and luckily, the beautiful state of NSW has many stories and experiences that will warm your heart and keep your spirits high. 

We’ve put together a list of 12 things in NSW that will make you smile – like the nine koala joeys at Australian Reptile Park in Gosford, or the new Disney-themed menu at nel. Restaurant in Sydney.

1. Sydney – Great Southern Nights

Music lovers rejoice! Great Southern Nights will bring 1,000 COVID-safe gigs to venues in Sydney and NSW.

This is a new event which will help kickstart the recovery of the live music industry across the state in November 2020.

2. Sydney – Disney Menu at nel.

Smile New South Wales
nel. Restaurant

Nelly Robinson’s latest menu ‘Once Upon a Time’ at nel. restaurant pays homage to his love of Disney. This magical menu is inspired by the chef’s favourite characters and scenes from beloved films – part of the fun will be guessing which Disney classic matches each dish.

3. Sydney – Iconic Icebergs reopens

Smile New South Wales
Scenic dining at Icebergs Dining Rooms and Bar, Bondi

Your favourite seaside restaurant has reopened their doors to diners – Bondi institution Icebergs Dining Room and Bar is back with a live music program and a new all-NSW wine list.

4. Sydney – Taronga Zoo Lion Cam

Smile New South Wales
Taronga Zoo Lions

Keep an eye on Taronga Zoo Sydney’s two-year-old male lions Lwazi and Ato with the new Lion Cam, live streaming on YouTube 24/7. The latest arrivals to the zoo, the lions can be found in the new African Savannah exhibit, open now to visitors.

5. Central Coast – Nine koala joeys born

Smile New South Wales
Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park recently announced that nine healthy koala joeys have been born this season into their conservation breeding program, presenting another successful year of breeding despite the terrible bushfires earlier this year. Visit the park in Gosford to meet the new additions.

6. Shoalhaven – Whale & Wine tour

Smile New South Wales
Humpback whale spotted breaching the waters in Jervis Bay during a swimming with whales tour with Dive Jervis Bay.

Wine Not Tours has paired together two of the Shoalhaven region’s best experiences, whale watching, and wine tasting. From now until mid-November, join this day-tour including a whale cruise, lunch, wine and cheese tasting, and a scenic drive around the region.

7. Sapphire Coast – Oyster Trail

Smile New South Wales
Owner Brett Weingarth guiding the Captain Sponge Magical Oyster Tour in Pambula.

As Sydney Rock oysters come into peak season (August to March), it’s the perfect time for a trip to the Sapphire Coast. Join Captain Sponge on his Magical Oyster Tour to try fresh Pambula Lake Sydney Rock oysters.

8. Thredbo – Backcountry tours

Smile New South Wales
Couple exploring the alpine backcountry in Kosciuszko National Park.

Score fresh snow with Thredbo Resort’s Backcountry Tours, launching 10 August. Learn critical backcountry skills from experienced guides, like first aid and avalanche training, and enjoy mountain terrain all to yourself.

Tours range from introductory to advanced and cater to skiers, snowboarders and snowshoes.

Find out more here.

9. Silverton – Outback camel ride

Smile New South Wales
Couple meeting a friendly camel at the Silverton Camel Farm in Silverton.

While Silverton Outback Camels launched during uncertain times earlier this year, they have now reopened and are taking bookings – try a short camel ride around their outback farm, or a longer sunset ride through historical Silverton at dusk. 

10. Tweed – Snorkel with turtles

Smile New South Wales
Woman freediving with a local sea turtle in waters off Cook Island, Fingal Head.

Visit Cook Island off the Tweed Coast, the home to a permanent population of green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles, as well as a colourful mix of reef and pelagic fish. Watersports Guru offers daily tours all year round.

11. Coolamon – Follow the Canola Trail

Smile New South Wales
The vibrant golden canola fields in Temora Shire.

The bright yellow fields of the Canola Trail are sure to put a smile on your face. The trail will take you from Coolamon to Junee, and then on to Temora, a journey full of incredible food and wine experiences and stunning landscapes. Visit between now and October to experience the Canola Trail in full bloom.

Feeling uplifted?

We hope so.

Share your NSW experiences on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter and be part of the #LoveNSW movement. 

Click here for more information.

READ: Six Of The Best: An Agent’s Guide To NSW’s Food And Wine Regions

PLEASE NOTE: In line with Australian Government recommendations, non-essential domestic travel should be postponed where possible, or cancelled. It is recommended you follow NSW Health advice regarding personal hygiene, social distancing and public events and gatherings. These measures will help to control the spread of the virus and protect the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors. Health and wellbeing is the number one priority.