Explore NSW’s best-kept secrets

WHEN was the last time you really connected with New South Wales (NSW)?

Sure, you may have taken a trip to inner Sydney or one of the other popular tourist destinations, but did you get out of the inner city and explore what else the beautiful state has to offer?

This year, take some time to refresh your connection to NSW by exploring some of its incredible history and culture.

From Surry Hills to Wagga Wagga, there’s something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an amazing adventure!

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1. Dine like a local in Surry Hills

From a captivating underworld history to on-trend tipples in chic spaces, the inner-city suburb of Surry Hills in NSW is full of bold contrasts.

One way to connect to this precinct’s pulse is to share food and stories at a progressive dinner with Sydney local, Maree Sheehan.

Her Sydney Connection walking tour for six takes you to excellent eateries that surprise you with sensational dishes that will make you feel right at home.

Soak up the thriving Surry Hills scene, strolling from place to place along the tree-lined streets, listening to Maree’s enthralling tales of gangsters, wine and food.

On any given night, you might sip a Rye Me A River cocktail at Tilly May’s, taste fluffy souffle at LoLuk Bistro or savour Korean charcoal chicken at Soul Dining.

2. Learn about Indigenous botanicals

Step back in time to a memorable Indigenous experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery in NSW.

The Aboriginal Bush Tucker and Wine Making Experience takes you on a cultural and botanical journey, guided by a local Darkinjung Elder and Firescreek’s winemaker.

Encircled by peaceful gardens, feel every sense come alive as you listen to the didgeridoo being played.

Gather around to sample NSW’s native botanicals from an authentic Coolamon bowl and learn how seasonal ingredients are transformed into Firescreek’s award-winning wines.

Taste rare vintages of Australian botanical-infused wines you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Australian Aboriginal men play Aboriginal music on didgeridoo and wooden instruments.

3. Cycle along Sapphire’s secret trails

Feel at one with the landscape as you pedal along sandy coastal trails through sun-dappled forests on a cycling tour of the Sapphire Coast.

The Sapphire Coast Guiding Co. E-Bike tour winds through Mimosa Rocks National Park and finishes at Tathra Beach.

Spot kangaroos in the dunes, stop at lofty lookouts to admire vast ocean panoramas and rest overlooking the mouth of the Bega River while enjoying morning tea.

Along the two-kilometre journey, your local guide will share stories about the ancient landscape, wildlife, and history of this pristine paradise.

4. Have a spiritual awakening on the South Coast

Connect to knowledge passed down from generation to generation on an immersive Indigenous tour of Yuin country on the NSW South Coast.

The Yuin Retreat by Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness is an unforgettable two-night adventure, which you can share with other travellers or book as a private group for 6-8 people.

Your lead guide is Dwayne ‘Naja’ Bannon-Harrison, who has gleaned deep insights from nine generations before him.

The retreat involves journeys across Yuin country following Songlines.

Learning from the profound knowledge of Bannon-Harrison, you will feel enriched, with a deeper knowledge of the place, a fresh perspective on Indigenous history and a stronger awareness of your individual self and your spiritual connection to the land.

Each night, relax and reflect in a glamping tent or private cabin in either Narooma, Mystery Bay, Tilba or Bermagui – you’ll receive exact accommodation locations when you book.

5. Fly high with our NSW outback heroes

Feel your heart swell with pride as you hear the stories of our incredible NSW outback heroes from the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Dubbo.

A high-tech new visitor experience there immerses you in the moment as doctors, nurses and pilots deliver urgent medical care across the vast 7.69 million square kilometre area of the NSW outback.

Don’t miss the short film depicting real patients telling how the service saved their lives.

Children will also love the retired aircraft to explore and trying to communicate through the pedal-powered radio.

6. Walk in the footsteps of the Wiradjuri people of NSW

Tune into the spirit of the land as you embark on an Aboriginal Walkabout Tour in Wagga Wagga, NSW, with Wiradjuri man, Mark Saddler.

Run by Bundyi Cultural Knowledge Tours, learn about one of the oldest living cultures in the world as you follow in the footsteps of Saddler along the ancient Marrambidya Bila (Murrumbidgee River) and practice some Wiradjuri words.

Journey to several Wiradjuri places of cultural significance, spot wildlife and hear Saddler’s teachings about bush food, scar trees, tool making and artefacts along the way.

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