Explore the hidden gems of NSW
The good life, the night life – there's no arguing that Sydney has it all, and the city's vibe has been transformed in recent years by the traffic calming, greening and pedestrian-friendly makeover of George St. This includes a new light rail, a revitalised Rocks precinct and the harbourfront buzz of the Barangaroo precinct – think Wynyard Quarter, but on a whole other level.
You might have been to Sydney often enough to have a favourite bistro in Surry Hills or boutique B&B in Woolloomooloo. But have you tried the dozens of new dining experiences and upmarket accommodation options that have emerged?
Then there are the musicals that often have their Australian premiere in Sydney and iconic sporting spectacles. Sydney's jam-packed upcoming events calendar includes direct-from-Broadway spectaculars like MJ the Musical, inarguably one of 2025's hottest tickets. It'll have you moonwalking in your seat as it takes the audience behind-the-scenes of Michael Jackson's 1992 Dangerous World Tour.
The Book of Mormon is also returning to Sydney. The irreverent and side-splitting comedy about two mismatched missionaries on the adventure of a lifetime has multiple Tony, Olivier and Grammy awards under its collars and ties.
Kiwi travellers can take in Sydney's glorious beaches and bluffs – with bonus art – at Sculpture by the Sea, where a section of the spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk transforms into a free 2km sculpture park featuring over 100 sculptures by Australian and global artists from October 17 – November 3 2025.
Auckland FC might have shown the way in trans-Tasman football but Wahs fans – and followers of other NRL teams – are thirsting for the NRL Grand Final, returning to Accor Stadium on Sunday, October 5, with the men's and women's premiership deciders.
For motorsport devotees, the legendary Repco Bathurst 1000 is more than a race; it's a celebration of speed, skill, determination (and several ounces of good luck) at the adrenaline-pumping Mt Panorama circuit.
And there's much more to see, do and enjoy in New South Wales than just Sydney – the state is, after all, bigger than Texas. Visitors should take the time to explore more of the good life in regional NSW. There are food and wine offerings in Orange or the Hunter Valley; wildlife experiences like a Zoofari in Dubbo; plenty of relaxing beach holiday destinations like Port Stephens; or nature retreats in the Blue Mountains.
You could hire a car and drive south, north or west – the options are so vast that you're better advised to plan a Sydney and New South Wales holiday with the experts at YOU Travel & Cruise.
It's fair to say that one of Australia's many charms is the smaller towns and cities outside its state capitals, and high among those is Orange, an enjoyable 3.5-hour drive from Sydney's CBD. It was once to be Australia's first capital, and its rich heritage is reflected in the buildings lining its main street.
Surrounded by orchards, wineries and cellar doors, a centre for fine dining, shopping and strolling, Orange makes for an unforgettable country break, the kind of place where you're going to want to linger a little longer.
Justifiably world-renowned, the Hunter Valley – Australia's oldest wine region – boasts more than 150 wineries, so it could take a lifetime and possibly the odd headache to get to know them all.
A two-hour drive from Sydney, it's the perfect place for a foodie escape. Many of the country's best dining and regional produce are found outside the main centres, and in this beautiful region it's all about good food, great wine and switching off.
The Lucky Country is home to many unique creatures, but why stop there? Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo (a five-hour drive or just over a one-hour domestic flight from Sydney) adds an African wildlife experience.
Its Zoofari Lodge is set beside a stunning savannah, which provides sanctuary for hundreds of rare and endangered species including big cats, bigger elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebra and antelope. The safari-style experience includes accommodation in the unique lodge, dinner, breakfast, exclusive tours and bike hire.
The Port Stephens region, a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney, promises to change your perspective on the Aussie beach experience. It's home to the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere; as well as the Great Lakes Marine Park, home to a large population of resident dolphins as well as turtles, seabirds, fish species and the passing parade of whales.
To that, the town adds a choice of Hamptons-esque luxury accommodations to rest your head, as well as waterfront gourmet dining including seafood menus from Rick Stein at Bannisters, or modern Australian cuisine at the Little Beach marina.
The Blue Mountains, an easy 1.5-hour drive west, are world-famous, and not just for the millennia-old, World Heritage-listed landscapes: there are grand gardens, fabulous food (much of it with equally fabulous views), crisp mountain air, heritage hotels, galleries and artisans, and a string of townships sparking with individual charm.
The perfect place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with who and what matters to you: like all of New South Wales, it's probably time to explore somewhere new.
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NZ Herald
18 hours ago
- NZ Herald
A stage 4 terminal cancer diagnosis didn't stop me from travelling to Australia
Approaching the first security checkpoint in Auckland Airport has always caused me anxiety. So showing up with a cabin bag loaded with oversized syringes, saline, medical oddments and morphine, brought on palpitations and sweating. Further complicating the scenario was various internal metalware and a drain protruding from my abdomen, connected to my bile ducts. Eyebrows were raised as my bags lit up the x-ray machine. I nervously revealed my haul of liquids and supplies. But the sweats were redundant. After a quiet word explaining my situation, the officials could not have been more helpful. The 'pat down' protocol felt a little too intimate, but several minutes later I was safely on the other side, the only confiscation being a half-used tube of toothpaste. All the security checks, both here and in Australia, ran with similar efficiency, without me even needing to show back-up letters from oncologists. Working my way through airport procedures, at a slower pace than usual, certainly raised my stress levels. Fortunately I allowed for extra time on the ground, as my walking speeds are reduced. Charlotte Kutia on the plane. There was a sigh of relief when I was safely in my allocated (aisle) seat. I will only travel in the aisle now, so while great views are a thing of the past, I am safe in the knowledge I can quickly get to the bathroom if necessary without clambering over sleeping bodies. However, the flights were smooth and comfortable. I felt pretty much well the whole of the time mid-air, untroubled by cabin pressure, vomiting or claustrophobia. I even managed to down my share of much-maligned airline cuisine and have it stay put. Sitting in the lit-up sports stadium, watching my son take the field in unfamiliar green and gold, bungle the Australian national anthem and steamily sign autographs after the match is a cherished memory for the coming tough weeks. Charlotte Kutia with her son at his Barbarians game in Coffs Harbour. I have always been an avid reader of travel stories and actively scheming my next destination. I have enjoyed many wonderful destinations in my life. Less in recent years, with the financial challenges of being single and the sole breadwinner in mid-life. After a relationship break-up in my 50s, I realised that there might never be someone to take me on a romantic Pacific Island holiday that I had always longed for, so I decided I would just have to take myself. Charlotte Kutia in Aitutaki. Photo / Supplied I suspected it would be a one-off, so chose the island where I was very sure I would have the full deal – long stretches of white sands, turquoise waters, swaying palms. Aitutaki was the perfect Pacific paradise. Sipping cocktails alone in a resort full of honeymooners was admittedly a strange vibe but the wonderfully warm staff and juicy cocktails under soft pacific night skies were so damn good, they made up for it. Learning to kayak alone in a safe warm blue lagoon with colourful fish at the end of my paddle was unforgettable too. I'm so glad now I took the opportunity at the time, which I will never have again. Other memorable travel memories include eating goat curry in the backblocks of Bangladesh, slurping luscious mangoes in an old yellow Ambassador taxi in Goa, riding elephants with my children in Cambodia, and being blown away by the beauty of the longships in Oslo Museum while exploring a little of my Viking whakapapa in Scandinavia. Charlotte Kutia with her children at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Photo / Supplied With stage four cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile ducts, and currently on aggressive chemotherapy, I am uninsurable in terms of medical conditions. So for me, the only safe destination now is Australia. But that's okay, because the continent offers more incredible landscapes and adventures than I could ever fit in. From stunning white Whitsunday beaches, to red outback rocks, Kimberley canyons, Snowy mountains, Aboriginal culture and history going back millions of years, food and fashion adventures in stylish cities – there is more to see and experience across the Ditch than I could squeeze into any lifetime. We have reciprocal healthcare arrangements across the Tasman, meaning I will receive a high standard of medical care. For my recent trip to see my son, I took copies of all my medical history with me. My oncologist was also supportive but very clear – any hint of a problem such as high fevers or issues with the external drain in my abdomen, head straight to an A&E hospital. But he also pointed out that many Australians live more than three hours from good hospitals with cancer care, so flying across from NZ is not an outrageous proposition. Charlotte Kutia in Western Australia. Travel insurance may be available at different stages of cancer. Depending what type of cancer you have, how advanced, whether chemo has been effective in controlling it, or for those in remission, cover may indeed be a possibility. My only advice is to discuss your situation with a specialist insurance adviser, have good documents from your doctors, choose your destination with care and be thoroughly honest with the insurer. With a tight timeline to get back home to vital medical appointments, I was hit on the eve of departure with a message from Air New Zealand that our return flight had been cancelled due to 'maintenance issues'. A stressful few hours juggling plans saw me secure the very last seats on a crowded Jetstar flight instead. Anxious about my seating, I spoke with staff as we checked in, explained my condition, and they willingly looked for accessible options. After several minutes messing around with seating plans, they found me an aisle seat, ensuring access to bathrooms for mid-air emergencies. We hit the tarmac back in Auckland intact and on time. My initial flights were refunded by Air NZ as it was their issue that caused the cancellation. The hardest part of the flight was a mental challenge on the final descent back to Auckland Airport. Circling over the city, it was hard not to let the tears fall, knowing that with a terminal diagnosis, this was very probably the last time in my life I would fly abroad, and so many travel dreams would go unfulfilled. A cancer diagnosis didn't stop Charlotte Kutia from travelling. Travel with cancer is certainly not a cinch. But I encountered nothing but empathy and assistance from airline staff and airport officials on both sides of the Tasman. I am grateful that I made the trip – if only for sweaty post-match hugs under the New South Wales night sky. My health since returning home has been a mixed bag. Unfortunately, after four cycles on my previous chemo regime, my CT scans showed no slowdown in my tumours' expansion, which was very frustrating. We recently switched to a new chemical cocktail, which is tough but encouragingly is showing some signs of slowing down the growth. The hardest thing is the uncertainty. Do I have a month to live, three months or a year? Nobody can say for sure. In terms of mindset and that elusive thing called 'happiness', the trip was a huge success. When my son video calls me, eating breakfast on his deck, or sends shots of his hard rugby training, I think 'oh yes, I saw that place', and I feel so much closer to him. Doctors have been clear that my cancer is incurable and chemo is about extending my time to make happy memories. Travelling to be with him was a huge success in that regard. I'm not planning any more trips at the moment, but the latest news is that my son's team is playing well, and last week I got a message saying, 'We might make the grand final, Mum. It would be so cool if you could be here'. Life remains fragile and unpredictable, but I'm not ruling anything out. Tips for travelling with cancer Thoroughly research your destination and what is possible under health care arrangements and/or travel insurance. For me, the only possible destination is Australia, but everyone is different. Share your intentions with your medical specialists as early as possible Check the website for your airline's rules and follow their guidelines. Don't book flights with tight connections – allow extra time getting through airports and plan for fatigue Carefully plan any nutrient and medication requirements. Staying well hydrated is more important than ever If possible, book 'preferred seating' with extra leg space – but your condition probably disqualifies you from sitting in an exit row. Final advice A final word for all healthy travellers with intentions to roam. Cancer strikes with no warning and closes off many pathways. Make the most of your wellness and follow your wildest dreams while you can.
NZ Herald
a day ago
- NZ Herald
Western Australia: an unspoilt land where summer never ends
Spotting a quokka - the 'happiest animal on Earth' - is one of many unique experiences in store for those venturing to the spectacular, untouched and unspoilt landscapes of Western Australia. The country's largest state, it boasts Australia's longest coastline and is a rich dreamscape for nature and wildlife lovers. It has an abundance of fresh air and wide, open spaces and, as the locals say, it is always summer somewhere in the state. The capital city Perth is Australia's sunniest capital and is home to 19 white sandy beaches and vibrant city streets. But back to the quokkas. One of the most memorable things to do while in Perth is to take a photo of the happy little critter. Around 10,000 of them live on Rottnest Island / Wadjemup, itself a slice of paradise just a 30-minute ferry ride out into the Indian Ocean from Perth's port city of Fremantle / Walyalup. While the island's 63 beaches have blindingly white sand and water so clear you can see down to your toes - all linked by paved riding and walking trails - it is the encounter with its cute inhabitants that makes a visit there so heartwarming. A small wallaby which grows to about the size of a domestic cat, quokkas appear to be perpetually smiling which is what earned them that sweet and fitting 'happiest animal on earth' moniker. Highly photogenic and friendly, they roam freely around Rottnest Island. They are found nowhere else on the planet. Western Australia is a place to recharge, connect with the land and experience otherworldly natural phenomena and for Kiwis wanting to travel there it is easy to book and plan holidays through YOU Travel, the New Zealand-owned and operated travel brand with 30 stores across Aotearoa. Among the many attractions, places to go and things to do YOU Travel suggests are: Walks with Aboriginal guides Gain insights into Western Australia's rich Aboriginal culture with walking tours over some of Perth's most iconic and scenic landscapes – and imagine the Noongar dreamtime stories passed down for generations. Walks are about 90 minutes long. Swimming alongside whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef About a 13-hour drive or two-hour flight from Perth, the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo / Nyinggulu reef plays host to gentle whale sharks from March to August offering an unparalleled opportunity to spot – and swim with – some of the world's largest marine animals. Humpback whales and manta rays also glide past as visitors dive, snorkel or swim among a colourful universe of coral gardens beneath the waters. The south west region's Cape to Cape track Giant karri forests and ancient limestone caves are waiting to be explored while visitors can also hike the famous 125km Cape to Cape track. One of the most outstanding walking trails in Australia it stretches from the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in the Margaret River Region. Moon in Broome At Roebuck Bay / Yawuru Nagulagun as darkness descends, experience a once-in-a-lifetime sight when the full moon rises over tidal flats, creating a stunning visual effect. Known as the Staircase to the Moon, it occurs on certain dates from March to October. A two-and-a-half hour flight from Perth, Broome / Rubibi is also home to the stunning pearls of the South Seas and has attracted pearl divers since the 1800s. Chinatown's dazzling pearl showrooms are a must-see. Horizontal Waterfalls, Talbot Bay Sir David Attenborough calls them 'one of the greatest natural wonders of the world' which must be seen to be believed. The falls are formed by massive volumes of water squeezing through narrow cliff passages with rapid-like formations creating a unique sideways waterfall effect. The Horizontal / Garaan-ngaddim falls are easily accessible by seaplane or helicopter from Broome or Derby. Lucky Bay Known as Australia's whitest beach, Lucky Bay is an incredible 5km stretch of long, white sandy beach near Esperance / Kepa Kurl, a part of the Cape Le Grand National Park / Mandoowernup. Brilliant blue and turquoise waters drift into the protected bay, one frequently inhabited by kangaroos looking to cool off. A 45-minute drive from Esperance, visitors can camp, fish, swim, go boating or bushwalking. Pink lakes at Port Gregory Sometimes bright bubblegum pink, sometimes lilac and occasionally red, the waters of Hutt Lagoon can be an extraordinary sight. A high level of salinity gives the lagoon its unusual hue and its vibrancy changes with the seasons and time of day. Best time to visit is on a clear day, around mid-morning or sunset. Hutt Lagoon is about a six-hour drive from Perth. Between July and September, the countryside is blanketed with 12,000 species of wildflowers. Cruising the Kimberley coastline The Kimberley coast is largely untouched with thousands of kilometres of red cliffs, pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters teeming with marine life. It is a wilderness few have experienced. One of the most spectacular ways to explore it is by expedition cruise ranging from boutique vessels to larger expedition craft. Some are topped with a helicopter allowing access to cliff-top waterfall pools, expansive views of island archipelagos and thrilling rides. Inflatable zodiac boats are used to explore remote island beaches, fishing spots and narrow river reaches. Margaret River Region – premium wine country The Margaret River Region is home to some of Australia's best vineyards and cellar-doors (there are over 200) and dining experiences. With a relaxed, nature-loving, artistic vibe its main street is dotted with diverse galleries, characterful cafes, surf shops and a pub with a 600-bottle wine list. Some of the region's top surf breaks are a 10-minute drive away while guided crawls through underground limestone caves are offered.
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- NZ Herald
Soup boards are winter's messiest new food trend – will they catch on here?
The question, though, is whether this is a trend with real traction or just another fleeting social media spectacle. The rise of the board To understand the soup board, it helps to look back at its predecessors. The charcuterie board, once a preserve of French picnic culture, has been reimagined online into countless themed iterations: breakfast boards, dessert boards, nacho boards, even fry boards. The butter board, popularised on TikTok in late 2022 by creator Justine Doiron (inspired by chef Joshua McFadden), was perhaps the peak of the genre – a communal slab of softened butter swiped on to a board and topped with anything from edible flowers to za'atar to hot honey. The soup board takes that same spirit – interactive, shareable, aesthetically excessive – and applies it to a comfort-food staple, conveniently timed for the Southern Hemisphere winter. In videos tagged #soupboard and #soupcharcuterieboard, creators show off curated combinations: butternut soup with bacon bits, cheddar shards and thyme croutons; chicken tortilla soup flanked by lime wedges, jalapenos and toasted corn strips; and even multiple soups in miniature ramekins for a 'flight' format. Some boards lean into customisation, setting out a central tureen of soup and arranging toppings around it. Others offer individual bowls with themed pairings. In all cases, visual appeal is paramount. Is it practical – or just pretty? The appeal is obvious. Soup is inherently comforting, and for many people, winter cooking skews nostalgic. The board format adds a playful, DIY aspect that lends itself to small-scale entertaining – a kind of adult lunchable with flair. It also photographs beautifully, which remains a driving force behind many viral food trends. Styling with accoutrements, ie toppings, is key to the soup board trend. Photo / Babiche Martens But critics have pointed out the soup board's flaws. For one, it's messy. Hot liquid on a wooden surface, surrounded by precarious crumbs, dripping oils and sticky toppings, is a clean-up challenge waiting to happen. Wood isn't the most hygienic serving material, especially for anything involving moisture. There's also a certain impracticality to balancing multiple mini soup bowls on a single board. As Bettina Makalintal, a writer for US-based food site Eater, put it in a wry 2023 article: 'The soup board is chaos. It is an affront to the stability of soup as a concept.' She argued that many of the boards seemed designed more for social media engagement than actual enjoyment. Could the trend take hold here? In New Zealand, where winter comfort food tends to favour the humble and hearty over the performative, the soup board may seem like a step too far. But as local entertaining norms evolve – and social media continues to influence how we present food – there's space for these kinds of playful ideas to find a niche. It helps that the concept is easily adapted to what Kiwis are already cooking. A single soup – say, roasted cauliflower, pumpkin and coconut, or classic tomato – could be served with a couple of simple accompaniments: grilled cheese triangles, roasted seeds, herby croutons, flavoured olive oil. It doesn't need to be complicated to feel special. Some cafes and caterers may find more use for the idea than home cooks. Like butter boards before them, soup boards are arguably better suited to stylised settings – think grazing tables at events, or social media content for cafes looking to lean into the seasonal mood. But home cooks who enjoy putting together a bit of a spread – or entertaining without going full three-course dinner – may still find inspiration in the format. Style over substance? In the end, the soup board is probably less a revolutionary new way of eating and more a clever reframe of what many people already enjoy: warm soup with good bread and a few things to sprinkle on top. The trend's real power lies in how it makes the familiar feel a little more curated, a little more 'occasion-worthy'. And for all its potential mess and overthinking, it does remind us that even something as humble as soup can be made to feel indulgent with the right trimmings. Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years. From managing your kitchen to cutting costs, she's shared some helpful advice recently, including how to prep your barbecue for summer grilling, gourmet hacks for elevating budget ingredients and what toppings to choose for different crackers.
