Vivid shines a light on Sydney's beauty

The lights and action of Vivid Festival provide a major boost to visitation to Sydney over the cooler months.

Running from Friday, May 22, to Saturday, June 13, the 23‑day program brings together creativity to Australia's largest city across Vivid Light, Vivid Music, Vivid Minds and Vivid Food.

More than 80% of the festival remains free, including the entire Vivid Light Walk, an unbroken 6.5‑kilometre journey featuring over 43 installations and projections created by local and international artists.

The Vivid Light Walk stretches along Circular Quay, The Rocks, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour, with additional venues in and around the CBD hosting Vivid Music, Vivid Food and Vivid Minds events. 

This year, Vivid Sydney will feature collaborations for a series of events with Biennale Sydney, as well as cultural institutions, venues and arts companies such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Australian National Maritime Museum, City Recital Hall, The Mint, Carriageworks, State Library of NSW, Sydney Opera House and more.

New South Wales Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said Vivid Sydney will be bigger and better than ever before. Well he would, wouldn't he? 

“No other city in the world can host Vivid, because no other city in the world has what Sydney has to offer," said the offensively cocky sounding Kamper. 

"Vivid Sydney 2026 will redefine how we experience our city, delivering a bigger and bolder event program that will come to life both day and night."

Festival director Brett Sheehy says: “For 2026 we are expanding our program into new artforms including aerial performance, daytime public art, theatre and dance. 

"These join our vast Vivid Minds, Light, Music and Food offerings to now make your Vivid Sydney one of the great comprehensive arts festivals of the world."

Stay tuned for a special announcement of a Vivid Sydney first, an outdoor performance on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt over the June long weekend.

At the heart of the new Regional Dinner Series is A Shared Table with Yotam Ottolenghi, where the world‑renowned chef will bring together ingredients and flavours from across the state. 

Tickets for Vivid Sydney are on sale now. For more information and for a full list of events, go to vividsydney.com 

Spring into spring with Sydney gourmet festivals and trails

Sydney is a big city with a huge hunger and thirst for food and wine events.

As spring, and new produce, land, Sydney will host myriad gourmet festivals that Destination NSW says will "transform the city into a giant al fresco dining room".

Seasonal treats from producers all across the Sydney basin will be showcased at the annual St Ives Food and Wine Festival, on the St Ives Village Green in the city's northern suburbs on September 21.

Across in the west, the Cabramatta Moon Festival is a traditional south-east Asian harvest celebration to be held on September 28.

There will be music and cultural performances along with street food and the National Lion Dance Competition, as well as fireworks.

Alternatively, head to Millers Point above The Rocks for the Sydney Observatory's own Moon Festival on October 2 to enjoy artist Truc Truong's striking lanterns. There will be lion dances by Sydney's Qing Fong Dragon and Lion Dance Team, tunes from DJ Small Fry and dishes by Mumma Le's Vietnamese Kitchen.

NSW Wine Month events (above) will be held throughout November. This month-long celebration of the state's 16 diverse wine regions features a series of pop-up cellar doors, indulgent long lunches and banquets paired with premium wines across the city.

A highlight of the program is the Sydney Cellar Door festival, on November 8-9 at First Fleet Park and Tallawoladah Lawn in The Rocks.

In between spring festivals, Sydney offers plenty of other epicurean adventures, including learning the art of cooking all things marine during one of Sydney Seafood School's cooking classes at the Sydney Fish Market, in the inner-city suburb of Pyrmont.

Sydney Beer Week (October 20-26) returns with events spanning the city, from the northern beaches to the inner west and CDB.



If spirits are more your thing, there are craft distilleries dotted around Marrickville. Think Poor Toms, Unexpected Guest, Ester Spirits, or a gin-crafting class at Moonshiner Gin Distillery.

Alternatively head north to explore the craft breweries and artisanal distilleries lining The Brookie Trail. Named for the suburb of Brookvale options for staying in fun mode include 4 Pines Brewing Co's Truck Bar, Bucketty's Brewing Co, 7th Day Brewery, or Nomad Brewing Co.

Go behind the scenes on a tour of Manly Spirits Co. Distillery and Tasting Bar or attend its gin school; or visit Goodradigbee Distillers' Goodbar cocktail bar. Maybe head over to Seadrift, Australia's first non-alcoholic distillery.

For more ideas check out https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/   

New festival sets itself some lofty goals

A new festival in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales has set itself some rather lofty goals - with the confident announcement that The Horizontal Festival is set to "transform Australia's festival landscape".

The new festival, which will debut at Centennial Vineyards on October 4-5 is, apparently "positioned to become a major annual highlight on the state’s cultural calendar".

Big boasts. And the press release carries on in similar vein.

"Horizontal Festival is not just another food and wine event. It is an immersive journey, placing the customer experience at its heart by blending the best of NSW’s food, wine, music, and art in creatively curated spaces."

Sounds huge. But what makes it different?

"Festival-goers will enjoy varietal-led wine tastings, exceptional local cuisine, live music performances and art installations - all designed to foster meaningful connections between producers, visitors and industry."

To be honest, it doesn't sound drastically different to plenty of other festivals.

On we go.

"Horizontal Festival reimagines the festival experience by seamlessly merging the energy of a music concert with the discovery and charm of agri-tourism.

"Throughout the festival, guests will enjoy live performances and curated music in every zone, alongside captivating art installations, interactive workshops, and demonstrations by sommeliers, chefs, and artisans - creating a truly immersive, multi-sensory festival experience that invites exploration and engagement at every turn."

Hmm.

Festival creator and founder Amanda Fry, who I have known for some time, says: “Events have evolved beyond what’s on stage or on the plate - people are craving unforgettable, immersive experiences that engage all the senses.

"I designed Horizontal Festival to put the guest at the heart of the action from the moment they enter the event. Every space offers a multi-facetted experience because I want people to walk away having been part of something fresh, new and exciting.

“By blending the very best of NSW’s food, music, wine, and art in creatively curated spaces, we’re setting a new standard for what a festival can be. A festival that truly puts the customer experience first.

“Across all the events I curate, supporting local businesses and artisans is at the centre of everything we do. So Horizontal Festival is a platform to showcase the extraordinary talent and craftsmanship found right here in the Southern Highlands and across New South Wales.

"We want every guest to walk away feeling inspired, engaged, and part of a vibrant community and planning their next trip to meet the makers in their home towns.

“We’re thrilled that Destination NSW is investing in a regional event of this scale. Their support is instrumental in helping us shine a spotlight on the beauty and potential of the Southern Highlands as a backdrop to celebrating all the NSW makers, creators and growers can offer.”

At the heart of the Horizontal Festival experience are a series of distinct, immersive zones - each "thoughtfully curated" to transport guests on a journey of taste, sound, and discovery.

The organisers are certainly setting themselves a very high bar. And giving potential attendees high expectations.

Check out festival information, program highlights, ticket sales, and updates at www.horizontalfestival.com.au.

New Sydney boutique hotel opens in surprising location

Times change.

A couple of decades ago the area bordering inner city Sydney suburbs of Redfern and Surry Hills was best avoided. 

There were only a few reasons to visit the badlands off Cleveland Street: to eat some great Lebanese food, buy an illicit wrap or two, find a lady of the night, or perhaps get into a fight.

But gentrification happened and now the area around Wunderlich Lane is home to restaurants, bars and, as of today, a new luxe hotel.

Independently owned by TOGA and operated by TFE Hotels, the EVE Hotel Sydney opened its doors today.

It is set among a labyrinth of lively laneways connecting Surry Hills and Redfern and boasts a 20-metre rooftop pool..

Designed by Surry Hills-based architects SJB (with styling collaboration from Bates Smart), the city's newest 102-room boutique hotel is part of Sydney's newest lifestyle precinct, Wunderlich Lane, set on the site of Sydney’s original Wunderlich Ltd factory, which made terracotta roof tiles.

 
The precinct’s inner-city laneways will feature boutique shopping, al fresco dining and design-led commercial and event spaces.

“We have a prominent address at the crossroads of Surry Hills and Redfern and a location full of rich history,” said TOGA Group managing director and TFE Hotels chairman Allan Vidor.

“And our team are looking forward to sharing our version of Sydney hospitality.”

"By design, The EVE’s pre-opening team has aimed to create spaces where guests and visitors can immerse themselves in the art, cultural, and culinary offerings from the local community,"

See https://theevehotel.com.au/.

Head south for some exclusive gourmet experiences

Time spent on the New South Wales south coast is always time well spent and the Shoalhaven Food Network has just announced a new reason to hit the region.

The Shoalhaven Gourmet Getaway will be an an innovative long weekend tour as part of the Autumn Celebration of Food.

Starting by rail from Central Station, Sydney, on Friday, May 31, the event offers food enthusiasts an all-inclusive trip through the Shoalhaven’s gastronomic landscape.

The adventure begins with a “picnic” lunch for the train journey.

Guests will then enjoy visits to some of the region’s top restaurants and venues, including Farmgate in Nowra, Cupitt’s Estate in Milton, Ponte Bar and Dining in Nowra, Swordfish Brewery in Sussex Inlet, Ramox and Gallery at Bundanon, a Jervis Bay Mussels Cruise in Huskisson, and the delights of Berry.

 "Comfortable accommodation" and door-to-door coach transport are promised.

Event Highlights include the Ponte and Pasta Buoy Collaboration Event: a four-course dinner by former The Ledbury chef Sam Smith (a local boy made good) and Thiago De Paiva Menezes (owner, operator and sommelier of Ponte).

There will also be an Indigenous Food and Cultural Experience with Doug Innes-Will at Ramox in Bundanon, and a long lunch at Cupitt’s Estate Winery (above) with a three-course meal hosted by Rosie Cupitt with matched local wines.

Only 40 places are available. The price is $1400-$1700 (inclusive of accommodation, transport, activities and dining). Bookings: www.shoalhavenfoodnetwork.com.au

For additional details about the Shoalhaven Gourmet Getaway and the 2024 Autumn Celebration of Food, visit website: www.shoalhavenfoodnetwork.com.au

Why the Southern Highlands will be a gourmet hotspot in December

So you fancy a day or two out of Sydney?

The Southern Highlands Food & Wine Festival is on from Friday, December 8, to Sunday, December 10.

There is a new venue this year in the heart of Bowral at Corbett Gardens, where there will also be a Festival of Lights celebration.

The Southern Highlands Food & Wine Festival is designed to showcase food, wines and the passionate people behind the region’s produce, beverages and related goods.

The events runs from 5-10pm on the Friday, 11am-10pm on Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday.

Organisers promise the chance to chat to local winemakers, distillers, brewers, producers, eateries, musicians and creators.

Entertainment will range from soul, jazz, funk and bossa nova; featuring local musicians.  

Tickets for adults 18+ are $30 including a tasting glass for free samplings; 13-17 years old $10; children under 13 free.

For more information see southernhighlandsfestival.com.au

Meet the regional wine festival that lasts a whole month

"Welcome back my friends, to the show that never ends".

Most wine festivals are held over one weekend, occasionally over a week, or perhaps a 10-day period including two weekends.

In Orange, in Central West New South Wales, their 2023 Orange Wine Festival started last weekend and runs until October 29.

There are over 50 events across the month, with something for everyone from neophytes to seasoned wine aficionados.

Among the remaining star attarctions are: Vintners Table at Heifer Station Homestead this Saturday (October 7), a celeberation of the changing of the guard with Phillip and Michelle Stivens handing over the reins to new owners Mark and Sally Sydney, with winemaker Simon Gilbert in attendance. There will be a five-course lunch on the homestead verandah prepared by renowned local chef Josie Chapman.

The Orange Wine Show Tasting will be held on October 14, offering the chance to taste all wines entered into the Orange Wine Show, including the trophy and medal winners. Platters of local produce will also be available. There will also be an Orange Wine Show Trophy Masterclass on the same day.

The Vintners Table - An Evening Under the Stars at Swinging Bridge will be held on October 20, hosted by owner/vigneron Tom Ward and sommelier Rhys Baker. Food will be prepared by Chef Dave Wright .

The next day, the Ross Hill Vintners Table will see James and Chrissy Robson host a barrel room five-course meal prepared by chef Josie Chapman matched with Ross Hill Wines from the Museum Collection.

On October 21, the Winemaker's Invitation Dinner with Josef Chromy will feature the Tamar Valley in Orange as Printhie teams up with the Tasmanian winery for a special winemaker's dinner to showcase the flagship wines of two cool-climate regions. Head chef Jack Brown will prepare a four-course degustation experience at Printhie Dining.

On the final weekend, Food & Wine @ Altitude will feature a walk through the altitude of cool-climate wines of the Orange region at Lake Canobolas. Visitors can stop at various wine and food stations along the route culminating at a final lake-side feast on the banks of the water, with live entertainment.

For full event listings and bookings see https://www.orange360.com.au/Events/Orange-Wine-Festival 

Sydney in 15 minutes - from the water

Here is one for anyone planning on visiting Sydney. 

Take a 15-minute Sydney Harbour ferry trip from Circular Quay to Barangaroo for a tour of many of the city’s highlights from the water - at public transport prices. 

Here’s few shots I took today. Please enjoy.

For more info please see https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/ways-to-get-around/ferry 

Talk about a dream: Brewing up a storm in Orange

Orange in Central Western NSW is known as the home of several of Australia's best cool-climate wine producers.

But when you've had your full of wine you can also visit a new taproom and bar with 14 different brews on offer.

Badlands Brewery was established in 2010 by long-time home-brewer, Jon Shiner and has now opened a new spot to enjoy beers with food in their own location in the centre of town.

All Badlands Brewery’s core beers are made only with malted wheat and barley, water, yeast and hops and are unfiltered and free of preservatives and additives.

Badlands Brewery & Taproom has 14 taps as well as local wines, tasting paddles, growler fills, brewery tours, merchandise, food trucks and live music, Destination NSW reports.

The 45-minute tours offer a behind the scenes look at the brewing process and the price includes two complimentary beers.

"We prefer to concentrate on the beer so have partnered with some amazing local and regional food producers," says Shiner.

"Hot food is available every evening and all day at weekends and we serve delicious Indian food courtesy of our neighbourhood Indian restaurant The Upperhouse.

"Vishal and team have created a custom beer-matched menu just for us. Enjoy items such as chicken naan tacos, chilli paneer and masala prawns."

Badlands is open Wednesday to Sunday. For more details see www.badlandsbrewery.com.au/taproom

Wollongong gets a hip new hotel

Wollongong is probably better known as a city of heavy industry than a holiday resort.

But the arrival of Hotel TOTTO (formerly the basic Marketview Accommodation) could change that - with the boutique hotel in the centre of the city aiming to attract weekend leisure seekers.

The new property is the centre of Wollongong but just metres away from world-class waves, Destination NSW reports.

The hotel pays tribute to the city's traditions with its industrial-style decor.

"Each of our 150 rooms is ideal for the ultimate chilled-out experience," the hotel says in its PR blurb. "Minimalistic and unfussy, but with all the creature comforts you want in a hotel."

There is an open plan lobby and self-serve kiosks that enable guests to check in 24 hours a day.

The hotel is home to BASTA Trattoria, a Mediterranean- and Italian inspired restaurant and bar, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Hotel facilities include 24-hour reception and complimentary wifi - and the TOTTO is less than an hour drive from Sydney Airport.

There is an opening special right now for $188 per night including free breakfasts.    

For details see Hotel Totto Wollongong.

Shining a light on Sydney's attractions

The festival that changes the face of Sydney, Vivid Sydney, returns to shine many lights on the city from May 26-June 17.

The free Light Walk will this year be an 8.5km adventure with 60 light attractions including Dark Spectrum, a completely new experience opening up Wynyard Station's secret tunnels to the public for the very first time.

The festival's Music, Ideas and inaugural Food programs range from Hollywood duo Mike White and Jennifer Coolidge to an all-star tribute night to Archie Roach plus one-off culinary experiences like the Vivid Sydney Dinner, a multi-sensory feast with a menu from Danielle Alvarez and Ben Greeno.

You can check out the full program to start planning.

And pre-planning is definitely needed with Sydney hotels and eateries promising to be packed during the event.

Vivid Sydney, which started on a much smaller scale in 2009, is an annual festival of light, music and ideas that includes outdoor immersive light installations and projections. performances by local and international musicians, and an ideas exchange forum featuring public talks and debates with leading creative thinkers.

The centrepiece is light sculptures, multimedia works and building projections that transform various buildings and landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Image: Destination NSW 

Somewhere special looking to stay just an hour from Sydney

I usually prefer to experience accommodation before writing about it: check out whether the vibe and the reality match the hype.

Then I saw the photos of Marramarra Lodge - one of Australia's newest luxury retreats - and immediately added it to my bucket list.

What I'm reporting here is what the team at Destination NSW posted - but MarraMarra Lodge certainly looks spectacular.

The lodge is retreat overlooking the delightful Hawkesbury River at Berowra Waters - a location shared by the nearby Berowra Waters Inn, one one of Australia's most famous eateries.

A brief boat transfer takes you either to your glamping tent (um, maybe not) or a modern bungalow. Or you could opt for a seaplane option.  

Marramarra Lodge is on the edge Marramarra National Park and the only access is by river, which ensures peace and quiet.

Guests can enjoy degustation dinners, light lunches and full breakfasts in Budyari Restaurant, which the website says are "prepared by Marramarra Lodge's Michelin-starred chef"

Now chefs don't get Michelin stars, restaurants do. You take your star with you. But it looks as if 

Jerome Tremoulet has a fabulous CV so maybe I'm just being picky.

The resort has its own Iyora Day Spa and canoes and kayaks are available for exploring the river.

Private local excursions can be arranged to sightsee the Hawkesbury, local pearl and oyster farms, as ell as experiences such as the jet skiing.

All rates include scheduled transfers between Mooney Mooney and Marramarra Lodge, meals, Sodashi amenities, mini-bar selections and house wines and beverages.

Someday soon, maybe. But it's good to dream once in a while.

You'll find all the details here, but do make sure to pack your black American Express card. 

https://marramarralodge.com/stay/

 

Orange a hive of activity

There is a whole lot happening in Orange and surrounds over the next few months, the team at Orange 360 reports.

F.O.O.D Week tickets are now on sale with the full program available online.

Over 40 events are scheduled in the wine region’s cellar doors, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and farms. F.O.O.D Week runs from Friday, March 24 to Sunday, April 2, encompassing two weekends.

For those aiming to visit earlier, The Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Festival kicks off on February 17 and runs for a full week.

The poet was born just outside of Orange and the festival pays tribute to this local icon each year with a celebration of poems, prose, and the life of Banjo himself.

For Country and Western lovers, A Night in Nashville is pencilled in for February 10 so those so inclined can polish their boots and dust off their best cowboy hats for an all-American themed country music festival where Aussie artists cover the all-time best American country songs. Tickets are limited and selling fast, you can secure yours here.

Another date for the diary is the Orange Chamber Music Festival, which runs from Thursday, March 9 to Sunday, March 12, offering audiences a selection of over 60 artists and ensembles from all over Australia. This year’s ticketing options includes three different festival passes.

Runners might note that the Orange Running Festival will be back on March 4-5.

Runners can register now for the full marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km or the mile events. Head to the Orange Running Festival Website for more information.

# This is an edited version of a story that first appeared in Ciao Magazine.

A juicy choice of vineyard accommodation in Orange

Several years ago my wife and I enjoyed a fun stay at Mayfield vineyard in Orange. The cottages were delightfully located around a lake - and the vibe was super chilled.

This week came the news that after a change of ownership and 12 months of refurbishment Mayfield has once again opened its historic homestead and cottages for accommodation and wedding functions.

The historic Mayfield Homestead was purchased during the pandemic by the Eastham family, who have spent 12 months readying the property for visitors.

It is being billed as the perfect base from which to explore the many food and wine attractions of Orange and the rest of Central Western New South Wales.

In addition to the homestead, there are four cottages that offer a variety of accommodation options nestled within the vineyard and sprawling arboretum (that means a lot of trees).

The European history of Mayfield dates to 1815 when explorer William Charles Wentworth was granted Mayfield as acknowledgment of his earlier crossing of the Blue Mountains. In 1840, the property was transferred to local grazier, businessman and politician Thomas Icely.

Mayfield continued to prosper, passing through a number of families including William ‘Parson’ Tom after he discovered Australia’s first commercial gold strike in nearby Ophir in 1851.

The property now accommodates guests in a range of lovely buildings, including the main historic homestead and the oldest cottage, The Settlers Cottage, which was erected in 1886.

During the 1900s the property was owned and run by the famous Scottish biscuit makers, the Crawfords.

At their peak, they were the largest privately-owned biscuit manufacturer in Britain. The family ran sheep and set about creating a village atmosphere, building The School House (now the Mayfield Wines cellar door) to educate the workers’ children.

The Mayfield Homestead was inspired by famed Australian artist, author and architect Hardy Wilson, with construction beginning in 1906 and completed in 1910. He is recognised as one of the most outstanding architects of the 20th century and the Homestead is now listed by the National Trust.

This piece of Australian rural history boosts five (or up to seven) bedrooms, four bathrooms, formal dining room, three living areas, country kitchen and large outdoor dining areas.

The cellar door is just a stroll away, and the grounds, with vineyards, lakes and gardens are on your doorstep.

When James S.R. Crawford died, his widow Margaret remained at Mayfield. Margaret spent 65 years there and her everlasting gift to Mayfield was the arboretum with over 50 species of trees, many over 100 years old.



“We are particularly proud to be able to offer this luxury property to guests to enjoy,” says owner John Eastham.

“Mayfield is located in the midst of Orange’s idyllic cool-climate vineyards and allows us to offer a range of accommodation including The School House, The Rose Cottage, The Overseers Cottage, The Settlers Cottage, and The Garden Flat.”

Guests are able to book all the cottages for group functions and weddings in the gardens.

Further information can be found here: https://www.mayfieldvineyard.com.au/cottages/

Images: Kyle Ingram

Sydney Opera House turns back the clock

Sydney's famous Opera House will have fish and chips on the menu this summer with the opening of The Harbour, a pop-up eatery on the Opera House’s northern boardwalk.

The eatery will serve sustainably-sourced fresh seafood, chips along with takeaway classics like potato scallops, and one of the best views in Australia's biggest city.

Opening on Wednesday, January 4, The Harbour aims to transport visitors back to the retro 80s as it recreates the original seafood restaurant that operated in the same location from the late 80s to the early 90s.

The new pop-up - open for four weeks only - will pay tribute to the original eatery with chequered tablecloths, picnic tables and historical projections of the original restaurant.

Executive chef Lee Thompson says the menu will feature fish burgers, seafood platters and grilled prawns, while a picnic-ready takeaway menu is perfect for harbourside al fresco dining.

The bad news: the prices will not be those of 50 years ago.

“The Opera House precinct is a buzzing location over summer and we’re excited to introduce a new pop-up experience as part of our 50th anniversary program," says Sydney Opera House Chief Customer Officer Jade McKellar.

"The Harbour is a vibrant new eatery that brings together classic fish and chip fare with the striking harbour views of its northern waterfront location. 

"Along with our summer performances and renowned harbourside dining venues: Portside, Opera Bar, House Canteen and Bennelong, the Opera House is a must-visit summer destination for locals, visitors, theatre-goers and families."

The pop-up will run until February 3, operating Tuesday to Saturday from midday to 8pm.

Bookings are highly recommended, with some space reserved for walk-ins

See www.sydneyoperahouse.com/the-harbour to book.

 

Martin Place to be transformed by new Christmas markets

Sydney is to have its own Christmas markets in the centre of the CBD.

The Martin Place Christmas Markets will launch on November 26.

The markets, supported by City of Sydney and operated by Cambridge Markets, will run until Christmas Eve in the pedestrian boulevard with stalls selling fashion items, food, gifts, homewares, candles and festive products.

The markets will run on the Saturday and Sunday of November 26-27, then every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in December until Christmas Eve, from 11am-8pm.



“This market will bring a lot of Christmas joy to the heart of Sydney,” said Cambridge Markets spokesman Madelienne Anderson.

“People will be able to drop in during work hours or after work to do a bit of shopping, get something delicious to eat, or just to socialise and check out what our stallholders have to offer.”

Stallholders attending the market will change daily, but food on offer will include Mexican, Japanese, Israeli, gourmet tacos and more.

There will also be tea, honey, Christmas puddings, gingerbread, and gifts that range from jewellery to candles to Christmas wreaths.

“We have worked very hard to curate a really interesting mix of stalls to bring some truly unique vendors to the city,” Anderson said.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase our micro retailers to people who work and live in the city. Our vendors are thrilled to have the opportunity to reach a new audience right in the middle of Sydney. And we think the market will bring a very festive feel to the city centre after a few difficult years for the CBD.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the event would demonstrate that Sydney is ready to celebrate the festive season in style once more.

“For the last couple of years, we haven’t been able to celebrate Christmas the way we’d like to - but this year Christmas will return to the city with a bang,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The pandemic had a significant impact on the city, with many working from home, venues closed and travel grinding to a halt. This Christmas we’re excited to welcome everyone back to soak up the festive spirit, with a month-long program of free events to festivities celebrating the unique joy of Christmas in the southern hemisphere.”

The Martin Place Markets will be the second CBD event being run this year by Cambridge Markets, which is also operating the Quay Quarter Lanes Markets monthly in front of Customs House. See https://cambridgemarkets.com.au/

Sydney flaunting its queer-friendly credentials ahead of WorldPride

Sydney is flaunting its gay and lesbian credentials as Australia's largest city continues the countdown to the WorldPride event to be held in the Southern Hemisphere, hlighloighted by a gigantic rainbow sand sculpture at Bondi Beach.

The event is being billed as a ‘Mega Mardi Gras’ and will run for 17 Days, from February 17 to March 5 during the Sydney summer.

Headline acts will include Charli XCX, Kylie Minogue, Kelly Rowland and Jessica Mauboy and the itinerary features 68 WorldPride arts events, including 50 world premieres, 17 WorldPride sports events and a Human Rights Conference.

You can browse the full Festival Guide here. The official opening concert will be hosted by Courtney Act and Casey Donovan and will be broadcast live on the ABC.

The Sydney WorldPride festival will be the largest LGBQTIA+ event held in the region.

Sydney WorldPride Chief Executive, Kate Wickett, said: “The Sydney WorldPride Festival Guide represents 144 pages of fabulous LGBQTIA+ creativity.

"The festival includes an extraordinary array of free and ticketed experiences, from concerts to parties, theatre, sports and family events, so no matter your interests or budget, you are invited to Sydney WorldPride.

“The first WorldPride in the Southern Hemisphere is a significant moment for both for the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia and Sydney."

Tourism organisation Destination NSW has an online guide to queer friendly neighbourhoods from bronzed and beautiful Bondi and the super-alternative Newtown to the CBD’s high-end arts and nightlife and Darlinghurst's LGBTQIA+ community and cutting-edge dining scene.

Meet the $109 hotel breakfast

 

We all know prices have gone through the roof, but $109 for breakfast?

Fortunately this is no ordinary breakfast, but a special treat at one of Sydney's leading hotels.

The deal features stunning views, and a breakfast featuring lobster and Champagne at Altitude on level 36 of the Shangri-La Sydney.

Consider this: a Western Australian lobster omelette with Spanish onion and tomatoes drizzled in a creamy lobster bisque, with a glass of Veuve Clicquot.

Accompanied by a fresh rocket salad of candied walnuts, orange-braised fennel and avocado, with toasted Sonoma sourdough.

Then there are pastries, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie on offer.

Shangri-La Sydney general manager Philippe Kronberg said he wanted to create an iconic breakfast experience paired with the harbour views.

“If you think you've tasted all there is to taste and see for breakfast, think again," he said. "There's no better place in Sydney to enjoy your morning, whether you're a Sydneysider or you've just arrived off a plane from London.” 

Sunrise breakfast is available at Altitude from from 6:30am to 8:00am Thursday to Sunday. I'm tempted. 

If you really want to push the boat out, Black Oscietra caviar (30g) is priced at an additional $180 per person with a glass of Dom Perignon at $90. But that does seem a little excessive.

To make a reservation book here or ring (02) 9250 6000.

Celebrating Orange wine with altitude

Orange wine. Not the cloudy, foul-smelling stuff.

Cool-climate wine from Orange in the Central West of New South Wales. 

The wine region will celebrate the joys of spring with the Orange Wine Festival, the program for which is now live. 

The festival runs from September 30-October 29 with events including behind-the-scenes access to wineries, dine-with-the-winemaker opportunities and culinary experiences paired with the region’s best wines. 

Orange is a wine region with altitude. 

The event will feature two new signature events this year: the Vintners Table and Altitude, both of which will provide guests with the opportunity to taste local wine in spectacular locations. 

Altitude is set to be the Orange Wine Festival's closing event and will be held at Lake Canobolas. 

Guests will enjoy a roving degustation around the lake visiting various stations offering different wines and foods from the region, along with live music. 

The Vintner’s Table is a series of intimate dining events where winemakers will host guests at a venue of their choice with fresh, local, and seasonal produce showcased alongside a vineyard's own wines. The winemakers will tell the story of their vines and share their own approaches to winemaking.

In a timely move, Qantas recently announced the launch of three new weekly services between Orange and Sydney effective from September 12. 

For details see https://www.orange360.com.au/Events/Orange-Wine-Festival 

Hunter Valley has a spring in its step

The Hunter Valley keeps visitors busy right through the year - and hits full speed in spring with a range of one-off and weekend activities to discover.

Here are some of the highlights:

AUGUST

Merrick Watts: An Idiot’s Guide to Wine, Brokenwood Wines August 26

Handmade in the Hunter Markets, Sobels Wines August 27

Low & Slow Smoking Masterclass, Majors Lane Cooking School, Lovedale: Saturdays & Sundays

SEPTEMBER

Wollombi Wild Ride (mountain biking) September 3

Seafood & Cider Festival, Stanley Park September 10

1st Release Wine Week, Pokolbin September 10-11

Hunter Valley Gin & Jazz Festival September 10-11

Drag & Dine Brunch, Roche Estate September 10

Sculpture in the Vineyards September 10-25

END2END Festival, Oaks Cypress Lakes September 17

The Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort (top) is offering discounts of up to 30% in spring.

The property offers one-, two- and three-bedroom villas for up to seven guests, as well as a golf course, country club, two restaurants and bars, three swimming pools and two tennis courts.

Just make sure you book a room near the reception area as there can be a lot of walking involved if you are accommodated in one of the more remote villas.

The discount offer is available on stays booked by August 31 for stays until 30 September 2022. Full details here.