July brings a plethora of incredible new experiences in NSW. Check out the latest iteration of the famed Three Blue Ducks, follow a 14km wine trail in the Southern Tablelands, explore an inspiring native garden, sink into ice baths then slip into luxury, and stay at a recently opened, luxurious beachside shack.
FOOD AND DRINK New blue ducks
Beloved Three Blue Ducks is opening a lush outpost at The Lodge, Bellingen. Set on 16 acres of gardens with an outlook of the Dorrigo National Park, the venue will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Expect Three Blue Ducks favourites such as its classic granola and riffs on avocado toast, alongside other dishes heroing Asian ingredients and local Bellingen produce.
Badlands in Orange
After 13 years, Badlands Brewery has officially opened its own taproom in Orange. The brewery presents punters with 14 beer taps, delicious local wines, tasting paddles, growler fills, brewery tours, merch, rotating food trucks and live music.
14km of wine time
The Southern Tablelands is now home to the new Murrumbateman Winery Trail. The 14km trail takes riders on a leisurely journey past eight of the region’s award-winning wineries. Drop into family-run Clonakilla, award-winning Dionysus, The Vintner’s Daughter and more, as you explore the stunning wine region on two wheels.
ACCOMMODATION An inspiring native garden
A bush food garden created with Aboriginal education provider Deadly Ed has opened at Forster’s Reflections Holiday Park. The garden features finger limes, Davidson plums, karkalla and other native ingredients. The garden aims to help educate locals and visitors about foods native to Worimi country.
Tranquil privacy by the water
Malua Bay on NSW’s South Coast has welcomed a three-bedroom beachside Airbnb, Shelter. Set on the tranquil waters of Garden Bay, the classic beach shack combines its coastal aspect with chic, modern touches. Find glimpses of the water from every window, private stair access to the beach, a spacious canopy-level balcony, fully functional modern kitchen, a cosy breakfast nook and more.
Architecturally designed wellness
A new accommodation offering has landed in the Byron Bay region with The Brooklet. The sprawling property set in the hinterland offers two types of accommodations: The Bails (a beautifully restored dairy bail) and six villas – booking the estate grants access to exclusive use of the whole estate. The Brooklet also offers top-of-the-range wellness amenities including an infrared sauna, hot tub, ice bath and massage room.
EXPERIENCES Explore Aboriginal culture
Spirit of place is a new photography exhibition on show at Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre. The exhibition shows photographs shot by Carol Carter and Allen Chawner for Wonnarua elder Uncle Warren Taggart’s book of the same name. Photos on show, and in the book, depict important Aboriginal sites through a large section of Country, alongside cultural objects from Uncle Warren’s personal collection.
An unforgettable train adventure
Headed to the Broken Heel Festival 2023? Drag queens Bebe Gunn and Foxxe Faux are hosting the train trip of a lifetime as they journey to the Silver City festival that runs from 7-11 September. Jump aboard for on-board drag, music and entertainment – the best way to start your festival experience. Note: tickets are sold as return trips only.
