With warmer weather and plentiful produce, now is the time to explore NSW’s beautiful regions. Celebrate the excellent culinary offerings of Orange or the South Coast, see Grafton’s streets painted purple, and hand-feed giraffes before sitting down to breakfast in a zoo.
FOOD AND DRINK
Cool-climate celebrations
With over 60 excellent vineyards, it’s no surprise the Orange region needs a whole month to celebrate its wine offering. Running from 29 September – 29 October, the packed Orange Wine Festival program is not just tastings and tours. Pair wines with oysters and gravlax, try a Japanese hawker dinner, do downward dogs among the vines, combine prosecco and pizza, plus there are long lunches, a garden tour, a concerto and fly-fishing experiences.
ACCOMMODATION
A golden journey by rail
There’s something romantic about train travel – an ever-changing backdrop whooshing by as you sit back with a cup of tea. Explore Australia with Journey Beyond, which is offering a new category on its Great Southern rail services (which stops at Coffs Harbour, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and Newcastle) from next year. The Gold Premium Twin or Gold Premium Suite offers extra cabin space, a fold-down upper berth and the suite has a double bed and lounge area. Both cabin types also include access to the Gold Premium Lounge and premium all-inclusive dining.
EXPERIENCES
Spring fling
Celebrate longer days and abundant produce at the Griffith Spring Fest in the culinary hub of the Riverina. Now in its 31st year, the event invites visitors to admire the town’s gorgeous gardens and sculptures made from locally grown citrus, and a family friendly street party to kick it all off, from 8-21 October.
Purple rain
See the streets of Grafton awash with lilac and celebrate spring at the Grafton Jacaranda Festival, held from 26 October – 5 November. The eclectic festival program includes a children’s party, the jacaranda ball, river dreaming (day of culture), retro markets, the annual float parade, drag queen bingo and more. As the sun sets, head to See Park to admire the trees illuminated alongside entertainment and food trucks.
