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SYDNEY & NSW
EVENTS
CALENDAR
JULY 2014 – JUNE 2015
On behalf of the NSW
Government, I am proud to
present the 2014–2015 Sydney
and NSW Events Calendar –
your essential guide to the
excellent range of activities and
entertainment on offer across
Sydney and throughout
Regional NSW.
I encourage you to make the most
of this world class selection of
events and activities and take the
time to experience the many other
attractions Sydney and Regional
NSW has to offer.
With so much to see and do, the
Sydney and NSW Events Calendar
is a clear illustration of the NSW
Government’s commitment to
securing major sporting and
cultural events, making our State
a fantastic place to visit and be
entertained.
The impressive 2014–2015 Sydney
and NSW Events Calendar will
appeal to everyone with events
such as the A-League All Stars
versus Juventus, Vivid Sydney,
the Bledisloe Cup, Sydney
International Arts Series and the
Australian Garden Show Sydney.
Fantastic regional events like the
Deni Ute Muster, Iron Man 70.3
Port Macquarie, Australian Surf
Festival, Orange Wine Festival,
Tamworth Country Music Festival
and The Dungog Festival are
also included alongside major
international events such as the
AFC Asian Cup and ICC Cricket
World Cup 2015.
2 sydney.com
Andrew Stoner MP
Deputy Premier
Minister for Tourism
and Major Events
DNSW August, 2014
3
CONTENTS
SYDNEY AND NSW HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2014–2015
6
CONNECT WITH SYDNEY
JULY 2014
10
facebook.com/seesydney
AUGUST 2014
12
twitter.com/sydney_sider
SEPTEMBER 2014
14
@sydney
OCTOBER 2014
16
#ilovesydney
NOVEMBER 2014
20
DECEMBER 2014
24
sydney.com
JANUARY 2015
26
FEBRUARY 2015
28
MARCH 2015
30
APRIL 2015
32
MAY 2015
34
JUNE 2015
36
DISCOVER REGIONAL NSW
38
EXPERIENCE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF SYDNEY AND SURROUNDS
42
CONNECT WITH REGIONAL NSW
facebook.com/visitnsw
twitter.com/nswtips
@visitnsw
#NewSouthWales
visitnsw.com
For full disclaimer please see
outside back cover
4 visitnsw.com
DNSW August, 2014
5
SYDNEY AND NSW HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2014
JULY
AUGUST
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
Strictly Ballroom The Musical
Location Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star
Date Now Showing
FOXTEL A–League All Stars v Juventus
Location ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
Date 10 August
The Bledisloe Cup Festival
Location Various across Sydney
Date 4 – 16 August
Australian Garden Show Sydney
Location Centennial Park, Sydney
Date 4 – 7 September
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
Coates Hire Rally Australia
Location Coffs Harbour
Date 11 – 14 September
WICKED
Location Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Date From 20 September
Deni Ute Muster
Location Deniliquin
Date 3 – 4 October
NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final
Location ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
Date 5 October
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000
Location Mount Panorama, Bathurst
Date 9 – 12 October
IRONMAN 70.3 Port Macquarie
Location Port Macquarie
Date 19 October
Sydney International Art Series
Location Art Gallery of NSW & Museum of
Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney
Date 1 November – 15 March
International Children’s Games
Location Lake Macquarie
Date 6 – 11 December
6 sydney.com
DNSW August, 2014
7
SYDNEY AND NSW HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2015
JANUARY
JANUARY
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Parkes Elvis Festival
Location Parkes
Date 7 – 11 January
AFC Asian Cup 2015
Location Sydney & Newcastle
Date 10 – 31 January
Tamworth Country Music Festival
Location Tamworth
Date 16 – 25 January
Sydney Chinese New Year Festival
Location Various across Sydney
Date 13 February – 1 March
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
MARCH
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Location Various across Sydney
Date 15 February – 8 March
ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Location Sydney Cricket Ground
Date 27 February – 26 March
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – Aida
Location Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney
Date 27 March - 26 April
Sydney Royal Easter Show
Location Sydney Showground
Date 26 March – 8 April
APRIL
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
Bluesfest
Location Byron Bay
Date 2 – 6 April
XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship
Location Jervis Bay
Date April
Vivid Sydney
Location Various across Sydney
Date 22 May – 8 June
Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft
Location Coonamble
Date 6 – 8 June
8 visitnsw.com
DNSW August, 2014
9
The Lion King
Disney’s landmark musical
event will redefine your
expectations of theatre.
Location Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Date Until 31 August
Splendour in the Grass
Australia’s premier celebration
of alternative music and arts.
Location North Byron Parklands,
Byron Bay
Date 25 – 27 July
Tyrannosaurs
The first exhibition in the
world to showcase this
legendary dinosaur family.
Location Australian Museum,
Sydney
Date Until 27 July
International Ice Hockey
– USA versus Canada
The final game of the 2014
exhibition Ice Hockey series.
Location Allphones Arena,
Sydney Olympic Park
Date 26 July
Wombat Stew the Musical
The much loved children’s story
of a dingo who catches a wombat.
Location Glen Street Theatre,
Sydney
Date 19 – 22 July
Opera at the Channon
One of the NSW North Coast’s
most popular cultural events.
Location Lismore
Date 27 July
10 sydney.com
Strictly Ballroom. Photo. Jeff Busby
Archibald Prize Exhibition
Showcasing finalists from the
nation’s most prestigious prize
for portraiture.
Location Art Gallery of New
South Wales, Sydney
Date 19 July – 28 September
JULY 2014
Strictly Ballroom The Musical
The film that inspired the world to dance has
now come to life on stage.
Location Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star
Date Now Showing
Lightning Ridge Opal Festival
Offering a jam packed program
of free activities and social events.
Location Lightning Ridge
Date 31 July – 3 August
SYDNEY WAS RANKED TOP 5 BEST WORLD DESTINATIONS,
IN THE UK CRUISE INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
DNSW August, 2014 11
Helpmann Awards
Celebrate artistic achievement in
the Australian Live Performance
Industry.
Location Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Date 18 August
Fireside Festival the
Poachers Way
A month of winter–inspired food
and wine events in the Yass Valley.
Location Yass Valley
Date 1 – 31 August
V8 Supercars Sydney Motorsport
Park 400
Celebrate high-octane
entertainment at Round 9 of
the V8 Supercars Championship.
Location Sydney Motorsport Park
Date 22 – 24 August
The Bledisloe Cup Festival
A variety of events building up
to the Bledisloe Cup at ANZ
Stadium.
Location Various across Sydney
Date 4 – 16 August
The Sun–Herald City2Surf
Elite athletes and beginners join
in the world’s largest fun run.
Location Hyde Park to Bondi
Beach, Sydney
Date 10 August
2014 National Variety Bash
Australia’s most successful
charity motoring event is hitting
the road in NSW this August.
Location Various across NSW
Date 11 – 21 August
FOXTEL A – League All Stars v Juventus
One of the world’s greatest football
clubs heads to Sydney.
Location ANZ Stadium,
Sydney Olympic Park
Date 10 August
AUGUST 2014
Australian Surf Festival
Over 500 surfers compete to
be crowned the Australian
champions.
Location Coffs Harbour
Date 1 – 18 August
Bingham Cup Sydney 2014
Teams from over 15 countries
come together for the Gay Rugby
Union World Championships.
Location Various across Sydney
Date 24 – 31 August
The Dungog Festival
A showcase of film, food,
music and local community.
Location Dungog
Date 28 – 31 August
Travelling Film Festival
The Sydney Film Festival brings
its show to regional NSW.
Location Wollongong
Date 29 – 31 August
Bangalow Music Festival
A festival of the finest classical
chamber music and musicians.
Location Bangalow
Date 15 – 17 August
12
SYDNEY WON TOP AUSTRALIAN & SOUTH PACIFIC DESTINATION
IN TRIPADVISOR’S 2014 TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
DNSW August, 2014
13
Celebrating Australia’s passion for gardens
and outdoor spaces.
Location Centennial Park, Sydney
Date 4 – 7 September
WUPA @ Wanaruah
Follow the Aboriginal Art Trail
through seven locations across
the wine region.
Location Hunter Valley
Date 6 September – 31 October
Coffs Harbour Running Festival
A community fitness event for all
ages in beautiful surroundings.
Location Coffs Harbour
Date 7 September
Dubbo Stampede
A family running festival based
in and around the Western
Plains Zoo.
Location Dubbo
Date 7 September
The King and I
Don’t miss this legendary
production by Rodgers and
Hammerstein.
Location Sydney Opera House
Date From 7 September
Coates Hire Rally Australia
The Australian leg of the FIA
World Rally Championship.
Location Coffs Coast
Date 11 – 14 September
Sample Food Festival
A celebration of the flavours
and creativity of food on the
North Coast.
Location Bangalow
Date 13 September
14 visitnsw.com
Daffodils at Rydal 2014
Celebrate the arrival of Spring
in Rydal’s parks and gardens.
Location Rydal
Date 13 – 14 & 20 – 21 September
Tulip Time Festival
One of Australia’s most beautiful
floral festivals.
Location Corbett Gardens, Bowral
Date 16 – 28 September
Art & About Sydney
Experience Sydney through
art in unusual spaces.
Location Various across Sydney
Date 19 September – 12 October
SEPTEMBER 2014
Australian Garden Show Sydney
Wicked
The spectacular untold
story of the witches of Oz.
Location Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Date From 20 September
Blackmores Sydney Running
Festival
One of the most scenic courses
in Australia hosts 4 events to
cater for all abilities.
Location Milsons Point, Sydney
Date 21 September
2014 Australian University
Games
Students from 41 universities
converge in Sydney to compete.
Location Various across Sydney
Date 28 September – 3 October
NSW IS THE MOST AWARDED DESTINATION IN THE 2014 GOURMET TRAVELLER AUSTRALIAN HOTEL GUIDE
DNSW August, 2014 15
Taste Riverina Food Festival
Celebrate and experience the
diverse range of local produce.
Location Wagga Wagga & Griffith
Date 1 – 31 October
Good Food Month
A month long celebration of
extraordinary food experiences.
Location Various across Sydney
Date 1 – 31 October
2PK Parkes Country Music
Spectacular
Featuring an excellent line up of
professional and guest artists.
Location Parkes
Date 2 – 6 October
Deni Ute Muster
Non-stop entertainment held
on the flattest plains on earth.
Location Deniliquin
Date 3 – 4 October
Great Southern Blues Festival
A celebration of the best of the
Blues from around the world.
Location Narooma
Date3 – 5 October
Manly Jazz
A celebration of sound and
Australia’s beach culture.
Location The Corso and
Beachfront, Manly
Date 4 – 6 October
16 sydney.com
NRL Telstra Premiership
Grand Final
Watch the NRL heavyweights
battle it out for the top spot.
Location ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Olympic Park
Date 5 October
OCTOBER 2014
Orange
Wine Festival
Celebrating the cool
climate wines from
the Orange region.
Location Orange &
surrounding regions
Date 17 October – 2 November
Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000
The iconic motorsport celebration
with V8 supercars.
Location Mount Panorama,
Bathurst
Date 9 – 12 October
Spirit of the Land
Lockhart Festival
Includes Australia’s only National
Farm Art Sculpture Awards.
Location Lockhart
Date 11 – 12 October
Rob Guest Endowment Gala
Concert 2014
A star studded guest line up at the
finals to find the next big name in
musical theatre.
Location Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Date 13 October
World Time Attack Challenge
Three days of motorsport nirvana
with non–stop Time Attack and
Drift action.
Location Sydney Motorsport Park
Date 17 – 19 October
2014 WILL MARK THE 5TH YEAR OF THE NRL GRAND
FINAL WEEK BEING HELD EXCLUSIVELY IN SYDNEY
DNSW August, 2014
17
CoastOut Festival
The Coffs Coast annual Gay,
Lesbian and friends festival.
Location Park Beach, Coffs
Harbour
Date 24 – 26 October
Monster Jam
The most intense family
entertainment returns to Sydney.
Location ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Olympic Park
Date 18 October
Byron Bay Surf Festival
A 3 day fusion of surf
culture and community.
Location Byron Bay
Date 24 – 26 October
Batlow Apple Blossom Festival
Enjoy great food, markets, art
and collectibles.
Location Batlow
Date 18 – 19 October
IRONMAN 70.3 Port Macquarie
Athletes battle it out in
the Australian Age Group
Championships.
Location Port Macquarie
Date 19 October
Henry V by William Shakespeare
Presented by the Bell
Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Location Sydney Opera House
Date 21 October – 15 November
18
Sculpture by the Sea
Sydney’s annual, free to the
public, outdoor art exhibition.
Location Bondi to Tamarama
Coastal Walk, Sydney
Date 23 October – 9 November
OCTOBER 2014
Parramasala - Many Cultures,
One Celebration
Celebrating the cultures of
Western Sydney’s communities.
Location Harris Park, Parramatta
Date 17 – 19 October
Chromefest
A tribute to classics, hot rods
and rockabilly.
Location The Entrance
Date 24 – 26 October
Sculpture in the Vineyards
A free sculpture exhibition along
the Wollombi Valley Wine Trail.
Location Wollombi, Hunter Valley
Date 25 October – 23 November
Cancer Council NSW Seven
Bridges Walk
Get active and help raise money
for charity at the same time.
Location Milsons Point, Sydney
Date 26 October
Tastes at the Bay Festival
Enjoy gourmet food, wine
and boutique beer.
Location Port Stephens
Date 31 October – 2 November
AROUND 500,000 PEOPLE VISIT SCULPTURE BY THE
SEA DURING ITS ANNUAL 3 WEEK EXHIBITION
DNSW August, 2014
19
The Lakeside Festival
A day long feast of live music, art
exhibits and local food and wine.
Location Forster Tuncurry
Date 1 November
Lord Howe Island Bird Week
Explore Australia’s premier
bird watching destination.
Location Lord Howe Island
Date 1 - 8 November
Kids Day Out – Halloween Fest
The biggest costumed party ever,
with a mix of top live children’s
performers.
Location Sydney Olympic Park
Date 1 November
Southern Highlands Arts Festival
Artists open their studio doors
allowing visitors to explore their
creative habitats.
Location Southern Highlands
Date 1 – 30 November
Carcoar Cup Running Festival
One of the most beautiful
marathon courses in Australia.
Location Carcoar & Neville
Date 1 – 2 November
Blackheath Rhododendron
Festival
The village comes alive with
floral displays, art and outdoor
entertainment.
Location Blackheath
Date 1 – 30 November
Bitter and Twisted International
Boutique Beer Festival
A celebration of all things music,
food and beer.
Location Maitland Gaol
Date 1 – 2 November
Snowy Mountains Trout Festival
Promises to be a great week
of fishing fun for all ages.
Location Jindabyne
Date 1 – 7 November
20 visitnsw.com
NOVEMBER 2014
Eden Whale Festival
Celebrate the Southern
migration at Australia’s
premier whale watching
destination.
Location Eden
Date 1 – 2 November
Sydney International Art Series:
Pop to Popism
See works by artists such as
Warhol, Lichtenstein and more.
Location Art Gallery of NSW,
Sydney
Date 1 November – 1 March
Hunter Valley Uncorked
Balmoral
Experience an exquisite
fusion of food and wine.
Location Balmoral Beach, Sydney
Date 2 November
SINCE LAUNCHING IN 2010, OVER 1 MILLION PEOPLE HAVE ATTENDED
A SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL ART SERIES EXHIBITION DNSW August, 2014 21
Brisbane Water Oyster Festival
Bringing together food, wine
and family entertainment.
Location Ettalong Beach
Date 9 November
KFC T20 INTL
Packed with massive hits
and explosive action.
Location Stadium Australia,
Sydney Olympic Park
Date 9 November
Ballina Prawn Festival
An iconic celebration of this
unique coastal and river-front
town.
Location Ballina
Date 15 November
The Carnival of Miracles
Three weekends of harness
racing entertainment.
Location Tabcorp Park, Menangle
Date 15 – 29 November
Mullum Music Festival
Held in the little town of
Mullumbimby tucked in
the hills behind Byron Bay.
Location Mullumbimby
Date 20 – 23 November
22
Corroboree Sydney
A celebration of Australia’s
rich indigenous cultures –
past and present.
Location Various across Sydney
Date 20 – 30 November
NOVEMBER 2014
MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride
One of Australia’s most
spectacular one day cycling events.
Location Sydney to Wollongong
Date 2 November
Sydney International Art Series:
Chuck Close
The largest collection of Close’s
work ever presented in the
southern hemisphere
Location Museum of
Contemporary Art Australia,
Sydney
Date 20 November – 15 March
Emirates Australian Open Golf
The world’s best battle
to claim Australian golf’s
most prized trophy.
Location The Australian
Golf Club, Sydney
Date 27 – 30 November
IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney
Athletes battle it out in a major
test of endurance.
Location Sydney International
Rowing Regatta Centre, Penrith
Date 30 November
ARIA Week and ARIA Awards
Celebrating the best in
Australian music.
Location Sydney
Date November
DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE,
MADE ITS WORLD PREMIERE IN SYDNEY IN 2004
Dirty Dancing The Classic Story on Stage
The much loved musical returns to
Sydney for a strictly limited season!
Location Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star
Date From 28 November
DNSW August, 2014
23
Lord Howe Island Art Trail
Visit five studios and talk
with local artists.
Location Lord Howe Island
Date 1 – 6 December
V8 Supercars Sydney 500
Grand final showdown for the
V8 Supercars Championship.
Location Sydney Olympic Park
Date 5 – 7 December
National Cherry Festival
A quirky and colourful celebration.
Location Young
Date 5 – 7 December
Grafton City Head of the
River Rowing Regatta
The biggest rowing event
held outside of Sydney.
Location Grafton
Date 6 – 7 December
International Children’s Games
The largest multi–sports
youth games in the world.
Location Lake Macquarie
Date 6 – 11 December
Tropfest
The world’s largest short
film festival.
Location Centennial Park, Sydney
Date 7 December
24 sydney.com
LithGLO
Lighting projections, night
markets, carols, bell ringing
and street food.
Location Lithgow
Date 11 – 13 December
Festival Of The Sun
The best boutique music festival
experience of the Summer.
Location Port Macquarie
Date 12 – 13 December
Extreme Sailing Series
– Sydney Act
A unique spectacle utilising
exciting high performance
catamarans.
Location Sydney Harbour
Date 12 – 14 December
DECEMBER 2014
Sydney New Year’s Eve
Sydney welcomes
the New Year with 9pm
and midnight fireworks.
Location Sydney Harbour
Date 31 December
Australian Beach Soccer Cup
Two days of international
competition and entertainment.
Location Wollongong
Date 13 – 14 December
Rolex Sydney Harbour
Yacht Race
An iconic part of Australia’s
Summer.
Location Sydney Harbour
Date 26 December
Snowy Mountains Muster
A wide variety of bush
festival entertainment.
Location Jindabyne
Date 29 – 31 December
AN ESTIMATED 1 BILLION PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD
WATCH THE SYDNEY NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS
DNSW August, 2014 25
AFC Asian Cup 2015
Asia’s biggest football tournament
is coming to Australia.
Location Stadium Australia,
Sydney Olympic Park &
Newcastle Stadium
Date 10 – 31 January
Apia International Sydney
Experience one of the greatest
tennis events in the nation.
Location Sydney Olympic Park
Tennis Centre
Date 11 – 17 January
Youth Trans Tasman Series
Featuring Australia and New
Zealand’s best young Touch
Football talent.
Location Cronulla
Date 16 – 18 January
Tamworth Country
Music Festival
Australia’s largest music festival.
Location Tamworth
Date 16 – 25 January
26
Australia Day
Music, entertainment and
plenty of free fun for the family.
Location Various across Sydney
Date 26 January
Yabun
Australia’s largest single-day
Indigenous festival.
Location Victoria Park, Sydney
Date 26 January
Sydney Festival
One of the world’s most
wonderful summer festivals!
Location Various across Sydney
Date 8 – 26 January
JANUARY 2015
Parkes Elvis Festival
Hip-swivelling Elvis
impersonators convene for
a dazzling array of events.
Location Parkes
Date 7 – 11 January
The Sydney Morning Herald
Sun Run
A popular, family-friendly event
showcasing the best of Sydney’s
Northern Beaches.
Location Dee Why to Manly
Date 31 January
The Big Issue
Street Football Festival
See Soccer played on an amazing
purpose-built floating pitch.
Location Darling Harbour, Sydney
Date January
4th AACTA Awards
Celebrating the best of Australia’s
film and television industry.
Location The Star Event Centre,
Sydney
Date January
SYDNEY WON BEST CITY IN OCEANA, WORLD’S FAVOURITE VIA
CONDé NAST TRAVELER USA READER’S CHOICE AWARDS
DNSW August, 2014
27
Inter Dominion
Championship Sydney
The premier event of harness
racing in the southern hemisphere.
Location Tabcorp Park, Menangle
Date 14 February – 1 March
Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour
Australia’s International
Endurance Race.
Location Mt Panorama, Bathurst
Date 6 – 8 February
Sydney Gay and
Lesbian Mardi Gras
The world’s loudest and
proudest celebration of diversity.
Location Various across Sydney
Date 15 February – 8 March
Australian Bowl-riding
Championships
The 4th annual event will hit one of
Australia’s most technical bowls.
Location Newcastle
Date 7 February
Hurley Australian Open
of Surfing
A world class surfing,
skateboarding and music festival.
Location Manly Beach
Date 7 – 15 February
Riverboats Music Festival
Enjoy the music from beside
the mighty Murray River.
Location Echuca-Moama
Date 13 – 15 February
Surfest
Celebrating the 30th year of
Australia’s largest surfing festival.
Location Newcastle
Date 6 – 22 February
28 visitnsw.com
Sydney Chinese
New Year Festival
Celebrate with cultural events,
food and the Twilight Parade.
Location Various across Sydney
Date 13 February – 1 March
FEBRUARY 2015
NSW Food & Wine Festival
Discover the best of NSW food
and wine events across the State.
Location Various across Sydney
and NSW
Date 1 February – 1 March
BOWL-A-RAMA Bondi 2015
The largest professional concrete
skateboarding event in the
Southern Hemisphere.
Location Bondi Beach
Date 17 – 22 February
Navy Australian
Surf Rowers Open
An adrenalin filled display
of teamwork and fitness.
Location Shellharbour
Date 20 – 22 February
ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
See the superstars compete
for cricket’s greatest prize.
Location Sydney Cricket Ground
Date 27 February & 8, 13, 18, 26
March
Australian Surfing Awards
Recognising those who help
develop surfing in Australia.
Location International College
of Management, Sydney
Date February
THE CITY OF SYDNEY’S CHINESE NEW YEAR
FESTIVAL IS THE LARGEST OUTSIDE OF ASIA
DNSW August, 2014
29
Qube Rhythm ‘n’ Rail Festival
An annual celebration of Junee’s
distinctive rail heritage.
Location Junee
Date 6 – 8 March
Byron Bay International
Film Festival
10 days of amazing films
and events.
Location Byron Bay
Date 6 – 15 March
The Touch Football Australia
2015 X-Blades National
Touch League
Bringing together competitors
from across the country.
Location Coffs Harbour
Date 11 – 14 March
Australian Junior
Athletics Championships
Over 2,000 young Australians
will compete for the national title.
Location Sydney Olympic Park
Date 11 – 15 March
Blue Mountains Music Festival
A three day festival of folk,
roots and blues music.
Location Katoomba
Date 13 – 15 March
Sydney Track Classic
Australia’s best athletes take
on the world’s sport superstars.
Location Sydney Olympic Park
Date 14 March
30 sydney.com
Les Misérables
Cameron Mackintosh’s
acclaimed new production,
with glorious new staging.
Location Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Date From March
CMC Rocks the Hunter
Offers mind-blowing line-ups not
seen anywhere else in Australia.
Location Hunter Valley
Date March
Sydney International
Rowing Regatta
Featuring some of the world’s
best rowers in action.
Location Sydney International
Regatta Centre, Penrith
Date 23 – 29 March
Commercial Club Albury
Gold Cup Carnival
One of the premier country
racing carnivals in Australia.
Location Albury
Date 26 – 27 March
Sydney Royal Easter Show
Australia’s largest annual event,
showcasing Australian country life.
Location Sydney Showground,
Sydney Olympic Park
Date 26 March – 8 April
Handa Opera on
Sydney Harbour – Aida
Experience the grandeur of opera
outdoors on a giant harbour stage.
Location Mrs Macquaries Point,
Sydney
Date 27 March – 26 April
BMW SYDNEY CARNIVAL’S GOLDEN SLIPPER IS THE
WORLD’S RICHEST HORSE RACE FOR 2 YEAR OLDS
DNSW August, 2014
MARCH 2015
Sydney Autumn Carnival
Sydney’s premier racing
carnival, held over 6 weeks.
Location Royal Randwick
& Rosehill Gardens, Sydney
Date March – April
31
Inglis Australian Easter
Yearling Sale
Australia’s finest bred
and conformed yearlings.
Location Newmarket, Sydney
Date 7 – 9 April
Orange F.O.O.D Week
Experience the region’s best food
and wine in a festival atmosphere.
Location Orange
Date 10 – 19 April
Bundanoon Highland
Gathering Festival
The annual festival where
Bundanoon becomes
Brigadoon for a day.
Location Bundanoon
Date 11 April
Booligal Sheep Races
Come along and see how the
locals have fun in the outback.
Location Booligal Cricket Ground
Date 11 April
Mercedes-Benz Fashion
Week Australia
Celebrating the 20th anniversary
with runway shows from
Australia’s best designers.
Location Carriageworks, Sydney
Date 12 – 16 April
32
Sail Port Stephens
An annual yachting regatta that’s
family-friendly, affordable and fun.
Location d’Albora Marina,
Nelson Bay
Date 13 – 19 April
Top Gear Festival Sydney
Australia’s leading motoring
festival with stunts, laughs, spills
and thrills.
Location Sydney Motorsport Park
Date April
Mercedes-Benz Fashion
Weekend Edition
Tap into the trends first with
the full fashion week experience.
Location Carriageworks, Sydney
Date 18 –19 April
APRIL 2015
Bluesfest
Australia’s premier blues
and roots music festival.
Location Byron Bay
Date 2 – 6 April
Canowindra Balloon Challenge
The 20th Australian National
Balloon Championships.
Location Canowindra
Date April
Camp Gallipoli Sydney
Sleep out under the stars as the
original ANZAC heroes did 100
years ago.
Location Centennial Park, Sydney
Date 24 – 25 April
2015 Federation of International
Touch (FIT) World Cup
Over 100 teams from around
the world compete.
Location Coffs Harbour
Date 29 April – 3 May
XTERRA Asia-Pacific
Championship
A triathlon combining a 1.5km
swim, 30km mountain bike and
10km trail run.
Location Jervis Bay
Date April
USA’S TRAVEL + LEISURE’S 2014 WORLD’S BEST AWARDS VOTED
SYDNEY #1 CITY IN AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND & SOUTH PACIFIC
DNSW August, 2014
33
Gosford Regional Show
Including horticultural displays,
arts, crafts, baking and much
more.
Location Gosford
Date 2 – 3 May
Vivid Sydney
Sydney is transformed into
a creative canvas of lights,
music and creative forums.
Locationn Various across Sydney
Date 22 May – 8 June
2015 Emirates Park
Scone Cup Carnival
Australia’s biggest
country racing carnival.
Location Scone Race Club
Date 15 – 16 May
Australian Badminton Open
Top players from over 20
countries compete for the
largest prize money in the world.
Location Sydney Olympic Park
Sports Centre
Date 26 – 31 May
Batlow Ciderfest
Head to Batlow to experience
Australia’s best ciders.
Location Batlow
Date 16 May
KidsFest Shellharbour
A vibrant week-long festival
for children and their families.
Location Shellharbour
Date 17 – 23 May
Sydney Writer’s Festival
The largest celebration of
literature, stories and ideas
in Australia.
Location Various across Sydney
Date 18 – 24 May
34 visitnsw.com
MAY 2015
2015 NCHA Futurity
The pinnacle of horse
cutting in Australia.
Location Tamworth
Date May/June
Port to Port MTB
An international stage MTB
race for riders of all levels.
Location Newcastle, Hunter
Valley & Port Stephens
Date 28 – 31 May
Manly Food, Wine and
Sustainability Festival
Sample delights from local
restaurants and delicious
wines from across Australia.
Location The Corso and
Beachfront, Manly
Date 30 – 31 May
41st Great NOSH Footrace
A 16km run through some
of Sydney’s most spectacular
bushland.
Location Lindfield Oval, Sydney
Date 31 May
IN 2014 MORE THAN 1.4M PEOPLE EXPERIENCED
THE WONDER OF VIVID SYDNEY
DNSW August, 2014
35
Hunter Valley Food
and Wine Month
A month long celebration of the
region’s unique culture of fine
food and wine.
Location Hunter Valley
Date 1 – 30 June
Hair Expo 2015
Experience the hottest brands,
products and show-stopping
live performances.
Location Sydney Exhibition
Centre, Glebe Island
Date 6 – 8 June
Sydney Film Festival
Enjoy the best features,
documentaries and short
films from across Australia
and the world.
Location Various across Sydney
Date 3 – 14 June
Coonamble Rodeo and
Campdraft
Largest combined rodeo and
campdraft in the Southern
Hemisphere.
Location Coonamble
Date 6 – 8 June
Perisher Peak Festival
Celebrate the opening weekend
of the 2015 snow season.
Location Perisher Valley
Date 5 – 8 June
Shoalhaven Coast
Winter Wine Festival
Enjoy wine and cheese tasting
at participating cellar doors.
Location Shoalhaven
Date 6 – 8 June
Pearl Beach Classical
Music Festival
Celebrate the romance of
music, as you’re carried away
on a magical journey.
Location Pearl Beach
Date 6 – 7 June
36 sydney.com
JUNE 2015
Holden State of Origin – Game 1
See Rugby League’s greatest
rivalry: the Blues v the Maroons.
Location ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Olympic Park
Dates June
Cake Bake and Sweets Show
The ultimate foodie’s experience
with three-days devoted to baking
and cake decorating.
Location Sydney Showground,
Sydney Olympic Park
Date 12 – 14 June
SYDNEY WAS THE WINNER OF THE 2013 IFEA
WORLD FESTIVAL AND EVENT CITY AWARD
DNSW August, 2014
37
DISCOVER
REGIONAL NSW
THE HUNTER
Known for its top–class wineries,
restaurants and accommodation,
the Hunter is a dynamic place for a
getaway. Add golf courses and spa
retreats, fabulous beaches, bushwalking
and water sports just two hours’ drive
from Sydney.
BLUE MOUNTAINS
LORD HOWE ISLAND
The small picturesque towns of the
region are surrounded by the sandstone
cliffs and deep valleys thick with
rainforest that are part of the vast
Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage
Area, just 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney.
This World Heritage listed paradise
located two hours’ flight from Sydney or
Brisbane is a small island, surrounded
by the world’s most southerly coral reef.
Explore the island by bike or on foot,
snorkel, canoe and bushwalk.
CENTRAL COAST
MID NORTH COAST
An hour’s drive north of Sydney, this
region is known for its many natural
attributes including waterways, sparkling
beaches and lush countryside where you
can go bushwalking, surfing, fishing and
sailing, and whale watching.
The incredible natural wonders of
this region on land and in the sea
offer plenty of enjoyable experiences
from bushwalking and snorkelling to
dolphin–watching, surfing, birdwatching
and canoeing.
CENTRAL NSW
THE MURRAY
This region of varied landscapes is
one of the State’s richest agricultural
regions as well as one of its most
historic. Visit historic towns, enjoy
great food and wine experiences,
visit national parks and gardens.
Australia’s greatest river is at the heart
of this rich agricultural region where life
on the river is relaxed and unhurried.
Soak up the ambience on a paddleboat
cruise, hire a houseboat and fish for
your dinner or visit red gum forests.
38 For more information on events, travel and accommodation go to visitnsw.com
DNSW August, 2014
39
NEW ENGLAND AND NORTH WEST
SNOWY MOUNTAINS
A touring holiday is the best way to
enjoy the wide open spaces, vast
horizons and historic townships of this
region. The region’s natural attractions
offer opportunities for bushwalking,
bird–watching, canoeing and fishing.
Whatever the season, the Snowy
Mountains is spectacular. Mt Kosciuszko,
Australia’s highest peak, is located in
here, while Kosciuszko National Park
is the largest national park in Australia.
Go skiing in Winter and hiking in
Summer.
NORTHERN RIVERS
SOUTH COAST
Long stretches of coastline with beaches,
headlands and bushland make this a
special part of the State. Enjoy a wide
range of activities including surfing,
bushwalking, fishing, yoga on the
beach and kayaking with dolphins.
Stretching from Stanwell Park to Eden,
the South Coast is a region of unspoilt
natural beauty. It has more than 30
national parks, crystal–clear bays and
lakes, uncrowded beaches, beautiful
rivers and the whitest sand in the
world at Hyams Beach.
OUTBACK NSW
SOUTHERN HIGLANDS
AND TABLELANDS
The landscape of this grand region is
where red ochre earth merges with
clear blue skies. A cultural highlight
is the Willandra Lakes World Heritage
Area, famous for the 60,000–year–old
burial sites at Lake Mungo as well as
its lunar landscape.
This delightful region, just 90 minutes’
drive south of Sydney, is famous for its
heritage villages and old world charm.
Also known for its great dining options
and cool–climate wines, it’s the perfect
place to relax and unwind.
THE RIVERINA
Known as the ‘food bowl of Australia’,
this region is the largest wine-growing
region in NSW, perfect for wine and food
experiences. The great outdoors beckons
with cycling, bushwalking, fishing and
bird watching all popular.
40 visitnsw.com
If it’s worth seeing or doing, It’s ON! in NSW.
For more information go to visitnsw.com
DNSW August, 2014
41
EXPERIENCE THE
HIGHLIGHTS OF SYDNEY
Backstage at the ‘House’
Explore the harbour
Step inside the World Heritage listed
Sydney Opera House to hear the story
of how this 20th century icon came to
life. You’ll get a sneak–peek backstage
which has welcomed legends such
as Ella Fitzgerald, Pavarotti, Mikhail
Baryshnikov and Cate Blanchett.
There’s no better way to soak up
the natural beauty of Sydney than on a
leisurely harbour cruise or short ferry
ride from Circular Quay to Manly. Go on
a spin around the harbour on a jet boat,
kayak in sheltered coves or laze on the
deck of a luxury yacht.
Be cool at Bondi Beach
Feel like an air adventure?
Learn to surf with experienced guides
at one of the most famous beaches in
Australia. Bondi’s Campbell Parade is a
near–continuous strip of outdoor cafes,
gelato bars, gourmet burger bars, tapas
and funky surf wear.
Brave a sky dive onto the beach, go on a
tandem hang–glide over the coast or get
your adrenalin racing in an aerobic flight
over the coastline in a classic biplane. Find
your very own air adventure just one hour’s
drive south of Sydney at Wollongong.
Skydive the Beach and Beyond - skydive.com.au
42 sydney.com
Climb the Bridge
Harbourside zoos
See one of the most beautiful cities in
the world from the summit of the Sydney
Harbour Bridge. BridgeClimb tours depart
from dawn until dusk, day and night, giving
you the opportunity to scale this world–
famous icon at your own pace.
Just 12 minutes by ferry from the city,
Taronga Zoo has breathtaking harbour
views, free shows and fascinating keeper
talks daily. More Australian animal
encounters can be found at WILD LIFE
Sydney and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
at Darling Harbour.
Explore Aboriginal heritage
Historic Sydney
Just 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney is the
Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage
Area where you can gain insights into the
culture of the Aboriginal people who have
lived here for thousands of years at the
Waradah Aboriginal Centre.
Sydney’s oldest quarter, The Rocks, is a
fascinating world of cobblestone laneways,
heritage buildings, galleries, restaurants
and bars. Get the inside story about
Sydney’s earliest colonial days on a guided
walking tour or wander at your own pace.
If it’s worth seeing or doing, It’s ON! in Sydney. For more information go to sydney.com
AND SURROUNDS
Shopping Sydney–style
Whether you love chic international
brands, stylish vintage or cutting–edge
Australian fashion designers, you’ll
have fun shopping in Sydney. Inner–city
highlights are the Queen Victoria Building
and Strand Arcade and boutiques along
Castlereagh, Elizabeth and King Streets.
Sydney arts and markets
Enjoy art? Don’t miss the Art Gallery of
NSW, the Museum of Contemporary
Art Australia or the contemporary
Chinese collection at White Rabbit
Gallery. See local artists’ work and
more at weekend markets in Bondi,
Paddington, Eveleigh and The Rocks.
Sydney walks
Sydney’s a great city for walkers with
a series of scenic walking tracks and
trails. Check out the Manly to Spit Walk,
the Nielson Park foreshore walk or the
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, home to
Sculpture by the Sea from October to
November.
Fabulous harbourside restaurants,
cool bars, tapas cafes and heritage pubs:
Sydney’s dining scene is creative, eclectic
and affordable. Add exciting eat streets
serving a long list of cuisines from around
the world and you’ve got a global dining
hot spot.
DNSW August, 2014
44
Australia Day 2014
Taste Sydney
CONNECT WITH SYDNEY
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sydney.com
CONNECT WITH REGIONAL NSW
facebook.com/visitnsw
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@visitnsw
#NewSouthWales
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Disclaimer: Destination NSW advises the details contained in the “Sydney & NSW Events Calendar July
2014-June 2015” are based on the best available information as at time of printing. The “Sydney & NSW
Events Calendar July 2014-June 2015” highlights the main events and is not a complete list of the events
occurring from July 2014-June 2015.
Please consult the relevant ticketing agency and/or location for ticket prices, booking fees, surcharges
and applicable taxes before purchase. There may be other conditions imposed by the ticketing agency
and/or location as a result of your purchase or attendance. Please make yourself aware of all conditions
before purchase and/or attendance. Note that events may be subject to change or cancellation without
notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Location capacity restrictions may apply for some events. Check
sydney.com, visitnsw.com or other relevant event owner websites for the latest information.
Destination NSW acknowledges and appreciates all photographic images supplied by each event owner
and their photographers for use in this guide. Images page 4 - 7: Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour Carmen 2013: Credit Keith Saunders; Pop to Popism: Roy Lichtenstein. In the car 1963. Scottish National
Gallery of Modern Art. Purchased 1980 © Roy Lichtenstein Foundation. Licensed by Viscopy, Sydney
Photo: Bridgeman Art Library. Greer Taylor, transition, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2012. Photographer:
Catherine McElhone