NEW FOOD AND DRINK 

Raise the Bah  
Wine time in Cootamundra just got glamorous as Bah Bah Food & Wine opened its doors on the town's main street, serving local Riverina wines, a selection of craft beers and expertly made cocktails. A menu of share plates also heroes the region's seasonal ingredients. 

Wake-up call 
The Early Opener is the latest place to start the day in Narrandera, an hour's drive from Wagga Wagga on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. The early-morning café (doors open at 4am) serves great coffee, decadent pastries and cakes, and fresh salads to the Riverina town. 

Beach brews 
Adding to Newcastle's growing craft brewery scene, Modus Brewery offers a bright and breezy 300-person space in the seaside suburb of Merewether. Thirty-six taps offer a rotation of the Modus core beers, including their non-alcoholic NORT range and limited-edition sour, lager and dark beers.

Pretty in Printhie 
One of Orange's most celebrated wineries Printhie Wines has just launched its decadent new restaurant and cellar door. The new venue provides premium 'beyond the cellar door' experiences, including a range of tastings, vineyard picnics, and a sparkling masterclass.

NSW's gin champion 
Phillip Moore, founder of the Central Coast's Distillery Botanica, has been inducted into this year's Gin Magazine's Hall of Fame – the first Australian gin distiller to receive the esteemed accolade. The award celebrates those who have made an outstanding, significant and lasting contribution to the global gin industry.

NEW EXPERIENCES 

Such great heights 
Scenic World's 270-metre-high cableway that flies across the Jamison Valley in the Blue Mountains has launched an even more heart-pumping experience: Beyond Skyway, where harnessed guests can climb on the rooftop of the cable car for uninterrupted 360-degree views and sky-high refreshments.

Murray with a bird's-eye view 
Murray Darling Scenic Flights offers a new way to explore the incredible landscape of the Murray Darling Basin – from up above. Commercial pilot and local fifth-generation farmer Peter McDonald leads scenic, charter and bespoke flight experiences over Lake Mungo, Yanga National Park and the Murray River.  

Taste of the Tweed 
Travellers to the Tweed can gain an immersive taste of the region on the new Tasting Plate Tour, The Gatherer. After a morning collecting fresh local produce, visitors will meet with local chefs and farm owners and sit down to a picnic in a special location in the Tweed Valley.  

Magic school bus 
Aboard a vintage school bus named Salty Pineapple, Bush to Bay Tours takes visitors on a delicious journey of the Byron Shire and Northern Rivers region. Guests will be taken into the Byron Hinterland for tastings at a local brewery and distillery and the local delights of Mullumbimby – with more tours in the pipeline.

NEW ACCOMMODATION 

Southern Highlands retreat 
Surrounded by rolling hills, sweeping bushland and lush gardens, five-star Osborn House is an elegant boutique hotel in Bundanoon with an indulgent spa and views across Morton National Park. 

Outback farm stay 
On the wide-open plains near Booroorban in the Riverina, North Bundy Station Stay offers guests authentic country living in the farm's renovated shearer's quarters. Hosts Peter and Lisa welcome guests for a fully catered dinner, bed-and-breakfast experience, and the quarters can entertain up to 12 guests. 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Great Southern Nights | Sydney & various NSW locations 
18 March-10 April 
Great Southern Nights is a celebration of live music that takes place right across New South Wales. The dynamic event features hundreds of COVID-safe performances at live music venues in approximately 60 Sydney suburbs and 140 towns across regional NSW in March and April 2022. 

Surfest Newcastle | Merewether Beach 
29 Mar-3 Apr 
This year marks the 36th anniversary of Surfest, the largest surfing festival in the Southern Hemisphere, where more than 800 male and female competitors from across the Asia-Pacific region will compete for cash prizes and World Surf League rating points.  

Parkes Elvis Festival  | Parkes 
20-24 April  
Step back in time to the 1950s as five joy-filled days of festivities take over Parkes, and passionate Elvis fans in colourful rockabilly fashion or incredible costumes of the King gather for concerts, exhibitions, vintage markets and competitions. Taylor Rodriguez, reigning international Elvis tribute artist champion, will be the headline act this year. 

Tamworth Country Music Festival | Tamworth  
18-24 April 
After its January dates were postponed, the 50th anniversary of Australia's biggest country music festival is back for an unmissable event this April, with the line-up including John Williamson, Beccy Cole, Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley, all part of more than 2800 scheduled events.   

Off the beaten track 
Adventurers can explore the lesser-known gems of the Central Coast while sitting back and enjoying the ride on a Detourist 4WD tour. Journeying through secret trails through Watagan National Park, the tours go past waterfalls, beaches, native flora and fauna, and epic lookouts. 

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