GLOBAL ACCOLADE FOR NSW
HIDDEN GEM

Surfers at Cabarita Beach

Lonely Planet has announced its global Top Destinations Hotlist 2027, which features only one Australian region—The Tweed.

The list showcases 25 destinations recommended by Lonely Planet’s global community of travel experts.

The Tweed was praised for its unique combination of outdoor adventures, creative culture, wellness experiences, flourishing food bowl and paddock-to-plate dining options.

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Robert Irwin points at Qantas plane

QANTAS PARTNERS WITH ROBERT IRWIN

Qantas is collaborating with wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and Tourism Australia to boost international visitation to Australia.

The partnership has launched in Singapore with a promotion that bundles domestic flights in Australia with an international ticket, supporting visitor dispersal to more than 45 Australian destinations. 

Campaigns will also run in key markets including the United States, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.

NON-STOP NEW YORK-SYDNEY
ROUTE ANNOUNCED

Qantas has announced it will launch non-stop services between New York and Sydney from mid-2028 as part of Project Sunrise.

Tickets for the inaugural service will go on sale from August 2027. The route will cut more than three hours off total travel time compared with current one-stop services.

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Couple wading in a swimming pool

SUMMER MARKETING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES

Destination NSW has launched its seasonal ‘Feel the Sydney Side of Summer’ campaign, highlighting the diversity of experiences on offer from the harbour to Western Sydney.

Whether visitors are seeking to dive into an ocean pool, relax at a rooftop bar, enjoy waterside dining, immerse themselves in a cultural experience or attend a major summer event, the campaign inspires them to choose Sydney for their summer getaway.

Learn more here.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY SURGE FOR SYDNEY AIRPORT

Nearly 2.7 million passengers are expected to travel through Sydney Airport's terminals from 21 September to 11 October 2026.

Domestic travel is driving demand, with 1.64 million passengers forecast to transit through T2 and T3, up four per cent year-on-year. 

NRL Grand Final fans will join families heading away for the school holidays and the October long weekend.

SYDNEY NUMBER ONE WITH NEW ZEALAND HOLIDAYMAKERS

Air New Zealand will carry around 170,000 passengers to Australia from 24 September to 11 October 2026, with Sydney the most popular international destination for school holiday travel.

The trans-Tasman action will continue with the Bledisloe Cup in Sydney on 17 October. The airline has added nearly 1000 seats for the weekend.

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The Strokes performing on stage

SYDNEY SUMMERTIME FIRST ARTIST

Sydney Summertime has announced The Strokes as its first headliner, with Beck, Courtney Barnett and Promiseland also set to perform at Centennial Park on 20 February 2027. The new concert series is proudly supported by Destination NSW.

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Aerial view of Sydney Harbour

SUSTAINABILITY WIN FOR SYDNEY 

Sydney has achieved a top 10 ranking in the 2026 Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index. The city was also number one in Asia Pacific. City of Sydney, BESydney and Destination NSW contributed to the city's GDS Index submission.

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Couple admiring view from rooftop bar

SYDNEY'S LUXURY HOTEL BOOM

Increased demand in the global luxury market is driving growth for the Australian luxury hotel sector according to a new CBRE report, with Sydney seeing the strongest returns.

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Western Sydney International Airport terminal

WSI WINS PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Sydney’s new 24-hour gateway to the world, Western Sydney International Airport, has been named Project of the Year at Committee for Sydney's 2026 Sydney Awards.

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Aalia Restaurant interior

TRIPADVISOR FINE DINING AWARDS

Tripadvisor has announced its Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Restaurants for 2026, with eight NSW restaurants in the Australian top 20.

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Stephanie Alexander outside Powerhouse Parramatta

POWERHOUSE OPENING FESTIVAL

The NSW Government has announced the Powerhouse Parramatta Opening Festival program, which will feature 179 events in November.

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Northern Rivers Rail Trail

2026 RAIL TRAILS CONFERENCE

The 2026 Rail Trails Conference will be held in November, with the theme ‘Exploring successes and opportunities of rail trails’. Among the projects highlighted will be Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

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Woman charging electric car

NEW EV CHARGER
CO-FUNDING

The NSW Government is backing record EV uptake by providing $16.5 million to co-invest in more EV kerbside chargers and help businesses switch their fleets to electric.

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WORLD'S BEST WINE LISTS AWARDS 2026: The Grill at The International has taken out Best Medium-Sized Wine List in the World. Learn more

FIVE PROJECTS ENDORSED TO STRENGTHEN NSW FUEL SECURITY: The NSW Government has unlocked more than $1 billion in potential private investment through the Investment Delivery Authority. Learn more

ENTRIES EXTENDED FOR 2026 NSW SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS: Entries for the Awards, which recognise progress, outcomes and people creating positive change, have been extended to 30 September. Learn more

FAR WEST FLIGHT SUBSIDIES TO CONTINUE: The NSW Government is extending the Western Air Services Subsidy for another year to keep affordable, reliable air services flying to Bourke, Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Cobar. Learn more

AUSTRALIAN TOURISM DATA WAREHOUSE MASTERCLASS: Destination NSW is hosting a free webinar on 11 November 2026 to help businesses market their products online. Learn more

ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE TOURISM WEBINARS: Destination NSW is hosting two free webinars to help businesses be more accessible and inclusive. Learn more

WATER QUALITY IMPROVES AT NSW BEACHES: The latest State of the Beaches report shows 79 per cent of sites achieved a Very Good or Good rating. Learn more

SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICIATION FOR TWEED RESTAURANT: Pipit has become the first NSW restaurant to achieve three stars in the Food Made Good Standard certification. Learn more

UPGRADE FOR BRADFIELD PARK: The NSW Government has revealed plans to rejuvenate Bradfield Park near the northern pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Learn more

 
 

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