According to data from NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, 5.1 million domestic holiday/leisure visitors travelled to NSW from 1 April – 30 June 2014. 75% of these visitors, or 3.8 million, travelled to Regional NSW while Sydney attracted 1.4 million visitors including a small number who travelled to both Sydney and Regional NSW.
Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase commented, ‘April is one of the busiest months for visitation to Regional NSW, and it’s clear to see why. The natural beauty of our State combined with the numerous world-class events and activities on offer is a winning combination. For those indulging in a staycation, I urge you to engage with the various activities and events on offer in Sydney and take advantage of the four day weekend – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!’
From Easter egg hunts to gourmet food and wine festivals; the events on offer during April demonstrate the extensive range of experiences readily available in Sydney and NSW.
Here is just a taste of what’s on offer in Sydney and NSW in April 2015:
What’s on in Sydney
- The iconic Sydney Royal Easter Show at Sydney Olympic Park showcases the best of Australian agriculture and country life from 26 March to 8 April 2015. Showbag heaven (349 to be exact), rides, animals, produce and hours of entertainment await for the whole family
eastershow.com.au - Who doesn’t love an Easter egg hunt! One of Sydney’s biggest and best is The Great CP Egg Hunt at Centennial Park on 4th and 5th April 2015. For older visitors, explore Centennial Park at your own pace with their free self-guided Centennial Park History Walk app, where you’ll learn 125 years of tales, intrigue and challenges of the parklands
centennialparklands.com.au - Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour offers world class entertainment on a stunning Sydney Harbour backdrop. Aida will run from 27 March – 26 April and is sure to impress opera aficionados and newcomers alike
opera.org.au/whatson/events/aida-sydney - For an Easter Sunday like no other, breakfast with the koalas at WildLife Sydney Zoo where you can enjoy koala cuddles, an Easter egg hunt, face painting and hot cross buns
wildlifesydney.com.au - Hockey fan? Watch the Hockeyroos and China go head to head in their three Test Match series at Sydney Olympic Park over the Easter long weekend.
hockey.org.au
What’s on in Regional NSW
- Experience the region’s best food and wine in a festival atmosphere at Orange F.O.O.D Week from 10 – 19 April 2015. Train and accommodation packages are available from $164 pp for two nights (ex Sydney) for travel from 9 April to 30 June 2015.
For more details click here: nswtrainlink.info or orangefoodweek.com.au - Annual yachting regatta Sail Port Stephens in beautiful Nelson Bay provides lots of family fun from 13 – 19 April 2015. With 26 golden sandy beaches and numerous water activities, Port Stephens is an ocean lover’s paradise. For those taking an Easter break in the area, head along to the Murray’s Easter Blues & Brews festival to try their Easter egg flavoured beer, which is guaranteed to be a hit
sailportstephens.com.au - Autumn is a beautiful time to visit the Blue Mountains and over the Easter long weekend Scenic World will be transforming their forecourt into a festive farmyard – complete with piglets, bunny rabbits and more! Chocolate lover? A 6kg chocolate Easter egg could be yours at a special Easter raffle at The Hydro Majestic
scenicworld.com.au - Take a sojourn to the Southern Highlands to visit the annual Burrawang Easter Market, one of the longest running markets in the Southern Highlands with over 150 stalls, rides, face painting and farm animals. Just 90 minutes’ drive south of Sydney, this delightful region is known for its heritage villages and old world charm
burrawangvillage.com/easter_market - Take a road trip to Eurobodalla on the South Coast to visit the Tilba Festival on Easter Saturday. This unique festival has live music from four stages, roaming street performers, hilarious street games, rides, markets, delicious food, an art show plus so much more! There’s also a Youth Talent Quest, Reptile Awareness Snake Show and don’t forget the annual art show
tilba.com.au - Australia’s premier blues and roots music festival Bluesfest takes over Byron Bay from 2 – 6 April 2015 with artists including Train, Keb Mo and Paolo Nutini set to perform. Whilst in the area, take a look at new café and restaurant The Farm at Byron Bay, which offers a petting zoo, cooking school, foraging trail and picnic spots
bluesfest.com.au - Live music, entertainment and regional food and wine with Italian flair are all on offer at the annual La Festa in Griffith over the Easter long weekend. Whilst in the area, explore the second biggest wine producing region in Australia by visiting popular Riverina cellar doors such as De Bortoli, McWilliam’s or Westend Estate.
lafesta.org.au
For more information on Sydney and NSW go to sydney.com and visitnsw.com
To access the content library and download images go to content.destinationnsw.com.au
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Media contact:
Florence Sandford
Email: florence.sandford@dnsw.com.au
Phone: 02 9931 1416