There are plenty of new things in Sydney and beyond - New South Wales tourism operators are constantly updating and refreshing their product, as well as launching completely new tours and attractions.

For a total thrill, why not fly over Sydney Harbour, along the Parramatta River and over the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Or fly by helicopter or seaplane to Bells at Killcare, where executive chef Stefano Manfredi will ensure lunch is a very special occasion. Combine a hotel stay, a water take-off and landing with a fixed-wing seaplane flight. Cycle tour over Sydney Harbour Bridge and let the adrenaline kick in with the white-knuckle thrill of a jet speedboat ride. Explore new regions of NSW and head towards new horizons in a luxury vehicle with all the new options on offer of new day and extended tours. 

This year's product line-up also includes a new Aboriginal cultural centre and performance space at the spectacular Echo Point, in the Blue Mountains; a new Aboriginal wildlife tour at Taronga Zoo; a stunning new international nightclub at The Star; and the Sydney arrival of Madame Tussauds, complete with a waxwork figures of Australian and international talent. 

New tours and attractions

Attractions 

The Art Gallery of NSW is one of Australia's leading art museums, located within beautiful parklands overlooking Sydney Harbour and housing some of the finest works of art in Australia, with significant collections of Aboriginal, Australian, European, Asian and contemporary art. A new display of the Australian collection at the Art Gallery of New South Wales opened on 12 May 2012. The presentation has been revitalised with more of the Gallery's most famous and popular works of art on display, highlights recent acquisitions and brings numerous works out of storage for the first time in years. The Gallery will also give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art a significant presence in the modern Australian galleries.  

Koomurri Aboriginal Centre - Blue Mountains. Located at majestic Echo Point in Katoomba, the recently opened Koomurri Aboriginal Centre offers high-quality handcrafted artwork and regularly scheduled professional Aboriginal music, song and dance performances from all over Australia. 

Madame Tussauds arrived in Australia in May 2012, featuring 70 wax personalities including A-list celebrities, sports heroes, rock legends, world leaders and an array of home-grown Australian legends, including Lleyton Hewitt, Jimmy Barnes, Delta Goodrem and Cate Blanchett, to name a few.

Marquee - The Star Sydney, a new international nightclub, occupies the entire top tier of The Star's new Pirrama Road harbourside entrance, commanding expansive views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. Housing three distinct spaces to cater for different tastes and moods, the venue is attracting top international DJ talent. By 2013, plans include a 3000-seat events centre to host top international music acts. 

At Scenic World in the Blue Mountains, a new AUD $20 million Scenic Railway is set to open in December 2012. The world's steepest railway will retain its 52-degree incline and will add new surprises. 

Sydney Aquarium is undergoing an upgrade and a name change. Merlin Entertainments Group, which acquired Sydney Aquarium in March 2011, has announced a AUD $10 million refurbishment plan. When the famous harbour attraction reopens in September 2012, its name will be SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, with 14 themed zones. 

Taronga Zoo has launched a new Aboriginal wildlife tour, showcasing the strong link between aboriginal people, their culture and wildlife. Developed with Aboriginal people, and led by an Aboriginal Guide, Nura Diya the tour takes visitors on a walk-through introduction to Australia's wildlife presenting an indigenous perspective set to the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour. 

New tours 

Luxurious day tours from Sydney

Sydney is surrounded by superb places to visit, many of them perfectly suited to day touring. The World Heritage listed, Blue Mountains, lies to Sydney's west. Scenic wine tours of the Hunter Valley, dolphin watching day tours, overnight stays or southern explorations along the Grand Pacific Drive - the choice is yours.

Blue Diamond Tours runs luxury small-group tours in a Mercedes Benz, providing the ultimate Blue Mountains experience. 

Red Carpet Tours specialises in personalised daily small group tours to the Hunter and Port Stephens for the discerning visitor in luxury air-conditioned coaches. 


More active

If you want to see Sydney the active way, walking Sydney Harbour National Park is a good start. Or rent a bike and take Sydney at your own pace. 

Bonza Bike Tours offers Sydney rides on super-comfortable bikes and advice from expert guides on what to do in town, what's on, where to eat and where to go. 


On the water

Sydney is a maritime city and there's no better way to experience it than on the water. Options range from fast and exhilarating to leisurely and luxurious. 

OzJet Boating at Sydney's Circular Quay is Australia's largest commercial jet boat operator. The adrenaline will pump as you spin, splash, fishtail, and dash around all of the iconic sights Sydney Harbour has to offer in their famous red shark jet boats. 

Captain Cook Cruises introduced a fleet of 'Hop on Hop off Sydney Harbour Explorer' service vessels, allowing passengers to hop from one Sydney Harbour famous attraction to another, discovering what each destination has to offer, with a 24-hour pass. 

Climbing the mast of a Sydney Harbour Tall Ship is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure experience. Sydney's most spectacular and unique views are waiting to take your breath away. 

In the sky 

Zoom through the sky in a helicopter. Fly over Sydney Harbour, along the Parramatta River and over the world Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Or combine a hotel stay with a fixed-wing flight.  

Heli Experiences and Sydney Helitours showcase the icons of Sydney and beyond by treating helicopter passengers to a spectacular way to see Sydney Harbour and its surrounds. Heli Experiences, offers extended stays at Pretty Beach House, lunch at Manfredi at Bells, and Hunter Valley getaways. Sydney Helitours also offers a great heli experience with lunch and golf at Magenta Shores, on the beach at Terrigal or even a Hunter country homestead option. 

Sydney Seaplanes will launch a range of new products in 2012 to add to its current scenic flight and luxury dining and accommodation options. New products include a combined accommodation package with Sydney's top hotels. 


New accommodation at ATE

Fraser Suites Sydney operates luxury apartments and furnished hotel suites in Sydney, located near Darling Harbour. 

Luxury Lodges of Australia has three top NSW properties to showcase in New South Wales.  Pretty Beach House is the newest product for the group. It is intimacy defined, with just three accommodation pavilions. It is a quintessentially Australian, super-sophisticated guest house at Bouddi Peninsula, set in a beautiful bush-beach setting just over an hour north of Sydney CBD.  Capella Lodge is set atop romantic Lovers Bay on World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island. It offers nine contemporary beach-style suites, personal service, exceptional dining and the option to enjoy a range of enjoyable activities. Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, perfectly sited between two national parks at the foot of towering cliffs, is set within its own private conservation and wildlife reserve. 

Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel has completed an extensive, AUD $18 million luxury refurbishment of all 550 rooms and suites, lobby, restaurants, spas and bars.

Park Hyatt Sydney unveiled its renovated property in March 2012 with the addition of three luxury rooftop suites with 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto large private balconies. Perfectly located next to Sydney Harbour Bridge in the dress circle of Sydney Harbour (eye-level views of Sydney Opera House), the completed renovation sees the reintroduction of the Park Hyatt, Sydney to the top end of the market.


New regions on show

Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism is promoting new cellar doors, delicious new restaurants, new and unique accommodation, tours including Ride in the Vines and boutique trail rides in fabulous wine country. 

Legendary Pacific Coast is showcasing new product offerings including Dolphin Marine Magic's new interactive experience, the Ultimate Dolphin Swim, which enables people to swim and ride with a dolphin.  

Byron Bay and Beyond has plenty happening this year. Events include Splendour In the Grass, an annual music, arts and culture event returning to Byron Bay, 27-29 July 2012. Acts will include Smashing Pumpkins, Hilltop Hoods, Kate Miller-Heidke, Spiderbait, Angus Stone, Lana del Rey, Mudhoney and Bloc party. The Byron Bay Writers' Festival will this year present two writers whose books are loved by children of all ages - Andy Griffiths and Isobelle Carmody, 3-5 August 2012. 


Wherever you travel in New South Wales, a constantly changing smorgasbord of new product awaits. You can take in new thrills and wonders in tandem with the State's many established favourites. The many attractions of New South Wales are one reason why visitors to the State are staying longer.  

For more information go to www.sydney.com or www.visitnsw.com

To access the image library and download images go to www.images.destinationnsw.com.au 


MEDIA CONTACT:
Diane Glasson
diane.glasson@dnsw.com.au
61 2 9931 1475


Who's at ATE 2012?

Destination NSW. Booth 35. Eastern and Western. www.dnsw.com.au
Art Gallery of New South Wales. Booth 10. Eastern and Western. www.ag.nsw.gov.au
Australian Attractions - Koomurri Aboriginal Centre, Booth 18. Eastern and Western.  www.koomurriaboriginalcentre.com.au
Blue Diamond Tours. Booth 44. Western. www.bluediamondtours.net
 Bonza Bike Tours Booth 2. Western. www.bonzabiketours.com
Byron and Beyond Booth 15. Eastern and Western. www.northernriverstourism.com.au
Captain Cook Cruises Booth 30. Eastern and Western www.captaincookcruises.com.au
Fraser Suites Sydney. Booth 17. Eastern and Western. www.frasershospitality.com
Heli Experiences. Booth 23. Eastern. www.heliexperiences.com
Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism. Booth 6. Eastern and Western. www.winecountry.com.au
Hyatt Hotels and Resort. Booth 201. Eastern and Western. www.hyatt.com
The Legendary Pacific Coast. Booth 14. Eastern and Western. www.pacificcoast.com.au
Luxury Lodges of Australia. Booth 169. Eastern and Western. www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au
Merlin Entertainments Group. Booth 29. Eastern and Western. www.sydneyaquarium.com.au
OzJet Boating. Booth 3. Eastern. www.ozjetboating.com
Red Carpet Tours. Booth 11. Eastern. www.redcarpettours.com.au
Scenic World Blue Mountains. Booth 4. Eastern. www.australianattractions.com.au
Sydney Harbour Marriott. Booth 8. Eastern. Contact: www.marriotthotels.com
Sydney Helitours. Booth 9. Eastern. www.sydneyhelitours.com.au
Sydney Seaplanes. Booth 40. Eastern and Western. www.seaplanes.com.au
Taronga Zoo. Booth 33. Eastern and Western. www.taronga.org.au
The Star. Booth 42. Eastern and Western. www.star.com.au