Find your feet and ground yourself on a multi-day hike; meet the maker and savour local produce straight from paddock-to-plate; or meet some furry friendly locals as you come nose to nose with native wildlife and reignite your sense of belonging in NSW.  

SHUCK OYSTERS STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE

Refresh your palate and go straight to the source by joining an expert on an oyster farm tour on the NSW Sapphire Coast. On a cruise along Pambula Lake aboard Captain Sponge's Magical Oyster tours, Captain Sponge himself (aka oyster farmer Brett Weingarth) schools oyster-lovers on the industry, before allowing the opportunity to shuck the fresh molluscs on the boat. Expect a taste sensation. The two-hour tour also affords the chance to spot birdlife and learn about the river estuary.

STAR-GAZE IN THE OUTBACK

Be awed by the by an unworldly sky show. With Outback skies unpolluted by light, the town of Broken Hill is the perfect destination to marvel at the Milky Way.  On a stargazing experience with Outback Astronomy, sit back on a purpose-built stargazing dome and take in the view. Guests are provided with binoculars with some viewing through powerful telescopes. Your expert guide will narrate the view of the Milky Way galaxy. There's a barbecue dinner provided, and drinks including a warming hot chocolate.

CYCLE A NEW FOODIE TRAIL

Truly savour the 'Food Basket of NSW', the moniker given to Orange and surrounds on a new cycling route, The Orange Villages Bicycle Trail. Tour the area by cycling one of the six new routes surrounding the Mount Canobolas, in total a 360km pedal, but it's easy to tackle just one. Enjoy quiet roads, incredible views and friendly hospitality along the way. Highlights include a cycle to the picturesque town of Molong, through wineries, cideries, orchards and farming country. It's a sensory journey with many rewards along the way including the incredible array of fresh produce and wines to sample from the fertile volcanic soil.

KAYAK SYDNEY HARBOUR AT SUNRISE

Be re-energised by taking to one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world on a sunrise Sydney Harbour kayak tour. Set off from the Royal Botanic Garden with qualified instructor and guide, Sophie Morgan and paddle along the sparkling waters passing the Sydney Opera House against a backdrop of ever-changing morning light. Glide under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and look up to view this engineering marvel from another angle. Nothing can prepare for the feeling of exhilaration at experiencing Sydney Harbour from the water.         

TOUR ANCIENT LANDSCAPES

Stir your spirit with a guided walk amongst picturesque sandstone caves and spectacular overhangs in the Shoalhaven. Matthew Simms from Djiriba Waagura Cultural Tours takes you for a journey along Warigala Badha Ben's Walk and imparts wisdom on bush tucker and bush medicine passed down through his family and cultural mentors. Simms is a Wandi Wandian man who belongs to the Dhurga Language group from the Yuin Nation. Along the way, learn about the myriad ecosystems and feel a true connection to the land. The walk ends with a traditional dance to give thanks to ancestors.

WAKE UP ON SAFARI

Recharge by greeting the day with uninterrupted views of resident giraffes, zebras and eland on an African safari-like Zoofari Lodge experience at Taronga's Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. Each tented cabin affords an incredible vista over the vast savannah. An overnight stay at Zoofari Lodge includes all meals, a guided safari and zoo admission. Guests can also take part in an evening behind-the-scenes tour and animal feeding away from the crowds. The zoo will soon open a new Wildlife Hospital, providing state-of-the-art facilities to support sick and injured native wildlife.

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