Discover somewhere new in New South Wales. With a slew of exciting openings from iconic regional festivals to designer hotels and indulgent food and wine, here are the latest experiences to hit the state. 

NEW EXPERIENCES 

Taste the North Coast 
From the Northern Rivers to the Barrington Coast, discover long lunches, flame-grilled feasts, seafood cruises and much more at the North Coast Festival of Flavour from 3-5 June. Featuring a tempting series of events and experiences curated by North Coast NSW's top producers, restauranteurs, brewers, distillers, wine makers, chefs and farmers, this inaugural event is not to be missed.  

Lights on Singleton 
Hunter Valley riverside town Singleton will light up this month at the inaugural Firelight Festival from 14-22 May. Every night, Dunolly Bridge and Cook Park precinct will be brought to life with immersive laser displays and projections that showcase the story of Singleton, culminating in an unforgettable night of light, entertainment and food on 21 May. 

Nighttime wine 
A new way to taste wine in the Hunter Valley, Stay n' Sip offers private tastings after dark in the comfort of the guests' own Hunter Valley accommodation. The Night Tasting includes eight wines, snacks and an experienced host. Other private packages include Wine Trivia and a wine games night. 

Coastal creative space 
Centered Ceramics, a pottery school in Umina on the Central Coast, has opened a new gallery space right next door to their existing studio café. The school offers a range of engaging ceramic workshops, including a wine and clay group session and children's handbuilding classes. 

Snorkel with sharks 
Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters on the coast of Port Stephens has added a new Tropical Lagoon to their marine conservation park. Kids aged seven and up can jump in the lagoon for the new Zebra Shark Snorkel, where they can feed and pet these amazing, endangered animals. 

Sculptures in the Snowies 
Follow a creative journey at the foot of the Snowy Mountains, as the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail launches with more than 20 sculptures installed across the historic towns of Adelong, Batlow, Tumbarumba, Tooma, and the vineyards of Courabyra Wines, Johansen Wines and Obsession Wines.  

NEW FOOD AND DRINK 

Baked goods by the sea 
Artisanal Copacabana patisserie Burnt Honey Bakery has opened another outpost on the Central Coast. Like the original bakery, the new Long Jetty venue will sell their famed organic loafs, cultured butter croissants and decadent cakes, as well as speciality baking pantry ingredients.  

Boutique Hunter wine room 
New Hunter Valley wine label Wild Ren Wines has opened their intimate cellar door in the Peppers Creek Village in Pokolbin. Founded by Renee Burton – former owner and founder of Gundog Wines – Wild Ren Wines' new tasting room mixes rustic elements with modern furnishings, and offers a range of tasting experiences to try. 

NEW ACCOMMODATION 

Off-grid luxury 
Nestled in acres of farmland just a short drive from the historic village of Tenterfield, Mirumiru Bubbletent is a magical place to unwind and recharge. Spend your days soaking away the everyday by indulging in an outdoor bubble bath, taking a serene stroll among the gumtrees or enjoy a glass of bubbles at sunset. Each tent has a transparent roof, providing a 180-degree night-time star gazing experience from the comfort of your bed.

Retro motel 
Fresh from a designer renovation, The Isla in Batemans Bay is a boutique motel fused with a modern take on 1980s aesthetics like oak and terrazzo. All rooms offer luxury king-size beds, LEIF organic bath products and a fully stocked kitchenette, while the Grand Suite adds extra luxe with a private plunge pool and ocean views. 

QT goes north 
Housed within the city's iconic 113-year-old David Jones building, QT Newcastle brings the hotel brand's signature experience of playfulness and luxury to the laidback beach lifestyle of NSW's second biggest city. The hotel features 104 guest rooms and suites, a yet-to-be revealed signature dining concept and a rooftop bar.   

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