Spring is in the air in NSW, as the state comes into bloom with beautiful flower trails and new experiences. Discover a panoramic new coastal hike, a thought-provoking art exhibition and see-it-to-believe-it luxury accommodation in Byron Bay. 

EXPERIENCES  

Tulip time 

Wander through a rainbow of spring flowers in the Southern Highlands as 80,000 tulips bloom in Corbett Gardens, Bowral for the 63rd annual Tulip Time festival. Running from 19 September to 2 October, this flower festival features stunning spring-themed displays, market stalls, art installations and After Dark evenings with fairy lights, live music, and food and drink . 

Fields of gold 

Spring heralds the beginning of canola flower season in Coolamon, Junee and Temora, where bright yellow canola flowers carpet the region's fields. Flower chasers can follow the fields of gold on the self-guided Canola Trail or book one of the seasonal experiences on offer: hot-air ballooning over the fields with Goldrush Ballooning; a guided two-hour tour with photo opportunities and a wine tasting with Ideal Tours; or a scenic flight over Cowra, Wyangala Dam, Canowindra and more with FlyOz. The season lasts until October. 

A long-awaited hike 

The new Tomaree Coastal Walk is now open to visitors. The 27km walking track links new and existing trails to create a continuous hike punctuated by panoramic views of Tomaree Summit, angophora (coastal gum) forests, secluded beaches and small coastal communities. The finish line is the Southern Hemisphere's largest shifting sand dunes: the Worimi Conservation Lands. Experiencing the walk as an overnight two- or three-day hike is recommended. Off-park accommodation is dotted along the trail. 

Art on sovereignty 

Explore the uncomfortable, uneasy and unreconciled conversations around Australia's sovereignty and power through art exhibition CrownLand at Maitland Regional Art Gallery. See the artworks of artists Karla Dickens, Megan Cope, Vincent Namatjira, Ben Quilty, Andrew Quilty and Jake Chapman now until 5 November. 

ACCOMMODATION 

Five-star stay 

Byron Bay has amped up its glamour with Hotel Marvell, the coastal town's first five-star accommodation. Located in the heart of town, just a few minutes' walk to the beach, the luxury hotel features an exclusive rooftop bar and pool and premium, modern-designed rooms with natural design touches. 

California cool 

Gather your friends for a laidback, 70s-like escape to Byron Bay's new 55-acre hinterland estate, Sun Ranch. Tucked away in private locale in Coopers Shoot, this California-style designer retreat offers adults-only rooms by the pool; two-bedroom, off-grid family-style barns; or a full ranch buy-out, with 11 spaces, 17 beds and room for up to 34 people.  

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