The tail end of summer sees NSW bustling with new experiences, delicious morsels and unexpected places to stay. Book a long weekend in a luxurious new offering tucked into the Byron Bay hinterland, explore the Hunter Valley's first dedicated whiskey distillery, dine on native-ingredient delights in Bomaderry, plus more. 

FOOD AND DRINK 

The fleeting cellar door 

The Laboratory in Tumbarumba is a new pop-up cellar door experience at Ladbroken Distillery Co.. Step inside the world of liquid alchemy to enjoy concoctions including tonics, mixers and elixirs, as well as gin jams, gin salt, negroni lollipops and other boozy treats.  

A Hunter Valley first 

Head to the Hunter to take a tour of the Valley's first ever dedicated whiskey distillery – Tower Whiskey Distillery. Part of the luxurious Tower Lodge, this new distillery offers a bookable guided Whiskey Tasting Flight where punters can sample the distillery's first four initial single-malt, single-cask whiskeys.    

New native dining 

Find lemon myrtle blackfish, strawberry gum mac 'n' cheese and a native ginger and pear pulled pork burger at the new food truck by Aboriginal-owned and -led culinary group Mirritya Mundya in Bomaderry. Mirritya Mundya, meaning 'hungry blackfish' in the Ngarrigu language group of south-eastern Australia, uses native ingredients and infuses it with other cuisines to create one-of-a-kind, delicious dishes. 

Blanca restaurant 

One of Newcastle's newest dining experiences is Blanca, a harbourside spot in the Honeysuckle Foreshore precinct. Tuck into the cuisines of the Greek, Sicilian and Turkish coastlines as you make your way through a shared menu of coal-fired bread, grilled octopus and baked lamb moussaka among modern Mediterranean interiors with water views.  

Tapas in Wickham 

Vecina, by Newcastle's Flotilla team, brings a Spanish-style bar to Newcastle's Wickham. Alongside bar snacks like beef tartare, chicken liver parfait and empanadas is a neat list of cocktails, and on Wednesdays the venue's charcoal grill is lit to put dry-aged steak on the menu. 

Feast with friends 

Matt Moran's Rockley Pub is hosting a one-off local producer's dinner on 16 February. The share-style dinner will be hosted in collaboration with Vale Creek and Grass Parrot Wines and will highlight produce from the Central West. The dinner will feature a snack on arrival, four courses (each heroing local produce) and six matched wines. Tickets are $129 per person. 

EXPERIENCES  Sky-high in Glen Innes 

The Glen Innes Highlands Skywalk is a new 80-metre-long skywalk with raised boardwalks and three viewing platforms situated in the town's Centennial Parklands. Traverse the skywalk to encounter incredible views of the surrounding Glen Innes landscape and township, as well as audio stories and 360-degree drone footage that sheds light on the rich Celtic and Ngarabul connections and culture of the area. 

Shuttle to the mountain 

Making your way to Gravity Eden MTB Park has never been easier thanks to Sapphire Coast Shuttles and Eden Shuttles. Shuttles can pick up and drop off mountain bike riders from various locations in Eden, to and from the park. A variety of different passes are available.  

Berrima on foot 

Hour-long walking tours of Southern Highlands town Berrima are now available with Berrima Walking Tours. Join one of these easy-going ambles for historic tales of early settlers, inn keepers, convicts and remarkable women. Tours run every Saturday and Sunday at 10am, though custom tours can be arranged at request. 

Hit the sea with Coast XP 

Nature-based operator Coast XP has launched new tours and a new vessel on Lake Macquarie. The new Lake Macquarie-based vessel, Hydro, will offer new ecotourism activities. Departing from Swansea and Belmont, CoastXP will offer ocean adventures to Catherine Hill Bay, whale watching tours, and nature and lunch packages with TINTA and 8 at Trinity. 

ACCOMMODATION 

Luxury in the Byron hinterland 

Escape to calm serenity at The Cabin at Arcadia Nimbin. Book into this one-bedroom off-grid cabin and be delighted by an outdoor granite bath, indoor wood fire, fresh eggs for breakfast, views of the Nimbin Rocks, a cabin deck, rain shower and a dreamy bedroom with a huge picture window perfect for feeling close to nature. 

Beachside in Werri 

Uma on Werri is the new place to stay at Werri Beach. This bright and breezy modern beach house boasts seven bedrooms and bathrooms, a heated pool, spa bath, multiple living spaces, a kid's playroom, study and balconies at the front and back. Perched right by the beach, it's perfect for the ultimate summer escape.  

Retreat to the Hunter 

You'll be spoilt for space at Lane Retreat in the Hunter Valley. This new retreat, set in one of Bimbadgen Estate's vineyards in Pokolbin, boasts 60 villas surrounded by vines. Studios include a king-sized bed, luxe bathroom, a kitchenette and breakfast provisions. When you're not lounging by the communal pool, enjoy a glass of wine in one of the two outdoor gathering areas.  

Behind the farm life 

Located between Coonamble and Pilliga, Gilgooma is a special new farm experience with accommodation to connect with the land. There are unlimited unpowered camp sites and a handful of powered sites, plus cabin accommodation too. Join a guided tour of the property and be treated to a home-grown meal and be included in the day's farm work. Alternatively, explore the thousands of acres yourself via foot or bike.  

Relax the Ironbark way 

Ironbark Ranch Co. offers a range of wellness retreats on the Central Coast, and a large six-bedroom contemporary farmhouse on 105 acres. Book into the farmhouse with another family for a fun holiday in the bush, or opt for a one-on-one healing day with a wellbeing specialist.  

Livin' la villa Port Stephens 

A new, eco-friendly villa precinct has opened at Hawks Nest Reflections Holiday Park, Port Stephens. Find 14 new contemporary villas, two of which are accessible and six are dog friendly. The villas feature recycled timber screens and flooring, plantation-grown plywood interiors and a solar power system, plus water from rainwater tanks will be recycled for toilet flushing. 

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