With the much anticipated long weekend just around the corner, it is time to think about how you’ll be spending your day off.
Sunday night drinks? Monday morning sleep-in? Three-day PJ bender? How about joining the 25 million visitors expected to holiday in NSW this winter, and creating a long weekend to remember.
“Regional NSW visitation doesn’t slow down in the cooler months and it’s easy to see why. New South Wales is Australia’s most geographically-diverse state with lush rainforests, pristine beaches, snowfields and the Outback’s rugged beauty all vying for attention,” NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said.
Here’s our top ten ways to spend this June Long Weekend, based on Destination NSW’s list of ‘only in NSW’ experiences and attractions:
1. Climb Australia’s highest peak
The June long weekend marks the official start of the NSW snow season, so kick off those slippers and throw on your snowshoes, because Mount Kosciuszko is waiting for you.
The season kicks off with the Peak Festival, a four-day music, playing, and partying fiesta over the June long weekend.
2. Discover the world’s southern-most coral reef
Book a quick getaway to Lord Howe Island, home to more than 500 species of fish and 90 different coral species. Lord Howe’s native environment is rich with diversity, with species of marine life regularly being discovered.
Lord Howe Island winter sales packages are now available from $700.
3. Hike the world’s second largest canyon
Capertee Valley near Lithgow is a bird lover’s paradise, considered one of the top 50 birdwatching locations in the world. Additionally, June 13-14 is the Glow Worm Tunnel Trail Running Weekend, an event for amateur and experienced runners.
Surrounded by the wonders of World Heritage Listed wilderness, Capertee Valley near Lithgow is the perfect place to relax… or not.
4. Ride the world’s longest rollercoaster zipline
The TreeTop Crazy Rider Xtreme on the Central Coast is Australia’s first rollercoaster zipline.
At 1km long, it is four times the length of any other zipline in the world. An ideal long weekend thrill for the adrenalin seeking bunch.
5. Taste the best wine of the Riverina
Griffith’s showcase of the region’s best wine and food, unWINEd, runs over the June long weekend.
A stellar lineup of events, dinners, tastings, and cooking demonstrations, the party is sure to have your taste buds dancing in delight.
6. Experience everything Australian
The Festival of the Fleeces is recognising 25 years of true blue celebrations.
Featuring its iconic running of the Sheep, the festival is perfect for families young and old, with something to get everyone smiling.
7. Witness true rodeo action
One of the best and biggest rodeos on the calendar, the Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft is where it’s at this long weekend. See real Aussie cowboys and cowgirls in action, watch steer wrestling, calf roping and barrel racing.
And what’s a good rodeo without the legendary saddle bronc, bareback, and bull riding.
8. Enjoy equine event finals
The thrill and spectacle of the finals of the National Cutting Horse Association Futurity is sure to entertain you this long weekend.
Held in Tamworth, this is the largest indoor equine event in the southern hemisphere, and sees the best of the best battle it out.
9. Escape the wintery chill
Run away for the weekend to Lightning Ridge in Outback NSW, and enjoy daily winter temperatures of 20 degrees. While you’re there, try your luck at finding Lightning Ridges illusive black opal.
Lightening Ridge is the birthplace of the black opal, and the only place in Australia where the stone is found and mined.
10. Treat your taste buds
The Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine growing region, is still one of the most visited wine regions in Australia.
June marks the Hunter Valley Wine and Food Month, a collaboration of events, workshops, dinners, and tastings to celebrate and showcase the prestigious wine growing region. Your senses are sure to come alive.
