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Australia Day 2020: Your guide to what’s on around NSW

Australia Day is the ­perfect chance for city ­dwellers to support regional communities that need a boost by taking a road trip or spending time on the state’s spectacular beaches. We have also put together a what’s on list for the long weekend.

The unprecedented bushfires, and long-running drought have been devastating for many, not least the many towns and coastal areas that rely on summer visitors to make a living.

But while some areas are not open for business, most of the state is keen to roll out the welcome mat and the Australia Day long weekend is great time to get away.

Take a trip to McKenzies Beach, Malua Bay this Australia Day long weekend. Picture: DNSW
Take a trip to McKenzies Beach, Malua Bay this Australia Day long weekend. Picture: DNSW
Enjoy a picnic and a view of the sun on the south coast. Picture: DNSW
Enjoy a picnic and a view of the sun on the south coast. Picture: DNSW

Next weekend is the ­perfect chance for city ­dwellers to support regional communities that need a boost by taking a road trip or spending time on the state’s spectacular beaches, NSW Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said.

“An immediate spend will have a short- and long-term impact on these areas as they rejuvenate,” he said.

Buyfromthebush founder and this year’s Australia Day address speaker, Grace Brennan, from Warren, started the initiative as a way to connect bush businesses with city consumers.

Go for an evening walk with the family along Currarong Beach. Picture: DNSW
Go for an evening walk with the family along Currarong Beach. Picture: DNSW

The response has made a huge impact, with many ­regional businesses going from barely getting by to being flooded with orders.

Ms Brennan said it is worth exploring the charming towns of NSW injecting some money into the local businesses and tourist ­operations.

“There’s a big, beautiful country out there waiting to welcome you,” she said.

The bounty of natural wonders means a great ­escape is closer than you think. Within three hours’ drive from Sydney there are plenty of options along the coast and hinterland.

Take a stroll along the beach at Glasshouse Rocks, Narooma. Picture: DNSW
Take a stroll along the beach at Glasshouse Rocks, Narooma. Picture: DNSW

Heading south stop for breakfast in the historic dairy town of Berry. Then continue towards Nowra to the pretty seaside town of Currarong which is surrounded by beaches and rockpools perfect for families looking for a dip in the ocean or a stroll along the shore.

In Mollymook, home to pristine beaches and hiking trails, take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic on the grassy knoll or learn to surf at Mollymook Beach Surf School.

Be mesmerised by the spectacular Broulee Beach on the south coast. Picture: DNSW
Be mesmerised by the spectacular Broulee Beach on the south coast. Picture: DNSW

Follow the highway through the quaint town of Milton to a lunch stop in the fishing town of Ulladulla. Stay in a waterfront motel, visit the boutique wineries and enjoy freshly caught seafood from the local fish shop.

Follow the highway along the coast through Batemans Bay, brimming with adventure, and stay for a bite to eat. There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities, so keep your camera handy. Drive on until you reach the picturesque towns of Malua Bay and Broulee for a quick swim or to build a sandcastle.

If an inland adventure is more your speed, the quaint towns of the Central West are a must see.

See the giraffes at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. Picture: DNSW
See the giraffes at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. Picture: DNSW

Visit Mudgee’s vineyards, where the country’s first chardonnay grapes were planted, and explore historical gold-rush towns such as Gulgong and Hill End.

If you never make it to ­Africa, Taronga Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo is no small consolation prize. Hire a bike and pedal around the open-range zoo where you’ll meet giraffes, elephants and the lions. In town, the Old Dubbo Gaol is a rare piece of history not to be missed.

Indulge your senses in nearby Orange for a foodie weekend or stay longer and hike in the scenic hills. Most towns will also have their own Australia Day events.

“There is nothing more Australian than helping each other out. The best way to do that is to travel and buy ­locally,” Mr Ayres said.

For the latest updates about bushfires around the state, visit rfs.nsw.gov.au

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON AROUND SYDNEY AND NSW

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/australia-day-2020-your-guide-to-whats-on-around-nsw/news-story/a7ad2c875901f8a23205227e4c718ff3