Why winter is a great time to visit the South Coast – PLUS ideas for the long weekend

Winter is around the corner! No Images? [Click here]( There are many reasons to love Winter. If you’re visiting the city - see talks and live music, admire the lights of Vivid Sydney or catch a film at the Sydney Film Festival. Head to Penrith for a weekend of adventure, burgers and breweries. Plan a weekend away in Orange (you might even see snow!) to shop, explore historical towns and sample the delicious produce. Missing the beach? Spot whales and learn to surf on the South Coast. [FIND OUT MORE]( VISIT THE UNSPOILT SOUTH COAST THIS WINTER Winter is a fantastic time to head to the South Coast – enjoy crisp, sunny days on deserted beaches, spot whales as they move up the coast and go on a bush or rainforest walk minus the heat. It’s also a great time to practice surfing; pick from the many golden beaches along [Shellharbour](to [Kiama]( and the [Shoalhaven](. Food lovers will appreciate the incredible seafood and wineries. Visit the farmers’ market for fresh produce to cook a feast, whether you’re camping under the stars or staying in a luxury villa – or leave it to the professionals at a high-end resort. Book your stay now. [FIND OUT MORE]( LAST DAYS TO BOOK LORD HOWE ISLAND HOLIDAY DEAL Did you know only 400 visitors are allowed on Lord Howe Island at any one time? This UNESCO World Heritage site is a paradise for holidaymakers and is less than two hours from Sydney or Brisbane by plane. Fringed by white beaches, this ancient island has sunny weather year round. Book one of the multiple flights and accommodation packages available from $949* to enjoy incredible snorkeling, bird watching (look out for the rare providence petrel, which does an elaborate mating dance), fishing and walking. Book by 31 May. *Terms and conditions apply [FIND OUT MORE]( EXTEND YOUR STAY IN ORANGE If sitting in front of a warm fireplace enjoying local produce and top wines sounds like your idea of a weekend well spent, a trip to Orange in the Central West (just three and half hour’s drive from Sydney) should be at the top of your list. Admire the well-preserved architecture in historic towns Millthorpe and Blayney, or visit the birthplace of Banjo Patterson. There are beautiful bushwalks in [Mount Canobolas]( and [Nangar National Park]( and you’ll find unique homewares at The Sonic or The White Place. End the day in one of the Orange region's excellent restaurants, bars or see live music every Sunday at Washing & Co. The Orange Winter Fire Festival and the Black Tie Gumboot Truffle Hunt are two highlights of the diverse event calendar. Start exploring. [FIND OUT MORE]( PENRITH - NOT YOUR USUAL Escape your usual routine and experience everything Penrith has to offer! Enjoy a myriad of action-packed activities and savour the diverse food and drink options on offer. Beat the laws of gravity with an [Indoor Skydiving](or [Jetpack Adventure]( session; before trying your hand at [axe throwing]( or [wakeboarding]( at Cables Wake Park. After you’ve expended all that energy, you deserve a burger and a milkshake at New York-style restaurant [Downtown Brooklyn](. Taste local beers at Penrith’s first nano-brewery, [Rusty Penny Brewing]( and tour Australia's only Sake brewery at [Sun Masamune](. Get your mates together and go and explore. [FIND OUT MORE]( WHAT TO DO OVER THE JUNE LONG WEEKEND If you’re staying in the city this long weekend you’ve made a good decision. The [Sydney Film Festival]( program is excellent this year, with standouts including The Souvenir (starring Honor Swinton Byrne alongside her mother Tilda Swinton), cult classic Eraserhead, and comedy Brittany Runs a Marathon. For kids (big and small), step inside Willy Wonka’s marvellous factory and see the musical [Charlie and Chocolate Factory]( (for a limited time) and catch [Star Wars™ Identities: The Exhibition](before it closes on Monday 10 June. Wander amongst some of the best Australian contemporary art at [The National 2019: New Australian Art]( then boogie on down at [Saturday Night Fever](, a new stage show celebrating the disco hits of the Bee Gees. Book tickets now! [FIND OUT MORE]( THE NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART FAIR Every year, Australia celebrates the history, culture and achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people with a week-long festival around the country. This year’s theme focuses on language and working together for a shared future. The National Indigenous Art Fair of art craft, dance, bushfood and music will run from Saturday 29 June (10am – 6pm) and Sunday 30 June (10am – 4pm) at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists will join local stallholders selling their high-quality artworks, sculptures and textiles at this two-day event. If you want to get hands on, there will also be weaving workshops running both days! 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