New South Wales Offers the Works

There are virtual tours, and there are virtual experiences, but as far as New South Wales (NSW) is concerned, they’re pretty much presenting every aspect of the impeccable state on a virtual platter. For the uninitiated, here are just a few of the state’s crown jewels you might find floating around on the inter-webs.

Where The Wild Things Are

Although humans are sheltering in place, the wild goes on uninterrupted. And while some of us make do with cat videos on Instagram, the yearning for some furry friends is hardly satisfied. No, we’re not talking about the men in your life who haven’t shaved in months, think cuter with lesser food stuck in the beard.

Taronga TV is inviting viewers to explore the zoos and wildlife parks around NSW and experience the meerkats, seals, tigers and elephants going about their days. This guilty voyeurism is balanced out with keeper talks and other educational activities.

Speaking of livestreams, the Sydney Aquarium too is offering its underwater adventures daily. They have a dugong called Pig, who’s a personal favourite, and you can also watch feedings with sharks, and sea turtles just generally splish-splashing through their days. These are great for kids as well since the aquarium also has educational programmes about Australia’s fascinating local wildlife.

If you just want to have some adorable wombats, kangaroos and llamas living on your phone for your morning WhatsApp forwards, NSW has you covered on their website as well. 

Nature Trails

Our itchy feet have taken to running in circles around whatever patch of green we can social distance in the vicinity of. But the great outdoors of NSW are giving us a taste of the good life. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has mapped out 50 of the state’s national parks on Google Street View for virtual visitors to explore. The Bouddi Coastal Walk, Montague Island and the walk to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko is also on the list.

We can’t promise Saturdays at the surf club anytime soon, but the Camel Rock Surf School will have you surfing on your couch in no time! The virtual tutorials uploaded every Saturday will teach you different ways to stand on a surfboard (we recommend an ironing board) and also learn about timing and stance.

We’ve also been looking for ways to spice up our weekends like wine-riddled picnics on the roof with the roomies and a blow up kiddie pool to cool off in. But if getting high is the intent (pun not intended), the Sydney Tower Eye has got you covered. Saunter along the Skywalk livestreams with fascinating stories along the way, or even experience expansive views of the Harbour city right on your screens!

Gastro-gasm

Enjoy your wine-down Wednesdays with Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley. Brokenwood ships wines globally and the winery offers a live session every Wednesday at 6 pm for you to follow along!

Speaking of wine, pair it with some seafood for a feast fit for the gods. Tune in to Rick Stein making his iconic Blue-Eye Alla Carlina, from his restaurant at Mollymook. We recommend licking the bowl clean, but you do you.

Chefs like Danielle Alvarez from Fred’s and Neil Perry from Rosetta, Rockpool Bar and Grill, and Spice Temple, are taking to Instagram to share recipes with their followers for some great stay-at-home treats.

Culturally Speaking

It’s the season of digital symphonies at the Sydney Opera House with weekly programs ranging from ballet to the theatre, mixed in with some never-seen-before archival footage and tête-à-têtes with industry biggies.

You can also delve into the state’s aboriginal culture with Bundyi Cultural Tours, see some of the region’s fascinating animals, and learn about the ancient Wiradjuri people.