What to Do in NSW – According to Qantas Frequent Flyers

Qantas Frequent Flyers explored mountain villages that plate up what could be Australia’s best pies, took to the water to experience the magic of Sydney Harbour and retreated to a Byron Bay icon where laidback luxury is on tap.

“With no planning, I somehow ended up sailing across the harbour at sunset and dancing at Luna Park.” - Eepeng Cheong, Platinum Frequent Flyer

“With flex-time up my sleeve and Sydney less than an hour’s flight from Canberra, I took a midweek break for some much-needed sunshine and ocean views. Despite zero planning, I somehow ended up eating at a hatted restaurant, sailing across the harbour at sunset and dancing at Luna Park. I’d seen Sonic Neon at Luna Park, a light and sound installation, on TikTok, so I danced to throwback hits through a maze of rooms while lights changed all around me.

Even more magical was watching the sun’s last rays reflect on the Opera House sails during the return ferry ride from Taronga Zoo. Coincidentally my sister, who I hadn’t seen for a few years, was passing through Sydney so we had a reunion at Nel Restaurant in Surry Hills over an 11-course menu themed around Disney films – another extraordinary experience. The food was exquisitely presented and each dish was more captivating than the last; I wish I could eat there every few months when the menu concept changes.”

Eepeng flew Canberra to Sydney

“I didn’t realise how historical Katoomba would be, with its stone-walled miners’ cottages, Victorian mansions and Federation houses.” - Diaswati Mardiasmo, Silver Frequent Flyer

“I learned so much during my short time in the Blue Mountains, an easy drive or train ride from Sydney’s CBD. There are several scenic lookouts at the Three Sisters for absorbing the dewy air and vastness of the landscape – I discovered the blue colour comes from eucalyptus oil droplets in the atmosphere. With more time in Katoomba I’d have explored every quaint shop and probably knocked on people’s doors to ask for a stickybeak. I didn’t realise how historical it would be, with its stone-walled miners’ cottages, Victorian mansions and Federation houses – it felt a bit like an English town. 

I also didn’t think I was a pie person, but after a visit to Mountain High Pies in Wentworth Falls, I was converted. The menu was extensive; there was even a breakfast pie with egg, bacon, sausage, baked beans, chorizo, potato and hollandaise. I chose a kid-sized beef pie to save room for dessert: a hot custard tart sprinkled with nutmeg that was so delicious, I’m still dreaming about it.”

Diaswati flew Brisbane to Sydney

“We went straight from bed to ocean – no need for shoes with the sand at your doorstep.” Brent Duffy, Gold Frequent Flyer

“Raes on Wategos is Byron Bay’s most famous boutique hotel so my partner and I had high expectations. From the freshly squeezed juice each morning and the steady supply of cocktails and sparkling water as we lazed on oversized day beds by the pool to the calming cup of tea before bed, every detail was thought of and the experience far exceeded our expectations.

And it wasn’t just hydration. The tropical gardens, the warm-yet-professional staff, our airy whitewashed suite with its sunken bath – everything felt laid-back but luxurious. You can borrow surfboards, towels and beach chairs, so each morning we went from bed to ocean – no need for shoes with the sand at your doorstep. The Iced Vovo dessert at Raes Dining Room, a twist on the Australian classic with marshmallow and coconut and served in an Arnott’s biscuit tin, was outstanding. ”

Brent flew Sydney to Ballina

“The Taronga Zoo Wildlife Retreat exceeded our expectations. We saw lions and tigers, and had an exceptional meal at the restaurant.” - Belinda Coniglio, Bronze Frequent Flyer

“It was a last-minute decision to use our Qantas Points towards Taronga’s Wildlife Retreat (pictured) to celebrate my daughter’s first birthday and the overnight stay exceeded our expectations. Our little one had just learned how to ‘roar’ so it was a thrill to show her the lions and tigers as part of the complimentary zoo access included in the package. 

“The restaurant within the Wildlife Retreat, Me-Gal, was exceptional; we enjoyed the food and the fabulous wine list. Taking in the spectacular views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from our room was a bonus.

“Another highlight was having drinks with friends at the heritage-listed waterside venue, Manly Pavilion, a 20-minute drive from Taronga – and we loved taking the ferry from Manly into Circular Quay afterwards. 

“I have been a loyal Qantas customer for 25 years, travelling back and forth from Perth to Sydney for work. Now flying with a child, I’ve been really pleased with the support I get from Qantas at check-in right through to disembarking.” 

Belinda Coniglio flew Qantas from Perth to Sydney. 

“Visiting the Printhie winery in Orange was absolutely magical. The food and wine were scrumptious.” - Emma Boddington-Stubbs, Bronze Frequent Flyer

“I travelled to Orange for The Huddle (pictured), a weekend event of inspiration and learning for female business owners. When I fly with Qantas, I usually check in my luggage. This time, however, I decided to bring carry-on, which made for a super-quick airport experience. I really felt at home among all the sequins, colour, and boundless energy of the women at The Huddle. It took me a week to come down from the high. 

“Staying at the Quest Orange Apartments was incredibly convenient; it’s within walking distance of the CBD and close to the dining precinct. For dinner, I ordered the lamb cutlets with vegetables from the restaurant adjoining my hotel, Ocean Project Café. It was so yummy, I had the same meal two nights in a row.

“Visiting the Printhie winery was absolutely magical. The food and wine were scrumptious – the winery is best known for its red varieties of pinot noir, merlot, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and pinot gris. As we walked through the vineyard down to the tin shed decorated with fairy lights, the fog rolling over the hills and the sun’s rays peeking through the clouds made it all the more exquisite. I can’t wait to go back.”

Emma Boddington-Stubbs flew Qantas from Brisbane to Orange (via Sydney).

“Swimming at Clarkes Beach and riding the Solar Train along the coastal track in Byron was epic - the kids loved it.” - Constantina Demos, Silver Frequent Flyer

“I love how family-friendly Byron Bay is. My husband and I travelled there with our three-year-old daughter and our cousins. Flying with Qantas meant we were able to bring our hefty car seat, pram and a whole suitcase for our little one, all included in the ticket price.

“We stayed at the five-star Hotel Marvell in the centre of town, keeping us close to all the action. The kids ran wild on the long stretches of sand at Main Beach and splashed around in the shallow waters at Clarkes Beach (pictured), located south-west of Cape Byron Lighthouse, without us having to worry about big waves. 

“Foodwise, we couldn’t go past Light Years in the Jonson Lane precinct for quality Asian-inspired dishes, like mee goreng spiced fried chicken. For a sausage roll and meat pie, our pick was Sunday Sustainable Bakery on Jonson St. 

“But the highlight was the Solar Train, a restored 1949-era heritage train that travels along a three-kilometre coastal track from the town centre to North Byron. The kids were even invited to the driver’s cabin at the end of the ride to take a peek. It was epic.” 

Constantina Demos flew Qantas from Sydney to Byron Bay.

SEE ALSO: What to Do in New Zealand – According to Qantas Frequent Flyers