Thanks to Australia’s first indoor snow resort, you’ll be able to hit the slopes year-round…
Aussies usually go to the beach to cool off in summer. But can you imagine hitting the ski slopes instead? Thanks to a new indoor snow centre coming to Penrith in 2028, Sydney’s Western Suburbs will become Australia’s first year-round winter sports destination. Winter Sports World is a $700M+ indoor ski resort set to commence construction this year. Here’s what we know so far.
What to expect at Winter Sports World
Winter Sports World will use real snow to create ski runs, encompassing everything from beginner-friendly slopes to advanced 300-metre runs. The resort will also offer ice climbing, rock climbing, a magical winter wonderland for snow play, a hotel and a restaurant with snow views. The indoor winter sports centre will aim to make the snow more accessible to Australians, as the country’s limited ski offerings often alienates people due to cost and location. It will also provide Aussies the opportunity to practice snow sports year-round, and serve as a competition venue for sports like alpine skiing.
Winter Sports World is set to be a more accessible way for Australians to experience snow sports year-round.
Putting Western Sydney on the map
Western Sydney is on the rise for visitors, especially given the upcoming new international airport set to commence operations in 2026. But Winter Sports World is slated to firmly put the region on the map and attract snow-loving visitors around the country. When it opens, Winter Sports World is estimated to inject $222 million annually into the local economy and attract an additional 1.35 million visitors to Penrith.
Winter Sports World will commence construction in 2025 and open in 2028.
Winter Sports World is a boon for the region, joining several adventure hubs in Penrith such as The Cables Wake Park, iFLY indoor skydiving and Penrith Whitewater Stadium. It’s the latest attraction building up the region’s appeal to the rest of Australia and beyond.
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.
You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.
All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.
1. Stockton Sand Dunes
Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.
Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.
Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)
2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk
A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.
History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.
Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)
3. Watch out for whales
You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.
And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.
Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)
4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.
Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.
See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)
5. Diving Port Stephens
Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.
Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.
At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.
Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)
6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters
Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.
Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.
Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)
7. Fish the estuaries
Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.
If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.
Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)
8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours
With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.
Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.
Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.
Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)
