What to do and Where to go

GET YOUR HEART RACING DURING SYDNEY'S AUTUMN RACING CARNIVAL

Sydney's Autumn Racing Carnival is here again, bringing a feast of glamour, action and entertainment to the city. There’s something for everyone with the latest race day fashions, exclusive parties and the thundering of hooves on the turf.

OFF TRACK ACTION

When the last race is run and the fillies have retired to the stables, the excitement doesn't end there… check out what Sydney and NSW has to offer off the track this autumn.

Sydney's bar and restaurant scene is vibrant and new this autumn. The much-anticipated The Ivy opened its doors in February, flaunting glamorous restaurants, bars and cocktail lounges. The fashionable Trademark Hotel is another must - located under the iconic Coca Cola sign in Kings Cross, it's the perfect place to party into the wee hours of the morning. If you’re feeling peckish, Sydney’s newest restaurant Springfields will have you drooling over a selection of share plates. Or try Penny's Lane in Darlinghurst, where head chef Robert Crichton (formally Salt and MG Garage) has created a contemporary menu of Mediterranean flavours to sink your teeth into.

ENDLESS EVENTS

Racing isn't the only highlight this autumn. With an endless line-up of arts, culture, festivals and shows, Sydney and NSW take centre stage:

SYDNEY

The French Film Festival (5-19 March) offers an ambitious programme of 436 screenings over its two week duration.

The Archibald Prize (8 March-18 May) at the Art Gallery of NSW is one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious art awards.

The Royal Easter Show (20 March-2 April) has it all. See the best of country, food, rides and fireworks.

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (28 April-2 May) will showcase the best emerging and established designers from the Asia pacific region.

Sydney Writers Festival (19-25 May) is a week long celebration of reading and writing and welcomes over 300 published writers from around the world.

The Rocky Horror Show (February-September) at Star City runs right through the autumn season.

The Sydney Italian Festival (20 May-10 June) celebrates all things Italian at various Sydney locations.

TRAVELLING OUT OF SYDNEY

The Central Coast Country Music Festival (7-9 March) will showcase over 50 country artists.

Blue Mountains Music Festival (14-16 March) is a three day roots and blues festival.

Bluesfest (20-24 March) in Byron Bay will feature top acts such as The Cat Empire and Eskimo Joe.

Food and Wine with Altitude (8-9 April) in the Blue Mountains will get your taste buds tingling.

Orange F.O.O.D Week (11-20 April) is a chance to experience the finest regional produce.

Lovedale Long Lunch (17-18 May) is the best excuse to wine and dine your way through the Hunter Valley.

For more information on things to see and do in Sydney go to www.sydney.com

For more information on things to see and do in NSW go to www.visitnsw.com