Mr Barilaro said summer in Regional NSW is the place to be, with an impressive calendar of major events confirmed.

‘Around 26 million international and domestic overnight and day trip visitors have visited Regional NSW during the October to March quarter each year over the last five years, and these numbers are expected again in 2014-2015,’ Mr Barilaro said.

‘Regional NSW is set to host 10 major events that will provide local communities and visitors with a variety of entertaining events.

‘The NSW Government is at the forefront in creating and winning world-class events.

‘From the quirky to the competitive, the line up this summer will showcase an exciting range of events and entertainment across Regional NSW, ranging from world-class festivals and concerts to international sporting events.’

Highlights of the regional events calendar include:

  • The International Children’s Games in Lake Macquarie (6 – 11 December 2014),
  • The Tamworth Country Music Festival (16 – 25 January 2015),
  • Saltwater Freshwater Festival in Coffs Harbour (26 January 2015),
  • Australian Bowl Riding Championships at Newcastle (7 February 2015),
  • Bathurst 12 Hour, Mt. Panorama (6 – 8 February 2015), and
  • Oceania Cross Triathlon Championships in the Snowy Mountains (28 February – 1 March 2015).

‘With five World Heritage areas, 14 official wine regions, 850 national parks and reserves and 720 stunning beaches – summer is the perfect time of year to explore Regional NSW with family and friends, while enjoying the vast range of fantastic events on offer,’ Mr Barilaro said.

Visitors can also share their NSW experiences via the following hashtag: #newsouthwales

For a full list of events in NSW go to visitnsw.com

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