What you need to know about the latest round of NSW stimulus vouchers

We've all had our fair share of hard knocks during the pandemic but no other industry (travel aside) has been devastated by COVID-19 quite like hospitality and entertainment.

Lockdowns, enforced social distancing and limited capacity operations, QR codes and general concern about safety have shuttered many businesses — particularly within our CBDs — or kept them barely hanging on as we wait for life to return to relative normality.

Enter Dine & Discover NSW, a scheme to help both sectors that was first announced as part of the State Budget for 2020-21.

Initially, all eligible residents over the age of 18 were comped four $25 vouchers to spend at participating NSW businesses that are registered as COVID-safe.

Now, after extending the voucher expiry dates three times, the NSW government will be gifting residents two more Dine & Discover $25 vouchers (yippee!) — and an additional $50 Stay & Rediscover voucher!

The program is designed to encourage NSW residents to venture out, enjoy a meal and see a movie or show on the government's dime — what's not to love?

Here's everything you need to know about the scheme, including the ways you can spend it.

How do I get the vouchers?

To participate in the Dine & Discover or Stay & Rediscover NSW scheme, all eligible NSW residents 18+ must have a MyServiceNSW account, so if you're late to the party, this is a good time to download the Service NSW app and register for the account ahead of the next round of vouchers becoming available in December.

In the initial round, people in NSW were able to claim two $25 vouchers to be used for eating in restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs (available to use Monday to Thursday), and two $25 vouchers for entertainment and recreation venues such as museums, cinemas, theme parks and live music venues (available seven days a week).

Now, NSW residents can claim an additional two $25 vouchers — one for dining and one for entertainment. And if you have already applied for Dine & Discover NSW, the additional vouchers will be added automatically to the Service NSW app from December.

The Stay & Rediscover scheme entitles eligible residents to apply online next year, with businesses invited to register from January 2022. Once available, you're free to use them any day of the week. Watch this space.

It's important to note that none of the vouchers can be used on public holidays and all vouchers must be used by June 30, 2022.

How do I use the vouchers?

Provided the establishment you're visiting is a Dine & Discover participant, you'll be able to use the vouchers like any other payment method but they do need to be redeemed in person. You will also need to be mindful of a few rules.

The vouchers cannot be spent on retail, alcohol, gambling, tobacco or accommodation and you cannot spend your vouchers at all once (say, putting the two dining vouchers together to pay for a $50+ meal). The idea of the scheme is to get residents out as often as possible, so you'll have to budget to spend one $25 voucher every time you go out.

If you don't spend the entire $25 voucher on your meal or activity, you will forfeit the remaining amount so it's a good idea to order up and cover the rest yourself.

To splash your Stay & Rediscover voucher, you'll need to search for participating businesses and present your voucher when settling your accommodation bill — and note that if your bill is less than $50 the remaining balance will be forfeited.

Where can I spend my vouchers?

We want to say the limit is your imagination, but that would be a lie. The best place to start is by searching for participating businesses where you can use your vouchers via the Service NSW app or on the ServiceNSW website.

While we'll have to wait a little longer for see what NSW accommodations we can spend our Stay & Rediscover vouchers on, there are now thousands of businesses accepting Dine & Discover vouchers — so where to start?

During the initial Dine & Discover rollout, a huge chunk of the stimulus vouchers were dolled out on mega-corporations like Macca's and Hoyts instead of the small mum-and-pop businesses.

So, if you're after some inspiration on how to spend it, we have some suggestions... which begin with avoiding the chains for an independently-owned restaurant or provider. It could be a saving grace for many businesses who've struggled throughout the pandemic.

With that in mind, here are some fun ways to spend your government stimulus bonus.

Check into a cat cafe

You can barely turn a corner in Sydney without bumping into a trendy cafe — but where else can you cuddle up with thirteen adorable felines while enjoying brekkie? Sydney's original cat cafe Catmosphere features a small army of friendly moggies spread across a Cafe Lounge, boutique Catflix Cat Cinema, and even a Cat Yoga studio... much more fun than a haul of fast-food takeaway, no?

Treat yourself to a long lunch

Put that $25 dining credit towards a celebratory long lunch, and residents are spoiled for choice. Those keen to amp up the celebratory factor may even like to settle on a long lunch with a bottomless drinks option — Redfern's Misfits does a goodie, starting from $45 for a generous two-course set menu, with an additional $30 getting you unlimited drinks.

Be a tourist in your own town

Ever wanted to tick off the Bridge Climb, soar over the city with Sydney Seaplanes, or get your thrills on the rides at art deco gem Luna Park? Well, now's the time, while the government is footing some of the bill. Even if you've done these touristy activities before, chances are things have changed since you last went — for instance, you can now do a Burrawa Bridge Climb with a knowledgable Indigenous guide or, for the very first time, scale the entire length of the bridge as part of the "Ultimate" experience. Meanwhile, Luna Park is also raring to show off its suite of brand-new rides and 'coasters.

Support live theatre and comedy

Another industry hit hard during the pandemic was the arts — but thankfully, there are plenty of 'Discover' options to funnel those much-needed dollars into.

In Sydney, seek out small theatre companies like The Belvoir, Ensemble or Hayes Theatre, watch live comedy or improv shows at Giant Dwarf or The Comedy Store, or catch a live gig at The Factory Theatre.

Channel that inner-artiste

There's no better way to bond with your creative pals than a life-drawing or paint and sip session. Studios including Champainting by Cork and Canvas, Darlinghurst Life Drawing and Cork and Chroma host BYO painting sessions, hosted by pros.

Go on a ghost tour

While not everyone's cup of tea, history buffs and the paranormal curious have a lot to glean for a ghost tour. Learn about Sydney's eeriest hauntings and ghost sightings on The Rocks Haunted Ghost Tours, exploring the spookier side of one of Sydney's oldest neighbourhoods.

Catch an indie film

The pandemic really has been an unspeakable blow to the arts industry, so catching an Aussie flicks or paying a visit to an independent cinema is one way to show artists' support.

For date night, head to the very intimate Surry Hills' Golden Age Cinema for indie films and charcuterie boards that level-up your typical candy bar offerings, or kick off your shoes and find a comfy cushion on the floor at Govinda's.

Enjoy a day on the harbour

Sometimes a day trip to the Sydney CBD, with plenty of harbour adjacent activities, is all we need to remember how lucky we are.

Explore Sydney's secret beaches with a half-day tour on the luxe MySydneyBoat, get your thrills with a speed boat experience with Oz Jet Boating, or start the day by kayaking right under the famous bridge with family tour business Sydney By Kayak.

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