With endless beaches, breathtaking national parks, rolling vineyards and one of the world’s most famous and vibrant cities, there’s no place quite like New South Wales. From Sydney Harbour to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains and the unspoiled South Coast, New South Wales beckons with indulgent wine regions, pristine seaside villages and mountain wilderness.
PLACES TO GO IN NEW SOUTH WALES
Sydney
A city that needs no introduction, Sydney doesn't disappoint on wow factor. From its spectacular harbour, vast coastline, vibrant neighbourhoods, and picturesque surrounding rural and coastal landscapes, there's no shortage of things to do and see.
Sydney is stunning. There’s no doubt that Sydney Harbour makes it an attractive destination, but there’s lots more going for it than just natural beauty. Gourmet delights, hidden bars, sun-filled cafes and bustling boutiques abound in Sydney city. Arts and culture lovers will find galleries, theatre companies, alternative cinema and museums, including the newly redeveloped Australian Museum set to house the world’s biggest and best travelling exhibitions in 2021 and beyond.
Newcastle
New South Wales' second-largest city, Newcastle or 'Newie' as it is affectionately known, just a two-hour drive north of Sydney, is undergoing a renaissance. While in Newcastle, visitors can enjoy new tours like Coast XP’s Caves Coastal Hike along the rugged coastline of Lake Macquarie, and Newy Rides’ city bicycle tours.
Blue Mountains
Be captivated by the one million hectares of tall forests, sandstone cliffs, canyons and waterfalls that make up the magnificent Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, just a 90-minute drive west from the city of Sydney.
Hunter Valley
Give your taste buds a serious thrill in Australia's oldest wine-growing region. Enjoy epicurean indulgences in the Hunter Valley, where you’ll find more than 120 wineries, world-class wines, gourmet restaurants, spa retreats and concerts in the vineyards.
Orange and Mudgee
3.5-hour drive west of Sydney will find you in Country NSW. Take in rolling green hills, heritage landscapes, and some of the nation's finest cool-climate wines in Orange. Then head another 2.5-hours onto Mudgee for a tasty mix of country charm and epicurean delights, thanks to its flourishing food and wine scene.
New South Wales South Coast
Renowned for its white sand beaches, on the NSW south Coast you can take your pick of Insta-worthy beaches as there are many to choose from. Luxe accommodation, water sports, friendly wildlife and locals all abound in the region’s seaside and hinterland towns including Wollongong, Kiama, Huskisson, Batemans Bay, Narooma, Bermagui and Merimbula.
Byron Bay
Unwind, relax and be one of the first to see the sunrise in mainland Australia's easternmost town. Famous for its laidback culture and surf breaks, it’s home to excellent beaches, lush rainforests, great regional dining, new-age retreats, not to mention a swag of famous faces. You won't want to leave.
Lord Howe Island
Leave the pace of modern life behind when you visit World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, a lush natural paradise, unlike anywhere else on the planet. Less than two hours by plane from Sydney and Brisbane, luxury and nature collide here, with only 400 visitors allowed at any time.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN NEW SOUTH WALES
Swim in over 100 ocean pools
Carved into the rock shelves at coastal beaches and fed by ocean tides, almost 100 ocean pools can be found on the coast of New South Wales. Enjoy endless coastal views, swim in the heritage-listed Bogey Hole in Newcastle two hours’ drive north of Sydney, experience the crystal-clear waters of The Blue Pool in Bermagui on the Sapphire Coast or head for the iconic Icebergs Pool in Bondi, Sydney.
From the Cape Byron lighthouse track in Byron Bay, to the famous Bondi to Coogee walk and the Killer Whale Trail in Eden on the Sapphire Coast, New South Wales’ coastline offers countless walking trails and headlands – which are often incredible vantage points for spotting whales. Dubbed humpback highway, each year between late May and November, catch a glimpse of migrating humpback and southern right whales cruising along the NSW coast. There are also countless whale watching cruises for those wanting to get out on the water, and the Swim with Whales experience in Jervis Bay for encounters with the gentle giants.
Discover Regional NSW onboard Vintage Rail Journeys’ newly restored 1960s ex-Southern Aurora sleeping carriages. Offering a range of rail journeys through North Coast, Riverina and Golden West, discover the diverse history and rich culture with visits to regional towns, gardens and attractions.
Where to eat and drink in New South Wales
Get a taste of the countryside without leaving the city with Sydney’s urban farmers. The new opened Acre Artarmon is famed for growing the produce they serve on-site and offering hands-on workshops, from how to make focaccia-art to tips for building small gardens on your balcony. Or just 45-minutes’ drive north of Sydney’s CBD, Mooney Mooney Oyster Farm Tours offer an authentic oyster farm experience guided by third-generation oyster farmers. Oyster lovers should not miss the opportunity to discover Australia’s Oyster Coast along the South Coast of NSW which produces three varieties of premium oysters, including the Sydney rock oyster, the rare Angasi ‘flat oyster’ and the popular Pacific oyster. With talented chefs, fresh local produce, abundant seafood, superb wines, and cultural and culinary influences from around the world, New South Wales is filled with culinary delights and a great place to follow fresh local produce. Choose from a range of food, wine and ale trails across the state that showcase excellent restaurants, produce and farmers markets, and can easily be timed to stop in at one of the many regional food festivals. You'll find all the holiday accommodation that you'll need at Search and Stay for anywhere in New South Wales
For more information visitNSW.com.au
Credit: Tourism Australia www.australia.com @australia