Explore Sophisticated Sydney, home to a sparkling harbour, iconic landmarks and a buzzing dining and nightlife scene. Indulge in gourmet food and wine in the Hunter Valley, get back to nature in the state's outback, discover national attractions in Canberra and find the perfect golden beach as you travel along the coast.
Inland New South Wales is home to some awe-inspiring natural sights. Kosciuszko National Park, with Australia’s tallest peak, spoils you with snow sports, hiking trails and mountain biking in the Snowy Mountains, while the Blue Mountains National Park is famous for the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls Jenolan Caves. Visit Mungo National Park and explore one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites where the Mungo Man was discovered. The isolated lunar landscapes of this park are other-worldly and are not to be missed.
No trip to Sydney is complete without seeing the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The Sydney Opera House is a beautiful piece of architecture that has been a symbol of Australia since it was built in the mid-1950s. Admire this performing arts centre up close – wander around it, take a backstage tour or see a performance. Affectionately known as ‘the coat hanger’, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a must-see. Climb the 200 steps to the Pylon Lookout for sensational views of the harbour or do the Bridge Climb to the very summit of the bridge.
Journey to the Hunter Valley wine region and indulge in the fantastic wine that makes this beautiful region famous. Gourmet produce, cheeses, chocolates, craft beers, day spas and the wonderful Hunter Valley Gardens are the perfect companions to the Hunter Valley’s renowned wines. With fresh air, rolling hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see, it is the countryside escape of your dreams.
Enjoy rural charm and warm hospitality in outback and country New South Wales. Discover desert landscapes, a rich indigenous culture and historic townships and villages. See exotic animals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo and explore the Old Dubbo Gaol. Close to the South Australian border, in and around Broken Hill uncover the Mad Max Museum and the Living Desert Reserve and Sculptures collection. Don’t miss having a cold beer with the locals at an outback pub.
The Harbour Spectacular Sydney Harbour is the epicentre of the city, and a cruise is the best way to truly appreciate its beauty. Explore the harbour on the city’s recognisable green and gold ferries as you cruise to Luna Park, Taronga Zoo or Manly. Enjoy a lunch cruise or celebrate a special occasion with a sumptuous sunset dinner cruise. Cruise around the Sydney Opera House and beneath the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge and take in the sights from the water. The harbour comes alive for events such as Australia Day and New Year’s Eve when Sydneysiders take to the water to celebrate.
Foodies are spoilt for choice in New South Wales! For ultimate fine dining try Muse Restaurant in the Hunter Valley and Sixpenny or Bennelong in Sydney. For great seafood you’ll love Sydney Cove Oyster Bar at Circular Quay or North Bondi Fish at Bondi Beach. Wander the atmospheric laneway of Spice Alley in Chippendale before deciding on a restaurant or dine right on the wharf at Wooloomooloo. Enjoy a beer in a historic pub such as Fortune of War in The Rocks, or a cocktail at a stylish rooftop bar like Smoke in Barangaroo.
Sydney plays host to spectacular annual events including the famous Mardi Gras pride festival and Vivid Sydney – a festival of lights, arts and ideas that transforms the city with immersive light installations and projections. Sydney is also the place to be on New Year’s Eve when he sky come to life with a stunning fireworks display. Music lovers won’t want to miss Byron Bay’s Bluesfest and garden lovers should head to Canberra for the annual Foriade event. Sports fans will enjoy everything from the NRL Grand Final to the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
New South Wales is blessed with beautiful beaches. People-watch at famous Bondi Beach or take the little ones to calmer waters at Manly, Forrester’s Beach near Terrigal or Nelson Bay in Port Stephens. Take a dip in one of 100 iconic ocean pools dotted along the coast – try Bondi, Wollongong or Wylie’s Baths at Coogee. Surfers will love riding the waves at some of the best surf beaches in the country, particularly in Cronulla, Newcastle and Bondi. Even Sydney Harbour offer appealing beaches. Try Camp Cove at Watsons Bay or Milk Beach at Vaucluse.
Sydney is a mecca for lovers of fashion, food and everything in between with countless shopping malls, boutique streets and markets for you to explore. Head to the Queen Victoria Building, Pitt Street Mall and Westfield Sydney in the city centre. In Darling Harbour, the Harbourside Shopping Centre is a great place to shop before a bite to eat and The Intersection in Paddington is a stylish shopping hub. Located in the heart of Sydney’s Chinatown, Market City and Sydney’s famous Paddy’s Markets are a combined shopping experience you must try.
