Plan a trip to New South Wales

The vibrant capital city of Sydney with all of its renowned landmarks and the Blue Mountains, to name just two. Its spectacular views, breathtaking natural gems, abundant golden beaches, and top notch restaurant scene – including outstanding local wines - make it one of the most popular areas in Australia.

Founded as a British penal colony in 1788, NSW is bordered to the south by the state of Victoria, to the north by Queensland, and to the west by the state of South Australia. With over eight million inhabitants, NSW is Australia’s most populated state and one which offers diverse geographical regions – a long coastal strip that stretches for close to 870 miles and borders the Tasman Sea, fertile plains in the west, outback in the east, and the Great Dividing Range (also known as the East Australian Cordillera or the Eastern Highlands) that goes from north to south with plateaus and low mountain ranges.

The greater Sydney metropolis, home to approximately two-thirds of the state’s inhabitants, is Australia’s most populous city and considered to be among the most beautiful in the world. Picture this iconic scene…twilight, as the last rays of the sun are replaced by the multitude of evening lights, you sit at a bar on the promenade of the famous Opera House with a cocktail in hand and breathe in the magical sights of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera... 
Other popular Sydney attractions include the city’s Historic Center, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Susannah Place Museum, Wild Life Sydney, the Museum of Contemporary Arts, Darling Harbour, and the Sydney Tower and Observatory. For lovers of the sea and the waves, the city’s many beaches are perfect for bathing, chilling, and/or surfing. Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, and Balmoral are some of the most popular.

Sydney is also the venue for some of Australia’s top annual festivals. The Sydney Festival is Australia’s leading arts and cultural festival which features a variety of music, theater, dance, and other events that take place in locations throughout Sydney. The Sydney Film Festival includes a selection of award-winning films from international film festivals as well as Australian and world premieres and industry conferences. The Sydney Writers’ Festival, taking place annually in May, is billed as “Australia’s largest annual celebration of literature and ideas,” with a range of events taking place which showcase new ideas, discussion, and debate.
The Blue Mountain region, one of Australia’s natural wonders and one of New South Wales’ main attractions for both natives and visitors alike, is a hiker’s paradise. Not a hiker? No worries, mate! The Blue Mountains have a bushwalk to suit everyone. The region’s dramatic scenery, characterized by steep sandstone peaks covered in native wilderness, also comprises pristine waterfalls, eucalyptus forests, bushwalking trails, charming villages with guest accommodations, and ancient Aboriginal rock art. The famous Three Sisters sandstone formation is visible from the Echo Point look-out, about a mile from the town of Katoomba. 

As for the name… in the late 18th century, the mountain range was originally called “Carmarthen Hills” and “Landsdowne Hills” by Admiral Arthur Phillip, the first governor of the Colony of NSW. Later on, because of the distinctive blue haze which surrounds the area, the name was appropriately changed.

Scenic World is a World Heritage wilderness near Sydney where visitors ride on the world’s steepest incline passenger railway into the ancient rainforest and float between the rocky peaks on a glass-floored cable car. The Scenic Walkway is an elevated boardwalk rising up 1640 feet, protected by the rainforest canopy, which has its own microclimate. The walkway will immerse you in the environment, enabling you to explore the unique flora and fauna while having minimal ecological impact on the natural habitat.

Hunter Valley is New South Wales’ wine-growing region. Located about two hours north of Sydney, this area is known for its world-class wineries and vineyards, many of which are open to visitors for tours and tastings. Hunter Valley is also known for its gastronomy – gourmet restaurants and cooking schools that offer classes in the local cuisine. The first-rate art galleries are a delight, and the Hunter Valley Gardens are beautiful -one of the area’s highlights. You’ll find accommodations for every budget and interest – from luxury spa resorts to rustic cabins. 
Hunter Valley is also known for its national parks. Barrington Tops National Park, a World Heritage site, is an ancient rain forest with hiking trails, impressive waterfalls, and a range of native wildlife. Wollemi National Park is one of NSW’s largest and is home to the indigenous Wollemi pine, bushwalking, rock climbing, and canoeing.

Newcastle, located in this area, is one of the largest cities in New South Wales. It has an urban vibe with a lively entertainment scene, museums, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. Bathers Way coastal walk is one of Newcastle’s most popular attractions. 
Byron Bay is another highlight of New South Wales. A coastal town with an iconic lighthouse, Byron Bay is a great holiday destination. You’ll find beautiful beaches, surfing, whale watching, hiking, shopping, and a variety of water sports – as well as an outstanding art and restaurant scene.

Jervis Bay, an oceanic bay and village located on NSW’s south coast, is thought to have the whitest sand in the world. In fact, there’s a famous trail, called the White Sand Walk, which leads through the coastal forest and past four dazzling Jervis Bay beaches, starting from Greenfield Beach and ending at Hyams Beach.

Along with crystal-clear waters, Jervis Bay is a great destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming. And don’t miss the dolphin-watching and whale-watching here – one of the major pastimes of Jervis Bay! There are cruises available all year round, mainly from the charming town of Huskisson. If you’re looking for deep-sea fishing adventures, you’ll find that here too. 

Looking for a beach holiday? Head to the Central Coast with its stunning stretch of coastline – about an hour’s drive from Sydney. The coast is known for its calm water, scenic views, and beautiful bathing beaches. Avoca Beach, Terrigal Beach, and Copacabana Beach are some of the area’s most popular.