Discover New South Wales

Highlights

Are you ready to conquer the highlights of New South Wales? Whether you would like to learn how to surf at one of Australia’s most iconic surf beaches, Bondi Beach, or hike in nature and spot Australian wildlife in the Snowy Mountains. There are plenty of exciting places to tick off your bucket list in this Australian state.

Sydney

When you think of Australia, Sydney is probably one of the first places to come to your mind, and rightly so! The largest city in Australia is world-renowned and grand and is considerably different from Melbourne. Multicultural, historical, and filled with character, you are sure to find an abundance of things to see and do here.

The Sydney Opera House is a stunning display of architecture and The Sydney Harbour Bridge is marvellous to see lit up in a blanket of light. Go museum hopping or take a cruise on the Sydney Harbour and soak up the warm Australian sunshine. If you want a bird's eye view of the city, visit the Sydney Tower Eye or conquer the iconic BridgeClimb!

Take the local ferry from Circular Quay to Manly or Bondi, have lunch and beach. On the way back, watch the sunset over the city. For a spectacular fireworks show, go to Darling Harbour (on most Saturday nights). You will also find a range of restaurants here.

Explore either on foot or by bike and get acquainted with each neighbourhood and surrounding suburbs. Surry Hills, Newtown, Darlinghurst, Bondi, and Chippendale to name a few! Go shopping at the boutique stores or savour the latest local flavours at world-class restaurants and cafes. End your day with a cocktail at a lively bar.

Blue Mountains

Be enchanted by a mystical place, the Blue Mountains. Located two hours drive, west of Sydney in NSW. The name was chosen because the mountains have a unique blue glow. This is due to its spectacular eucalyptus forests, a magical occurrence that happens when the sun heats the leaves.

There are 92 different species of eucalyptus growing in the area. The region also boasts quaint and charming towns, grand landscapes, forested valleys, and waterfalls. Take a wander on one of the many walking trails, it’s a walker’s dream!

Immerse yourself in Indigenous culture and rich history. Visit the famous Three Sisters and learn about its value to the local Indigenous Australians. Hop on the steepest passenger railway in the world, the Scenic Railway, with a thrilling 52-degree incline!

If you are driving from Sydney, be sure to stop at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park. Here, you can admire over 2000 Australian native animals from more than 260 different species.

Coastal towns

With 892 beaches in New South Wales, it is no wonder there are so many beautiful coastal towns to discover. Ideal for the holidaymaker who would like to experience the Aussie beach lifestyle. Wake up and watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. On the coast, learn how to surf, fish, or relax and listen to the waves crashing. Visit beachside cafes, meet the locals and enjoy an iced coffee - Aussie-style.

Byron Bay

Get groovy in Byron Bay- where surfers meet hippies! Uncover the laid-back culture of the most eastern point of mainland Australia. Take it easy as you soak up the Byron vibes on foot or by bike!

This beachside town is bursting with organic cafes, boutique shopping, and an array of nature. A colourful and spiritual place that boasts nine outstanding surfing beaches. Take a wander along the coast to the lighthouse and try to spot dolphins, humpback whales, or stingrays in the Pacific Ocean.

Try vegetarian delights or have brekkie on one of the many chilled outdoor terraces. If you feel like a drive, visit the nearby seaside village, Lennox Head, where you will find a magical tea tree lake called Lake Ainsworth. Otherwise, 70 kilometres west of Bryon Bay is a famous hippie town called Nimbin.

Newcastle

The second-largest city of New South Wales, Newcastle is a harbour city and has no shortage of coastline to explore. With eight golden beaches, the lucky locals live on the coast and enjoy an Australian beach lifestyle.

Spend your days wandering along the long stretches of coastal tracks and marvel at natural ocean pools and local surfers catching waves. Be sure to visit the surf beach, Merewether - a world-famous surfing destination or conquer the three-hour trek from Nobby's Beach to Merewether.

Located approximately two hours north of Sydney, this cosmopolitan city is rich in historical value, charm, and things to do. Discover a variety of lively bars, restaurants, and local cafes, alongside the harbour. Or a bohemian strip known as Cooks Hills for a mix of boutiques stores and cafes that served a delicious Aussie brunch.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour, also known as Coffs, is a coastal town in New South Wales. Coffs has a semi-tropical climate and is located 540 kilometres north from Sydney. It is a popular holiday destination for locals near the Pacific Highway.

It is the only place in Australia where the Great Dividing Range meets the Pacific Ocean. Coffs Harbour is known for its spectacular coastline, where many surfing competitions are held. The atmosphere is beachy and laid-back!

The place is named after Captain John Korff, who was forced to take shelter from a storm in 1847. A civil servant registered the place in 1861, accidentally misspelling the name. Coffs Harbour has a prosperous banana industry, in the hinterland, there are several banana plantations to be found.

Port Macquarie

Come and discover a magical coastal playground, Port Macquarie. This Aussie gem is located on the mid-north coast of NSW with a large assortment of things to do and see!

The region boasts 17 spectacular beaches, a lush hinterland, and friendly locals. Say G’day to some furry koalas at the Koala Hospital or take a wander along the break wall and try to spot frolicking dolphins.

Experience the local lifestyle in Port Macquarie

Visit local art galleries, potteries, tea houses, antique stores, and charismatic cafes. Pop into Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberry Picking Farm or visit Old Bottlebutt in Burrawan State Forest and walk along a nature trail.

Grab a cold beer at The Beach House or purchase some fresh locally grown produce at the farmer’s markets. Savour local flavours at the many restaurants and wineries. Or get better acquainted with the area on the nine-kilometre Coastal Walk.

Port Stephens

Chill out at the ultimate beach escape, Port Stephens. This coastal gem is located three hours drive north of Sydney in the Hunter Region of NSW. The area is known as the ‘dolphin capital’, boasting sublime natural beauty, and is home to more than 100 dolphins.

There are several vibrant and friendly small towns nearby to explore including Boat Harbour, One Mile Beach, and Nelson Bay. For spectacular views, go to Tomaree Head Summit or Gan Gan Hill Lookout.

Say G’day to koalas and other native animals at Oakvale Wildlife Park. Visit local vineyards and craft beer breweries or taste freshly caught seafood. Don’t miss out on some succulent local prawns, a real Aussie favourite! Pop over to Worimi National Park which features Australia’s largest sand dunes.

Local gems

While some seek the well-known, others seek the less explored. Discover the places other tourists don't know about or don't have time to visit. Be captivated by the real gems of Australia, places where you can experience the authenticity and soak up the 'no worries' Aussie mentality.

The South Coast

Indulge in sun, surf, sand, and nature at South Coast in New South Wales! Be captivated by a 400-kilometre long coastline, complete with white sandy beaches, impressive bays with rugged rocks, and green forests. A pure Australian experience, located south of Sydney- down to the Victorian border.

This magical place is rich in sublime beauty and local friendliness. Discover national parks, historic villages, and an abundance of wildlife. Say G’day to kangaroos grazing on Pebby Beach or spot frolicking dolphins and majestic whales on the many beaches. Go fishing, swimming, or surfing in the colourful coastal village, Broulee.

Uncover the rich history in World Heritage Listed- Central Tilba or learn about the history of whaling in Eden. The South Coast is also a foodies delight! Savour freshly shucked oysters and local wine in an awe-inspiring environment.

Jervis Bay

Would you like to see some of the whitest sand found in Australia? Jervis Bay is waiting to be discovered. Visit Hyams Beach or Greenfield and admire the pearly white sand and turquoise waters. Be sure to explore funky beachside towns such as Huskisson.

Enjoy some local shopping there and the exquisite products on offer. Pop into colourful cafes and savour local flavours. Absorb nature with a bushwalk through Booderee National Park.

Spot kangaroos, wallabies and various bird species. This coastal gem is a playground for whales and dolphins (mid-May - November), take a cruise and adore these wondrous creatures!

Lord Howe Island

Discover pearly white beaches, subtropical forests, aqua blue water, and more. World Heritage Listed, this paradise was created over 7 million years ago by volcanic activities 2000 metres below sea level. Today, you can admire rare flora and fauna, seabird colonies, and aquatic animals.

The island is best known for its spectacular array of day hikes. If you are feeling adventurous, climb the highest mountain on the island, Mount Gower. Spend your day’s bike riding, snorkelling the coral reef, or hand-feeding fish at Ned’s Beach.

Tweed Valley

Soak up local vibes in Tweed Valley, get away from the tourists, and uncover this breezy- easy place! Discover an abundance of wide-open beaches that are dotted with surfers and a galore of national parks that are waiting to be adored. Located in the Northern River Region of NSW, this laid-back gem is full of an array of things to do and see.

Taste locally caught seafood from the market or various types of fruits at an award-winning farm, Tropical Fruit World. Pop into Macadamia Castle and say G’day to all the native and farm animals. Have a try at cracking open fresh macadamia nuts!

Visit historical towns bursting with charisma, the hilly Murwillumbah or Kings Cliff. Try your luck with some fishing in the Tweed River. Take a glimpse at nearby Mount Warning or visit the astounding, Lamington National Park!

Why book with us?

• A well-designed holiday, just for you
• Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts
• Carefully recommended activities based on your interests
• A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs
• Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday
• 30 years of experience in travel to Australia

Let's design your holiday together

We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.