New South Wales features sparkling coastal towns, vibrant cities, rolling vineyards, friendly suburbs, charming country towns, and much more. Feel the glamour of Sydney. World-renowned, this city is bursting with many fascinating museums, art galleries, restaurants, and attractions. Nearby, marvel at the blue haze of the Blue Mountains or pop by the Hunter Valley and go on a culinary journey. It's time to uncover the local gems of this spectacular part of Australia.
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.
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 Bridge Climb!
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 cafés. End your day with a cocktail at a lively bar.
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.
Are you a foodie or a wine lover? New South Wales is sure to satisfy your culinary wishes. With 16 wine regions, there are plenty of opportunities to savour locally grown and produced wine. And with a food scene that is on-trend, you will have no problem finding a restaurant to suit you. The only issue will be deciding on which one to pick!
Indulge in Australia’s oldest wine region, Hunter Valley. Take your taste buds on an awe-inspiring journey, a real culinary escape. Located two hours drive north of Sydney, near Newcastle in NSW. If you’re a sommelier or wine lover, this stunning region has over 100 wineries on offer.
This gourmet destination is also the perfect place to discover locally grown produce and is best known for producing Sémillon and Shiraz. Go for bike rides through the vines or visit the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory for a food explosion.
Take a stroll through the stunning landscape, or take a cruise along the Hunter River. Play a round of golf at one of the several championship golf courses, or simply relax at a day spa. Splurge on some local boutique shopping or pop into the breweries and distilleries.
Be welcomed by friendly locals in Wentworth and Mildura. Both of these charismatic Aussie towns are located in different states, however, they are still only 25 kilometres away from each other.
Wentworth is located in New South Wales and is the oldest village in the region. It lies at the junction of two rivers, the Murray River and the Darling River. The Murray River is famous because it is Australia’s longest river. Wentworth offers easy access to Lake Mungo and Mungo National Park.
Mildura is situated in Victoria, offering world-class food with small-town hospitality. Savour fresh local produce direct from the farm or visit the award-winning restaurants, a foodies haven!
The Murray-Darling region is producing more than 20 per cent of Australia’s wine-grape harvest and is home to some best-known wine companies in the country.
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 cafés, meet the locals and enjoy an iced coffee – Aussie-style.
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 cafés, boutique shopping, and an array of nature. A colourful and spiritual place that boasts nine outstanding surfing beaches. Stroll 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.
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, 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.
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 walk along the break wall and try to spot dolphins.
Visit local art galleries, potteries, tea houses, antique stores, and charismatic cafés. 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.
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.
Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to Australia in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Register nowWith 870 national parks and reserves, New South Wales has no shortage of nature to discover. Wollemi National Park is the largest with an area of, 5017 square kilometres and Berowra Valley National Park is one of the smallest with an area of 38.84 square kilometres.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, located in Sydney's north, has the perfect mix of history and natural beauty. The Blue Mountains National Park features one of the world's oldest cave systems of limestone, over 340 million years old. Conquer the summit of Mount Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains. Or connect with the oldest living culture in the world and visit the UNESCO-listed Mungo National Park.
While you are visiting the national parks of NSW, discover the rare and unique, flora and fauna. From koalas, swamp wallabies, grey kangaroos and snakes to honeysuckle banksia, wattle and more. Mother nature is here and ready for you to explore.
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.
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 of 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.
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 cafés and savour local flavours. Absorb nature with a bush walk 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!
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.
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 national parks that are waiting to be explored. 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!
Discover authentic Australian heritage during your visit to Tenterfield. Located 275 kilometres south of Brisbane, by the Great Dividing Range in NSW. This charismatic place is best known for being ‘The Birthplace of the Nation’.
Watch sheep and other cattle grazing beneath the orchards, admire farm crops, rugged landscapes, and a giant cork tree. Uncover the vibrant and enthusiastic arts culture of the region.
Stop into Wallangarra Railway for a hot cuppa or pop over to the Tenterfield farmer’s market. Indulge in some wine tasting at Kurrajong Downs Winery. Go bush walking at one of the nearby national parks or climb Bald Rock, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest exposed monolith granite rock!
Get “off the beaten” track and discover a former prosperous mining town, Broken Hill. Located in the far west of New South Wales in the heart of the outback, close to the South Australian border. It is known as ‘The Silver City’, because of the discovery of silver ore in the area. This heritage-listed gem is rich with character and classic country charm.
Get acquainted with the friendly locals and warm Aussie hospitality. Uncover the history of mining, ancient Indigenous sites, and spectacular desert landscapes. Visit a collection of sandstone figures at Living Desert Reserve and Sculptures, or take a bush walk at Kinchega National Park. If you are a fan of the iconic Australian film Mad Max (1979), be sure to pop into the Mad Max Museum!
Encounter the country charm and Aussie hospitality in Armidale. Located halfway between Brisbane and Sydney in the Northern Tablelands of NSW. This quaint region is packed with historical charisma and is rich with Indigenous culture.
There are many national parks to explore including Oxley Wild River, New England, and more. Visit Dangars Gorge, which was formed over the last 15 million years. Close by is Gostwyck Chapel, which is worth a visit! Try out the award-winning Goldfish Bowl Bakery, or pop into the farmer’s market for some locally grown produce.
Go to Beardy Street Mall and splurge on some boutique shopping with local designers, wares, fashion, and gifts. Take a drive down Waterfall Way, known as one of Australia’s best scenic drives with the endless picturesque countryside.
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.
020 36 95 95 69
