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14 Top Attractions & Places to Visit in New South Wales (NSW)

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Sep 24, 2021

New South Wales (NSW) is the oldest state in Australia and one of its most diverse. Sydney shines as the state capital, with famous tourist attractions like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as top-notch restaurants, galleries, and museums. Venture beyond this beautiful harbor city, and you'll find a state full of surprises, with six of Australia's World Heritage Areas.

Topographically, New South Wales reflects the diverse landscapes of the country as a whole. The Great Dividing Range cuts through the center of the state, carving it into an eastern coastal strip, rimmed by dazzling beaches, while the stark desert beauty of the Outback sprawls to the west.

Exploring New South Wales is easy, and you'll find plenty of rewarding things to do. Climb or ski the rugged peaks of the Snowy Mountains, hunt for opals in red-earthed Outback towns, hike through World Heritage-listed rainforests, dive the coral reefs of Lord Howe island, and step back in time at Norfolk Island's World Heritage historic sites.

Learn more about this dynamic state with our list of the top attractions and best places to visit in New South Wales.

The Blue Mountains

Lord howe island, the south coast's beaches, the hunter valley, coffs harbour, norfolk island, port stephens, the snowy mountains, kangaroo valley, outback nsw, map of attractions & places to visit in new south wales (nsw).

Sydney, the capital of NSW, is one of the world's most alluring cities. Graced by the iconic Sydney Opera House and harbor bridge, the sparkling blue harbor is the city's crown jewel. Hop aboard a ferry or harbor cruise to really appreciate these top Sydney attractions and the city's stunning waterfront location.

In addition to world-class restaurants, festivals, galleries, and museums, you'll find plenty of things to do in Sydney . Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the historic Rocks area; wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens ; or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can also explore the shops, restaurants, and tourist sites at Darling Harbor , one of the top New South Wales attractions for families.

Sydney is known for its excellent beaches . You can bask on famous Bondi Beach , learn to surf at Manly, or paddle the calm waters at Balmoral.

You'll also find plenty of attractions near Sydney. Stretching northwest from the city, the picturesque Hawkesbury River and surrounding national parks are great day trip destinations, with excellent opportunities for bushwalking, birding, and boating.

The Blue Mountains are one of the most scenic places to visit in New South Wales. For more than a hundred years, this region has been a favorite getaway for nature lovers.

About 65 kilometers west of the city, the mountains rise steeply out of the coastal plain, combining magnificent gorges, waterfalls, rock formations, and sacred Aboriginal sites with excellent tourist facilities. Named for the blue haze created by the many eucalyptus trees, the region forms one of the state's magnificent World Heritage Sites .

Popular things to do in the Blue Mountains include hiking, rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, and photographing the spectacular beauty. Save time to see all the top attractions. Highlights include Wentworth Falls , the towering sandstone rock formations called the Three Sisters , and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah .

At Jenolan Caves , the world's oldest known open cave system, you can view glittering stalactites and stalagmites. The Blue Mountains also host some of Australia's best hiking trails .

Wondering about the best way to see some of the top natural attractions with limited time? Sign up for the adventures offered by Scenic World. These include a Skyway, cableway, an elevated walkway, and one of the world's steepest railways. Better still, book a combination of these adventures to see the park from different perspectives.

Blue Mountains National Park is one of the top places to visit near Sydney by car, but you can also catch a train or join a guided day trip tour.

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in the Blue Mountains

World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is a haven for serenity-seekers and nature lovers. Surrounded by the world's most southerly coral reef , this spectacular island, about 660 kilometers off the New South Wales north coast, only allows a maximum of 400 guests at a time.

Lord Howe encompasses a number of islets, which are part of a former volcano. Dramatic cliffs rise along the rugged coast, and other island highlights include white-sand beaches, pristine native forests of pandanus and kentia palms, and spectacular views from atop 875-meter-high Mt. Gower .

Almost two-thirds of Lord Howe is protected, and the island is home to a diversity of flora and fauna. Birding is excellent, with more than 130 permanent and migratory species. Offshore, the Lord Howe Island Marine Park protects coral reefs, and offers superb diving and snorkeling.

Other popular things to do on Lord Howe Island include fishing, surfing, kayaking, and hiking along the many walking trails. Bikes are the best way to explore the island - they are also the island's main mode of transport.

Looking to disconnect from the stress of daily life? You're in luck. You won't find any cell phone reception here, which helps to preserve the peaceful ambience.

Lord Howe Island lies less than a two-hour-flight away from Sydney or Brisbane, and although it's not technically a tropical island, it still ranks as one of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific .

On the north coast, Byron Bay is a hot spot for surfers and New Age nature buffs. A wide stretch of golden beach fronts the ocean here, and a lovely hike along the Cape Byron Track leads to the most easterly point on the Australian continent and its famous lighthouse. Dolphins and whales frolic in the waters, and water sports abound.

In the hinterland, you can explore World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park (formerly Mount Warning National Park) with tranquil rainforests and waterfalls. Byron is also known for its colorful markets, as well as its health and yoga retreats, spa resorts, and luxury boutique hotels.

Lately, celebrity spotting has become a favorite pastime. Chris Hemsworth is a famous resident, and several other high profile Hollywood stars have spent time here between movie shoots.

To soak up the soul of old Byron Bay, venture about an hour inland to the tiny town of Nimbin , a hippie hub and hotbed for counterculture and alternative lifestyles.

If you love beaches, bucolic landscapes, and charming small towns, you'll love the South Coast of New South Wales. Stretching from the southern fringe of Sydney to the Victorian border, this region is home to some of the state's most beautiful white-sand beaches set against the dark summits of the Great Dividing Range . Rolling green hills, lakes, inlets, and forests fringe the coast, and the climate is mild throughout the year.

Strung along the coast are a series of small holiday resorts. Many offer fantastic opportunities for water sports from their beaches, including swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and surfing. Kiama is home to the world's largest blowhole , and Jervis Bay is a standout with its radiant powder-soft sands. Nearby, the dazzling Hyams Beach, reputedly with the world's whitest sand, is one of Australia's best beaches . Batemans Bay is also home to alluring shores, as well as the Batemans Bay Snorkelling Trail.

If you're looking for some of the most beautiful hidden places in New South Wales, you'll find them along the South Coast. Merimbula and its sister village Pambula on the Sapphire Coast are hidden gems, with beautiful beaches, crystal-clear lakes, and fantastic opportunities for water sports.

One of the most southerly places on the coast is the old fishing village of Eden , once a prosperous whaling station. North and south of town lies the Ben Boyd National Park with magnificent views of reddish sandstone cliffs from Boyd's Tower, a former lighthouse.

The picturesque Hunter Valley, about a two-hour drive north of Sydney, is one of Australia's most famous grape-growing regions. It's also a popular weekend escape from Sydney - especially for foodies, who come here for the delicious farm-fresh produce, cooking schools, and gourmet restaurants with chef's tasting menus.

Highlights of the Hunter Valley region include the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens , several excellent art galleries, and vast stretches of unspoiled bushland.

At World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops National Park, you can hike through ancient rain forest and see impressive waterfalls and a diversity of wildlife.

Also in the region, Wollemi National Park is one of the largest national parks in New South Wales. It's home to the famous Wollemi pine and offers excellent bushwalking, rock climbing, and canoeing.

Newcastle is one of the largest towns in the region, and it's a great place to visit if you want an urban buzz after your country getaway. It's one of the biggest New South Wales' cities after Sydney, with museums, galleries, excellent cafés and restaurants, and a lively entertainment scene. Save time to stroll along the Bathers Way coastal walk while you're here. It's one of Newcastle's most popular attractions.

Accommodations in the Hunter region range from luxury spa resorts and boutique hotels to rustic cabins.

Blessed with beautiful beaches and a mild, subtropical climate, Coffs Harbour is a favorite holiday destination for families. The town is famous for its Big Banana , an homage to the local banana-growing industry, with interesting displays, sweet banana-inspired treats, and kid-friendly attractions.

Favorite Coffs Harbour activities revolve mostly around the water. Along the coast, you can bask on uncrowded beaches, fish, surf, dive, kayak, and visit the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve .

About 50 kilometers west of Coffs Harbour, nature lovers can explore the rainforest and waterfalls of Dorrigo National Park, a World Heritage Area. To the north lies a string of pretty beaches (Emerald Beach is a favorite), and the town of Grafton . Famous for its jacaranda trees, Grafton has six large national parks within easy reach, including the World Heritage Areas of Gibraltar Range National Park (Glen Innes) and Washpool National Park .

Once a brutal convict colony, Norfolk Island is now a charming holiday resort with World Heritage-listed historic sites . Although the island is an external territory, it remains part of the Commonwealth of Australia and is home to the Pitcairn Island descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers.

Today, you can tour ruins of the old settlements and learn about the island's Polynesian heritage and colonial past at its excellent museums. A third of this emerald island consists of national parks and reserves, with scenic hiking and biking trails, excellent birding, and sweeping green landscapes dotted with native Norfolk Island pines.

Water sports are a highlight. Diving, swimming, and snorkeling are all popular things to do on Norfolk Island, and beach lovers will find a few secluded coves carved into the rugged and rocky coast. Coral reefs lie offshore, and the fishing is superb in these remote waters.

One of the most unusual places to visit in New South Wales, Norfolk Island is about a 2.5-hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane.

About an hour's drive north of Newcastle, Port Stephens is a large and beautiful blue-water bay enclosed by two volcanic headlands. Natural bushland fringes many of the 26 white-sand beaches here, and whales and dolphins are often spotted in the bay.

Despite the many vacationers who come here in the summer, you can still find a quiet stretch of beach. This is also one of the top fishing destinations in Australia, especially for big game fishing. Other popular water sports include swimming, surfing, kayaking, and boating.

To see panoramic views of the Port Stephens coastline, take the Tomaree Head summit walk. Another popular activity here is quad biking or sledding on the Southern Hemisphere's largest sand dunes.

The main holiday resorts are Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay, but you can also stay at Soldiers Point, Fingal Bay, and Lemon Tree Passage. Nearby, Myall Lakes National Park encompasses one of the state's largest lake systems and is another great destination for fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

Forming part of the Great Dividing Range , the Snowy Mountains are home to the continent's highest mountains, including 2,228-meter Mount Kosciuszko , Australia's highest peak.

One of the top attractions in the Snowy Mountains is Kosciuszko National Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a popular recreational area year-round. Snowy winters lure skiers, and in the summer, the easily accessible alpine terrain of snow gum forests and glacial lakes attracts hordes of bush walkers, climbers, anglers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and water sports enthusiasts.

Wondering where to stay in the Snowy Mountains? Famous for its excellent trout fishing, Jindabyne is a great base for alpine adventures.

The Snowy Mountains are also home to some of Australia's best ski resorts . Perisher Blue Ski Resort incorporates the popular Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Mount Blue Cow. Thredbo Village, at the foot of the Crackenback Range, boasts a year-round chair lift. Near the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Charlotte Pass is a great base for ski tours to the highest peaks in the Australian Alps.

With all these snowcapped peaks, it's not surprising the Snowy Mountains are one of the most popular places to visit in New South Wales in winter.

Gorgeously green, the Kangaroo Valley is a quintessential Aussie country town. Surrounded by lushly cloaked escarpments and rolling pastures, it lies about a two-hour drive southwest of Sydney in the scenic Shoalhaven Region.

Perhaps the town's most distinctive landmark is the handsome, historic Hampden Bridge spanning the Kangaroo River, Australia's only remaining wooden suspension bridge. Driving across its single-lane between the soaring sandstone pillars sets the tone for a relaxed visit here, encouraging visitors to slow down and smile at passing drivers.

You'll find plenty of things to do in the picturesque Kangaroo Valley. Horseback riding, hiking, golfing, kayaking along the rivers and creeks, and absorbing some local history at the Pioneer Village Museum are all popular activities.

Nature is also a highlight. Don't miss the impressive Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park, and while you're in the valley, keep an eye out for the namesake marsupials, as well as wallabies, especially at Tallowa Dam , where you can also kayak and fish. Beautiful Bendeela Camping and Picnic area is one of the best spots to see wombats in the wild .

The Kangaroo Valley is also earning a reputation as a foodie destination, with its abundance of fresh produce, cute tea rooms, and farmers market. Try to squeeze in a cooking class , and don't miss the fresh-baked pies at Kangaroo Valley Pie Shop in Barrengarry Old Store .

Outback New South Wales is a land of sacred Aboriginal sites, harsh deserts, and haunting beauty. Mungo National Park in the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area holds records of Aboriginal life dating back some 40,000 to 60,000 years.

At Warrumbungle National Park , in the zone of transition between the arid areas to the west and the rainy east, spectacular rock buttresses and domes are the result of volcanic activity. Snow gums crown the surrounding hills, and deep spring-fed gorges lie in the valleys. You can explore this park on an excellent network of hiking trails and see colorful displays of wildflowers in the spring.

In addition to exploring the rugged national parks, the country towns in the Outback are some of the most unique places in New South Wales, with plenty of unusual things to do. You can hunt for opals at the mining towns of White Cliffs and Lightning Ridge, visit the Living Desert Sculptures of Broken Hill , and ride a bike around Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.

In the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, the elegant university town of Armidale is a city of four seasons. Just shy of 1,000 meters in altitude, it's the state's highest town, with relatively mild summers, riotous spring blooms, fiery fall foliage, and even a sprinkling of snow during winter.

Highlights of a visit here include heritage tours of the town's lovely old buildings, which were funded by the region's rich agricultural wealth, as well as visiting the excellent galleries, gardens, and museums. Saints Mary & Joseph Catholic Cathedral is a famous landmark, and the University of New England adds a youthful buzz to this stately town.

Pristine wilderness areas surround the city, with attractions for families and nature lovers, as well as plenty of outdoor adventures on tap. Trout fishing, mountain biking, canyoning, hiking, and bird-watching are just some of the popular things to do.

If you're driving to Armidale, don't miss Waterfall Way. This 185-kilometer scenic drive connects the coastal town of Coffs Harbour with Armidale, revealing beautiful scenery around almost every bend, from river-carved valleys and World Heritage-listed rainforest to picturesque cascades. Ebor Falls is a highlight.

The road also passes through five national parks, including Dorrigo National Park ; the Wollomombi Gorge and Falls, with one of Australia's highest waterfalls; and New England and Oxley Wild Rivers national parks .

Brimming with cultural treasures, the Australian capital city of Canberra lies about 280 kilometers southwest of Sydney. It's technically in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) a 2,400-square-kilometer self-governing federal district, rather than the state of New South Wales, but it is entirely surrounded by New South Wales and is an easy weekend getaway from Sydney.

Besides the city's excellent museums and memorials, it's also known for its fun family-friendly festivals - in particular, the Floriade festival, usually held in September to October, which celebrates the city's many spring blooms.

Canberra was carefully planned. Its streets are laid out on a generous scale, with many of them flanked by colorful flower gardens and thousands of trees with glorious autumn colors. A central feature is sparkling Lake Burley Griffin , a long artificial lake surrounded by parks, picnic areas, a walking trail, and many of Canberra's top attractions .

Canberra's principal buildings lie within the Parliamentary Triangle and include the National Gallery of Australia, with three levels of exhibitions and a sculpture garden; the National Library of Australia ; Old Parliament House , now a museum depicting the story of Australian democracy; and New Parliament House .

Don't miss the poignant Australian War Memorial , and make sure you save time to stroll around the impressive collection of native plants at the Australian National Botanic Gardens .

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Bondi, Sydney, New South Wales © Georges Antoni and Ken Butti

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• Top things to do
• Getting to New South Wales

New South Wales boasts endless golden beaches, breathtaking natural treasures and one of the world’s most famous and vibrant cities.

New South Wales is well-known for its sparkling capital of  Sydney , its seemingly endless beaches and bushland, and its sophisticated dining scene. But combine the icons with lesser-known attractions, and this east coast state becomes a destination worthy of bucket list status. 

Stunning coastlines, rugged outback, hazy mountain ranges and even lush, subtropical forests are all natural features that can be found throughout New South Wales. Here are just a few of the state's top destinations worth exploring:

• Sip world-class wines in Mudgee and the Hunter Valley
• Escape to chilled-out coastal destinations like Port Stephens and Byron Bay
• Camp, hike and mountain bike in the national parks of the Blue Mountains and Sapphire Coast

Sydney is one of Australia’s most accessible cities, making New South Wales easy to explore. 

International flights arrive into Sydney Airport (SYD) daily from around the world, and you can fly to Sydney from every major Australian city, as well as from regional Australia. New South Wales also has regional airports in popular destinations like Byron Bay and Newcastle, as well as some smaller towns like Mudgee.

If you’d rather stick with four wheels, New South Wales is an epic destination for  road trips , with beautiful winding coastlines and endless rugged bushland to explore. The drive to Sydney takes three hours from  Canberra  and about nine hours from  Melbourne  and  Brisbane .

Popular destinations in New South Wales

The Blue Mountains

Port Stephens

The Sapphire Coast

Mungo National Park

The Southern Highlands

Trips and itineraries

12-day road trip through New South Wales

9-day Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive

Sydney to Cairns 14-day road trip

Family road tripping on the South Coast

Drive the Legendary Pacific Coast Touring Route

Sydney to the Sapphire Coast: a 6-day road trip   

8-day Sydney to Melbourne inland drive

The ultimate trip to Australia

Things to do in new south wales.

The best day trips from Sydney

Great places to eat in the Hunter Valley

An Instagrammers' guide to the Blue Mountains

Looking for more inspiration? Go to visitnsw.com

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Top Places To Visit in NSW: Your Ultimate New South Wales Travel Guide

New South Wales (NSW) is a diverse and captivating region in Australia, offering a blend of iconic city landmarks, breathtaking natural wonders, and charming coastal towns Places to Visit in NSW. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Sydney or venturing into the serene landscapes of the Blue Mountains, NSW has something for every traveler. This guide will take you through the must-visit places in NSW, highlighting the top attractions and hidden gems that make this state a premier destination for both locals and tourists.

Iconic Landmarks in Sydney

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is not just a world-famous architectural marvel but also a cultural hub that hosts a variety of performances, including opera, theater, and concerts. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, its unique sail-like structure has become a symbol of Sydney. A visit here offers an opportunity to explore the building’s history and catch a live show in one of its many theaters.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Known as the “Coathanger” due to its distinctive arch shape, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is another iconic landmark. Visitors can take a walk across the bridge or, for the more adventurous, participate in the BridgeClimb experience, which offers panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. The bridge also provides some of the best vantage points for photography, especially at sunset.

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is synonymous with Sydney’s vibrant beach culture. Known for its golden sands and excellent surf conditions, Bondi attracts both locals and tourists year-round. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is a must-do, offering stunning ocean views along the way. After a day at the beach, visitors can relax at one of the many nearby cafes or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Bondi’s dining and shopping scene.

Royal Botanic Garden

Situated near the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city. The gardens offer a peaceful escape with beautifully landscaped areas, exotic plants, and serene walking paths. From here, visitors can also enjoy picturesque views of the Sydney Harbour and the city skyline, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a quiet picnic.

Natural Wonders of NSW

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is one of the most iconic natural attractions in New South Wales, renowned for its dramatic scenery and diverse range of activities. Visitors can explore scenic lookouts like Echo Point, which offers stunning views of the Three Sisters, a famous rock formation. The area is also a hiker’s paradise, with trails like the Wentworth Falls Track and the Grand Canyon Walk offering varying levels of difficulty. In addition to its natural beauty, the Blue Mountains is home to charming villages, art galleries, and gardens.

Hunter Valley

Known as Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. The region is dotted with vineyards offering wine tasting tours where you can sample some of the best Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Semillon wines. Beyond wine, the Hunter Valley is also famous for its gourmet food experiences, including cheese tasting, chocolate shops, and fine dining restaurants. The region’s picturesque landscape makes it a perfect destination for hot air ballooning, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the vineyards at sunrise.

Lord Howe Island

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lord Howe Island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving, especially around the vibrant coral reefs of the lagoon. For those who prefer to stay on land, the island offers a variety of hiking trails, including the challenging ascent to the summit of Mount Gower, which provides breathtaking views of the island. With a cap on the number of visitors allowed at any one time, Lord Howe Island remains a tranquil and unspoiled destination.

Snowy Mountains

The Snowy Mountains offer a unique alpine experience in Australia, with activities that change with the seasons. In winter, the region is a haven for skiing and snowboarding, with popular resorts like Thredbo and Perisher attracting visitors from all over the country. During the summer months, the Snowy Mountains transform into a lush green landscape, perfect for trekking, mountain biking, and fishing. The area is also home to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, which can be reached by a relatively easy hike, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Coastal Escapes

South Coast

The South Coast of NSW is renowned for its pristine beaches, where crystal-clear waters meet golden sands. This region is a haven for nature lovers, offering opportunities for dolphin watching and picturesque coastal drives that reveal stunning ocean views. Explore charming seaside towns like Kiama and Jervis Bay, where you can enjoy water activities or simply relax by the shore.

Central Coast

The Central Coast is perfect for families, with its array of family-friendly beaches and national parks. Popular spots like Terrigal and Avoca Beach offer safe swimming areas, while the surrounding parks provide opportunities for hiking and exploring native wildlife. Water sports enthusiasts can indulge in activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.

North Coast

The North Coast of NSW is synonymous with Byron Bay, a laid-back town famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant lifestyle. The region’s hinterlands, with lush rainforests and waterfalls, offer a serene escape from the bustling coast. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, local markets, and the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, which marks Australia’s easternmost point.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

Outback nsw.

The rugged and remote landscapes of Outback NSW offer a unique and awe-inspiring experience. Mungo National Park is a standout, with its ancient landscapes and the iconic Walls of China rock formations. The historic town of Broken Hill, known for its vibrant arts scene and mining heritage, provides a glimpse into Australia’s outback life. At night, the clear skies of the Outback reveal a stunning display of stars, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.

Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands is a picturesque region known for its historic villages, lush gardens, and abundant local produce. Towns like Bowral and Berrima are steeped in history, with charming streets, antique shops, and heritage sites. The region is also a haven for nature lovers, offering beautiful gardens like the Corbett Gardens in Bowral, especially during the annual Tulip Time festival. Local markets and farm-to-table dining experiences showcase the best of the region’s produce.

New England Region

The New England Region of NSW is a hidden gem, characterized by its rolling countryside, waterfalls, and national parks. The region is home to the stunning Wollomombi Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Australia, located in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. The area is rich in history and culture, with quaint country towns offering a glimpse into rural Australian life. Visitors can enjoy bushwalking, bird watching, and exploring the natural beauty of this charming region.

Cultural and Historical Experiences

Museums and galleries in sydney.

Sydney, the bustling capital of New South Wales, is home to some of Australia’s most significant cultural institutions. The Australian Museum , located in the heart of Sydney, offers an extensive collection of natural history and cultural artifacts, providing insights into Australia’s indigenous heritage and biodiversity. Another must-visit is the Art Gallery of NSW , which houses an impressive collection of Australian, European, and Asian art, showcasing works from classic to contemporary periods.

Aboriginal Heritage Sites

For a deeper understanding of Australia’s rich indigenous culture, explore the various Aboriginal heritage sites scattered across NSW. These sites offer a glimpse into the traditions, stories, and spiritual connections of the Aboriginal people. Visit places like the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Melbourne or the Wellington Caves for rock art and guided tours that reveal the significance of these ancient sites.

Historic Towns

NSW boasts several historic towns where you can step back in time and experience Australia’s colonial past. Berrima , a charming village in the Southern Highlands, features well-preserved Georgian architecture and a rich history dating back to the 1830s. Bathurst , one of Australia’s oldest inland settlements, offers a wealth of historical attractions, including the Bathurst Regional Museum and the Mount Panorama Circuit . Lastly, Port Macquarie , a coastal town with a vibrant history, is known for its historic sites like the Port Macquarie Historical Museum and early colonial buildings.

Adventure Activities

Hiking and trekking: popular trails across nsw.

For outdoor enthusiasts, New South Wales offers a plethora of hiking and trekking opportunities. One of the most famous trails is the Overland Track in the Blue Mountains, known for its stunning views and diverse landscapes. The Royal National Park features the Coastal Walk , which offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and dramatic coastal cliffs. For a more challenging adventure, the Kosciuszko Main Range Track in the Snowy Mountains leads to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, and provides a rewarding experience with panoramic vistas.

Water Sports: Surfing, Kayaking, and Diving Locations

NSW’s extensive coastline is perfect for water sports enthusiasts. Bondi Beach and Byron Bay are renowned for their excellent surfing conditions, attracting surfers from around the globe. For kayaking, the Hawkesbury River provides tranquil waters surrounded by lush landscapes. Jervis Bay is a top spot for diving, offering clear waters and diverse marine life, including the opportunity to swim with dolphins and spot colorful coral reefs.

Wildlife Encounters: Taronga Zoo, Wildlife Parks, and Bird Watching

NSW is home to numerous wildlife experiences. Taronga Zoo in Sydney offers a chance to see a wide range of animals, from kangaroos to exotic species. The Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast is another great option for animal lovers, featuring interactive wildlife experiences. For bird watchers, Blue Mountains National Park is renowned for its diverse bird species, including the endangered peregrine falcon and the vibrant lyrebird.

Accommodation Options

When visiting New South Wales, finding the right place to stay can enhance your travel experience. Here are some top accommodation options across various categories:

Luxury Resorts

For a touch of opulence, NSW boasts several luxury resorts and hotels that provide top-notch amenities and stunning views:

• Park Hyatt Sydney : Located in the heart of Sydney, this hotel offers unparalleled views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, along with exquisite dining and spa services.
• The Langham, Sydney : Renowned for its elegant interiors and luxurious rooms, this hotel in The Rocks district is perfect for a pampered stay.
• Broke Fordwich : Situated in the Hunter Valley, this boutique hotel provides an exclusive vineyard experience with gourmet dining and private wine tastings.

Unique Stays

For those seeking a unique and memorable stay, consider these options:

• Farmstays : Experience rural life with stays at working farms like Linga Longa Farm in the Southern Highlands, offering activities such as feeding animals and exploring the countryside.
• Eco-Lodges : Embrace sustainability at Paperbark Camp near Jervis Bay, where you can stay in luxurious safari-style tents amidst nature.
• Boutique Accommodations : Discover charm and character at places like The Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale, Sydney, known for its historical features and modern comforts.

Budget-Friendly

Traveling on a budget? NSW offers several affordable accommodation options that don’t compromise on comfort:

Camping Spots : Explore the great outdoors with sites like Mungo Brush Campground in Myall Lakes National Park, offering basic amenities and access to beautiful natural landscapes.

Hostels : Wake Up! Sydney Central provides a social atmosphere with clean, budget-friendly dorms and private rooms.

Motels : The Urban Newtown in Sydney offers convenient, affordable accommodation close to popular attractions and eateries.

Travel Tips for NSW

Best Time to Visit for Different Activities

The ideal time to visit New South Wales (NSW) depends on the activities you’re interested in. For beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts, the warmer months from December to February are perfect for enjoying the coast and engaging in water sports. If you prefer hiking and exploring national parks, the cooler and less humid months of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer comfortable conditions. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Snowy Mountains region is best visited between June and August, when snow conditions are optimal.

Transportation Options

• Car Rentals : Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore NSW at your own pace. Popular rental companies operate throughout Sydney and major regional centers, making it easy to reach destinations like the Hunter Valley or the South Coast. Ensure you have a valid driver’s license and familiarize yourself with local driving rules.
• Public Transport : NSW has an extensive public transport network, including trains, buses, and ferries. Sydney’s transport system is efficient, with services connecting major attractions and suburbs. For travel beyond Sydney, trains and long-distance coaches are available to destinations like the Blue Mountains and Newcastle.
• Guided Tours : For a hassle-free experience, consider joining guided tours that offer curated itineraries and local insights. Tours are available for various interests, including wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, whale watching on the South Coast, and cultural experiences in Sydney.

Essential Packing Tips for Different Seasons

Spring (September to November) : Similar to autumn, layering is key. Pack light sweaters, a rain jacket for occasional showers, and comfortable footwear for outdoor activities.

Summer (December to February) : Pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear. Don’t forget sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes for exploring outdoor attractions.

Autumn (March to May) : Layered clothing is ideal as temperatures can vary throughout the day. Include a light jacket for cooler evenings and a hat for sunny days.

Winter (June to August) : Bring warm clothing, including a coat, scarves, gloves, and sturdy boots, especially if you’re heading to the Snowy Mountains. Pack layers for varied temperatures and indoor heating.

FAQs About Places To Visit in Nsw

1. Unique places to visit in NSW?

NSW offers several unique destinations that stand out from the usual tourist spots. Among them are:

• Lord Howe Island : A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unspoiled natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and rare wildlife.
• Mungo National Park : Part of the Willandra Lakes Region, it features ancient Aboriginal heritage and striking desert landscapes.
• Kangaroo Valley : Renowned for its picturesque surroundings and charming country feel, perfect for a peaceful retreat.

2. Top 10 places to visit in NSW?

The top 10 places to visit in NSW include:

• Sydney Opera House : Iconic landmark and cultural hub.
• Sydney Harbour Bridge : Famous for its climb and stunning views.
• Blue Mountains : Known for its dramatic scenery and hiking trails.
• Hunter Valley : Renowned for its wineries and gourmet experiences.
• Lord Howe Island : Offers pristine beaches and unique wildlife.
• Bondi Beach : A must-see for surf enthusiasts and beach lovers.
• Snowy Mountains : Popular for skiing and outdoor adventures.
• South Coast : Features beautiful beaches and coastal towns.
• Broken Hill : An outback town with rich mining history and unique landscapes.
• Byron Bay : Famous for its relaxed vibe, surf spots, and scenic beauty.

3. Places to visit in NSW by car?

Exploring NSW by car offers the freedom to visit diverse destinations at your own pace. Notable road trips include:

• Sydney to Blue Mountains : A scenic drive through lush landscapes and charming towns.
• Sydney to Hunter Valley : Enjoy vineyard tours and gourmet dining along the way.
• Sydney to South Coast : Discover beautiful beaches and coastal towns.
• Sydney to Byron Bay : A longer drive offering a mix of coastal views and vibrant town life.

4. Places to visit in Sydney?

Sydney, a vibrant city, is packed with attractions including:

• Sydney Opera House : A world-renowned architectural marvel.
• Sydney Harbour Bridge : Climb or walk for breathtaking views.
• Bondi Beach : Iconic beach with surf culture and coastal walks.
• Royal Botanic Garden : Offers stunning views and peaceful gardens.
• Taronga Zoo : Home to diverse wildlife and spectacular harbor views.

5. Places to visit in NSW with family?

Family-friendly destinations in NSW include:

• Taronga Zoo : Engaging wildlife experiences and educational exhibits.
• Sydney Aquarium : Fascinating marine life displays.
• Blue Mountains : Family-friendly hiking trails and scenic lookouts.
• Hunter Valley : Offers activities like hot air ballooning and wine tasting (with family-friendly options).
• South Coast : Ideal for beach outings and coastal adventures.

6. Beautiful hidden places in NSW?

For those seeking less-traveled spots, consider:

• Dorrigo National Park : Known for its lush rainforests and waterfalls.
• Bellingen : A charming town with a bohemian vibe and nearby natural wonders.
• Gerringong : Offers stunning coastal views and quieter beaches.
• Yass Valley : Features historical sites and picturesque landscapes.

7. Top 10 places to visit in Sydney?

The top 10 attractions in Sydney include:

• Sydney Opera House : An architectural icon.
• Sydney Harbour Bridge : Famous for its climb and views.
• Bondi Beach : Popular for surfing and the coastal walk.
• Royal Botanic Garden : Scenic gardens with harbor views.
• Taronga Zoo : Diverse wildlife and beautiful settings.
• Art Gallery of NSW : Home to an extensive art collection.
• Sydney Aquarium : A glimpse into underwater life.
• The Rocks : Historic area with markets and eateries.
• Darling Harbour : Entertainment precinct with attractions.
• Circular Quay : Hub for ferries and stunning harbor views.

8. Places to visit in NSW by train?

Traveling by train in NSW allows for a scenic and relaxing journey. Notable train routes include:

• Sydney to Blue Mountains : Enjoy the scenic train ride and explore the area’s natural beauty.
• Sydney to Hunter Valley : Convenient for accessing the region’s wineries and gourmet experiences.
• Sydney to Newcastle : Offers coastal views and access to the city’s attractions.
• Sydney to Goulburn : Historic town with a charming atmosphere and heritage sites.

New South Wales (NSW) offers a wealth of experiences for every type of traveler. From the iconic landmarks of Sydney, like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, to the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley, NSW is a treasure trove of adventures. Don’t miss the coastal escapes along the South Coast and North Coast, the unique charm of the Outback, and the cultural and historical richness found in its historic towns and museums.

Whether you’re drawn to bustling cities, serene landscapes, or coastal retreats, exploring both well-known attractions and off-the-beaten-path destinations will enrich your visit to NSW. Start planning your trip today to discover the diverse and dynamic places that make New South Wales a top travel destination.

Read More :  Discover the Hidden Gems: Unique Places to Visit in South Australia

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Your ultimate guide to New South Wales

Discover the best places to visit and things to do in New South Wales with our ultimate travel guide. From beautiful beaches , world-renowned wine regions, charming country towns , powdery-soft snowfields and the magnificent outback , it’s easy to plan your next NSW getaway.

New South Wales is a great holiday destination for a romantic getaway in wine country , family beach holidays on the coast or road-tripping to the outback ; NSW has it all.

Things to Do in NSW

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50 of the best things to do in Sydney

The Harbour City is overwhelmingly dazzling so we’ve whittled down the best things to do in Sydney to enhance every vi...

There are plenty of things to do in New South Wales starting with a bridge climb on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge . Escape the city with a sojourn to the Hunter Valley for wine tasting at some of the best cellar doors in the region . For a change of place, explore New South Wales’ natural beauty with a visit to the Three Sisters in the picturesque Blue Mountains .

Outdoor Activities

New South Wales’ temperate climate makes it a great state for outdoor activities. Hiking and bushwalking in NSW is a popular activity in picturesque locations such as the Blue Mountains, Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast and Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains . If you’re time poor and can’t escape the city, we have 5 of Sydney’s best bush walks within easy reach.

Camping & Caravans

Looking to go camping in NSW and wondering how to find the best caravan parks in NSW? If you’re longing to avoid the crowds, we have the 11 most beautiful secluded camping spots including Green Patch in NSW. While it’s hard to tear yourself away from some of the country’s most popular national parks and their associated camping spots such as the Blue Mountains, be adventurous and head inland to Mount Kaputar National Park, an hour’s drive from Narrabri and be inspired by Dawsons Spring campground, considered one of our Top 10 camping spots in Australia .

Brilliant Beaches

The best beaches in New South Wales can be found dotted up and down the coast from Tweed Heads in the north to Merimbula in the south. First time visitors to Sydney will want to head to world-famous Bondi Beach . Head to Hyams Beach on the South Coast renowned for its fine white sand and crystal clear water. Its no surprise Hyams Beach is considered one of Australia’s 10 Best Beaches . In Byron Bay on the North Coast of NSW avoid the crowds at Tallow Beach, perfect for both people and pooches. If you’re after the best spots to snorkel in Sydney  we’ve shared the secret spots.

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An 8-day road trip itinerary along the NSW South Coast

Plot a course around the South Coast of NSW with our itinerary of must-dos. Book some annual leave, throw your bags, kids and dog...

Top ways to play, stay and eat on the NSW South Coast

Not everyone enjoys a ‘stop and flop’ type of holiday. Here are the top ways to eat, play and stay on the NSW South Coast. Th...

Discover the Indigenous identity of the Coffs Coast

The revival of Gumbaynggirr language has been central to the strong cultural identity evident in the local Indigenous community on...

The best ways to experience the Stockton sand dunes

Here is how to hit the Stockton sand dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands. The Stockton Bight sand dunes stretch 32 kilometres ...

The new way to do the Waterfall Way

It turns out we've been doing the Waterfall Way all wrong... One of the most magnificent road trips in NSW, the Waterfall Way tak...

The best spots for a picnic around NSW

Gather outdoors at these top places for a picnic around Sydney and NSW. Make the most of the sunshine by gathering on a patch of ...

The 11 best things to do in Wollongong

Wollongong is at once grand and gritty and we’ve stitched together some of the best things to do on a weekender. Besides loungi...

The best things to do with kids in Kiama

From exploring its rugged coastline, to treetop walks in the hinterland, and adrenalin-fuelled adventure parks, the list of family...

The best wildlife experiences in Jervis Bay

There are wildlife experiences in Jervis Bay that also deliver creature comforts... Did you know that Jervis Bay is a haven for w...

Port Macquarie’s best beaches and swimming spots

Get into the rhythm of life in Port Macquarie in these toes-in-the-sand hotspots. If you took a fish-eye view of Port Macquarie, ...

The best things for kids to do in Port Macquarie

Whether you’re visiting sick koalas in hospital, filling a bucket with fresh fruit at Ricardo’s Tomatoes, or riding a horse al...

The best Byron Bay walks and hikes

Lace up your boots and head out for a walk or hike to best appreciate Byron Bay. The best Byron Bay walks and hikes are those tha...

13 fun things for families to do in Newcastle

Whether they’re after treetop adventures or skateboard art workshops, Newcastle’s got family-friendly fun for every age group....

10 things to do before turning 10 in Sydney

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The perfect Sydney itinerary for families

With bridges, parks, roller coasters and a certain Opera House, Australia’s most populous city is one of its most compelling to...

The great road trips of NSW: Central to Outback itinerary

Looking for the quintessential NSW road trip? Drive from Dubbo to Broken Hill on a meander from Central West to Outback through so...

The great road trips of NSW: Greater Blue Mountains itinerary

Whether you’re after a coastal drive, the sight of a winding road cutting through a barren landscape or the beauty of mountains ...

10 of the best things to do in Moss Vale, NSW

The Southern Highlands hub of Moss Vale has a charming country town feel layered with a collection of seriously stylish stores, ca...

The great road trips of NSW: Grand Pacific Drive itinerary

Prepare yourself for sweeping coastal views, a hidden national park, heart-pounding adventure activities and so much more along th...

The five Central Coast villages you need to visit

Resisting the allure of the Central Coast’s string of seaside villages is next to impossible once you’ve sampled its summer de...

Weekend (Escape) in Goulburn

The grand inland city of Goulburn was once a mere stopover for many road trippers, but is now a destination in itself, layering co...

Where to eat, stay and play in Kangaroo Valley

Turning onto the enclaved valley roads of Kangaroo Valley transports you from suburbia to a hidden oasis just outside of Sydney �...

The best walks and hikes in Port Macquarie

The secret to experiencing the best of Port Macquarie is to venture out on foot. Beaches, wildlife, rainforest and coastal views ...

A guide to the Southern Highlands’ best wineries

From pinot pioneers to tractorless vineyards and plenty of Italian inspiration. Among the myriad charms of NSW’s Southern Highl...

11 of the best things to do in Port Macquarie, NSW

Port Macquarie is famed for its pristine beaches, relaxed coastal suburbs, boutique CBD, lush hinterland and incredible wildlife e...

The most romantic things to do in the Blue Mountains

Lush bushland, beautiful mountains and boutique villages – the Blue Mountains region is the perfect backdrop to a romantic weeke...

5 of the best ways to enjoy Byron Bay in the rain

Byron Bay: the land of sun, sand and sea. It’s the place where wandering tourists bask in soul-reviving sunshine – until it st...

A Sydney to Byron Bay road trip itinerary

Driving from Sydney to Byron Bay is one of the most iconic drives in Australia. Here's how to make the most of the route over four...

Where to eat, drink and stay in Mudgee

From cellar doors on picturesque vineyards to top restaurants in heritage buildings and boutique accommodation, here’s how to sp...

How to go on a dog-friendly road trip in NSW

A dog-friendly road trip around regional New South Wales takes in some of the state’s most spectacular countryside – not to me...

6 of the best things to do in Dubbo

Imagine a city boasting the charm of rural Australian life mixed with rich textured Victorian colonial history… and the expansiv...

Best Sydney experiences to take out-of-towners

Summer’s almost here, and Friend Number 1036 has decided it’s the perfect time to pay you a visit in sunny Sydney... But unfo...

The ultimate guide to whale watching in Byron Bay

Find out how you can make your whale watching experience extra special in Byron Bay. The whale migration season is one of nature...

How to have a ski holiday in Australia on a budget

Ever wondered how to go on a ski holiday in Australia on a budget? When it comes to the snow, Australia does it just as well as t...

A taste of Africa in Dubbo: the safari experience with heart

Dreaming about going on an ethical African safari? Here’s how to experience one in style, in your own backyard.   With ...

10 local secret things to do in Byron Bay

If you feel like you’ve done everything there is to do in Byron Bay, Graham Simmons says think again. His ten best insider secre...

The outback road trip next-to-no-one has done

When Australia heads to the coast, Steve Madgwick takes the path of most resistance straight into an outback furnace to discover i...

Places to Visit in NSW

9 must-visit NSW ghost towns: From historic gems to eerie remains

These days, NSW may be best known for its picture-postcard coastline, rugged mountains, and sparkling skyscrapers, but t...

There are plenty of places to visit in New South Wales starting with a city stay in Sydney , home to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Discover the diverse regions within 3 hours of Sydney such as the picturesque Blue Mountains , stunning South Coast , the pristine Central Coast and world- renowned wine region Hunter Valley ideal for short breaks. New South Wales has it all, from brilliant beaches and pristine national parks to charming country towns and the spectacular outback.

New South Wales’ capital, Sydney is a vibrant city with the stunning harbour at its dazzling heart. Explore the heritage sights; discover the intriguing history and marvel at the spectacular harbour and beautiful beaches that make Sydney a world-class city. Make the Sydney CBD your base or explore in all directions with iconic Bondi Beach in the east, sophisticated Palm Beach in the north, “The Shire” in the south and Parramatta in the west, Sydney’s newest thriving metropolis.

• Blue Mountains

Just 90 minutes drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains has some of NSW’s most dazzling natural attractions, most notably the Three Sisters. Explore the natural beauty with bush walks for all levels of fitness or visit Scenic World or  Jenolan Caves to see the Blue Mountains from a different perspective. There are plenty of things to do and places to stay in the Blue Mountains in quaint villages such as Leura, Katoomba, Medlow Bath and Megalong Valley.

The Snowy Mountains

The NSW Snowy Mountains is the perfect holiday destination in any season for the outdoor enthusiast. In the winter months, hit the slopes in Perisher or Thredbo for skiing or snowboarding and in the warmer months explore the region by bush walking, bike riding or hiking. In any season, there are plenty of things to see and do in the Snowy Mountains.

11 charming Byron Bay hinterland towns and villages to visit

Visiting Byron Bay is just as much about exploring the breathtaking Bundjalung Country hinterland towns as it is about lying on th...

East coast marvels: must-stops on a Brisbane to Melbourne road trip

From sleepy beach towns to sheep-dotted farm scapes, a Brisbane to Melbourne road trip offers the best of Australia’s eastern st...

The ultimate Brisbane to Sydney road trip

Find out where to stop, stay and play along the Pacific Highway. A Brisbane to Sydney drive (or the reverse) is a rite of passage...

These days, NSW may be best known for its picture-postcard coastline, rugged mountains, and sparkling skyscrapers, but travel a li...

Revealed: Wollongong’s best beaches and swimming spots

Wollongong is awash with places to swim, making it one of NSW’s greatest seaside cities. From sun- drenched sea pools, to low-t...

The perfect (undiscovered) Hunter Valley road trip route

It’s a well-trodden wine region but surprising nooks overflow along our unexpected Hunter Valley road trip itinerary. We’re a...

Your complete guide to staying at Rydges Hunter Valley

Endlessly convenient and decked out with creature comforts, Rydges Hunter Valley is one of the region’s most outstanding stays. ...

Orange versus Mudgee: which town comes out on top?

A road trip to Orange or Mudgee is both an escape to the country and a delightfully wine-fuelled weekend. But is it possible to ch...

The 8 best places to see jacarandas around Australia

From Sydney to the Scenic Rim, the purple haze of jacaranda trees is synonymous with Australian spring. Every spring, Australian ...

Sydney to Mudgee: The best 7-day road trip itinerary

Spend a long weekend in wine country in the Mudgee Region where food, wine, arts, culture, sports, leisure and nature intersect. ...

The best Coffs Harbour markets to visit: from food trucks to pottery

The sunshine-y weather on the Mid North Coast makes Coffs Harbour markets a precious commodity year-round. Coffs Harbour markets ...

7 things to do on the Coffs Coast that connect you to the land

The Coffs Coast offers eco-conscious travellers an opportunity to find peace, beauty and culture. It’s fringed by hinterlands o...

8 little-known delights of the charming Orara Valley to discover

Swap breezy beaches for cosy countryside at the Coffs Coast’s hidden Orara Valley. Ancient ghost gums, grassy paddocks and tiny...

7 hidden-gem villages and towns to explore on the Coffs Coast

Untapped foodie experiences and magical hinterland hamlets breathe new life into holidaying on NSW’s Coffs Coast. There’s not...

Unmissable highlights on a road trip from Sydney to Orange

Make the journey to Orange as incredible as the destination with these must-sees along the way. Meandering through the World Heri...

A guide to the best walks in the Blue Mountains

Discover the secrets of the Mountains' natural wonders with this ultimate guide to the best hikes, curated by a local expert. The...

A weekend away in the Murray region to fill your cup

In the Murray region on the border of outback NSW/Victoria, community connection runs as deep as the ancient river flowing through...

Take this scenic route on your next Sydney to Newcastle road trip

With many of New South Wales’ best beach towns along the route, turning your Sydney to Newcastle drive into an experience is a m...

The hidden gems of Sofala – from accommodation to artists

Experience the magic of the gold rush era as you uncover the hidden gems of Sofala – from camping under the stars to enjoying a ...

The ultimate guide to Thredbo Ski Resort – from stays to ski lessons

Whether you’re a novice or just craving more from your visit, getting your head around the unique offerings at Thredbo Ski Resor...

Hill End is the charming historic town you need to know about

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of the gold rush era as you discover the quaint charm of Hill End. Nes...

7 things to know before you go skiing in Thredbo

A charming village life, epic all-night parties and intermediate-skewed slopes make skiing in Thredbo a winter holiday favourite. ...

8 sleepy towns you should visit on the Barrington Coast

These sleepy towns will reel you in with their underrated beauty and charm. On the Lower Mid North Coast of NSW, the Barrington C...

Where to eat, stay and play in Wagga Wagga

It may be known as the land of many crows, but Wagga Wagga and surrounds are fast evolving into the land of boutique stays, qualit...

A local’s guide to Yamba, NSW

Twenty years ago, if you were looking for a laid-back beach holiday in New South Wales, Byron Bay was your best bet. But with Byro...

7 towns to visit on a day trip from Yamba to Coffs Harbour

The stretch from Yamba to Coffs Harbour might be short (just under 1.5 hours), but there are some great little stop-offs worth con...

Top places to stop on your next Yamba to Byron Bay road trip

Surf beaches, nostalgic coastal towns and dense tropical wilderness – the road trip from Yamba to Byron Bay really does have it ...

The top towns to visit on a Sydney to Yamba road trip

Driving from Sydney to Yamba might involve winding along the NSW coast, but if you stick solely to the Pacific Highway you’ll ac...

13 must-dos while driving Tourist Drive 33

See a different side to the Central Coast by cruising along Tourist Drive 33: a lesser-driven road that winds through the hinterla...

Your guide to Inverell accommodation, travel and activities

Nestled in the Macintyre Valley, the Sapphire City of Inverell is a historic New England town with one of the state’s biggest la...

Uralla accommodation and travel guide

Halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, the New England town of Uralla has lots of country charms to share in its wide and welcoming ...

Tenterfield accommodation and travel guide

The ‘birthplace of the nation’, Tenterfield is a town that’s both full of history and looking ahead to the future. The nort...

Top Towns for 2022: Wander Broken Hill’s historic outback mining town

Broken Hill is the most diverse, inclusive, arty and vibrant outback settlement in Australia, states Steve Madgwick. It is for the...

Top Towns for 2022: How to really unwind in Port Macquarie

Beyond its beautiful beaches, Port Macquarie is now known for its sophisticated food and wine scene, as well as its sustainability...

Top Towns for 2022: A weekend escape to Bowral’s charming countryside

Award-winning pies and vintage pieces have helped cement this Southern Highlands town’s reputation as a hotspot for weekends awa...

Top Towns for 2022: Where to eat, stay and play in Yamba

The arrival of its first boutique hotel has helped usher in a new era of cool for Yamba. But the appeal of this quintessential coa...

Top Towns for 2022: Insider tips to experiencing the best of Orange

Rockpool-trained chef Dom Aboud moved from Sydney to Orange in 2019 to head up The Union Bank restaurant. He serves up some sugges...

Top Towns for 2022: Beyond the world-class wineries in Mudgee

Much of the magic of Mudgee has to do with the fact it offers a proper escape to the country, with all the trimmings. Find out why...

Top Towns for 2022: How Kiama became the NSW South Coast’s best town

While its holy trinity of sun, sand and sea makes this NSW South Coast hamlet a perennial favourite of day-trippers and summer hol...

Top Towns for 2022: Where to eat, stay and play in Coffs Harbour

In addition to its pretty coastline and perfect latitude, the Coffs Coast has an abundance of innovative places to lap up the suns...

Top Towns for 2022: Insider tips to the best of Dubbo

Bridget Kaitler wakes before dawn each day to start work at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. The zoo is one of the top reasons...

Top Towns for 2022: A quick guide to the very best of Gerringong, NSW

Find a sweet spot in this breezy beach town nestled between green coastal pasture and the Pacific Ocean on the NSW South Coast. He...

Top Towns for 2022: Bellingen has gone from hippie to hipster

With its lush, green landscape folding into a quirky, historic townscape, there’s a certain magic to this hinterland hub that sp...

Top Towns for 2022: Forster is a summer getaway without the crowds

An archetypical Aussie holiday town defined by its lakes and beaches, Forster is a recipe for recreation and relaxation. One of th...

Top Towns for 2022: Where to eat, stay and play in Berry

No need to choose between beachside bliss or country charm. Berry offers the best of both worlds, which is why it came in at no. 2...

A guide to Port Stephens whale watching

Increase your chances of spotting whales (and dolphins!) in Port Stephens with this handy guide. Port Stephens is an aquatic wond...

The ultimate guide to a holiday in the Hawkesbury

There’s something to be said for travelling close to home, as Sydneysiders discover when they holiday in and around the Hawkesbu...

A charming weekend to-do list for Berrima village

Berrima has boundless charm and is surrounded by some of NSW’s loveliest landscapes. The historic village of Berrima is Austral...

The ultimate travel guide to Mungo National Park

The ancient landscapes here must be seen to be believed, but they are just the beginning of what makes this outback NSW national p...

The best towns to visit on a road trip from Sydney to Melbourne

Here’s how to make the most of an inland road trip between Sydney and Melbourne. Driving the route from Sydney to Melbourne is ...

The five most beautiful ocean pools in NSW

Need a dose of vitamin sea? Take a dip in some of the best ocean pools in NSW, which are dotted up and down the coast. If your ne...

An eco-conscious traveller’s guide to Coffs Coast

One of the simplest ways to reduce your carbon footprint while on the Coffs Coast is to support destinations and businesses that a...

Unique places to go in NSW you’ve never heard of

If you’re in search of a holiday without the crowds, consider these lesser-known gems of NSW. With so many beautiful beaches, ...

NSW to Qld: 10 reasons to take the inland route through New England

A road trip to Queensland is a New South Welshmen must-do. But for some, the well-beaten Pacific Highway is more of an over-do. H...

The most magical Blue Mountains waterfalls

Here are 11 waterfalls in the Blue Mountains worth travelling for. Be it a roaring torrent of white water tumbling into a ravine ...

Wollongong accommodation to suit every traveller

From glamping getaways to hotels with all the mod cons and cute-as-a-button cabins, here are some of the best Wollongong accommoda...

10 of the best things to do in Jervis Bay

Discover more about Jervis Bay by exploring it via land and sea. To explore all 102 square kilometres of the bay and village, whi...

7 swimming spots and beaches in Byron Bay and surrounds

Whether you're into building sandcastles or catching waves, Byron Bay has a beach for you. When it comes to great beaches, Byron ...

The perfect Melbourne itinerary for families

From quirky neighbourhoods to iconic sporting venues to graffiti-daubed laneways, the Victorian capital is a riot of activity and ...

The best romantic itinerary for a weekend in Mudgee

Plan your escape to Mudgee for a romantic weekend in NSW’s prolific Central Ranges wine region. There is something about escapi...

A photographic look at an iconic summer in New South Wales

Elise Hassey showcases the essence of Yamba - one of New South Wales' most iconic coastal haunts. With idyllic weather and temper...

Where to eat, stay and play in Tamworth

From unforgettable station stays and a long list of top-notch eateries, to the picturesque countryside in Australia's Country Musi...

6 unique ways to experience the Coffs Coast

Between two humble beachside hamlets on NSW’s Mid North Coast – Red Rock in the north and Urunga in the south – lies 70 kilo...

The top 10 towns in the Blue Mountains

You’ll need more than one weekend to uncover the natural beauty, culture and culinary delights that await you in each of these B...

The ultimate Central Coast summer holiday

The Central Coast is a sprawling region comprising of pristine beaches, leafy hinterland, and quaint and cool coastal towns. It’...

Explore magical, mysterious Mungo National Park

NSW’s Lake Mungo mesmerises visitors with its otherworldly beauty and astounding ancient history. It has set the scene for megaf...

Where to eat, play and stay in Shellharbour

Just a 90-minute drive from Sydney and chockful of things to see and do, we know that Shellharbour won’t stay under the radar fo...

Where to eat, stay and shop in Kiama

The NSW South Coast town of Kiama might be most famous for its natural attractions, but these days there’s a whole lot more for ...

The Tweed: Australia’s next hot spot destination

With a secluded retreat designed for maximum relaxation, a fantastic regional art gallery and next-level produce enriched by volca...

Meet the South Coast’s darlings: Milly and Molly

With a thriving food scene and a strong sense of community, there’s no denying the charm of New South Wales coastal darlings Mil...

Tweed Heads to Eden: How to spend 8 days driving the NSW coast

Heading south, David Levell takes in the beauty and simplicity that is the NSW coast. (more…)...

A NSW Outback road trip that goes beyond the back of beyond

To journey into the heart of outback New South Wales is to find the Australia depicted in movies; a moon-like landscape, home to o...

The perfect Snowy Mountains road trip itinerary

You don’t need sugar on top to enjoy the sweet surrounds. The hidden villages and fantastic local produce make for the perfect S...

The curious story of Sydney’s Mr Eternity

Compelled over decades to chalk ‘Eternity’ on the city streets, Arthur Stace has gone down in history as a Sydney folk hero. ...

Why you should head to Lake Jindabyne before it’s too late

Forget the Lost City of Atlantis. Head to Lake Jindabyne in NSW if you want to be among the lucky few to see relics rising from th...

Where to Stay in NSW

A night at the luxe Crown Towers Sydney

Crown Towers Sydney stands as a sky-scraping jewel on the waterfront of the Harbour City, steadfastly reflecting her bea...

You’ll find options in New South Wales to suit every budget from camping and caravan parks, budget hotels to beachside resorts, boutique hotels and luxury accommodation.

Wondering where to stay in NSW? Whether you’re planning a family holiday, city break, adventure holiday, romantic getaway or luxury experience there is a destination to suit every style, from a coastal holiday in Byron Bay , to a rural retreat in Orange , New South Wales has the perfect accommodation to suit your style and budget.

Ace Hotel Sydney is a cool urban escape with art, style and soul

Sydney’s Ace Hotel might just be the ultimate inner-city retreat, blending modern comforts with a gritty, creative aesthetic tha...

The backpacker’s guide to Byron Bay hostels

Backpacking in Byron is a breeze with these hostels. The best Byron Bay hostels are those with convivial communal areas, clean an...

A collection of Byron Bay’s most stunning luxury accommodation

Amid the lush hills and laid-back beaches of Byron Bay, a trove of thoughtful boutique luxury accommodations beckons the discernin...

9 idyllic Byron Bay camping spots

Camping is the quintessential old-school Aussie getaway. Here’s where to park your caravan or pitch a tent in Byron Bay. The be...

The Clairfield Hotel is Mudgee’s stylish new escape

Incredible food, stylish amenities, and country hospitality await at the chic new The Clairfield hotel. Picturesque Mudgee is ren...

Song Hotel is Sydney’s best budget hotel and a force for good

The Song, Australia's first profit-for-purpose hotel, has reopened after a $10.5 million nip-and-tuck. Guests who bed down here he...

The 10 best things to do on Lord Howe Island

From exploring misty peaks and underwater worlds to beach-hopping and fish-feeding, Lord Howe Island is a paradise for the adventu...

The best luxury accommodation in Orange NSW for a lavish getaway

Fine food, cool-climate wine and vineyard views for days: there’s luxury aplenty to be had in Orange and a range of accommodatio...

The most beautiful spots for camping on the Central Coast

Whether it be in a swag, tent, caravan, cabin or luxury glamping, the Central Coast is an idyllic place to go camping. More than ...

14 charming Airbnbs in the Hunter Valley for a weekend getaway

Sift through our top Hunter Valley Airbnb picks for a mix of romantic, luxury, family, pet-friendly and group getaway options clos...

8 breathtaking Lord Howe Island walks and hikes

Whether you’d like to test your mettle or adopt an unhurried pace, these are the best walks and hikes for discovering the beauty...

17 Hunter Valley caravan parks and luxe glamp sites to escape to

Save on accommodation and pour more pennies into wine with a Hunter Valley caravan park stay. Dreaming of blazing sunsets spent g...

21 luxury accommodation in the Hunter Valley

Visit cellar doors for tastings, sample the region’s culinary delights and then book into the best luxury accommodation in the H...

14 of the best Jindabyne restaurants and eateries

From casual and lively pubs to funky small bars to iconic bakeries, we’ve found some of Jindabyne’s best eateries. The alpine...

Blue Mountains accommodation: 15 stunning places to recharge at now

From luxury hotels to family-friendly resorts and stylish holiday homes, we’ve listed a selection of the best accommodation in t...

These Airbnb stays in Orange will fuel your country escape daydreams

Country comfort is given a stylish glow-up at these charming Airbnb abodes in Orange. With its city limits propagated with world-...

11 idyllic Orange caravan park and camping spots

Temper your touring of Orange’s viticultural delights with a stay amid the great outdoors. While wine touring may be the big dr...

The top Orange accommodation to suit every budget and style

The accommodation offering in Orange is as varied as there are reasons to visit. From the rustic charms of a historic homestead a...

7 Aussie towns that it’s time to take another look at

It’s often the small country towns that have the most to offer. Not all holidays need to be as grand as spending a few weeks ho...

Escape into five-star luxury at Osborn House

A stay at Osborn House in Bundanoon, NSW, is a lesson in slow luxury. Nestled deep in the Southern Highlands of NSW, you’ll fin...

Indulge in peaceful luxury at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa

Perched at the edge of the breathtaking World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa offers id...

Luxury meets sustainability at Rest at BoxGrove

Disconnect to reconnect at Rest at BoxGrove, without leaving an environmental footprint. Thellie and Barry Renshaw bought the 68 ...

InterContinental Sydney boasts the city’s most spectacular views

Historic beauty meets modern luxury at the InterContinental Sydney, a stylish sanctuary for the most discerning of travellers. Th...

Kimpton Margot Sydney blends Art Deco charm with modern sensibilities

Five-star excellence meets laidback charm at Kimpton Margot Sydney. Housed within a sensitively revamped heritage-listed building...

22 of the dreamiest Mudgee accommodation to book now

Here’s where to rest your head between winery visits and epicurean fare in Mudgee. The streetscapes of Mudgee ooze nineteenth-c...

7 of the best campgrounds in and around Kangaroo Valley

Here is the ultimate guide to eight great places to camp set in natural bushland in NSW’s Kangaroo Valley including Bendeela Kan...

17 of the best places to stay in the Kangaroo Valley

Here is the ultimate guide to accommodation in the Kangaroo Valley to suit a diverse range of tastes and budgets. The best Kangar...

A guide to the best caravan parks and campsites in Mudgee

Tap in your tentpoles and pop your top at these beautiful campsites and caravan parks in Mudgee and her surrounds. From adorable ...

The 10 cosiest places in Mudgee to book on Airbnb

Curl up by the fire at these stylish stays in beautiful, vine-filled Mudgee. Retreat to the country to unwind among Mudgee’s ru...

The ultimate guide to Coffs Harbour caravan parks and camping

Escape the city at these top Coffs Harbour camping grounds in and around town. The thought of stargazing under a sky freckled wit...

The most indulgent Mudgee glamping spots

For those who love the great outdoors, just from a reasonable distance and with a little luxury, these stunning Mudgee glampsites ...

16 perfectly placed Coffs Harbour accommodation picks

Character-filled hotels, resorts, Airbnbs and bed-and-breakfasts round out our pick of the best Coffs Harbour accommodation. From...

10 charming country stays in Leura to escape to now

From a retreat in a historic nunnery to sprawling resorts and contemporary builds with jaw-dropping views, Leura accommodation is ...

Retreat to the mountains: 10 stays in Blackheath and surrounds

From covetable cabins to contemporary hotels, you’ll find the mountain retreat of your long weekend dreams in Blackheath. Black...

Katoomba accommodation: 9 incredible stays to try for yourself

Base yourself at one of these incredible Katoomba stays as you discover the stunning Blue Mountains beyond. The Gateway to the Wo...

The sprawling Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains has it all

For the ultimate family-friendly accommodation in the Blue Mountains or a getaway with friends, the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains...

What it’s like to spend a night in the luxurious Park Hyatt Sydney

Ever wanted to wake up to unimpeded views of the Sydney Opera House? We spent a night in the luxurious Park Hyatt Sydney to do jus...

A luxe stay at Echoes in the Blue Mountains delivers unbeatable views

Drop your bags and absorb the incredible Jamison Valley views from your room at the luxe Echoes Blue Mountains. From watching the...

Hotel profile: Seclusions Blue Mountains

Lean into country style at Seclusions Blue Mountains, where cosy timber cabins are purpose-built to encourage romantic notions. A...

A stay at the Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains is one for the books

As far as legendary hotels go, the Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains is one of the best known, with accommodation that blends history ...

Embrace a Palm Springs-inspired retro stay at Kyah Boutique Hotel

In the bohemian village of Blackheath lies Kyah, a sleek and stylish hotel that is just as ideal for families as it is for cool an...

11 Blue Mountains camping spots for a nature-packed trip

With vast national parks pocketed with idyllic spots to pitch a tent, camping is one of the most immersive ways to experience the ...

7 Merimbula caravan parks and camping spots for an old-school getaway

It’s time to literally park your travel plans with a stay in one of the following Merimbula caravan parks. Merimbula caravan pa...

Merimbula accommodation: 14 stays for a bliss-filled seaside escape

The best Merimbula accommodation is all about proximity to the waterways that serve as a playground for visitors to the seaside to...

10 dreamy Airbnbs in Merimbula to call home

The Sapphire Coast makes a case for an immersive break with our guide to Merimbula’s best Airbnbs. Finding a Merimbula Airbnb ...

17 Newcastle accommodation options to bed down at now

A slew of great new places to stay in Newcastle should inspire a visit to NSW’s steel city. You would have come up short if you...

9 excellent hotels in Newcastle for your next stay

Explore our pick of the best places to stay in Newcastle to suit every type of traveller. Whether you’re in town to soak up the...

A guide to the top caravan parks in Tweed Heads and beyond

From the river to the rainforest and sparkling creeks to long, sandy beaches, Tweed Heads and her surrounding towns offer holidaym...

7 Airbnbs in Newcastle (and beyond) nestled in nature

Pull away from the grey of the highway to the green of the countryside and blue of the sea at one of these great Newcastle Airbnbs...

First look: W Sydney opens its doors

The highly anticipated W Sydney opened its doors on 12 October, becoming the third W hotel on Australian soil. As soon as you ste...

Tweed accommodation: 16 places to stay from Cabarita to the twin towns

Scattered with retro cool motels, hinterland hideaways and resort-style escapes, the Tweed is full of incredible accommodation fro...

Does the new Pullman Sydney Penrith live up to the hype? We find out

Penrith’s first five-star hotel has opened. We check in to the Penrith Sydney Pullman to see if it lives up to its rating. The ...

Set up camp at these comfy Bathurst caravan parks

Whether you’re a seasoned caravanner or looking for a budget-friendly yet fun place to park up and call home on your trip to Bat...

10 of the most charming Bathurst accommodations

From impressive historic hotels to cheerful modern motels, Bathurst offers a diverse smorgasbord of accommodation options sure to ...

9 incredible Airbnbs in Kiama for all types of travellers

Check in to these fantastic Kiama Airbnbs to make the most of your seaside holiday and create cherished memories with friends and ...

10 cosy Blue Mountains cabins to escape to now

Cosy retreats don't get more idyllic than these cabins in the Blue Mountains. Regardless of the season, a cabin in the Blue Mount...

A guide to the top Jamberoo accommodation

Jamberoo is a wonderful rural village where one can simply retreat from the fray. Come see the historic buildings, explore its nat...

7 secluded camping spots in Thredbo you won’t want to leave

Weary heads will delight in a blanket of stars and swaying snow gums scattered throughout the best Thredbo camping destinations. ...

Crown Towers Sydney stands as a sky-scraping jewel on the waterfront of the Harbour City, steadfastly reflecting her beauty from e...

7 Batemans Bay caravan parks you should set up camp at

Batemans Bay’s location smack-bang between Sydney and Canberra has long made it a great place for a family holiday in a caravan....

The ultimate guide to Thredbo accommodation

From scenic bush camps to design-driven Airbnbs, Thredbo accommodation offers magnificent stays in the thick of the action. An al...

17 of the best Kiama family accommodation

Kiama family accommodation has long been in demand for good reason; its coastal and rural charm easily evokes the quintessential f...

The best Kiama accommodation for all occasions

Take the guesswork out of your holiday planning and go with the best Kiama accommodation for all occasions. Kiama accommodation ...

6 of the best camping spots in and around Batemans Bay

Stay grounded in a tent, swag or trailer while camping in Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast. Batemans Bay camping appeals to ev...

The ultimate Byron Bay accommodation guide

Relax in style at Byron Bay’s abundant array of accommodations, where beach bungalows and boutique hideaways capture the laid-ba...

The ultimate guide to Batemans Bay accommodation

No matter what travelling style you have, there’s an accommodation for you in Batemans Bay. In Batemans Bay, you’ll find acco...

A guide to the top Kiama caravan parks

Pull your caravan into Kiama and set up camp for a relaxing but adventurous weekend. When destiny calls, it’s often the coastal...

13 top Wagga Wagga accommodation to book now

From boutique heritage-listed hotels perfect for two, to farm stays fit for outdoorsy families, these five Wagga Wagga accommodati...

Your first look inside the newly opened Capella Sydney luxury hotel

Sydney’s newest luxury hotel has opened in one of the city’s most beautiful heritage buildings. From state education to high-...

A weekend woven around wellness at Stand Tall Retreats

A wellness weekend in the Shoalhaven is designed to inspire women to stand tall. Stand Tall Retreats are designed for those seeki...

The best caravan parks in Broken Hill to call home

Saddle up that RV. It’s time for a caravan trip out west towards Broken Hill. Want to make that epic journey to the outback tow...

The best Broken Hill accommodation for every type of traveller

Planning a trip to Broken Hill? There's a stay to match all types of travellers that roll on into this town. The outback town has...

12 Airbnbs in Yamba to escape to on your next summer holiday

The breezy beach town of Yamba has soared in popularity over the last decade. The best way to enjoy its laid-back lifestyle? Renti...

Top Towns for 2022: Where to eat, stay and play in Merimbula

This attractive seaside town is full of surprises and a top spot to create fab family memories, hence its position at no.29 on you...

A guide to camping in Port Stephens

With 26 beaches and bays, a backdrop of ever-shifting sand dunes and large pockets of lush coastal forest, Port Stephens is a magn...

The ultimate Port Stephens accommodation guide

There’s accommodation to suit all kinds of travellers in Port Stephens – no matter your budget, needs or style. You can affor...

Bells at Killcare: everything you want from a 5-star coastal break

This boutique hotel on the Bouddi Peninsula with its own award-winning restaurant is the perfect retreat, as Quentin Long discover...

The very best Central Coast accommodation

From the beach to the bush, and all along the picturesque coastline, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay on NSW’s Central...

A stay at Callubri Station in Outback NSW

New life is being breathed into a family farm handed through generations with innovative practices, a collection of strategically ...

The best camping spots in Yamba

From spectacular sites with million-dollar ocean or river views to places to pull up your posh motorhome, here are our picks of th...

First look: We found Australia’s first bubbletent in a tree

Suspended between gum trees in New England high country, this tiny bubbletent is one of three new ways to sleep under the stars. ...

Escape to a luxury bayside retreat in Port Stephens

Whether you’re seeking exploration, adventure, pampering or the perfect hideaway, it’s time to set sail to your very own utopi...

Yamba accommodation for every type of traveller  

Searching for the best accommodation in Yamba? You’ve come to the right place. The laid-back beach town of Yamba has long been ...

5 of the best Bundeena beach shacks

Hop on the train to Cronulla and the ferry to Bundeena for a close escape from Sydney. Although Bundeena is just a short ferry ri...

A first-timer’s guide to houseboating on the Hawkesbury

Whether you’re organising a get-together with extended family, planning a weekend getaway with a group of friends, or looking fo...

Unique stays in NSW

Discover the most unique stays in NSW... We've revealed our pick of 100 unique stays across Australia and below you'll find the 2...

A guide to the best Lord Howe Island Accommodation

From luxurious suites with private hot tubs to comfy, conveniently located budget apartments, the range of accommodation options o...

The best accommodation in Jervis Bay

If you’re heading to the South Coast of NSW, make Jervis Bay your base. There’s a reason why Jervis Bay gets a lot of love on...

The best places to stay near the beach in Byron

Make the most of your Byron holiday by staying right on the sand. The best Byron Bay beach houses are the ones that are as unders...

The best Port Macquarie camping spots

Campers will rejoice at the multitude of camping options on offer around Port Macquarie. From sites next to the ocean to riversid...

Top 10 places to stay in Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie is no longer overlooked by road-trippers making a beeline for Brisbane or Sydney. Initially conceived as Australia...

The best short break stays in NSW

NSW escape plan: stay in a luxury eco lodge, a beach-chic hang or the ultimate heritage homestead. Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach ...

A summer stay at SKYE Suites Parramatta

Feeling the urge to escape your neighbourhood and discover a different part of Sydney? Here's why Parramatta should be bumped up y...

Is this Kangaroo Valley’s most idyllic hideaway?

Spend the night at Barranca in Kangaroo Valley and learn a lesson in off-grid opulence. Why did it take me so long to head to Kan...

The best luxury accommodation on the Central Coast

Soak up some seriously serene Central Coast bliss with our top pick of boutique hotels. From Terrigal, Avoca, Copacabana and Macm...

10 places to stay in Bowral and surrounds

From a weatherboard cottage in the centre of town to an architectural icon and all manner of elegant country estates. A trip to t...

Take your pick of delights on a luxury farm stay in Bilpin

It's raining when I arrive at the gates of Eden Equine in Bilpin, a 90-minute drive along the Bells Line of Road from Sydney. Cons...

10 of the most romantic places to stay in Byron Bay

Byron Bay is as romantic as it is beautiful, making it the perfect place to celebrate with your significant other. Now you’ve p...

A night in the new Wildlife Retreat at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo

Privileged access to the creatures of the bush – and the jungle – comes with luxe inclusions, expansive harbour views and a co...

The best glamping spots in NSW

Whilst we all love a good old-fashioned camp out in the elements, we can’t really go past a romantic getaway that combines the b...

The 10 best cabin escapes around NSW

In need of an escape from the daily 9-5? Want to get out of the city and get back to nature? Well, haven’t we got a treat for yo...

A night in one of the most off-grid huts in Australia

We nabbed a night in one of the most in-demand off-grid huts in Australia & here’s what did (and didn’t) go down Imagine ...

Six quirky NSW South Coast stays you need to book

From tiny houses to luxury villas and safari-style tents, accommodation on the white-sand fringed south coast of New South Wales i...

Hotel Review: Paramount House Hotel

In the space of five months, one pocket of Surry Hills received a major boost in the heritage building-turned-cultural destination...

Top 10 coolest snow stays in Australia’s ski fields

Planning a snow holiday in Australia? You really should consider these cool, chic and crazy accommodation options. From lovely lod...

Review: Zoofari Lodges at Western Plains Zoo

Overnight stays at zoos are becoming popular for humans, too. Laura Boness finds out why... A panic button is not a feature of mo...

Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa

 It’s billed as Australia’s most luxurious escape, owned by one of the world’s most upmarket airlines, so you’d expect Wo...

What it’s really like to stay in a Capsule Hotel

Is there enough room in Sydney’s first Japanese-style mini-stay, The Capsule Hotel, to swing a cat? Steve Madgwick takes the que...

Berowra Waters Inn Review

Perched on the banks of the Hawkesbury river north of Sydney, AT wines and dines along the waterline at Berowra Waters Inn for a d...

Where to Eat in NSW

31 of the best restaurants in Sydney for 2024

Meticulous technique, iconic vistas and nothing but fresh produce make the best restaurants in Sydney unforgettable culi...

You’re spoilt for choice for top-notch places to eat in NSW starting with dining in the harbour city. Grab breakfast in Sydney’s Bondi , lunch at iconic waterside restaurant Catalina and dinner harbour side at Quay;  consistently voted as one of Sydney’s best restaurants.

Some stellar regional dining hot spots are putting small-towns on the map, like Paper Daisy in Cabarita Beac h and Fleet at Brunswick Heads,   both on the North Coast of NSW . Likewise if you’re heading south, check out Biota on the NSW South Coast.

16 excellent cafes in Orange for coffee lovers and foodies

You’re never too far from a well-brewed coffee and delicious meal in Orange. It’s no great revelation that the fertile lands ...

15 of the best Paddington cafes to indulge at (2024)

Renowned for its fashion and culture, Paddington offers leisurely brunch spots, freshly baked goods and specialty coffee that will...

How to spend the night inside a 150-year-old Sydney icon

Spend the night inside Sydney’s gorgeous heritage-listed former General Post Office. An impressive 150 years ago, Sydney’s Ge...

22 of the best Newcastle restaurants (2024)

From street-food eateries to fine dining, here are the top spots that are redefining Newcastle's culinary scene. Fine dining gem:...

Meticulous technique, iconic vistas and nothing but fresh produce make the best restaurants in Sydney unforgettable culinary celeb...

19 of the best restaurants in Bowral (and beyond)

Whether you are road-tripping with the family, or looking for romance, here are the best Bowral restaurants to book before you esc...

18 scrumptious cafes in Byron Bay (and beyond)

Byron Bay’s cafes are up there with some of the best in the country. Heres a list of some of our favourites. Byron Bay is one o...

15 top bars to visit in Byron Bay

A bunch of drinking dens have joined Byron’s popular bar scene, offering holidaymakers plenty of options for sophisticated sips ...

Messina just upped its game with a new snack bar

Australia’s most beloved gelateria has launched a snack bar at its flagship store in Marrickville. Messina has brought an excit...

A local’s guide to 17 of the best restaurants in Cronulla

Long-time local Carla Grossetti suggests some of the best restaurants in Cronulla no matter the occasion. Locals have pretty stro...

40 of the best restaurants on the Central Coast

Map your culinary journey around the Central Coast with these epic restaurants and cafes. The region may not immediately come to ...

Taste your way through the Tweed: The foodie festival you can’t miss!

The Tweed is getting a brand-new gourmet event to shine a light on its world-class food culture. Sandwiched between Byron Bay and...

Sip in style: 18 must-visit bars on the Central Coast

These are the best Central Coast bars and pubs for a fun night out or a relaxed Sunday session with family and friends, according ...

10 Orange restaurants guaranteed to satisfy your appetite

From hatted restaurants to wineries that do food really well, here’s our pick of where to eat in the Orange region. The NSW Cen...

10 of the best bars in Cronulla for 2024

The ultimate guide to the best bars in Cronulla in Sydney's south. The best bars in Cronulla lean into the neighbourhood’s laid...

10 adorable Airbnb stays in undiscovered tiny towns you need to visit

From quaint outback towns to relaxed coastal havens, these tiny towns are the perfect choice for a weekender. Ahhh, Australia. Th...

5 things you need to know about Sydney’s new Lune Croissanterie

The Melbourne stalwart is coming to Sydney later this year. If you’re a lover of good pastries and freshly baked goods, chances...

Classy to comfy: The top 6 Bowral pubs and bars

A preference when it comes to choosing the finest places for a tipple is deeply personal, so we decided we’re not just going to ...

13 of the best Mudgee restaurants to try now

Mudgee over-delivers on everything from fine dining to sophisticated wine bars and cosy cellar doors. With more than 35 family-ow...

8 venues to explore the inviting Orange pub and bar scene

Country hospitality is on the pour at these top Orange watering holes. The central NSW town of Orange is well aware that once vis...

31 unmissable Hunter Valley wineries

It's a tough gig but we've combed the best Hunter Valley wineries for your slurping pleasure. A comprehensive guide to the best H...

The best new places to eat and drink in the Sutherland Shire   

The Sutherland Shire has long been a favourite for foodies, and some favourite new arrivals (and buzzy institutions to boot) are s...

12 of Australia’s best unknown food towns

What's a getaway without a range of incredible treats for your tastebuds? Foodies, put these small Aussie towns on your bucket lis...

The 5 best breweries and distilleries in Orange

Award-winning late disgorge cider, craft gin cocktails and beers from the largest independently owned farm-based brewery on Austra...

12 Kangaroo Valley restaurants and cafes every visitor must try

From cafes with house-fermented kombucha to character-filled pubs with buzzy beer gardens and delis helmed by award-winning chefs,...

8 of the best cafes in Merimbula and beyond to start the day

Wake up to the fact it’s easy to find a caffeine fix with our guide to the best Merimbula cafes. Take the time to stop at a Mer...

8 Mudgee pubs and brewpubs to visit

Hopheads and food-lovers alike will be well-watered at these Mudgee pubs and breweries. From craft beer bars that promise delicio...

13 reliably good Coffs Harbour restaurants to dine at

The climate in Coffs Harbour and the bounty that it yields has led to some phenomenal food and drink experiences. With a focus on...

These Coffs Harbour pubs are putting the coastal city on the map

From old-school pubs that deliver truckloads of charm to those modelled on the famed beer halls of Europe and others with family-f...

11 brilliant cafes in Mudgee for brunching

Mudgee cafes have a lot to offer when it comes to places to enjoy breakfast and brunch thanks to the bounty of the Central West re...

Where to go in Australia’s top foodie destinations, according to chefs

These hotel restaurants in Australia’s top food-loving cities are cooking up local flavour and drawing inspiration from near and...

The amazing homegrown cafes in Coffs Harbour you will love

From cafes that source and roast their own beans to beachside bakeries and a cute-as-a-button van tucked away on a farmstead, you ...

16 excellent Surry Hills cafes to try now

The dynamic cafe culture in Surry Hills sees both classic brunch favourites and eclectic, experimental breakfast dishes thrive. S...

11 historic pubs in The Rocks to visit for a guaranteed good time

The pubs and breweries of The Rocks blend aspects of Australia’s colonial period with the contemporary, celebrating Sydney's dri...

6 spots for the most exquisite high tea in the Blue Mountains

Top off your afternoon with one of these Blue Mountains high teas, whether you seek a luxurious setting with sprawling mountain vi...

16 Manly cafes to start your day at

Deciding to kickstart your day with breakfast at Manly is always a great idea. The tricky part, however, is deciding which of the ...

9 delicious reasons you need a trip to the Clarence Valley

For a family foodie trip that’ll tick everyone’s boxes, head straight for the Northern Rivers. From seaside Yamba to riversid...

10 trend-setting hotel restaurants to plan your next holiday around

From the sultry Edwin Wine Bar and Cellar in Melbourne to the Asian fusion of Perth’s Miss Mi, these next-generation hotel resta...

7 cosy Leura cafes to start the day at

For Leura-based explorations of the Blue Mountains, these seven cafes will top up your caffeine levels and fortify your day with d...

5 tasty Katoomba cafes to try now

Caffeinate ahead of a day exploring the Blue Mountains at these excellent Katoomba cafes. Katoomba is serious about starting the ...

15 of the best restaurants in Merimbula to try now

Dining at this Sapphire Coast gem of a town delivers a fair few surprises. Whether it’s fish and chips, pizza or pasta, cocktai...

14 best restaurants in the Blue Mountains

Inspired by the stunning landscape and rich produce of the region, these beautiful Blue Mountains restaurants invite diners to rel...

24 Newcastle pubs, bars and breweries to try now

The city of Newcastle’s drinks scene has come of age. Here are some top places for a tipple. A few decades ago, knock-off drink...

15 restaurants in Surry Hills to dine at now

Nestled in the heart of Sydney, the restaurant scene in Surry Hills has become an unparalleled dining destination. While Sydney i...

8 of the best places for a decadent high tea in Newcastle

Scones, petit fours and (of course) a perfectly brewed tea. Decadent high tea experiences are something Newcastle does exceptional...

The definitive list of 19 best Hunter Valley restaurants

A great weekend away in NSW wine country calls for an equally excellent food scene; the Hunter Valley delivers on both. It’s a ...

10 best cafes in the Blue Mountains to try now

From excellent coffee to comforting dishes and cheerful hospitality, these much-loved Blue Mountains cafes will fuel, nourish and ...

6 restaurants in Blackheath to bookmark for your next trip

Blackheath has become a beacon of Blue Mountains culinary excellence with a concise but considered list of places to wine and dine...

10 must-visit restaurants in Kingscliff and surrounds

Eat your way along the Tweed coast with these fantastic restaurants that showcase the region’s incredible produce. From the pri...

10 excellent Katoomba restaurants to dine at now

Whether you fancy a fine dining affair or a more low-key night out, you’ll find a menu to whet your appetite in the beautiful mo...

Get it girl: Here’s how to enjoy girl dinner around Australia

Whatever you think of this craze to graze, we see the concept of #girldinners as a low-maintenance easy meal. Here is the ultimate...

16 Hunter Valley cafes you absolutely must try

To make it to the top, a Hunter Valley cafe needs to be the kind of place that’s run by a brigade of talented next-generation yo...

7 excellent restaurants in Tweed Heads and Coolangatta

Eat, drink and enjoy these Tweed Heads restaurants and surrounding eateries that cater to any mood. Whether you’re keen to froc...

15 delightful Tweed cafes and bakeries

A region not short of good coffee and a baked treat to go with it, these casual eateries from Tweed Heads cafes to incredible coas...

7 incredible Murwillumbah restaurants to try now

Tuck into the beautiful produce of the Tweed Valley at these Murwillumbah restaurants that showcase both provenance and culinary t...

26 best cafes in Newcastle

While road-trippers might have once passed through Newcastle on their way to wine and dine in the Hunter Valley, the city is now s...

13 of the tastiest Bathurst restaurants

Bathurst offers a perfect combination of history, culture, and delectable cuisine, making it a pleasantly surprising destination f...

The complete Bathurst pubs and clubs guide

Step back in time and experience the soul of Aussie culture as you explore the rich tapestry of traditional and modern Bathurst pu...

10 charming cafes in Bathurst to try now

Bathurst offers a unique dining experience that combines the town’s rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cafe cuisine, m...

7 Griffith restaurants leading the way in farm-to-table dining

From paddock to plate, Griffith and the Riverina are at the forefront of the sustainable food movement. Griffith restaurants have...

18 of the best restaurants in Batemans Bay and beyond

Be it a slick bar serving dumplings or a hidden gem where a Michelin-trained chef is at the helm, these are the best Batemans Bay ...

The top 16 Thredbo restaurants

Enjoy stellar schnapps, international cuisine and lively village atmosphere at the best Thredbo restaurants. From an on-mountain...

20 top family friendly restaurants in Sydney

Keeping tiny humans fuelled while on tour is a breeze thanks to the best family-friendly restaurants in Sydney. Sydneysiders love...

Your ultimate guide to the best bottomless brunches in Sydney

Sydneysiders can’t get enough of a bottomless brunch. The best bottomless brunches in Sydney are enjoyed with a dose of sunshin...

Your guide to Kiama’s top cafes and coffee

Slip into holiday mode and snack around town at these Kiama cafes. Looking for the best of the Kiama cafe scene, a must-have coff...

12 of the best Kiama restaurants

When on holiday, enjoying a fantastic feed and exploring the region is a must. Fortunately for you, Kiama delivers tasty opportuni...

From grub to craft brews – here are the top 7 pubs in Wagga

Whether you’re on the hunt for a cool little indie taproom or a reliable local pub that dishes up all your favourite comfort foo...

17 best Wagga Wagga restaurants for every meal of the day

Is Mudgee too mainstream? Already peeled Orange? When finding your next foodie destination don’t overlook the Riverina region of...

The 9 best cafes in Wagga Wagga

With a thriving regional population and proximity to some of the best Riverina producers, Wagga Wagga has naturally developed a ca...

36 incredible restaurants in Byron Bay to try now

Come to the Northern Rivers for its incredible nature, beautiful waves and beaches, but stay for the food. It is not only the pri...

Sink a cold one at these top Broken Hill pubs and clubs

Sinking a cold one on a hot afternoon hits differently in the outback - particularly at these Broken Hill pubs and clubs. If you�...

11 restaurants and cafes in Broken Hill for a top feed

It might feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but the number of restaurants open in Broken Hill will have you stunned (and...

7 of the best cafes in Cronulla to start your day right

The ultimate guide to the best cafes in Cronulla, the beach-chic suburb in the Sutherland Shire. The best of Cronulla's cafes off...

15 of the best cafes in Bowral

From bakeries to bistros to hip cafes in heritage buildings and spaces with their own market garden, Bowral cafes are a celebratio...

Your guide to the offbeat nightlife of Newcastle

It’s no secret that Newcastle has been in a period of radical change over the past few years, particularly when it comes to its ...

15 top Port Stephens restaurants

From fine dining to fish and chips and everything in between, the Port Stephens dining scene is diverse and ever-growing. As you�...

The hottest restaurants in Yamba right now

​​Whether you’re planning a full-on eating itinerary or just stopping through town on your way to somewhere else, these are ...

A guide to the best Wollongong restaurants and cafes

Plan your next visit to the Illawarra region around where to eat and drink in Wollongong. Wollongong has, in its own quiet way, b...

A guide to the best bars and pubs in Wollongong

Discover our pick of the best bars and pubs in Wollongong. Much of Wollongong’s charm lies in the friendliness of the locals, m...

The best cafes in Jervis Bay

You’ve explored the beautiful beaches. Now where to for coffee, brunch and lunch? Planning a jaunt to Jervis Bay? Be it coffee ...

The best places to eat in Jervis Bay

The pull of an epicurean getaway has never been stronger in jewel-coloured Jervis Bay. From a romantic candlelit dinner in a rest...

The best Lord Howe Island restaurants and cafes

Gorge on the freshest locally caught fish, the best daily baked bread and stellar sunsets on this island paradise This tropical, ...

The best bars and pubs in Port Macquarie

A bunch of new (and old) drinking dens are spicing things up in Port Macquarie, offering holidaymakers plenty of options for bar-h...

The best cafes and coffee in Port Macquarie

Gone are the days when the only coffee you could source in Port Macquarie came from a soul-crushing chain store, now you’ll find...

The best wineries and cellar doors in Port Macquarie

It seems the operators of Port Macquarie struggle to do anything by halves, demonstrated best in their offering of fully-fledged w...

Restaurant review: Kingscliff’s Taverna

Taverna fuses North Coast NSW’s sleepy beach charm with old-world Greece. Craig Tansley samples the region’s best new offering...

Tours & Packages NSW

There are plenty of tours and packages to make the most of your NSW holiday. Try whale watching during whale season in Byron Bay or a day trip to the Blue Mountains taking in the highlights such as Wentworth Falls and the Three Sisters. Book a wine tasting tour in the Hunter Valley   to taste award-winning wines in a bucolic setting.

15 unique Hunter Valley wine tours for more than just transport

Let somebody else track the time with an expert-led Hunter Valley wine tour. Hunter Valley vineyards are pouring some of the coun...

Sit back and relax on these 8 unforgettable Orange wine tours

Be guided through Orange’s top drops on a wine tour that puts you in the passenger seat. Embarking on a solo exploration of the...

Top destinations in NSW

• Central West
• Hunter Valley
• Lord Howe Island
• New England
• NSW North Coast
• Central Coast
• Coffs Harbour
• Port Macquarie
• Port Stephens
• Outback NSW
• Broken Hill
• Wagga Wagga
• Snowy Mountains
• NSW South Coast
• Kangaroo Valley
• Southern Highlands

© Australian Traveller Media 2024. All rights reserved.

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NSW Travel Guide

Why visit nsw.

NSW is home to more Australians than any other state. The state offers more diversity than any of its neighbours; there is a real outback, the country’s highest snowfields, a world-famous harbour and, of course, the much loved east coast beaches. You probably already have Sydney on your list, but there is so much more to NSW. When you begin to plan your itinerary, consider these facts:

• 870 national parks and reserves to wander
• 2137 km of coastline
• Six UNESCO World Heritage areas
• Australia’s oldest wine region
• a true red dirt outback and all the great characters that go with it.

So let’s start exploring NSW and see what takes your fancy.

Regions in NSW

You could easily spend a year exploring the many towns of NSW; however, most travellers stick to the coast. However, there is so much to see, including the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and outback!

The main regions of NSW are:

• Blue Mountains
• Central Coast
• North Coast Region
• New England
• Central NSW
• Outback NSW
• Snowy Mountains
• South Coast Region

There is enough variety in the state to keep you busy for years’ worth of holidays.

Featured NSW Road Trip

Exploring 8 Beautiful Port Macquarie Beaches

Nsw travel planning.

Our NSW travel guide will help you decide which region, town and cities in New South Wales you should visit on your next trip. We cover the basics of planning a trip and give you a quick rundown on the main tourist regions and the most popular things to do in Sydney and the states other key towns.

How to get to NSW

International airport.

New South Wales has one international airport, Kingsford Smith, which is in Mascot in the city’s south east. A second international airport is under construction at Badgerys Creek to the west of the city.

Key Domestic airports

There are small airports around the state; Rex  Airlines  service 18 of them if you need to get somewhere in a hurry.

The two main airports are:

• Sydney International – three terminals, one international and two domestic
• Newcastle – which offers direct services to Canberra, Melbourne, Dubbo, and the Gold Coast

Interstate Trains

You can take trains from Sydney to Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. All interstate services leave from Central Station, and tickets can be purchased via  CountryLink  or, in the case of the latter two, from  Journey Beyond .

Interstate Buses

Three companies offer travel between Sydney and the other capital cities.

• Greyhound  offers a national bus network
• Firefly  offer routes between Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide
• Murrays  travel from Sydney to Wollongong and Canberra.

What’s new

Sydney Vs Melbourne? The Travel Dilemma Solved

Expert Tips for Visiting the Blue Mountains by Train in 2024

7 Days in Sydney-An Itinerary for a First Visit

How to get around nsw, public transport.

Much of NSW is covered on the Opal Card; you can download the app on your phone or use your credit/debit card to tap on and off. Opal is used for ticketing in Sydney, Blue Mountains, Hunter Region, Central Coast, Illawarra, Southern Highlands.

Driving distances by average time taken

• Sydney to Wollongong – 1hr 30m
• Sydney to Katoomba – 1hr 30m
• Sydney to Newcastle – 2hrs 15m
• Sydney to Jervis Bay – 3hrs
• Sydney to Hunter Valley (Pokolbin) – 3hrs 20m
• Sydney to Orange – 3hr 30m
• Sydney to Batemans Bay – 4hrs
• Sydney to Port Macquarie – 4hrs 15m
• Sydney to Tamworth – 4hrs 50m
• Sydney To Jindabyne – 4hrs 50m
• Sydney to Dubbo – 5hrs
• Sydney to Byron Bay – 8 hrs 20m
• Sydney to Broken Hill – 13hrs

Numerous smaller companies offer domestic bus services to towns along the NSW coast.

Explore more of new south wales

Exploring the Gorgeous Tweed Valley

10 Tips for a Perfect Weekend in Sydney

Driving the Incredible Waterfall Way in NSW [Itinerary]

An Easy One Day Blue Mountains Itinerary by Train

Fun Things to add to your Coffs Harbour Itinerary

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15 Best Places to Visit in New South Wales (Australia)

New South Wales is Australia’s most populated state, and home to its largest city, Sydney . The first thing that comes to mind when you think of NSW, or even Australia , might be the iconic Sydney Opera House, but there’s plenty more urban and regional delights on offer for tourists to NSW to enjoy.

From relaxing and sipping tea in the Chinese Gardens, going over your luggage limit shopping at the Paddington Markets, enjoying the stunning vistas of the Blue Mountains, to chatting with the cheerful hippies at Byron Bay, you’re bound to make many fond memories and meet many interesting people in your travels around the state.

Lets explore the best places to visit in New South Wales :

1. Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a true Australian icon: this lovely little town was a major hippie & alternative centre in the 60s, and the culture still leaves its mark (you’ll even still see hippies milling around!) It’s become a popular spot with tourists from Sydney and further afield to take a relaxing break with their families, and to enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the town.

There’s a gorgeous beach and adorably quirky boutique shopping.

You can also visit Australia’s most powerful lighthouse, which is still active and is great for a postcard-perfect view of the town (and for a lighthouse selfie!)

You can also take a quick detour to Tropical Fruit World, where you can try all sorts of exotic delights and bush-tucker fruits.

Finger limes are particularly delicious, as are black sapotes (popularly known as the chocolate pudding fruit!)

2. Snowy Mountains

Colloquially known as “the Snowies”, this mountain range is the highest in Australia, and contains Mount Kosciuszko which towers at 2,228 metres over sea level.

The mountains experience large amounts of snow every winter, and are great for skiing and snow sports, but they’re just as much of a delight in summer: you can enjoy fishing for salmon or trout, hiking through pristine mountain wilderness, or cave exploring.

(Also, enjoying a local brew and taking in the atmosphere of a true-blue Aussie pub!) The local flora and fauna is also a treat; many rare species can be found in the mountains, and if you’re lucky you might spot a mountain pygmy possum or a dusky antechinus.

3. Mungo National Park

Mungo National Park is a true Aussie outback experience.

The barren landscape is starkly beautiful, formed on a chain of dried-up riverbeds and sand dunes.

It’s also famous for its insight into the beginning of human life, as it is one of the oldest places outside of Africa to be continuously populated, for 50,000 years.

The oldest skeleton in Australia (Mungo Man) was found here, as was the earliest example of ritual cremation (Mungo Woman). You can take a tour guided by an indigenous ranger for a special understanding of the significance of the area in local Aboriginal culture, and even stay overnight in an old shearer’s quarters.

Just over an hour away from Byron Bay, Nimbin can best be described as Byron’s less-known (and therefore less-commercialized!) soulmate: when housing got more expensive in Byron Bay, much of the hippie community moved here.

Since its inland, there’s no beach to enjoy, but the alternative lifestyle is much more pronounced here, and many visitors to Byron Bay will make the short trip here as well to see a taste of Byron Bay-of-yore.

With its colourful streetscape, and its yearly Mardi Grass (yes, grass, not gras!) festival, Nimbin has become the Australian capital of the alternative lifestyle, the hippie movement and environmentalism.

Strike up a chat with some locals – the best thing about Nimbin is its people! – and enjoy this truly unique town.

5. Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay is famous for having the world’s whitest sand beach (as per the Guinness Book of Records!), Hymas Beach.

This charming, quaint collection of small towns is great for nature-lovers, surfers, divers and holiday-makers.

The Aboriginal history of this town goes back thousands of years, and since the area isn’t heavily touristed, you can enjoy the experience of having this treasure of unspoiled Australian nature mostly to yourself.

6. Port Stephens

With over 140 bottlenose dolphins, this is a great place for dolphin-watching, or even swimming with the dolphins! It’s also a popular spot for surfing, bushwalking, horse (and camel!) riding, and bicycling.

Port Stephens is the home of the Great Lakes Marine Parks, where you can encounter a wide variety of marine species: from humpback whales to sponge gardens!

7. Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie

These three sites are a stone’s throw away from each other, and there’s enough here to keep you busy for a few days.

The Hunter Valley is known in Australia and beyond for its fantastic wineries, and gourmet cheeses, olives and olive oil.

Newcastle is also known for its culinary delights, as well as a vibrant handmade, bespoke shopping culture that is reminiscent of a real-life Etsy! Newcastle also boasts gorgeous beaches, and a great café and bar culture.

At nearby Lake Macquarie, you can take a stroll of its clear-blue, stunning namesake lake, or enjoy a coastal bushwalk or mountain hike.

It is also known for its sailing, cruising and kayaking, as well as a vibrant artistic scene.

8. Taronga Zoo or Taronga Western Plains Zoo

These sister zoos are some of Australia’s most popular.

Taronga Zoo is a short, enjoyable ferry ride from Sydney’s city centre.

The Western Plains Zoo, also known as Dubbo Zoo, is also well-worth a look if you’re in the area.

Taronga Zoo boasts a gorgeous view of the river, and 2,600 animals of 340 species.

The Western Plains zoo boasts free-ranging peacocks, pelicans and black swans, as well as many Australian native animals (it’s a great place to see a Tasmanian devil, a wallaby or a kangaroo!) and species from further afield.

The grounds of both zoos are immaculate, the animals are well-kept, and if you’ve got time, they’re different enough that you’ll enjoy both!

9. Bondi Beach

This iconic Sydney beach is perhaps Australia’s most well-known internationally.

It’s always very busy, but the vibrant atmosphere is part of the fun, and it’s also the place to spot celebrities – both local and international! Its one of Australia’s most touristed sites, and has been added to the Australian National Heritage List.

(Another Aussie world record: it’s also the site of the largest swimsuit photo shoot, with 1,010 bikini-clad participants!) The surrounding suburb, also called Bondi Beach, has many popular eateries and boutiques, as well as Bondi Pavilion, a community cultural centre.

10. Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is perhaps the best-known tourist site in Sydney, and the home of the Sydney Opera House.

There’s plenty to see, do and shop for here, and the Paddington Markets and Chinatown are a short walk away, making this area a great place to while away a day.

Some of the highlights of Darling Harbour are the serene Chinese Garden of Friendship (with a lovely tea shop), the nightlife at King Street Wharf, Sydney Aquarium and Zoo, and the world’s largest cinema screen.

There’s also always of plenty of events going on, so check out DarlingHarbour.com for the latest information.

11. Powerhouse Museum

This is considered one of the best museums in Australia, with an excellent collection of interesting exhibits that’s fun for all ages.

The museum building is a converted powerhouse, and the exhibits largely focus on technology-related themes, such as science, communication and space technology.

The museum’s collection consists of over 400 thousand artifacts, and exhibits change regularly, so it’s worth visiting again if you’re in Sydney a second time.

12. Manly & Northern Beaches

Manly is a quaint beach-resort suburb a short ferry away from Sydney city centre.

You can enjoy an ice cream or fish and chips on the beach, or go on a nature or heritage walk– there’s 100km of trails in the area.

Northern Beaches extends from Manly to Palm Beach (just under 40km north), and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and lovely coastal towns.

The area attracts 8 million visitors per year, and it’s a must-do for visitors to Sydney.

13. South West Rocks

South West Rocks is a beautiful small town surrounded by lush greenery, on the Mid North Coast of NSW. The beautiful beach is nestled among towering pines, and the town is not far from one of the world’s best cave dives, Fish Rock Cave, or from Smoky Cape Lighthouse, which is a great whale-watching spot.

The nearby rainforest is home to wallabies and swallow-tailed butterflies, and the ruins of Trail Bay Gaol (opened in 1886) is a heritage site which forms an interesting insight into the convict history of Australia.

14. Blue Mountains

Named after the blue haze that can often be seen on the horizon, the Blue Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a must-see on the itinerary of international and local tourists alike.

The dramatic scenery of the rugged mountains and the deep gorges (up to 760 metres!) make it a fascinating example of Australian geology and nature.

The Three Sisters sandstone rock formation is perhaps the best-known Blue Mountains attraction.

It’s also an interesting example of historic indigenous inhabitation: the Kings Tableland Aboriginal Site dates back 22,000 years.

This area is also great for spotting exotic Australian animals: 400 different species, some of which are rare, can be found here.

There’s plenty of tourist attractions to be found here, both man-made and natural, but a particularly gorgeous site is the Jenolan Caves, a network of fossil-rich limestone caves with beautiful calcite formations.

15. Budderoo National Park

Located on the NSW South Coast, this national park boasts beautiful lush scenery and stunning waterfalls.

Just over 100km from Sydney, Budderoo is an ideal place to get away from the inner-city hustle and bustle.

The park is great for bushwalking, birdwatching, or even a picnic.

The award-winning Minnamura Rainforest Centre, the Jamberoo Lookout and the Nellies Glen picnic areas are particularly charming, and there’s plenty of photo opportunities to keep your Snapchat busy.

15 Best Places to Visit in New South Wales (Australia):

• Snowy Mountains
• Mungo National Park
• Port Stephens
• Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie
• Taronga Zoo or Taronga Western Plains Zoo
• Bondi Beach
• Darling Harbour
• Powerhouse Museum
• Manly & Northern Beaches
• South West Rocks
• Blue Mountains
• Budderoo National Park

• New South Wales Guide
• NSW Travel Guide

Top 10 Places to Visit in New South Wales

This list of best places to visit in New South Wales – quite a glamping spot, magnificent beaches, top winery destinations, and islands – will surely amaze you no matter what kind of traveller you are.

This guide to NSW will help you plan the short trip you have been waiting to take.

Where to Visit in New South Wales?

Home to some of Australia’s most iconic sites, Sydney is the cultural capital to famous places such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Don’t also forget the amazing food scene and beaches.

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You can take buses and trains to connect smaller towns and major cities within NSW to get here. You can also take direct flights from the major Australian capital cities.

The top five things you can see and do here include taking a cruise in Sydney Harbour, exploring Darling Harbour, visiting beaches such as Bondi Beach, touring Sydney Opera House, and climbing the Sydney Harbour.

Byron Bay is a much-loved holiday destination perched on NSW’s north-east coast. It has been drawing local and foreign visitors in for yonks. What brings the people here is not the incredible nature, architecture, or culture, but the vibe. Super laid-back, Byron Bay is popular with backpackers and hippies to carve the waves, whale watch, discover, diving, and tuck into a raw diet or detox.

You can get here through direct flights available from Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney to Ballina Byron Airport. Buses stop in Byron Bay from some destinations along the east coast.

You can enjoy the place by exploring its local markets, taking a day trip to Nimbin, taking a surfing lesson, kayak with dolphins, and watching the Byron Bay Lighthouse sunrise.

The Blue Mountains

The UNESCO World Heritage area, the Blue Mountains, is a hiker’s paradise with trails going through the small towns that dot the region. Even if it’s most popular for a day trip from Sydney, considering a night staycation in Katoomba is a great time to see more than the famous Three Sisters rock formation.

It is prevalent to see day trips from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, but traveling on your own may take 1.5 hours of driving time. If you opt for trains, the departure from Central railway station to Katoomba may take around 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Here, you can either take a sunset tour and roam through villages, hike to Wentworth Falls, ride the Scenic Skyway, and visit the iconic Three Sisters.

Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands is the winning combination of cosy accommodating, quaint towns, wineries, and national parks that can fill your weekend or two. Mossvale, Mittagong, and Bowral, and just some of the dozens towns and villages in the region.

Get here by train from Sydney’s Central Station. You can also get a 1-hour drive from Wollongong or a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney to Bowral, the Southern Highlands’ largest town.

Some of the activities you can do here include checking out the Bradman Museum if you are a cricket fan, strolling around the region’s charming towns, checking out the surrounding views with a tree-top walk, hiking in the region’s national parks to see waterfalls, and tasting the local wines and dine on award-winning cuisine.

Port Stephens

Made for coastal breaks, Port Stephens offers 20 beaches and is home to more than 100 resident dolphins. The Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay are a handful of towns lining the port larger than Sydney Harbour.

It is a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney to Nelson Bay and a 1-hour drive from Newcastle. You can also fly to Newcastle Airport, which is 30 minutes from Nelson Bay.

You can see the top five things and do like a kayak through calm waters, a dolphin-watching cruise and meet the local residents, explore the Stockton Sand Dunes, and climb to the top of Tomaree Head for scenic views of the area.

Hunter Valley

One of the country’s main wine regions, the Hunter Valley, produces Semillon and shiraz at its best. Located at 250km from Sydney, it has all the makings of a weekend trip. Moreover, it is not only the wine that is the topic here, though. There are hot air balloons ride above the region regularly, foodies can rejoice with the amount of gourmet fare available, and country roads make for scenic drives.

From Sydney, Hunter Valley is just a 3.5-hour drive.  There are also direct buses here. Alternatively, you can take the train to Morisset or Maitland, connect onto a bus or take the train to Single station, and catch a 20-minute taxi. Lastly, tours are a popular way to reach Hunter Valley from Sydney.

Named itself as the place for holidaymakers to venture to in the summer, Jervis Bay boasts what is said to be the whitest sand globally. Fine white sand, picturesque aqua clear waters, lovely dolphins are jumping in the distance, and small yet beautiful villages. With ample opportunities for diving and some of the country’s safest beaches, a trip to Jervis Bay is a perfect one.

From Canberra and Sydney are both a 3-hour drive away. It is also possible to get Jervis Bay from Sydney on a day tour.

You can do the White Sands Walk, a whale/dolphin watching, relax on Hyams beach, diving, and spot wildlife on a cruise.

Snowy Mountains

Surprisingly, the snowy mountains can be enjoyed year-round. Ski the slopes of the tallest mountain in mainland Australia, Mt. Kosciuszko, during the winter. Put your best foot forward on one of the several hiking trails during summer.

From Sydney, you can get here in 5.5 hours. Flights are also available to Snowy Mountains Airport on REX airlines, which will take an hour. Another option is to fly into Canberra and drive for 1.5-2.5 hours in a rental.

The activities you can do here are going horseback riding through the mountains, see the Boggy Creek Show, unwinding at a spa, and spending a day or more on the slopes.

Newcastle may only be a fraction of the size of Sydney but still packs a punch. As the second oldest city in Australia, difficult times may have passed through it. However, it is still a place to visit.

Its laid-back vibe will make you want to include Newcastle on your list. It also has modern neighbourhoods filled with cool bars and boutique shopping, a great food scene, and excellent surf spots.

Bus companies regularly stop in Newcastle. Trains can be taken from Sydney to Broadmeadow or Hamilton station, where you can connect to a shuttle bus. Just 25 minutes out of the city, you can also reach an airport in Williamtown.

Take a scenic cruise, try skydiving, walk the Bathers Way, and whale watching are some of the activities you can enjoy doing here.

Coffs Harbour

The touristic coastal town, Coffs Harbour, brings in visitors with its famous Big Banana, beautiful beaches, solemn nature, and easy access to hinterland villages. The Mutton Island Nature Reserve, coral reefs, whales, and marine parks are the Coffs Harbour’s highlights, which makes it an excellent travelling point along the NSW coast.

From Sydney, Coffs Harbour is a 6.5-hour drive. Trains from CountryLink services from Sydney to Coffs harbour, which takes 8 to 9 hours. The top five things to do here are walking the Forest Sky Pier, visiting Dorrigo National park, exploring the beaches, taking a picture with the Big Banana, and visiting  Muttonbird Island.

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Your guide to the wilder side of life

20 Best Places to Visit on the South Coast, NSW

The South Coast of New South Wales has been my home the past two autumns. As I explored this stunning stretch of Australia’s coast from Eden to Wollongong in my van, I discovered beautiful beaches, friendly towns, incredible lookouts, and secluded camping spots.

While it’s certainly a popular place to visit, I found that it had a wonderfully laidback vibe after the busy summer months had past. The coastal communities on the South Coast were very welcoming and it had me thinking that it would be a pretty nice place to live.

In this post, I’m rounding up the best places to visit on the South Coast. Whether you’re heading off on a Melbourne to Sydney road trip or looking for a weekend escape from the city, these spots will definitely have you slipping into the slow pace of life on the coast.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more:  Privacy Policy

Best Time to Visit the South Coast, NSW

The South Coast really is a haven at any time of the year. Of course, like most of the east coast, it get’s incredibly crowded, busy and expensive in summer, especially over the Christmas holidays.

However, for the rest of the year, it’s a beautiful place to hit the beach, go camping, walk in nature, and surf the breaks. I’ve spent the previous two autumns on the South Coast, and I have to say it’s probably my favourite time of the year.

The ocean is still warm enough to swim until May, plus you can get some beautiful sunrises and sunsets with relatively clear weather. Most of the towns are quiet by February, so you can easily explore the beaches and campgrounds without booking too far ahead.

Best Places to Visit on the South Coast

Whether you’re planning a road trip up the South Coast or looking for a getaway from Sydney for the weekend, here’s my pick of the 20 best places to visit on the South Coast. From coastal towns to national parks, don’t miss any of these spots if you want to see the best parts of this stunning coastline.

Royal National Park

As Australia’s first official national park, Royal National Park has been a favourite outdoor escape for generations. Just on the southern outskirts of Sydney, it’s known for some incredible bushwalking, bird watching, whale watching and camping.

Some of the coastal views are pretty spectacular, but if you visit on a weekend expect some very busy trails and campgrounds. Otherwise, during the week, you’ll be able to explore the waterfalls, coastal viewpoints, natural swimming spots, rainforest and camps without the crowds.

Some of the best walks include:

• Figure 8 Pools
• Wattamolla to Eagle Rock
• Karloo Pools
• The Coast Track (multi-day)

Read next: What to Pack for a Day Hike

Wollongong is a sprawling town that has really become a small city. Just south of Sydney, it’s one of the largest towns in New South Wales. While not as attractive as the other coastal towns further south, there are some very popular surf breaks and beautiful viewpoints not far from Wollongong.

As you drive south of Wollongong, the coastal views really open up along the famous stretch of the Grand Pacific Drive backed by the Illawarra Escarpment. Some of the best things to do in Wollongong include:

• Sea Cliff Bridge on Grand Pacific Drive
• Surfing at Wollongong North Beach, Wollongong City Beach, Coledale Beach and Bulli Beach
• Mount Kembla Summit Track
• Wollongong Botanic Garden

Stay | Urban Retreat

Kiama has become one of the most popular weekend coastal getaways from Sydney. The attractive town is built over the rolling cliffs of Illawarra, with rock pools, natural blow holes, and stunning viewpoints surrounding the town.

The main street is filled with cafes and boutique shops, but it’s the surrounding sights that makes Kiama one of my favourite spots on the South Coast. You could easily spend days in Kiama; taking time to explore the town’s attractions like the rock pools and lighthouse and then venturing further afield to nearby Minnamurra, Gerringong and Killalea Reserve. Or, you could take this small group, day trip to Kiama from Sydney seeing all the highlights in a day.

My favourite things to do in Kiama include:

• Kiama rock pool
• Kiama Coast Walk
• Bombo Headland Quarry
• Minnamurra Lookout
• Killalea Surfing Reserve

Stay | Kiama Shores

Read next: 18 Best Things to Do in Kiama

Kangaroo Valley

A slight detour off the South Coast, Kangaroo Valley is the perfect place if you want to swap waves for waterfalls. As one of the only closed valleys in the world, Kangaroo Valley is a stunning slice of bush paradise just 45km inland from Kiama.

While a long, steep drive up over the escarpment and hills behind the coast, the quaint town, lush green forest, tumbling waterfalls and variety of walking trails makes it all worthwhile.

Kangaroo Valley town itself is filled with boutique stays and farm to table restaurants, while the surrounding landscapes are best explored on foot or by water with kayaking and canoeing very popular activities.

Some of the best things to do in Kangaroo Valley include:

• Red Rock Trig walking track
• 19th century Hampden Bridge
• Drawing Room Rocks walk
• Kayak down the Kangaroo River
• Kangaroo Valley Farmers Market

Stay | Wildes Hotel Kangaroo Valley

Shoalhaven Heads

Located on the southern end of Seven Mile Beach, the small community of Shoalhaven Heads is a peaceful spot tucked away from the bustling towns of Kiama and Nowra. You can easily kick back for a few days, indulging in surfing, kite-surfing, horse riding and fishing.

It also makes for a good base for exploring other towns like Berry, Gerroa and Gerringong.

Stay | Lorsens on the River

Down on the Beecroft Peninsula, Currarong is a popular holiday destination. The small town is filled with holiday houses, and it’s not hard to see why. There are some incredible beaches, rock pools and hidden coves to explore around the peninsula, meaning there’s plenty to keep you busy for a weekend or longer.

Close to Currarong, head off on foot in the Abrahams Bosom Reserve to secluded beaches like Wilsons Beach and Lobster Bay and to the famous Gosangs Tunnel, a unique rock tunnel with views of the rugged coastline.

The rest of the peninsula is controlled by the navy, but it opens on weekends and in holidays for exploring more of the coast, including Honeymoon Bay and Point Perpendicular Lighthouse.

Stay | Claras Coastal Cottage

Read more: How to Get to Gosangs Tunnel

Huskisson and Hyams Beach

At the heart of the stunning Jervis Bay region, Huskisson is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the South Coast. While the town itself is small, it heaves with tourists all summer long. But don’t be put off, because you can find some of Australia’s best beaches just a short drive away from town.

Just south of Huskisson, you’ll find Hyams Beach. Home to some of the whitest sand in the country, it’s definitely an ideal place to throw down a towel and take a dip in the clear water in between reading a book.

In Huskisson, you can also hit the surf breaks, go whale watching and hire stand-up paddle boards to explore the surrounding coastline.

Stay | The Beach Studio (Huskisson) or Minke Whalers Cottage (Hyams Beach)

Jervis Bay (Booderee National Park)

Arguably one of Australia’s most beautiful national parks, Booderee, or in the local Dhurga language, Walawaani Njindiwan Njin Booderee , covers most of the Jervis Bay Territory. Home to white sand beaches, crystal clear water, high coastal cliffs, and native wildlife, it feels more like a tropical island paradise than a peninsula off the South Coast.

To explore the park in the best way, stay at one of the campgrounds, such as Green Patch or Cave Beach, and spend your days beach hopping from one cove to the next.

It’s worth noting that there’s a separate Parks Pass required for Boodereee National Park, not included in the regular NSW Parks Pass.

Known for its great surf breaks, Mollymook is the more upscale town just north of Ulladulla. With expensive holiday mansions lining the coastal cliffs, and a long sandy beach stretching around the bay, it’s one of the more picturesque towns on the South Coast.

Together with Ulladulla, I found that Mollymook has a great laidback vibe with a friendly community from holiday home owners to vanlifers. I’ve revisited several times, often staying longer than planned.

Collers Beach is a popular local surf break, with a beautiful swimming spot just around towards the golf course. This is also the best place to watch the sunrise in the morning.

Stay | Motel Molly – Boutique Hotel

A pretty port town, Ulladulla is one of my favourite places to visit on the South Coast. While it’s not blessed with its own beach, you can find Mollymook just a couple of kilometres to the north and Burrill Beach to the south.

Still, the town has some great cafes, shops and a very laidback vibe outside of summer (I know, I keep saying that!). Some of my favourite things to do in Ulladulla include:

• Swim laps in the Ulladulla Sea Pool
• Buy organic local produce at Empower Wholefoods
• Visit Warden Head Lighthouse
• Surf at Dolphin Point

Stay | Harbour View Apartments

Murramarang National Park

One of the South Coast’s gems, Murramarang National Park is a natural haven spanning over 40km of coastline from Bawley Point down to Batemans Bay. With the dense forest running right up to the edge of the sandy beaches, you can switch off and feel a world away from the trendy coastal towns.

Walking, fishing, swimming, surfing and camping are just some of the popular activities you can do in the park. Depot Beach Campground and Pebbly Beach Campground are my two favourites but there’s several other spots that you can enjoy some pretty nice camping facilities surrounded by the bush and crashing waves.

The new 3-day Murramarang Coastal Walk is also a new highlight that I’ll have to go back and complete one day.

Batemans Bay

An old favourite amongst families and holiday makers, Batemans Bay is a major town on the South Coast. While I wouldn’t say the town itself is anything special compared to other smaller towns like Ulladulla or Bermagui, there’s plenty to do around Batemans Bay that makes it a nice base to explore the coast.

The Batemans Bay Snorkelling Trail includes bays around the town with its reefs and native fish, while fishing enthusiasts can head to Clyde River National Park. Otherwise, I quite liked driving the coastal route from Batemans Bay down to Moruya, stopping at Batehaven, Lilli Pilli, Malua Bay, Mossy Point and Broulee.

Stay | The Isla

Narooma (and Dalmeny)

Narooma and surrounds is definitely up there when it comes to the best places to visit on the South Coast. With the Wagonga Inlet, coastal lakes and rugged coastline, the natural beauty of Narooma is what instantly astounded me.

It has some of the bluest and clearest waters on the South Coast, appearing like a tapestry of glistening turquoise. This means you’ll see divers and stand-up paddle boarders out on the inlet exploring the water. The resident seals are a real highlight too, you can see them around the inlet and also near Australia Rock and Seal Rocks.

It’s also becoming a popular foodie destination thanks to the oyster industry, which is booming in town. Whether you stay in Narooma or Dalmeny or somewhere in between, you’ll be able to appreciate the incredibly beautiful town and surrounding coastline.

Don’t miss when visiting Narooma:

• Australia Rock
• Cycling from Dalmeny to Narooma (check out this 2-hour e-bike rental here )
• Swimming area in Wagonga Beach
• Seals at Seal Rocks
• Glasshouse Rocks

Stay | The Beach Shack at Dalmeny

Mystery Bay

The small coastal community on Mystery Bay just south of Narooma is one of the best kept secrets on the South Coast. Home to one of the last budget campgrounds, you can camp right on the coast with just the sound of birds and crashing waves waking you in the morning.

While there’s not a whole lot of town there, it’s the best place to explore the hidden beaches around the coast to the south. It’s also a popular fishing spot for locals.

Stay | Spotted Gum Retreat

Bermagui is an absolute gem of a town. As one of the best places to visit on the South Coast, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to spend at least a night there. With some great waterfront cafes (try Boneless Vegetarian Cafe or Gulaga Wholefoods), the main beach right in front for swimming, and some incredible vantage points around town, it’s a pretty spot to go for a weekend.

Home to one of the most beautiful ocean pools, known as Bermagui Blue Pool, you can spot whales, dolphins and seals as you swim in the protected rock pool. Just north of town past Wallaga Lake, I also highly recommend you check out the walk to Camel Rock and Horse Head Rock.

Stay | Bermagui Beach Hotel

The small town of Tathra on the Sapphire Coast is a pretty spot not far from Merimbula and Bega. Surrounded by national parks, it’s a popular summer getaway for families looking to soak up the sun.

Tathra Beach is a long sandy bay perfect for swimming, surfing and relaxing on the sand. At sunset time (or sunrise if you’re keen), head up to Chamberlain Lookout for a beautiful view.

But the small town is also a great base for exploring Mimosa Rocks National Park to the north and Bournda National Park to the south. Both national parks also have great campgrounds if you want to escape into nature for a night.

Stay | Kianinny Bush Cottages

On a coastline known for holiday resort towns, Merimbula has been a long standing favourite. With Merimbula Lake and Merimbula Bay, you’ve got a little bit of everything around town. From popular surf breaks to calm waters for SUP-ing, the water activities are endless.

Plus the town is filled with some of the best food options on the South Coast, from trendy coffee shops open early in the morning to waterfront fine dining. There’s plenty of walking trails, boardwalks and footpaths to explore the town on, which was my favourite thing to do in Merimbula. Otherwise, pick from one of the many beaches to spend the day, Bar Beach, Middle Beach, Short Point Beach, and Merimbula Main Beach.

Stay | Beach Cabins Merimbula

Pambula Beach

While close to Merimbula, Pambula has more of a chill vibe and smaller yet welcoming community. The small town offers some nice cafes (try Toast Cafe), but head to the coast for Pambula Beach, which is the real highlight, with surf breaks, walking trails and fishing in Pambula River.

Stay | Riversong & Sea Dreaming Holiday Houses

A sleepy fishing town, Eden seems to get a bit forgotten compared to the flashier towns further up the coast. But, located on Twofold Bay and surrounded by national parks, you’ll find some of the most pristine coastal landscapes around Eden.

There’s actually plenty to keep you busy around town, especially if you enjoy swimming, whale watching and walking. In winter, it’s one of the best places on the South Coast for catching a glimpse of the migrating whales. Other things to do in Eden, include:

• Aslings Beach Rock Pool
• Eden Killer Whale Museum
• Cocora Beach
• Eden Lookout Point

Stay | Eden Motel

Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd National Park)

Surrounding the small coastal town of Eden, Beowa National Park is a must visit. Separated into two areas, one north of Eden and another south of Eden, it’s filled with surf beaches, fishing spots, walking trails, and unique geological formations.

The most iconic attraction of the park is The Pinnacles. You’ve likely seen an image of the spectacular erosion feature on social media. Consisting of soft white and red clay cliffs, the layers are millions of years old. You can reach it by a short walk from the carpark, but I also recommend heading down to Pinnacles Beach for a secluded, long sandy bay.

More Travel Guides for the South Coast

• 10 Best Campgrounds on the South Coast
• Ultimate 2-Week Itinerary for a Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip
• Best Things to Do in Kiama

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Hiking and Camping in Hat Head National Park

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Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip: The Ultimate 2 Week Itinerary (Coastal Route)

[…] is one of my favourite drives. It allows you to explore the Gippsland area of Victoria and the South Coast of New South Wales; two regions that I’ve spent a lot of time over the last two […]

[…] Read next: 20 Best Places to Visit on the South Coast […]

Where would the quietest spot be Christmas Holidays South coast nsw

Honestly, no where will be quiet at that time. I’d probably look at somewhere near Eden or Tathra but they’ll still be very busy and crowded

[…] try to have time to take this coastal route. While it’s not as common as a road trip up the NSW South Coast, the variety in coastal landscapes makes the trip between these two cities a worthwhile drive to […]

[…] extension: Continue over the border into NSW and explore the South Coast or on your way back to Melbourne head up to the High Country on the Great Alpine Road from […]

[…] into New South Wales just after Easter. I travelled very slowly and simply revisited my favourite places on the South Coast of NSW from the previous year. I got up for sunrise almost every single day, watched the surfers, took […]

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12 of the scariest places you can travel, according to pros

When you travel for a living, you’re bound to meet a ghost or two..

The first version of this article was published in 2022. It has been updated.

For the TV hosts, authors and social media influencers who travel for a living, it’s only natural to wax poetic about the world’s best places: the most charming villages in Europe , the most exciting safari in Africa, the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean . It’s less often we get to hear about the places on the other end of the spectrum — specifically, the places that freaked them out.

In the spirit of Halloween, we interviewed these experienced travelers to find out which corners of the globe creeped them out the most. For some, it was unsettling cemeteries abroad that sent tingles up their spines; for others, it was dilapidated guesthouses with supernatural vibes.

Here are the 12 spookiest destinations they shared.

A haunted hotel attic in Rye, England

On a trip to the United Kingdom with friends, the history buff and cookbook author Rick Martinez was compelled to visit the ancient town of Rye — once an infamous pirate port in the 13th century. While having a pint at the Mermaid Inn , a centuries-old hotel known for reports of ghost sightings, one of Martinez’s friends “felt a very malicious presence,” he remembers. With hairs standing on the backs of their necks, the group left and went to their accommodations down the street to sleep.

In the middle of the night, Martinez woke up in the so-called widow’s attic he was sharing with a friend. “I felt like I was just paralyzed — I couldn’t move — but I saw this woman walking back-and-forth around our room with a knife,” he said. “Meanwhile, as I’m seeing this and unable to move, I hear my friend essentially choking.”

Come morning, Martinez said, his friend reported “whatever was evil that she sensed in the pub had followed us home and was trying to strangle her in bed.”

“So I was like: ‘You know what? This was great. We’re going to just go ahead and take off,’” Martinez said.

A paranormal funeral parlor in Cleveland

Scary situations are part of the job for Dalen Spratt, one of the stars of the Travel Channel’s Ghost Brothers series. One place that stands out to Spratt is the House of Wills in Cleveland, once the largest Black-owned funeral home in Ohio.

The property has fallen into disrepair and is a popular spot for paranormal investigators; Spratt featured it on one of his shows in 2017. He said that while he was there, a woman with experience at the location brought him into the first-floor women’s restroom, and they both gazed into the mirror.

“About a minute in, my reflection in the mirror smiles at me,” Spratt said. “It was the Joker, Cheshire cat, your-mouth-doesn’t-even-open-up-that-wide-or-that-high” kind of smile. He said he fell to the ground shaking, then the women told him her reflection had just smiled at her.

“I didn’t even tell her what I saw,” he said. “That was the freakiest thing I ever saw in my life.”

An eerie old jail in Charleston, S.C.

Travel expert Samantha Brown, host of “ Samantha Brown’s Places to Love ” on PBS, toured Charleston’s Old City Jail twice, more than 10 years apart. Both visits left her shaken.

The jail operated from the early 1800s until 1939 in “horrid conditions,” Brown said. Her first visit was a nighttime tour that scared her so much that she had to stop: “I started to see handprints on the walls when I didn’t see handprints before,” she said.

She returned a couple of years ago — but said she would only do the tour during the day. During the visit, the group heard footsteps behind them.

“There was no one else in that jail other than us,” she said. “I was like, ‘Okay, let’s go.’ ”

A bed-and-breakfast with bad energy in Glastonbury, England

Rick Steves , the famous guidebook author and travel guide, was hosting a tour of Cotswold villages and Stonehenge in the ’80s, and he was scheduled to stay in an old bed-and-breakfast near Glastonbury.

The area is known as one of the most spiritual places in Britain, drawing religious visitors and new-age witches alike. To boot, the guesthouse was built on a spot where two ley lines crossed. (Some people believe ley lines are invisible gridlines that channel Earth’s magnetic field , and ancient civilizations aligned landmarks along them to harness power.)

Once the group went to their rooms to tuck in for the night, “I just felt some creepy spirit in my room,” Steves said. “I went out into the hall, and everybody from the tour felt the same creepy spirit in their rooms.”

Having spent thousands of nights in hotel rooms, “I’ve never felt anything remotely like this,” Steves said. “So we just all grabbed our bags. … We vacated that haunted hotel.”

The skull-lined Paris Catacombs

Travel agency CEO Rani Cheema loves to be up early to beat the crowds. That’s how she found herself being one of the first few people of the day to enter the Paris Catacombs in 2015.

Wanting to keep moving, she listened to a bit of the tour, then walked ahead of people — until she realized she didn’t hear anything and was completely alone, surrounded by gated hallways, walls of skulls and darkness.

“I kept saying I didn’t like this, ‘I don’t want to be alone,’” said Cheema, whose agency, Cheema’s Travel , focuses on luxury culinary travel. She found the rest of the group and “zoomed past everyone and got out of there” once she neared the exits.

Cheema doesn’t believe in ghosts, but a friend who practices shamanism was convinced that a family of them followed her back from the catacombs and caused a wave of anxiety that she felt when she returned home.

“They kept saying you didn’t want to be alone,” the friend said of the ghosts.

Shades of ‘The Shining’ in Banff, Alberta

Barry Hoy, a Canadian travel writer and blogger at AsianMapleLeaf , visited the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta, a couple years ago. “Beautiful, castle-like,” he said of the sprawling hotel, which opened in 1888. “Definite creepy vibes.”

Hoy went on a hotel tour on an earlier visit and learned two famous ghost stories about the property: one about a long-serving bellman who couldn’t give up his job, even after death, and another about a bride who died at the hotel before her wedding. Hoy said he has wandered the halls of the hotel but never encountered anything himself.

“I joke about wanting to see stuff, but I really don’t,” he said.

An abandoned lighthouse on a Scottish isle

When travel writer Rolf Potts peeked inside an abandoned building underneath a lighthouse on Scotland’s Isle of Scalpay, he thought he came face-to-face with a ghost. It wasn’t a supernatural experience, but it was spooky enough to rattle him.

In 2016, Potts stumbled upon a lighthouse that had, like so many others around the world, switched from manual to automated operations. He noticed an open door to the deserted crew quarters and crept inside. The dank, empty room was a tableau of a bygone era, the workers’ tools and diversions moldering on the table.

“I saw video games rotting away under this ancient building,” Potts said. “‘Astro Wars’ and ‘Space Invaders,’ the archaic games of my youth.”

Seeing the vestiges of his childhood now decrepit and faded made him aware of the growing distance between his adult self and his younger counterpart.

“It felt nostalgic and macabre at the same time,” he said. “It was an intrinsic realization of the shortness of life and my own mortality.”

A narco’s luxe prison in Medellín, Colombia

TV host Nathan Fluellen hired a former police officer to show him around La Catedral, the mountaintop mansion where Pablo Escobar was sentenced to serve a five-year prison sentence starting in 1991. When the pair reached the room where the Colombian drug lord had four of his lieutenants tortured and killed, the guide sent Fluellen in alone.

The former officer “had been hunted by Pablo for years,” said Fluellen, the creator and host of the TV travel show “ World Wide Nate : African Adventures.” “Only three out of 30 cadets [in his police academy class] survived.”

As soon as Fluellen entered the shabby room with stained walls and chipped paint, he understood the guide’s reluctance to step inside. “You could feel the energy,” he said. “I imagined all of the horrendous things that had taken place there.”

The compound appears on the first season of the Netflix series “Narcos.” But even the showbiz treatment can’t exorcise the evil spirits Fluellen sensed during his 2015 visit.

“I don’t get scared easily,” he said, “but I definitely wouldn’t sleep there, even if they turned it into an Airbnb.”

An unfinished water park in Vietnam

Being the only two people at a water park seems like a dream scenario: no lines, no tantrum-prone children, no one else’s germs. But at the abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park, Kirstie Pike and Christine Diaz felt as if they were adrift in a nightmare.

“It was spooky and heart-wrenching,” Pike said. “It felt haunted.”

The couple, who run the LGBTQ+ travel website and vlog On Airplane Mode , visited the site in 2019, when they were living in Southeast Asia. The water park, which sits outside the city of Hue in central Vietnam, was shuttered before it was completed. Graffiti covers the walls, and broken glass crackles underfoot.

“These eerie slides were completely overgrown” with thick tropical vegetation, Pike said.

The couple climbed into a giant dragon sculpture and peered out of its mouth, which overlooks the lake. Though the sun was shining in a bright blue sky, fog rolled across the water, adding to the sense of horror and dread.

Maybe sharing a water park with one or two other visitors isn’t such a bad idea.

A claustrophobic cave in New York state

Fortunately, Darley Newman isn’t claustrophobic or phasmophobic. The Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride , near Buffalo, was terrifying enough without the phobias.

“If you want to be scared, you should go down into the tunnels blasted into the cliff face rock,” said Newman, the creator, producer and host of several PBS travel shows, including “Travels with Darley.” “The tunnels feel like they could implode at any time.”

The 19th-century engineering feat was good for businesses, providing several industries with extra water from the Erie Canal. But the project was perilous for the miners and children who helped construct the half-mile-long subterranean waterway. “People sacrificed their lives,” Newman said.

Visitors can choose from several excursions, including the Lockport Haunted Cave walking tour, which appeared on an episode of “Ghost Hunters,” and the Ghost Hunters Experience, which involves spectral sleuthing.

“The immersive ghost tour actively showcases their paranormal side,” Newman said.

The site still can be dangerous today. One person died after a boat capsized during a tour in June 2023.

A dark, empty cemetery in Mexico City

On the Day of the Dead, Mexico’s cemeteries are traditionally full of life. Unless you go to the wrong burial ground.

A few years ago, Nellie Huang, a travel writer who shares her adventures on her Wild Junket site, traveled with her husband and young daughter from their home in Playa del Carmen to Mexico City for the holiday. The trio went to Panteón de San Fernando , one of the city’s oldest cemeteries and the resting place of many notable 19th-century figures. Alas, no one else came to party with the dead.

“We went to the cemetery at night. It was very quiet, very dark and empty,” Huang said. “We were the only ones there. It was very spooky.”

Huang and her family didn’t stick around long. They hightailed it for another cemetery, Panteón San José, where they found what they were looking for: a festive celebration with taco carts, lit candles and living revelers.

“The first cemetery was full of famous people,” said Huang, who will visit Oaxaca for this year’s Día de Muertos. “The second one was more local. I definitely liked the fun one.”

A vaunted (and haunted?) bar in West Hollywood, California

About five years ago, stand-up comic Dan Cummins was waiting to meet his agent for a pre-show dinner at West Hollywood’s Rainbow Bar and Grill — a restaurant he described as “a big rock-star hangout” — when he went to use the restroom on the second floor. The place was quiet around 5 p.m., but as he walked up the stairs, an attractive man and woman in their 40s or 50s passed him coming down. The man looked at Cummins in a way that gave him the creeps.

As Cummins was using a urinal in the small restroom, he noticed the sink was on full blast, so hot that steam was rising. Odd, he thought; he would have turned it off if he’d noticed it running when he walked in.

He turned the hot water off, then tried to replicate the same level of heat while washing his hands, with no success. Back at the booth, he stopped a server walking by.

“I have literally never asked somebody this in my life, but is this place haunted?” he asked. “Without hesitation, she goes, ‘Oh, yeah’ and then kept walking.”

Their assigned server walked over, and Cummins started to recount what he had seen in the bathroom. “She stopped me. She goes, ‘Let me guess: The hot water turned on by itself,’” he recalled. “That was when I freaked out.”

The incident happened soon after he and his wife, Lynze, had started their horror podcast “ Scared to Death .” Cummins had been questioning why he hadn’t experienced anything in the paranormal realm himself.

“Nothing’s happened since,” he said. “And I’m always so intensely curious about the paranormal. There’s no rules or rhyme or reason to any of these stories. Why did I get that little glimpse but nothing since?”

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: Take our destination quiz to choose your own adventure. Then read about 12 dream destinations at the top of our wish list — without the crowds.

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: Explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Trace a route along the southern coast of Puerto Rico . See how jamón gets made in the heartland of Spanish pork .

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North Coast

Welcome to wonder land.

There’s wonder around every corner on the NSW North Coast, stretching from Lake Macquarie all the way to the Queensland border. Like a patch of sand to call your own (without a single other footprint in sight). Or a national park where the calm hum of nature offers a soothing soundtrack. Or the bend of a tranquil estuary to paddle as the sun rises – or sets. Or glamourous beach towns and tiny hamlets where the dress code is ‘salty hair’.

Destinations

• Port Stephens

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Byron Bay, Ballina & surrounds

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Travel inspiration

The best snorkelling spots in NSW

Best restaurants in regional NSW worth travelling for

13 of the best farmers markets to explore in NSW

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Aboriginal culture

Hear a local story.

Join Kurt Tutt from Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay as he paddles through the pristine waters off the North Coast surrounded by turtles, dolphins and whales.

Legendary Pacific Coast

Rainforest Way

Port Macquarie to Dorrigo and Coffs Harbour

Places to stay.

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