NEW SOUTH WALES
New South Wales is the crown jewel in one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. Where else in the world can you visit stunning city landmarks such as the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, then drive for only a few hours to take in breathtaking natural beauty and enjoy perfectly fresh produce!! The sublime coast is perfect for beach holidays and whale watching. Savour wines in the Hunter Valley and other wine regions. Explore nation-making heritage in country towns and enjoy the amazing Blue Mountains and the spectacular Snowy Mountains. You’ll find many memorable experiences.
The most visited state in the nation is home to Sydney, Australia’s most beautiful capital city. Sydney’s reputation as a Summer hot-spot is rightly deserved, but Winter gives you the chance to experience another side of the city. From the magic of Vivid Sydney, to spotting humpback whales on their annual migration and checking out some of its secret underground bars, Sydney has many unique events and activities that make it a top destination for travellers during the cooler months.
Discover the natural beauty, incredible wildlife and rich heritage of the North Coast of NSW, Australia. Relax on uncrowded beaches, go kayaking with dolphins and whales, explore the striking volcanic hinterland, walk in UNESCO World Heritage rainforest, and savour freshly caught seafood. Newcastle is NSW’s second-largest city. Enjoy a vibrant cultural scene and Merewether beach, one of several iconic National Surfing Reserves on the North Coast. The heritage is intriguing, too.
Forth Scratchely is Australia’s only coastal fortification to fire upon a World War II enemy naval vessel. You’ll find wonderful things to do and see all along the coast, such as the sea caves at Caves Beach or Porth Stephens dolphins. In Greater Port Macquarie is the Kola hospital and Timber town, a heritage theme park. There are national parks to explore and pretty beachside reserves for family picnics. Whale watching is popular between May and November. Vantage points are dotted along the beautifully rugged coastline, or get up close on a boat cruise. The commonest encounters are humpbacks, the stars of the annual migration because they leap out of the water and roll in the air.
The Coffs coat is another adventure paradise and home of the Big Banana, one of Australia’s iconic ‘big things’. Go snorkelling in the Solitary Islands Marine park with jetty dive Centre. Nearby is the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park, where the Sky walk takes you above rainforest canopy. Discover the beauty, heritage and tastes of Country NSW, from World Heritage wilderness to acclaimed wine regions, from nation-making heritage to outdoor adventures. You’ll find marvellous things to do and see in historic towns that shaped Australia and in the spectacular national parks.
Riding a paddle-steamer on the iconic Murray river, meeting exotic animals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, visiting the famous CSIRO Parkes radio telescope, and exploring 430 million-year-old caves are just a few of the many great attractions. You can even try your luck fossicking for gold and gems. The museums are captivating, from the Bradman Museum and international cricket hall of fame in Bowral to the Age of fishes Museum in Canowindra and the Australian fossil and mineral museum in Bathurst. A world-class collection of flying historic warbirds is at the Temora Aviation Museum in Temora .
From beautiful beaches and spectacular wilderness to fun adventure and delicious food and wine, the NSW South Coast is brimming with unforgettable experiences. You’ll be amazed with the many wonderful things to do, including tours to see dolphins, whales and seals and kayaking along unspoilt waterways .Relax on some of the whitest sands in the world, see kangaroos in the wild, savour freshly shucked oysters on Australia’s Oyster Coast, and enjoy a range of water sports, rock climbing and coastal walks. Slide on giant waterslides, soar on Australia’s highest zip-line and try tandem skydiving and hang-gliding.
There are fascinating Aboriginal cultural experiences too. Begin your discovery of the South Coast in the beautiful Wollongong region , just south of Sydney on the Grand Pacific Drive touring route. Stanwell Park is an acclaimed spot for hang-gliding and paragliding above the azure sea. South of Wollongong is the Shellharbour region, where snorkelling and diving is popular at one of Australia’s best dive sites, Bass Point.
Visit famous surf breaks The Farm and Mystics in Killalea . The gorgeous Shellharbour beaches and lakes are perfect for stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking . A short drive south is the world-famous Kiama blowhole in the Kiama region. For breathtaking natural scenery, enjoy the Kiama Coast Walk and explore the enchanting Minnamurra Rainforest, near the waterslides of Jamberoo Action Park. Surf Camp Australia is based in nearby Gerroa and offers surfing lessons at Seven Mile Beach.
The Oyster Coast begins in the Shoalhaven region, home to the White Sands Walk and dolphins of Jervis Bay. Enjoy a beach picnic on incredible white sands, explore gorgeous inlets and bays on a stand up paddle board or kayak. There are many pet friendly beaches , too. Taste delicious local wines at restaurants, such as Rick stein at Bannisters .