Top Ten Things to Do and See in New South Wales

• Sydney: Sydney offers a surprising range of attractions and experiences, and you should ideally spend at least five days exploring them! By day, kayak or sail on the harbour, scale the heights of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, or engage in some retail therapy in some of the numerous shopping areas of the city, until it is time to experience Sydney by night – catch a show at the Opera House, or indulge in some of the very best in food and wine, at prices to suit all budgets, and styles to suit all tastes. The city also boasts beautiful beaches, National Parks, and an open invitation to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle.
• Hunter Valley: The Hunter Valley is the oldest wine-growing region in Australia, and is just a two hour drive north of Sydney. Here there are more than 120 wineries nestled in the valleys, many offering boutique accommodation – best to stay overnight so you can sample the produce without worrying about your return journey to Sydney!
• Blue Mountains: Part of the Great Dividing Range, the Blue Mountains comprise a huge sandstone plateau, with plunging valleys and canyons, dramatic cliffs and stunning rock formations. Just a 90 minute drive west from Sydney, they are easily accessible for a day trip, though a longer stay will enable you to enjoy the many attractions of the region – bushwalking, horse-riding, and even abseiling are available. And of course, don’t miss the spectacular Three Sisters rocks at Katoomba.
• Broken Hill – Outback New South Wales: Broken Hill, 725 miles to the west of Sydney, is home to a thriving colony of artists, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and a wealth of friendly Outback characters! The surrounding National Parks are just as diverse and inviting.
• Snowy Mountains: In the Kosciuszko National Park, the Snowy Mountains are Australia’s highest ski areas, though activities here are not confined to winter sports – here you can also cycle, raft, cave, horse ride, kayak or walk. The most well-known ski resort is Thredbo, which offers skiing for all abilities.
• New South Wales North Coast: Running north from Sydney to the Queensland border, the north coast is home to surf beaches, national parks, and a home to many artists and musicians. Port Stephens, just a 2½ hour drive from Sydney boasts 26 unspoilt golden beaches, bays and lakes, and is also known as the dolphin capital of all Australia, thanks to its population of around 150 bottlenose dolphins in the bay – try kayaking with dolphins at Nelson Bay or Soldiers Point slightly further down the coast. Other activities include 4WD on the sand dunes of Stockton Beach, scuba diving at Coffs Harbour, and hiking in the Barrington Tops National Park
• New South Wales South Coast: This is a coastline of unspoilt golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and pretty coastal communities. National Parks give way to lush green farmlands and rainforests and here you can see Australian native wildlife in its natural habitats, including dolphins, whales (September to November), kangaroos, seals, penguins and parrots! All along the coast, unique boutique accommodation and a friendly Australian welcome will greet you.
• Wollongong: 50 miles south of Sydney, Wollongong is New South Wales’ third largest city and is a popular weekend break destination, as it has some superb beaches and a very attractive hinterland. The city and its immediate surrounds are known as Illawarra, and the whole region is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with activities including coastal walks, cycling on purpose built tracks, mountain walks through eucalypt forests, and even beach sky-diving! Also worth a visit are Nan Tien Temple, the biggest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere, and the Symbio Wildlife Gardens.
• Lord Howe Island: For a real get away from it all experience, take the two hour flight from Sydney to Lord Howe Island, where you will be one of only 400 visitors at any one time. The island is World Heritage Listed because of its flora and fauna, and popular activities include bush walking, and trekking, cycling, and snorkelling and diving on the coral reef.
• Canberra: Aus
• tralia’s capital city and located within the Australian Capital Territory, Canberra is 200 miles south west of Sydney and is well worth a visit. It is home to some of the best modern Australian architecture and is one of the best international examples of urban planning. It is also a very green city, with over 12 million trees. There are numerous galleries and museums to explore, including the National Gallery of Australia, as well as the National Botanic Gardens. Also easily accessible from Canberra are Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the Namadgi National Park, both excellent places for bushwalking and wildlife spotting.