Camel Riding, Port StephensCredit: Destination NSW
Sunset camel riding experience with in Anna Bay, Port Stephens.
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Prepare to be dazzled by the incredible variety of destinations in New South Wales, from glittering Pacific beaches to vast outback plains, energising pockets of rainforest and one of the world’s most striking cities, Sydney. Get inspired to uncover a new corner of NSW with these itinerary highlights.
Be spellbound by Sydney
Drink in the exceptional natural beauty of Sydney, with its sparkling harbour, sun-kissed ocean pools and wildlife-rich national parks. Then dive into the city’s rich Aboriginal and colonial history, as well as its fabulous restaurants — a product of the city’s vibrant cultural diversity. Get a buzz ticking off iconic experiences such as surfing at Bondi Beach with Let's Go Surfing, dining under the sails of the Sydney Opera House and meeting the wildlife at Taronga Zoo. Whether you crave shows, museums, shopping, coastal walks, sporting events, seaside fun or nightlife, you’ll find it all in Sydney.
Embrace the wide open spaces of Country NSW
Get a dose of classic Aussie charm in Country NSW. Soak up the bucolic rural landscapes and warm country hospitality as you eat and drink your way around the wineries of Orange and Mudgee (both less than four hours’ drive from Sydney), marvel at the heavens in the Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park or join a thrilling lion safari at Taronga Western Plains Zoo (both within six hours of Sydney). Say yes to the region’s many opportunities for bushwalking, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, rock climbing and other active pursuits, cherishing seasonal delights such as autumn colours and spring wildflowers as you explore.
The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge Credit: Destination NSW
The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunrise
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The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge Credit: Destination NSW
The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunrise
Dark Sky Park, Warrumbungle National Park Credit: Destination NSW
The night sky filled with bright stars over the dark sky park in the Warrumbungles.
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Dark Sky Park, Warrumbungle National Park Credit: Destination NSW
The night sky filled with bright stars over the dark sky park in the Warrumbungles.
Expand your horizons in Outback NSW
Head west to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Outback NSW, where rich red earth meets endless blue skies. Have a blast getting to know the unofficial capital of the outback, the characterful outpost of Broken Hill (a 13-hour drive or three-hour flight from Sydney), and be wonderstruck by the otherworldly landscapes of Mungo National Park (a 10-hour drive from Sydney). In Outback NSW you’ll also discover sacred Aboriginal sites and ancient rock art, and get a chance to experience the ultimate sense of achievement in unearthing a glittering black opal. Luxuriate in the freedom of off-road adventures, feel a deep connection with nature on a stargazing experience with Outback Astronomy, and get an authentic taste of outback life as you share a cool drink with the locals in a remote pub.
Hit the beach on the North Coast
Trace the sparkling NSW coastline from the Tweed in the north (an 8.5-hour drive from Sydney) down to Port Stephens (2.5 hours from Sydney) to find your perfect stretch of sand or surf spot. But you’ll also find plenty of other reasons to love the North Coast, including artisan shopping, charming heritage villages, invigorating rainforest trails and more. Feel at one with the ocean as you catch a wave at Angourie, immerse yourself in nature as you explore the wonderous Waterfall Way, enliven your taste buds on a food trail, dine at sophisticated seaside restaurants or revel in the simple pleasure of tucking into a fish and chips feast by the beach.
Unwind on the South Coast
Venture south from Sydney and explore at your own pace on the beautiful South Coast, stretching from Wollongong (a 90-minute drive south of Sydney) all the way to Eden (a six-hour drive from Sydney). Uncover lovely laidback towns, peaceful deserted beaches, spectacular wilderness areas, and a thriving food and wine scene. Laze on some of the whitest sands in the world, be entertained by migrating whales breaching close to shore during winter, savour freshly shucked oysters from the source, and enjoy a range of water sports, cycling and bushwalking.
Broken Hill Credit: Destination NSW
Living Desert, Broken Hill. This is a high res copy of this image.
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Broken Hill Credit: Destination NSW
Living Desert, Broken Hill. This is a high res copy of this image.
Birubi Beach, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a morning surf at Birubi Beach, Port Stephens.
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Birubi Beach, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a morning surf at Birubi Beach, Port Stephens.
Unleash your appetite in the Riverina
Introduce your palate to the food bowl of NSW, a rich agricultural region about a six-hour drive southwest of Sydney. Feel pre-holiday tension melt away as you cruise along the river in a restored paddle steamer, coo over koalas dozing in their natural habitat, and take a fascinating step back into the pioneer days of New South Wales as you walk in the footsteps of bushranger Ned Kelly. Visit in spring to follow the bright golden flowers of the Canola Trail carpeting the landscape, and take some time out to appreciate a great glass of wine with all your senses at the cellar doors of celebrated local wineries such as Berton Vineyards and Calabria Family Wines.
Chase adventure in the Snowy Mountains
Strike out into the magnificent alpine scenery of the Snowy Mountains, affectionately known as the Snowies. Seize the chance to experience four distinct seasons here, from romantic snow-covered slopes in winter to serene alpine lakes edged with rainbows of wildflowers in summer. Pack your sense of adventure and sign up for seasonal activities including hiking Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak, with K7 Adventures; or join a scenic river tour with Alpine River Adventures in the warmer months, and in the cooler months hit the slopes for some memorable skiing, snowboarding and snow-shoeing.
PS Emmylou, Echuca-Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Paddlesteamer Emmylou cruising along the Murray River near Echuca-Moama.
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PS Emmylou, Echuca-Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Paddlesteamer Emmylou cruising along the Murray River near Echuca-Moama.
Backcountry, Kosciuszko National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic aerial overlooking the alpine backcountry in Kosciuszko National Park.
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Backcountry, Kosciuszko National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic aerial overlooking the alpine backcountry in Kosciuszko National Park.
More Inspirational Stories
Sea Cliff Bridge, CliftonCredit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
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The beauty of an ambling road trip? Uncovering lesser-known spots and finding new ways to experience more popular locales. Renew your wanderlust on one of these five routes exploring NSW’s beautiful beaches, characterful small towns, astonishing natural wonders and delicious food and wine.
Be mesmerised by coastal scenery on the Grand Pacific Drive
Feel refreshed by the sea breeze as you set off on the Grand Pacific Drive from the Royal National Park, less than an hour’s drive south of Sydney. Be wowed by the dramatic Sea Cliff Bridge, which follows the curves of the coast between Coalcliff and Clifton, then continue on to the relaxed coastal city of Wollongong, where you can stop for an energising coffee and a bite to eat by the beach at Diggies. Keep following the coast to witness the power of Kiama’s famous Kiama Blowhole, a natural formation that blasts seawater 30m into the air. Come nightfall, allow the surf to lull you to sleep while staying just steps from the sand at Bangalay Luxury Villas in Shoalhaven Heads, where you can savour fine dining infused with Australian native ingredients at its excellent on-site restaurant, Bangalay Dining.
Continue on to the idyllic blue waters of Jervis Bay, just an hour’s drive south of Shoalhaven Heads. Dive in for a refreshing swim, take an exhilarating dolphin- or whale-watching tour with the likes of Jervis Bay Wild and leave footsteps in some of the whitest sand in the world on the glorious White Sands Walk. Soak up the coastal scenery from a different angle on a luxe glamping stay at Paperbark Camp near bayside Huskisson. Paperbark is also home to memorable restaurant, The Gunyah at Paperbark Camp, built up high off the ground, among the treetops.
Adventure through the outback on a drive from Sydney to Lightning Ridge
Tap into your sense of adventure on a trip along roads less travelled to the historic mining town of Lightning Ridge, just under nine hours’ drive northwest of Sydney in Outback NSW. Discover plenty of interesting stops along the way, such as Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, where you can browse for unique trinkets at its antique stores, take in jaw-dropping Blue Mountains views, and enjoy the old-world charm of local stays at the Metropole Guesthouse or The Carrington Hotel.
Head down the mountains to lap up the food and wine of charming country town, Mudgee, where The Barn at Blue Wren Farm offers a fresh way to savour the scenic region’s renowned produce. After Mudgee, call in on historic town Gilgandra, birthplace of the World War I Coo-ee March, followed by the outback town of Walgett, for a reviving coffee at Stone’s Throw. From here, it’s less than an hour to Lightning Ridge. Experience a warm country welcome upon check-in at the likes of Sonja’s Bed and Breakfast before heading out to explore ‘The Ridge’. Get a taste of the town’s heritage on an opal mine tour, have a blast mastering the art of fossicking, and bliss out in naturally heated artesian bore baths.
Paperbark Camp, Woollamia Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic glamping getaway at Paperbark Camp, Woollamia.
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Paperbark Camp, Woollamia Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic glamping getaway at Paperbark Camp, Woollamia.
Scenic Drive, Cumborah Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic outback drive in Cumborah, near Lightning Ridge.
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Scenic Drive, Cumborah Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic outback drive in Cumborah, near Lightning Ridge.
Drift peacefully along the Mighty Murray River Drive
Take an immersive journey into Australian history on the Mighty Murray River Drive, an unforgettable four-day exploration of the Riverina region starting on the banks of the Murray River in Albury, a six-hour drive or short flight from Sydney. Before you head off on your journey, revel in the area’s heritage at Circa 1928 Albury, housed in a former bank, or lean into the urban vibe at the Atura Albury. Be surprised and delighted by the fascinating stories of heritage towns including Howlong and Corowa, where Corowa Whisky and Chocolate, set inside a 1920s flour mill, encourages a delicious pit stop.
See the Murray from a fresh perspective on an atmospheric Murray River Paddlesteamers cruise in the twin towns of Echuca Moama, throw in a line at Balranald, where five rivers meet, and connect with Aboriginal culture and the unique natural landscape of Mungo National Park. Get a buzz camping alongside native wildlife in the national park, or tuck into a hearty country meal at Mungo Lodge before enjoying a restorative night’s sleep in a spacious cabin room. Your final stop is Wentworth, where you can admire views of the Murray and Darling rivers, call in to the cellar door and restaurant at Trentham Estate Winery, and treat yourself to a night of glamping, including a romantic dining experience under the stars on an almond farm, hosted by Outback Almonds.
Reset on a quick getaway from Sydney to Newcastle
Discover how refreshing even a short trip can be on the drive from Sydney to the coastal city of Newcastle. Pause in the picturesque Hawkesbury region to slurp fresh oysters at the ‘shellar door’ of Broken Bay Pearl Farm in Mooney Mooney, just an hour from the city centre. Move on at your own pace to Lake Macquarie, the largest coastal saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere, where you can get your blood pumping on a kayaking excursion or an invigorating rainforest walk. Once in Newcastle, stroll down to the beach for a refreshing dip before checking out one of the city’s many great restaurants. Merewether Surfhouse is the perfect spot for a long lunch with dazzling ocean views, or enjoy a delicious meal at contemporary bistro Subo. Once satisfied, turn in for the night at the likes of QT Newcastle or the Little National Hotel Newcastle.
Breathe in the cool mountain air on a drive from Sydney to Jindabyne
Admire the changing landscape as you make your way from Sydney to Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains, a five(ish)-hour trip that’s worth extending to include selfie stops at the likes of the Big Merino in the historic town of Goulburn, two-and-a-half hours southwest of Sydney. Another two hours down the road, strap in for a thrilling virtual fly-over of the Snowy Mountains at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in the town of Cooma. Then get an even bigger thrill with snow activities for the whole family at the ski resorts of Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass near Jindabyne, or Selwyn near Cooma. If you’re driving through during summer, challenge yourself with a session of rock climbing or mountain biking with K7 Adventures, or linger over an artisan tipple at Wildbrumby Distillery, which bottles a variety of liquors in alpine surrounds. Seize the opportunity to take a walk to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest point, and be amazed by yet another natural attraction at Yarrangobilly Caves, two hours north of Jindabyne, where you’ll find stalagmites, stalactites and cave corals, and a river walk to a thermal pool. Enjoy the convenience of the central location in Jindabyne with a stay at the Banjo Patterson Inn, home of the Kosciuszko Brewery. Savour the fare at the two restaurants located on the property, or take a stroll around town to Holly Go Lightly, a burger bar that also slings excellent cocktails.
Mount Warning Tours, Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying an early morning kayak tour on Tweed River with scenic views of Mount Warning.
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Mount Warning Tours, Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying an early morning kayak tour on Tweed River with scenic views of Mount Warning.
Camping, Kosciuzko National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Camping underneath the stars at Island Bend Campground in Kosciuszko National Park.
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Camping, Kosciuzko National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Camping underneath the stars at Island Bend Campground in Kosciuszko National Park.