Curracurrong Falls, Royal National ParkCredit:
New South Wales is home to some of the most beautiful and Instagrammable waterfalls in the country, including Curracurrong Falls, located an hour’s drive south of Sydney in the Royal National Park.
There’s no end to the list of incredible experiences available in NSW. From stargazing in a dark sky park, to hiking through a snowy wonderland, surrounded by gum trees, to tasting exceptional wine with the friendliest winemakers – let us inspire you with some of NSW’s most spectacular images.
Cronulla Beach Ocean Pool, Cronulla NSW
Ocean pools are quintessentially New South Wales: about 100 line the state’s coastline, and there are 35 in Sydney alone including this dreamy one in Cronulla, South of Sydney.
Cronulla Beach Ocean Pool, Cronulla NSW
Ocean pools are quintessentially New South Wales: about 100 line the state’s coastline, and there are 35 in Sydney alone including this dreamy one in Cronulla, South of Sydney.
Mungo National Park, Mungo Credit: Tyson Mayr
Immense, surreal Mungo National Park is the centrepiece of one of the outback’s great road trips. Home to Mungo Man and Mungo Lady, this fossilised lakebed in western New South Wales is a 42,000-year-old cradle of Australian Aboriginal culture. Plan a visit to wander around one of this continent’s most photographable phenomena — the Walls of China — and to witness an unparalleled, unabridged natural history of Australia.
Mungo National Park, Mungo Credit: Tyson Mayr
Immense, surreal Mungo National Park is the centrepiece of one of the outback’s great road trips. Home to Mungo Man and Mungo Lady, this fossilised lakebed in western New South Wales is a 42,000-year-old cradle of Australian Aboriginal culture. Plan a visit to wander around one of this continent’s most photographable phenomena — the Walls of China — and to witness an unparalleled, unabridged natural history of Australia.
Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton
A New South Wales road trip offers a great sense of freedom, natural beauty and charming towns to explore at every turn. From well-known driving routes like the Greater Blue Mountains Drive, Grand Pacific Drive (crossing the pictured Sea Cliff Bridge) and Legendary Pacific Coast, to lesser-known drives such as High Country to Cruising Coast, Kamilaroi Contrasts and Stargazing and Storytelling, New South Wales has an adventure for every road tripper to plan.
Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton
A New South Wales road trip offers a great sense of freedom, natural beauty and charming towns to explore at every turn. From well-known driving routes like the Greater Blue Mountains Drive, Grand Pacific Drive (crossing the pictured Sea Cliff Bridge) and Legendary Pacific Coast, to lesser-known drives such as High Country to Cruising Coast, Kamilaroi Contrasts and Stargazing and Storytelling, New South Wales has an adventure for every road tripper to plan.
Dark Sky Park, Warrumbungle National Park
Dream of the starry skies of Warrumbungle National Park, the southern hemisphere’s first and only Dark Sky Park. This area is recognised internationally for its outstanding nocturnal environment and clear, dark skies. The Warrumbungles are an unspoiled wonder located a six-hour drive from Sydney, where the lack of light pollution means the stars shine brighter.
Dark Sky Park, Warrumbungle National Park
Dream of the starry skies of Warrumbungle National Park, the southern hemisphere’s first and only Dark Sky Park. This area is recognised internationally for its outstanding nocturnal environment and clear, dark skies. The Warrumbungles are an unspoiled wonder located a six-hour drive from Sydney, where the lack of light pollution means the stars shine brighter.
Nobbys Beach, Newcastle
Luckily for surfers, the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea deliver some of the most consistent waves in the country, in some of the most beautiful locations. It’s no surprise then that New South Wales has produced most of Australia’s surfing world champions. Whether you’re a surfer or a swimmer, or just like to hang out on the sand, put Nobbys beach in Newcastle on your list.
Nobbys Beach, Newcastle
Luckily for surfers, the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea deliver some of the most consistent waves in the country, in some of the most beautiful locations. It’s no surprise then that New South Wales has produced most of Australia’s surfing world champions. Whether you’re a surfer or a swimmer, or just like to hang out on the sand, put Nobbys beach in Newcastle on your list.
Tooloom National Park
New South Wales is home to more than 870 national parks and reserves. Make a plan to venture beyond the big-hitters and you’ll find an array of lesser-known parks that offer incredible bushwalking, swimming, Aboriginal history, and more. Tooloom National Park is especially unique, as it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests of Australia and offers incredible views across the Great Dividing Range.
Tooloom National Park
New South Wales is home to more than 870 national parks and reserves. Make a plan to venture beyond the big-hitters and you’ll find an array of lesser-known parks that offer incredible bushwalking, swimming, Aboriginal history, and more. Tooloom National Park is especially unique, as it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests of Australia and offers incredible views across the Great Dividing Range.
Wallis Lake, Jungle Surf, Paddle Boarding
The New South Wales North Coast is fringed by hundreds of beautiful beaches and pristine waterways, whether you’re after a family-friendly stretch of sand or world-famous waves, there are plenty of options to plan for. Wallis Lake near Forster is the sparkling jewel in the crown that consists of the Great Lakes region in the Barrington Coast, and an epic place to try some aquatic activities such as paddleboarding.
Wallis Lake, Jungle Surf, Paddle Boarding
The New South Wales North Coast is fringed by hundreds of beautiful beaches and pristine waterways, whether you’re after a family-friendly stretch of sand or world-famous waves, there are plenty of options to plan for. Wallis Lake near Forster is the sparkling jewel in the crown that consists of the Great Lakes region in the Barrington Coast, and an epic place to try some aquatic activities such as paddleboarding.
Dead Horse Gap, Thredbo
Dreaming of a magical winter escape? The Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales, 450km south of Sydney has all you need. From caving to soaking in thermal waters, epic road trips snow-shoeing, you’ll find plenty to do when you can next visit.
Dead Horse Gap, Thredbo
Dreaming of a magical winter escape? The Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales, 450km south of Sydney has all you need. From caving to soaking in thermal waters, epic road trips snow-shoeing, you’ll find plenty to do when you can next visit.
Lake Jindabyne, Jindabyne
Spring and summer transform the Snowy Mountains into an adventure playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into hiking, canoeing, horse riding or cycling, this picturesque alpine wonderland should be on your list — and there are plenty of places to refuel on wine, truffles and trout afterwards.
Lake Jindabyne, Jindabyne
Spring and summer transform the Snowy Mountains into an adventure playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into hiking, canoeing, horse riding or cycling, this picturesque alpine wonderland should be on your list — and there are plenty of places to refuel on wine, truffles and trout afterwards.
Murrays Beach Sea Cave, Jervis Bay Credit: Jordan Robins
New South Wales is home to some of the whitest sands in the world, which can be discovered on the White Sands Walk in the Shoalhaven region of the South Coast. The region is also home to postcard-perfect beaches, stunning bushwalks, relaxed villages, delicious local produce and fantastic wineries, so don’t forget to save a spot for it on your travel planning list.
Murrays Beach Sea Cave, Jervis Bay Credit: Jordan Robins
New South Wales is home to some of the whitest sands in the world, which can be discovered on the White Sands Walk in the Shoalhaven region of the South Coast. The region is also home to postcard-perfect beaches, stunning bushwalks, relaxed villages, delicious local produce and fantastic wineries, so don’t forget to save a spot for it on your travel planning list.
Ballooning, Hunter Valley.
New South Wales is a wine lover’s delight – not only can the country’s oldest vineyards be found in the Hunter Valley, a two-hour drive north of Sydney, there are 14 wine regions to plan a visit to. When planning your next adventure, why not consider taking off in a hot air balloon over the vineyards?
Ballooning, Hunter Valley.
New South Wales is a wine lover’s delight – not only can the country’s oldest vineyards be found in the Hunter Valley, a two-hour drive north of Sydney, there are 14 wine regions to plan a visit to. When planning your next adventure, why not consider taking off in a hot air balloon over the vineyards?
Woomargama National Park, Wantagong
New South Wales is one of Australia’s most diverse states, boasting outback plains to alpine high country and glorious pockets of rainforest. Woomagarma National Park is the largest protected area of forest west of the Great Dividing Range with fantastic camping and hiking and within close proximity to all that the Murray region offers.
Woomargama National Park, Wantagong
New South Wales is one of Australia’s most diverse states, boasting outback plains to alpine high country and glorious pockets of rainforest. Woomagarma National Park is the largest protected area of forest west of the Great Dividing Range with fantastic camping and hiking and within close proximity to all that the Murray region offers.
Cook Island, Fingal Head
Dreaming of a diving adventure? There are hundreds of fantastic diving and snorkelling spots along the coastlines of New South Wales. In the far northeastern corner of NSW, less than 1km off Fingal Head, Cook Island Aquatic Reserve is a haven for turtles (particularly green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles).
Cook Island, Fingal Head
Dreaming of a diving adventure? There are hundreds of fantastic diving and snorkelling spots along the coastlines of New South Wales. In the far northeastern corner of NSW, less than 1km off Fingal Head, Cook Island Aquatic Reserve is a haven for turtles (particularly green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles).
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Mulwala Water Ski Club, MulwalaCredit: Destination NSW
Mulwala Water Ski Club located in the Riverina Murray region in Mulwala, offers an outdoor bar and casual relaxed dining overlooking Lake Mulwala. Learn to water ski on a world-class, private, twin lake the Max Kirwan Ski Park.
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Cool off with an adventure: NSW is a watersports playground
Mulwala Water Ski Club, Mulwala Credit: Destination NSW
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Hot sands, wild rivers, bays with towers of coral and waves that curl like a rockabilly quiff – NSW is a paradise for adventure on and under the water. For adrenaline-chasers, there are world-class waves and whitewater runs, foils and jet boats built for speed, and reefs home to sharks and turtles. For the quiet adventurers, try paddleboard expeditions, fishing for rainbow trout and bass in pristine rivers, and colourful snorkelling spots.
Your next adrenaline hit
Surfing may be the famous action-hero of the NSW watersports scene, but the state’s rivers, lakes, bays and beaches also host a huge diversity of aquatic adventures to get the heart racing. Take in Sydney Harbour’s icons, while spinning, splashing and thundering past in a jet boat with Oz Jet Boating or Thunder Jet Boat. In Western Sydney, Penrith is a hub for adventure. Penrith Whitewater Stadium, purpose-built for the 2000 Olympics, is uniquely set up for both beginner paddling and intense raft adventures, as well as kayak courses where you can test yourself against Olympic times; Cables Wake Park teaches you to wakeboard via zipline (jumps and obstacles included); and Jet Pack Adventures lets you feel like a water-powered Iron Man.
In Brooklyn, on the Hawkesbury River, Jet Ski Safaris will take you around the bends of the river at 30 knots, while Fliteschool Manly and OzFoiling (with multiple locations on the Mid North Coast) will teach you how to cruise the coastline via eFoil, a motorised surfboard that glides above the water like an elegant seabird. Outside of Sydney, on the Murray River, encounter one of the greatest and oldest waterski clubs in the world at Mulwala Water Ski Club.
Find a wave
With reliable breaks on some of the world’s most picturesque beaches, NSW is a premium spot on the international surf circuit. Surfers with their own board and years of experience behind them can find world-class waves all up the coast while newbies can join in on a surfing lesson, all you have to do is choose which one and which beach. You can also practice on a perfectly shaped, perfectly reliable wave (with multiple options suitable for beginners or experts) at URBNSURF, Olympic Park’s surf park, and finish off with a meal at RAFI, the onsite Applejack-run restaurant and bar that overlooks the waves.
URBNSURF Sydney Credit: Applejack_Sandy’s_URBNSURF Sydney
URBNSURF Sydney
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URBNSURF Sydney Credit: Applejack_Sandy’s_URBNSURF Sydney
URBNSURF Sydney
Oz Jet Boating, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Experience the incredible speed of the red shark boats as they blast across Sydney harbour at high speed with Oz Jet Boating.
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Oz Jet Boating, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Experience the incredible speed of the red shark boats as they blast across Sydney harbour at high speed with Oz Jet Boating.
Explore NSW’s coral reefs
The pristine, ecologically rich seas of NSW have seen the development of 10 protected marine parks covering more than 100,000 square kilometres, offering a haven to wildly diverse range of sea life. Beyond those areas, in the harbour and the bays of the coastal cities, there are also vibrant ecosystems ripe for snorkel or scuba dive trips. Self-guided snorkelling can be done in most places along the coast and, provided you have the equipment and training, so can diving. Or learn the ropes with a tour. Woebegone Expeditions and Courses will teach you how to explore the reefs of the South Coast with safe, freediving techniques; Region X Snorkel Tours has you jumping off a kayak with a snorkel around Batemans Bay; and Ecotreasures fits in a headland walk between time in the aquatic reserve around Manly. For new divers, you can explore the lower North Coast with Jetty Dive Centre or the tropical far North Coast with Cooly Eco Adventures. While Sydney Underwater Scooters will set you up with a handheld swim-assister and show you the clear waters and underwater fauna of Sydney’s Gordon’s Bay.
Paddling sunrise to sunset
Every river, bay and lake has a different scene and a different story, and cruising on a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lets you discover at your own pace. NSW is also full of explorers and local experts ready to guide you along the way. In Sydney, Sydney Harbour Kayaks and Sydney by Kayak will introduce you to the harbour at its multicolour best with dawn and dusk paddles. Manly Kayak Centre has both hire and guided options for kayaks and SUP, as well as giving you the opportunity to try your hand at SUPBALL, which is like polo but replaces the horse with a SUP. Cronulla SUP and Balmoral Paddlesurf let you explore less famous, but no less beautiful, beaches of Sydney’s south and north respectively.
On the Sapphire Coast combine your next river adventure with a story, like on Navigate Expeditions’ Aboriginal Culture Tour, where you journey into the land’s Indigenous heritage, or a Kayak and Shuck Tour where you visit the oyster farms. On the North Coast, social enterprise and SUP tour guides Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours offers cultural eco-tourism on a paddleboard around the pristine waters of Solitary Island Marine Park. Not far away in The Tweed, Watersports Guru offers SUP lessons and hire, allowing you to cruise the waters Cudgen Creek while taking in the local birdlife – if you’re lucky you may even see a pod of dolphins.
Reel in a new experience
With pristine rivers and wild oceans, NSW is a dream for fishing for both newbies and those looking for the next big catch. Out on the oceans of the South Coast Kiama Charter Service will help you pull in your first deep-sea fish (go for blue-eye trevalla, gemfish or hapuka). While Port Macquarie Fishing Charters, Reel Ocean Adventures (in Tuncurry) and Evans Head Deep Sea Fishing Charters, provide the boats, deep-sea equipment and vibes on the North Coast. Inland, learn traditional yabbying in the bush at Narrabri Fish Farm, or set up your own line on NSW’s most epic jetties at Coffs Harbour, Lake Macquarie and Lake St Clair in the Hunter Valley. If you know the ways of a fly fisher, the Snowy Mountains and Blue Mountains are the hot spots.
Kayaking, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a day of kayaking on Sydney Harbour.
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Kayaking, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a day of kayaking on Sydney Harbour.
Navigate Expeditions, Kalaru Credit: Destination NSW
Guests on a walking tour with Navigate Expeditions in Kalaru
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Navigate Expeditions, Kalaru Credit: Destination NSW
Guests on a walking tour with Navigate Expeditions in Kalaru