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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Sydney New Year's Eve, SydneyCredit: Keith McInnes
Spectacular 9pm Welcome to Country fireworks display across Sydney Harbour to celebrate the New Year
#feelnewsydney
The countdown is on for the biggest night of the year. As the clock strikes midnight on 31 December, more than one million people will gather around Sydney Harbour to ring in 2025. This year, experience Sydney at its summer best, spend the biggest night in the city, then wind down out of town.
Where to watch the fireworks
Observatory Hill
One of the highest points in the city, Observatory Hill is on the edge of The Rocks and is positioned straight at the Sydney Harbour Bridge – it’s probably the closest you can get to the bridge without being on it. Sensitive ears? Bring some ear plugs.
Free entry – no tickets required
Mrs Macquarie’s Point
This iconic NYE vantage point just next to the Royal Botanic Garden has spectacular views of Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the barges that dot the water near the bridge. Here, there’s a real party atmosphere with pop-up bars and food trucks spread out around the point.
Free entry – no tickets required
NYE Pier Party
At Pier One Sydney Harbour‘s exclusive NYE Pier Party, you’ll be almost close enough to touch the fireworks. Tickets include a mouthwatering menu from food stalls along the pier, free flowing drinks and a set from famed Aussie singer-DJ Havana Brown.
Tickets from $549pp
Celebration New Year's Eve
The rooftop Sculpture Terrace at the Museum of Contemporary Art will transform into the city’s most spectacular LGBTQIA+ NYE celebration. From the rooftop setting, you’ll have a front row seat to the biggest night of the year, plus canapes, bottomless drinks, DJs and cabaret acts.
Tickets from $697pp
New Year's Eve Opera Gala at Sydney Opera House
This is a truly iconic Sydney celebration. Start the evening with drinks overlooking the harbour before heading inside for the Opera Gala Concert. Watch the 9pm fireworks during intermission then enjoy the rest of the show before the exclusive Midnight Party kicks off in the Northern Foyer. Expect incredible views of the fireworks, Champagne and a night of dancing.
Tickets from $199pp
Rooftop bars
Ring in the new year at one of Sydney’s glamorous rooftop bars where you can pair breathtaking views with live music, Champagne and a cocktail the colour of the fireworks. Aster at the top of the InterContinental Sydney has some of the best views in the city, looking out over the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. At the Shangri-La Hotel, marvel at the fireworks from the sky-high Altitude restaurant and Blu Bar. For fireworks views from Darling Harbour, get tickets to the festivities at Zephyr (DJ and saxophonist included) at the Hyatt Regency, Untied Barangaroo (featuring flowing frosé and a DJ set) and CIRQ at Crown Sydney (where you’ll join a masquerade soiree).
Tickets required
Lawn With A View, New Years Eve, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens on New Years Eve at the Lawn With A View event
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Lawn With A View, New Years Eve, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens on New Years Eve at the Lawn With A View event
Lawn With A View, New Years Eve, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying the fireworks display at the Lawn With A View event on New Years Eve in the Royal Botanic Gardens
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Lawn With A View, New Years Eve, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying the fireworks display at the Lawn With A View event on New Years Eve in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Watch the fireworks on the water
Harbour islands
Three of Sydney’s tiny harbour islands are prime vantage points for the NYE fireworks. Clark Island and Shark Island sit either side of Point Piper and have clear views of the harbour and the bridge. Goat Island is close to Balmain on the western side, so you’ll get to see the ‘back’ side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the firework barges. Entry is free though you’ll need to pay for the ferry transfers. You can bring your own food and alcohol.
(Note that these islands are sold out for NYE 2024 – remember to book early for 2025)
Cockatoo Island
Spend the night in the middle of the action on World Heritage-listed Cockatoo Island. Choose a pre-erected tent (or bring your own) on the Eastern Apron for stellar views of the harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll also be able to see the explosives fire out of a fireworks barge just offshore.
Tickets from 514.42 for a four-person campsite
(Note that a minimum two-night stay applies – NYE guests will stay from Monday 30 December to Wednesday 1 January.)
Harbour cruises
The harbour will be dotted with hundreds of boats during the NYE celebrations, most illuminated with coloured lights and filled with excited revellers. Splash out on an indulgent multi-course dinner, free-flowing drinks and live music aboard the glass-walled Clearview, MV Vagabond Spirit or a Sydney Showboat ferry. Captain Cook Cruises offers a range of cruise options including a more budget-friendly evening where you can bring your own food and drink onboard.
Private charter
For a more exclusive experience, book a private charter boat to enjoy the countdown with your closest friends. Sydney Harbour Escapes, Sydney Harbour Specialists and Eastcoast Sailing have luxurious fleets available for hire. Prices start at around $3,000 and go up well over $100,000 for extra luxury options.
New Year's Eve Fireworks 2020, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Spectacular midnight fireworks display across Sydney Harbour to celebrate the start of 2021.
#feelnewsydney
New Year's Eve Fireworks 2020, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Spectacular midnight fireworks display across Sydney Harbour to celebrate the start of 2021.
New year, new adventures: ultimate summer getaways close to Sydney
When the fireworks have faded and the last Champagne cork has been popped, take the opportunity to discover the wonders that await just a short drive from the city. Get a taste of spectacular scenery on a day trip or stay away a little longer in unique hotels or bush camps on postcard beaches. Sparkling coastline scenes, lush forests, one-of-kind adventures and stylish stays await on the Central Coast, in Kiama and the Shoalhaven, and in the city of Newcastle.
Central Coast | 1 hours’ drive
North of Sydney, a necklace of jewel-like beaches is strung along the coast, backed by the untouched bushland of national parks. It’s a quintessential slice of the Aussie coastal lifestyle with characterful villages packed with waterside eats, world-class surf, and family adventure.
Things to do:
- Take a dip or learn to surf in the gentle waves of Terrigal Beach, follow the new boardwalk around the Haven, and try snorkelling or diving in the crystal clear water.
- Hop between the 41 beaches that stretch along 80 kilometres of coastline. Try Toowoon Bay for families, Soldiers Beach for surfing and North Avoca for dog-friendly adventures.
- Cruise around the oyster leases of the Hawkesbury River with Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, then get your waders on to sample a freshly shucked shellfish from a table in the water.
- Meet Elvis the crocodile and Hugo the Galapagos tortoise, then book in for a behind the scenes encounter at the Australian Reptile Park.
- Discover a new adventure in the lush Glenworth Valley – horse riding, quad biking, kayaking, abseiling, camping and more.
- Enjoy a romantic retreat at the five-star Bells at Killcare, a plush Hamptons-style retreat with private lodges boasting sunny rooftops and room service from Bells’ award-winning restaurant.
Terrigal Beach, Terrigal Credit: Destination Central Coast
Dolphins catching a wave at Terrigal Beach, Terrigal on the Central Coast of NSW.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Terrigal Beach, Terrigal Credit: Destination Central Coast
Dolphins catching a wave at Terrigal Beach, Terrigal on the Central Coast of NSW.
Kiama & Shoalhaven | 2 hours’ drive
Part of the spectacular South Coast, these neighbouring regions sit south of Wollongong and promise golden beaches, legendary waves, charming villages and natural wonders. From the historic streets of Kiama – now home to galleries and small bars – to beautiful Huskisson, named Australia’s best Tiny Tourism Town for 2024, these areas made for meandering.
Things to do:
- Cruise alongside the bay’s 100 resident dolphins, on board, or in a boat’s boom net, an ocean adventure with Jervis Bay Wild.
- See ocean water crash through a rocky opening and explode up to 30 metres in the air at the Kiama Blowhole, the largest natural blowhole in the world.
- Savour native ingredients at one-hat restaurant Bangalay Dining, then check in to one of the breezy, luxury villas set among coastal sand forest.
- Sleep in style in the bush in one of Paperbark Camp’s stylish safari tents, where kangaroos and king parrots can be seen from the outdoor bathtubs.
Kiama Blowhole, Kiama Credit: Destination NSW
Water plume spouting from the Kiama blowhole.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Kiama Blowhole, Kiama Credit: Destination NSW
Water plume spouting from the Kiama blowhole.
Newcastle | 2 hours’ drive
NSW’s second city, Newcastle was built on steel and shipping but today it’s better known for its thriving arts scene, creative community, delicious dining and photogenic ocean pools. Explore on foot, on two wheels or from the water, uncovering fascinating maritime history, vintage stores, tiny galleries and a buzzy night life.
Things to do:
- Take an adventure cruise with Coast XP, watching dolphins leap in your wake as you pass famed surf beaches, World War II forts and the bustling Newcastle Harbour.
- Join the locals for a beachside breakfast or a woodfired pizza on the rooftop of the always-popular Merewether Surfhouse.
- Toast the day with a drink at the city’s highest bar, Rooftop at QT. Sip unique cocktails or local Hunter wines while you take in the 180-degree views over the city.
- Wake to the sound of the waves at Noah’s on the Beach, a classy beachfront hotel. Choose an ocean facing room for that all important view and head out the front door for a sunrise surf.
- Splash out at Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle’s first five-star hotel that has transformed the historic Council Administration Centre building. Don’t miss dinner with a view at the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant.
Merewether Baths, Newcastle Credit: Destination NSW
Young people enjoying a day at the Merewether Baths in Newcastle.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Merewether Baths, Newcastle Credit: Destination NSW
Young people enjoying a day at the Merewether Baths in Newcastle.