Yarrangobilly River Walk, Kosciuszko National ParkCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a dip in the natural thermal springs in the Yarrongobilly area, Kosciuszko National Park.
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With modern wonders cocooned in cobbled city streets and jaw-dropping nature within easy reach, there’s inspiration at every turn in New South Wales. And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, this effervescent place unveils a new dawn, a new day and a thousand unexpected ways to surprise and energise you. Here, just a few to get you started…
Find your way into an icon’s heart
Perched atop the city like a curved steel crown, the Sydney Harbour Bridge draws you in from every angle. Step inside its stately South-East Pylon and you’ll feel the pulse of its 90 years of living history. Here, the original lookout offers enchanting views all the way to the Blue Mountains, while its fascinating museum showcases The Coathanger’s unfolding story. And on March 19, you can become part of this icon’s tale as NSW celebrates its 90th anniversary with storytelling, exhibitions and street parades, even as far afield as Moruya.
Feel the true meaning of ‘mega’
Be awed and floored by grand-scale nature. Just two hours’ drive west of the city centre lies the Megalong Valley, where ancient waterways once chiselled towering escarpments to create an epic natural playground (and one of the Blue Mountains’ best-kept secrets). Feel a new rush and explore this World Heritage-listed wilderness on horseback; hike historic trails, and unwind between the vines at Dryridge Estate. Your heart sings at Lincoln Rock, where the elements have carved a natural window into the sandstone, opening to views all the way to mighty Mount Solitary.
BridgeClimb, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying the Burrawa Indigenous Experience at BridgeClimb, Sydney.
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BridgeClimb, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying the Burrawa Indigenous Experience at BridgeClimb, Sydney.
Lincoln Rock, Wentworth Falls Credit: Destination NSW
Morning fog over Blue Mountains National Park as seen from Lincolns Rock in Wentworth Falls.
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Lincoln Rock, Wentworth Falls Credit: Destination NSW
Morning fog over Blue Mountains National Park as seen from Lincolns Rock in Wentworth Falls.
Be energised by new rhythms
Sydney moves to the beat of its own drum and, each night of the week, live music fills the air with electricity – you feel it when you’re singing the blues at The Vanguard; hip-hopping at The Metro Lair, or catching international headliners at the Factory Theatre and Soda Factory. Fancy a change of tempo? Slip beneath The Rocks and into Mary’s Underground for smooth, jazz club vibes, big brass bands and a standout menu starring duck and lobster. Wherever your Sydney live-gig soundtrack takes you, every night feels young and full of possibility.
Wash away the everyday
Cleanse away stress without a single drop of water. Forest bathing experiences refresh body and mind in the tranquil glades of Morton National Park, Kamay Botany Bay and beyond. Re-centre yourself as the wind whispers through moss-garnished eucalypts and every shade of green fills your field of vision. The rejuvenation continues as you slip into the healing waters of Yarrangobilly’s hot springs, and as you brace yourself for the cold, energising plunge into the Snowy Mountains’ waterways, where secret waterholes like Rushes Bay at Lake Jindabyne and the Thredbo River’s Friday Flat Pond, invigorate every sense.
Discover your wildest side
The locals are friendly wherever you venture in NSW, but meeting those with fins, feathers and fur is life-affirming. Swim with turtles on a snorkelling tour of the Tweed, meet Montague Island’s penguins, and be charmed by Tasmanian devils near Barrington Tops on a tour of Aussie Ark. Out west near Bourke, the outback is teeming with wildlife – look deeper into Gundabooka National Park’s untamed plains and spot elegant emus and red kangaroos, and watchful wedge-tail eagles soaring above. At nearby Toorale National Park, picturesque floodplains are nature’s stage for dancing brolgas, raptors and migrating waterbirds. Breathing in all the rich layers of nature, you feel more alive than ever.
For inspiration on Sydney, check out sydney.com.
The Vanguard, Newtown Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying drinks and live music at The Vanguard, Newtown in Sydney's inner west.
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The Vanguard, Newtown Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying drinks and live music at The Vanguard, Newtown in Sydney's inner west.
Pigeon House Mountain (Didthul), Morton National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying panoramic views across to Pigeon House Mountain (Aboriginal: Didthul) in Morton National Park.
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Pigeon House Mountain (Didthul), Morton National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying panoramic views across to Pigeon House Mountain (Aboriginal: Didthul) in Morton National Park.
Bouddi National Park, BouddiCredit: Destination Central Coast
Scenic coastal views from Bouddi National Park, Bouddi.
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What better way to keep the adventure going after your Vivid Sydney visit by exploring our natural wonders just outside of the city? A treasure trove of experiences await: hike into the mountains, taste wine from the barrel and walk among the treetops. And best of all, these trips are all within 2.5 hours’ drive of Sydney – perfect if you’re looking to extend a holiday for just a few days.
Blue Mountains | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Named for the beautiful haze that hangs over the sleepy villages, ancient rock formations and bushland, the magnificent Blue Mountains is one of Sydney’s favourite weekenders for good reason.
There’s nothing quite like a hike in the fresh mountain air at golden hour, though taking in the expansive valleys atop a lookout or cable car comes close. Whether you adventure and abseil all day or focus on fine-dining and uncovering some stunning op-shop finds, soak off the day at luxury accommodation.
Things to do
- Take a sunset selfie at Three Sisters
- Ride the Skyway into the clouds at Scenic World
- Soak into true serenity at the Japanese Bath House
- Explore Jenolan Caves’ limestone labyrinth
- Embrace the wilderness at Turon Gates Mountain Eco-Retreat
- Learn about Indigenous culture on a walkabout tour
Central Coast | 1 HOURS’ DRIVE
A stone's throw from Sydney, a million miles from a care in the world… that wraps up the Central Coast region in a nutshell. There’s an enviably relaxed beach lifestyle here – with kilometres of sand and Pacific Ocean to explore – but national parks abound, too, and calm waterways ideal for throwing in a line, or conquering with a kayak. The coast with the most? You bet.
Things to do
- Take in the eight kilometre Bouddi Coastal Walk
- Zip-line through the Ourimbah State Forest at Treetops Adventure
- Embrace First Nations knowledge and culture with a Girri Girra walking tour
- Have breakfast with alpacas
- Whale watch and explore coastal rainforest at Wyrrabalong National Park
- Catch a flick at the colourful Avoca Beach Theatre
- Stay at the idyllic The Boathouse Hotel Patonga
The Hunter Valley | 2.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
The Hunter Valley is renowned for its Sémillon and shiraz varietals, acclaimed wineries and restaurants, luxury resorts, world-class spas and championship golf courses.
Wander through the wine-tasting hotspot of Pokolbin, explore the majestic Hunter Valley gardens, picnic amongst the vines on fresh local produce and don’t miss spying the lush Hunter from above in a hot-air balloon.
Things to do
- Try out top-drops from the historic Tyrrell’s, explore organic wines at Tamburlaine or biodynamic options at Krinklewood
- Visit a Provencal pocket at Bistro Molines
- Take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise with Beyond Ballooning
- Stay in luxury at the Crowne Plaza
- Ride through bushland and vineyards with Hunter Valley Horses
Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
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Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
Beyond Ballooning, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arriving for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Beyond Ballooning in the Hunter Valley.
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Beyond Ballooning, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arriving for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Beyond Ballooning in the Hunter Valley.
Kiama, Jamberoo & More | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Feel the sea spray hit your skin at the blowhole at Kiama, only 30 minutes south of Wollongong. Away from the famous rock formations, epic waves and grassy seaside slopes, Kiama is a place of nature hikes, fancy seafood feasts on waterside decks and unique adventures. Take yourself on a wild and wonderful trail winding through windswept headlands and extraordinary beaches.
Things to do
- Get your Tarzan on and try the after-dark zipline at Illawarra Fly
- Swoosh down a waterslide at Jamberoo Action Park
- Enjoy breakfast with a beach view at Penny Whistlers
- Have a surf lesson with Surf Camp Australia
- Hike through Minnamurra Rainforest
- Stay in luxury at The Pause, Gerringong
Newcastle | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Newcastle is an unbeatable mix of golden beaches, luscious food and buzzing culture that makes you feel high on life. Have a dip at Merewether, dine overlooking the surf break and delve into the edgy boutiques and bars. This coastal hub is also in a sweet spot with the Hunter Valley less than an hour west.
Things to do
- Hop between cafes, museums and more at the waterfront Honeysuckle precinct
- Stay at the boutique QT Newcastle
- Take a long stroll along Bathers Way
- Visit Newcastle Art Gallery
- Dine on fresh seafood at Merewether Surf House
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Minnamurra River Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Minnamurra River Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
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Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
Southern Highlands | 1.5’ HOURS DRIVE
Located midway between Sydney and Canberra, the NSW Southern Highlands provides a welcome relief to the hustle of city life – a meld of classic and contemporary country culture. Innovative winemakers immersed in traditional methods. Morning truffle hunts evolving into modern dégustations. Pack your gum boots and head off to stay in an ivy-draped country manor or an architecturally designed farmhouse.
Things to do
- Get back to nature with a forest bathing session at Osborn House
- See cutting-edge art in a restored dairy turned art gallery, Ngununggula
- Browse literary treasures at Berkelouw Book Barn
- Antique the afternoon away at Dirty Janes Bowral
- Enjoy sustainable wines at Tractorless Vineyard Cellar Door
- Visit picture-postcard village Robertson (the setting for Australia’s hit film Babe)
- Spend a night at the charming Old Bank Boutique Hotel
Wollongong | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Adorned by rainforest-covered escarpment and the stunning golden beaches of the South Coast, NSW’s third-largest city is a fun, vibrant and delicious urban centre that offers diverse appeal.
Just getting to Wollongong from Sydney is a tourist attraction. Instead of taking the M1 Princes Highway, take the Grand Pacific Drive, a spectacular touring route through the Royal National Park to Stanwell Park and south over the Sea Cliff Bridge.
Things to do
- Spot fairywrens, herons and more at Puckey’s Estate Nature Reserve
- Dine at the award-winning Babyface Kitchen
- Spend an afternoon at Wollongong Art Gallery
- Explore the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Buddhist Temple, Nan Tien
- Take a guided tour of the historic Blue Mile
- Catch live tunes and good vibes at La La La’s
Looking to go further afield?
If you have time on your hands, NSW has plenty more wonders to explore. Head to the Snowy Mountains for some time on the ski slopes; venture west towards the edge of the Great Dividing Range for world-heritage wilderness and Mudgee’s wine region, or escape it all on the Sapphire Coast.
Plan your Vivid Sydney trip now: vividsydney.com
Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
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Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.