Sand Dune Adventures, Port StephensCredit: Destination NSW
Small group enjoying an Aboriginal cultural tour on quad bikes with Sand Dune Adventures, Port Stephens.
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Sometimes the most special travel moments happen when we’re not looking for them. A kangaroo sighting on a walk through the bush. Postcard views from your cabin’s bathroom window. A sense of calm as you float on the water. Feel free to wander far and wide in New South Wales; you never know what’s around the bend.
Dive deeper into the blue on a sea scooter
Torpedo down to the world below the surface at Sydney’s Gordons Bay, exploring every rock, crevice and coral reef habitat on a fast-paced Underwater Scooter Tour. The easy-to-use, hand-held sea scooters propel you further and faster to the ocean floor – up to 5km/h and 30m deep – so you can explore some of the hidden gems of this aquatic reserve. Spy the tangled legs of an octopus stretching out on the sand, find spiky sea urchins tucked between rocks, and even watch a turtle peacefully gliding by.
Speed down sand dunes on a quad bike
Feel the wind in your hair as you fly across the seemingly endless landscape of the Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Towering as high as 40 metres, the steep sandy slopes cover 2500 hectares of Port Stephens and are best explored on a quad bike with Indigenous-owned tour company Sand Dune Adventures. Not only will you traverse the incredible hills, but you’ll also get a hands-on introduction to the local Aboriginal culture and 40,000-year-old history.
Paddle magical waterways to champagne and canapes
Immerse yourself in the serene natural wonderland of Kangaroo Valley on a Paddle, Dine and Vine Canoe Tour with Wild Food Adventures. Gliding downstream along the Kangaroo River, with picturesque Morton National Park in the background, you’ll feel part of the scenic surroundings of this ancient sunken forest. Take a paddling break to refuel with wild native canapés and a local award-winning cold climate wine and finish up at Mount Ashby Estate Vineyard for a two-course lunch surrounded by vines, cattle farms and lake views.
Gordons Bay, Coogee Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a morning visit to Gordons Bay, Coogee.
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Gordons Bay, Coogee Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a morning visit to Gordons Bay, Coogee.
Scenic Drive, Kangaroo Valley Credit: Alexandra Adoncello
Car driving through the leafy Kangaroo Valley.
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Scenic Drive, Kangaroo Valley Credit: Alexandra Adoncello
Car driving through the leafy Kangaroo Valley.
Find a home among the gum trees
Wake up to the sound of birdsong in one of the luxury eco lodgings at Tanja Lagoon Camp, just a 30-minute drive from Bermagui on the South Coast. Perched on the edge of a wild coastal lagoon, roam forested paths lined with spotted gums all the way to the soft sandy bays of the Sapphire Coast. Cuddle up to your favourite people in their beautiful accommodation – choose from spacious safari tents or luxe eco cabins – all with queen beds, ensuite bathrooms, full kitchens and lounges and private decks to sit back and watch nature at its best.
Take a walk on the wild side
Climbing to the top of a mountain peak to discover endless views of the ocean sprawling before you will inspire a feeling of freedom and achievement you’re unlikely to forget. It’s one of the highlights of the Seven Peaks Walk, a five-day luxury guided hike around UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island. With your expert guide leading the way, walk off the beaten track to reach new heights and explore deep into the Jurassic Park-style banyan forests this island is famous for.
Journey through the desert on a camel
Like intrepid explorer Captain Charles Sturt on his expedition through outback NSW in the 1800s, saddle up on the back of a camel to explore the dusty red landscape of Silverton, just a 30-minute drive from Broken Hill. Silverton Outback Camels offer a range of journeys across this intriguing desert: watch the sunset cast a golden glow as you saunter around this heritage mining town on a scenic afternoon tour or embark on an adventure under the bright outback stars on an overnight camping trek.
Wake up on the water
The river feels like it’s all yours when you’re floating along on your very own houseboat. On board the River of Islands Houseboat, take your time to chug along the Murray River at your own pace as you drive yourself along the water from Lake Mulwala. Watch river red gums twist up from the banks, take a morning dip, go kayaking at sunset, cast a line and try your luck reeling in a fish for dinner, and simply relax and recharge with your nearest and dearest.
Lagoon Beach, Lord Howe Island Credit: Zach sanders
The scenic Lagoon Beach at Lord Howe Island.
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Lagoon Beach, Lord Howe Island Credit: Zach sanders
The scenic Lagoon Beach at Lord Howe Island.
Silverton Outback Camels, Silverton Credit: Destination NSW
Guests enjoying a sunset tour around Silverton with Silverton Outback Camels.
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Silverton Outback Camels, Silverton Credit: Destination NSW
Guests enjoying a sunset tour around Silverton with Silverton Outback Camels.
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.