New South Wales Travel Guide

When planning your trip to Australia, don't miss all that New South Wales, located in southeastern Australia, has for you to see and do. Enjoy the city life in Sydney before driving south towards the breathtaking Blue Mountains or heading north for peace and serenity in Byron Bay and Hunter Valley.

Get our Ultimate Viewers' complete New South Wales itinerary.

Whether you want to explore the city, mountains or beaches, Tourism Australia's destination guide will help you make the most of your time in New South Wales.

First up: Sydney and its surroundings

Sydney

Soak up the city's gorgeous harbor, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. Kayak under the Sydney Harbor Bridge or wave at the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbor to Manly. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach or swim in the calm waters of Coogee. Lose yourself in the cobblestone cul-de-sacs of The Rocks or in the markets, boutiques, cafes and pubs of Paddington. In addition to having a world-famous harbor and more than 70 sparkling beaches, Sydney offers fabulous food, festivals and 24-7 fun. You'll soon agree there's no place in the world like Sydney.

Sydney's Surroundings

Listen to jazz amongst the vines in the Hunter Valley, bush walk in the Blue Mountains or float down the Hawkesbury River on a houseboat. Watch dolphins from Port Stephens and Forster and lose yourself in the World Heritage-listed wilderness of Barrington Tops. Escape to the hills, forests, valleys and heritage villages of the Southern Highlands. Surf on the Central Coast or on the South Coast, where you can also see Kiama's famous blowhole. These mountains, rivers, beaches, parks and rich tablelands are just a short drive from Sydney.

Next: Hang glide on the North Coast and snorkel at Lord Howe Island

North Coast

Hang glide and spot humpback whales in the new-age beach paradise of Byron Bay. See the Big Prawn in the bustling holiday town of Ballina and scuba dive off the Coffs Coast. In the Tweed Valley, you can fish the Tweed River and see the southern hemisphere's biggest eroded volcanic crater. On the rain forest-lined North Coast, classic Aussie surf culture mingles with World Heritage-listed national parks, hinterland villages and great food and wine.

South Coast

Walk pearly white beaches and see dolphins frolic in sparkling water in Jervis Bay. Meet grey kangaroos and cruise the pristine Clyde River in Batemans Bay. Try award-winning cheeses at Bega and watch whales in Eden on the Sapphire Coast, near the Victorian border. The South Coast has 30 national parks, marine parks and reserves, as well as gorgeous beaches and rich Aboriginal history for you to explore.

Lord Howe Island

Trek to the top of Mount Gower and bushwalk through native forests and over white sand beaches. Snorkel and dive in protected, temperate waters on the world's southernmost coral reef. You'll find more than 50 sites abundant with fish, colorful coral and green turtles. On World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, bicycles are the best way to get around, and there's no mobile phone reception. Even better, this beautiful island is less than a two-hour flight from Sydney.

Next: Have an adventure in the Outback and ski the snowy mountains

 Outback

Visit the world's oldest ceremonial burial site at Mungo National Park in the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area. Stay underground in the quirky opal mining town of White Cliffs or see where exquisite black opal is mined and meet eccentric locals in Lightning Ridge. Discover distinctive light, desert landscapes and an oasis of lakes around Broken Hill, the former mining town known as Silver City. Don't miss the characters, history and horizons of the New South Wales outback.

 Snowy Mountains

Hit Australia's highest ski slopes at Charlotte Pass and climb Mt. Kosciuszko, Australia's tallest peak. At the top you'll find a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with 20 species of plants found nowhere else in the world. During the winter, hit the slopes at Thredbo and Perisher Blue. In the summer, take in the trout-filled streams and wildflower-coated plains while cycling, caving, rafting, kayaking, four-wheeling, horseback riding and hiking. Whatever the season, Snowy Mountains has endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

 Heart of Country
South of the Queensland border you'll find Australia's country music capital of Tamworth and Moree's natural artesian spas. See the volcanic spires of Warrumbungle National Park and the World Heritage-listed national parks of Glen Innes. West to the outback, climb the red dunes of the prehistoric Perry Sandhills and explore the wineries and citrus orchards of Griffith. To the south, travel down the Murray River in a paddlesteamer from twin towns on the Victorian border: Echuca-Moama and Albury-Wodonga. Drive the Poacher's Trail through the Yass Valley and check out captivating art galleries in Wagga Wagga.

Get our Ultimate Viewers' complete New South Wales itinerary.

Browse travel guides for all parts of Australia