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Places You Just Can’t-Miss In New South Wales (NSW)
Looking for your family’s next vacation spot, or planning a road trip with some of your closest friends? Perhaps you really just need to get away? New South Wales – NSW is the ultimate travel destination within Australia, with loads of options to suit any travel plans.
Whether you’re into hiking through beautiful bushland sceneries, relaxing on the white sand and blue water beaches, or sipping on the finest vineyard wines, New South Wales – NSW has something to offer you. Here are some places you simply just can’t miss out on when traveling to New South Wales – NSW:
Byron Bay, North Coast in New South Wales
Leave all your troubles and worries behind when traveling to Byron Bay, a place known for it’s chilled out vibes and friendly community. Pack your swimmers, a towel and plenty of sunscreens, then be prepared to relax on some truly beautiful beaches. Don’t forget your surfboard too if you want to get in on some of the famous waves at Byron.
Byron’s waters are full of natural treasures and wonderful marine life. Pop on your snorkel and check out the underwater wonderland yourself, or get-up close and personal to other magical marine creatures on a whale or dolphin watching cruise.
When you’re done drying off, head onto land and grab a delicious bite at a beach-side cafe or restaurant, then pick up some knick-knacks at some of the local stores and vibrant local markets. If you’re looking for a bit of a boogie, Byron’s also home to some of Australia’s most jamming music festivals, such as Splendour in the Grass and BluesFest.
Blue Mountains in New South Wales
Don’t let the name fool you, there’s nothing blue or sad about visiting one of the most naturally beautiful destinations in the state. The Blue Mountains is world-heritage listed and top of the list for a reason, serving up spectacular views at many of its lookout points, such as Wentworth Falls, Govetts Leap, and Echo Point.
Only about an hour’s drive (or two-hour train ride) from Sydney, the Blue Mountains is a great choice of destination. From romantic getaways to a day trip with the kids in the school holidays. Visit family favorites such as the iconic Three Sisters and the famous underground systems of the Jenolan Caves, or relax with your significant other in a cozy cottage accommodation set in the breathtaking Australian bush setting.
There is a host of outdoor activities to do in the Blue Mountains, with sightseeing and bush walk topping the list. Choose from a casual one-hour stroll, or a three-day hike across the mountains, depending on your appetite for adventure.
Snowy Mountains in New South Wales
The ‘cooler’ cousin of the Blue Mountains, head to the Snowy Mountains to satisfy any cravings for winter sports in a country typically known for its summer fun. During the Winter months, ski and snowboard your way through popular ski resorts such as Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Mount Selwyn, suitable for both beginners and experts.
Apart from a range of ski resorts, you’ll expect to find stunning vistas of rivers, mountains and glacial lakes inside the Kosciuszko National Park. The national park is also home to Australia’s highest peak Mt Kosciuszko, a must-see for any visitor.
Fortunately, there’s still plenty to do even once the sun comes out and the snow begins to melt. Activities to try out during the warmer months include bushwalking, mountain bike riding, horse riding and fly fishing. You’ll never run out of things to do all year round.
Hunter Valley in New South Wales
For all the wine lovers out there, the Hunter Valley is calling your name. Hunter is Australia’s oldest wine region, and a visit here will provide you with a taste of some of the best wines in not only the country but in the entire world. Pair that glass red or white with a meal at one of Hunter’s many delicious restaurants, or delight in freshly grown produce from the region.
If you find some time between all the wine and cheese tasting, Hunter also offers a range of other great things to do and see. Head to the Hunter Valley Zoo to see animals both unique and exotic to Australia. The relaxed environment of the Hunter Valley is also perfect for a good game of golf or a bit of a pamper at a number of day-spas.
Hunter Valley may be known for its more relaxing experiences, but can also provide to those seeking a little more action during their time away. Soar the skies in an unforgettable hot-air balloon experience, or take it up a notch, and jump into some adrenaline-pumping skydiving, for both bigger & better views of the incredible vineyards below.
Newcastle in New South Wales
Newcastle brings together the best of the city and surf, with its combination of beautiful beaches, fun-filled outdoor activities, excellent dining options, and vibrant nightlife. Just two hours by car from Sydney, or 40-minute direct-flight, Newcastle is easily accessible and a diverse destination for travelers to visit.
As Australia’s second oldest city, Newcastle is rich in architectural heritage and history, awaiting your exploration. Check out heritage-listed Newcastle City Hall to learn more about Newcastle’s history, or find out more by joining a tour at Fort Scratchley Historic Site, and for those who aren’t easily frightened, the Newcastle Heritage and Ghost Tour is for you.
TreeTop adventures, golfing and go-karting are among many other day-time activities held in Newcastle. Then when the sun goes down, head out to enjoy Newcastle’s pumping bar and music scene. “Newy” is also home to Merewether beach, the world-famous destination for surfers all over and where its equally famous surfing festival, Surfest is held every year.
Jervis Bay & Shoalhaven, South Coast in New South Wales
The Jervis Bay & Shoalhaven area is a not-so-hidden gem, located on the South Coast of NSW. From land to water, this region is the perfect holiday destination for families, couples, friends,solo-travelers and even pets. Only two hours from Sydney, plan as little as a weekend, to a complete Summer get-away in the Jervis Bay & Shoalhaven area.
Featuring some of the whitest sand beaches in the world, along with crystal-blue waters, this location is a coastal paradise. Swim, paddle board, fish, kayak, snorkel, surf or simply just relax at popular beaches such as Culburra Beach, Mollymook Beach and Hyams Beach. There are also opportunities to see wildlife such as dolphins, seals, fairy penguins and migrating whales, and to try your hand at activities like rock climbing or horse riding.
Home to many other smaller, unique spots, drive into the hinterland areas to find charming towns like Berry, Kangaroo Valley, and Milton. Treat yourself at enticing cafes & restaurants, local shops & markets, and enjoy a decadent glass of wine or two at a neighboring vineyard.
Sydney City in New South Wales
Saving the best for last, you can’t visit NSW without a trip to the forefront of the state, Sydney. Sydney is its own, distinct destination, separated into 6 different regions that are each filled with its own unique events, attractions and more. Where you choose to visit and what you decide to do is entirely up to you, with absolutely no limit of choice.
For example, in Sydney’s East visit locations such as the world-famous Bondi Beach, horse-racing capital Royal Randwick Racecourse and sporting destinations like the Sydney Cricket Ground. Or, if you head North over the bridge, you’ll find popular attractions like Luna Park, Taronga Zoo and Manly Beach.
In the city centre, you won’t want to miss out on iconic sites such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Tower Eye, Sea Life Aquarium and Wildlife Zoo. Sydney city also hosts every year, Vivid Sydney, a light, music and ideas festival, the largest festival of its kind the world.
How to get to New South Wales (NSW), Australia
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Where to stay in New South Wales
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Tours/Activities available in New South Wales
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New South Wales Tours
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New South Wales has so much to offer by way of adventure, relaxation, wildlife and cultural exploration. Not to mention the breathtaking scenery from the beach to the bush. So be sure to pencil in these unmissable destinations in New South Wales when planning your next road trip or holiday and discover the abundance of beauty and country hospitality on offer in NSW.
Check out some of our Australia related posts:
The Best Of Sydney
Day Trips from Perth, Australia
Budget Friendly Travel Guide to Sydney
A Road Trip from Sydney to Brisbane
14 Awesome Places Along the Great Ocean Road
Brisbane – A Wishlist of Things to Do
Day Trips from Cairns
Day Trips from Melbourne, Australia
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That sounds like a great place to visit. I wasn’t on my radar until now, but it looks absolutely beautiful.
I’ve been to Sydney and the Blue Mountains. I guess I need to come back to visit the other attractions.
All of these places sound spectacular. I hope to make it to this area at some point. I love being by the water!
I’ve never been to Australia but it is on my bucket list. The beaches in New South Wales look so gorgeous. My father lived in Adelaide for 7 years before immigrating to Canada. I would love to visit one day.
We don’t have any plans to visit Wales but it sure does look beautiful. Will just have to enjoy reading all about it and looking at your beautiful photos.
I’ve never been to Australia and have always wanted to go, it’s on my travel bucket list. I’d like to see a number of the places you’re mentioned.
Australia is on my travel bucket list. I have a cousin who has visited several times with her college volleyball team and raves about Sydney and NSW.
Australia would just be an amazing place to visit. Everything from snow to beaches in one great country.
Such a great list of bucket places to visit while there. The Blue Mountains look breathtaking! Thanks for sharing this amazing list.
New South Wales is definitely high on my list. Would especially love to visit Sydney and the Hunter Valley. Thx for the great post.
It’s such a beautiful place and you definitely cannot miss these! Australia has always been on my list and when we go visit, I’ll be sure to include NSW in our itinerary!
There are so many places to check out in Australia. I have always wanted to take the family on a vacation here. New South Wales sounds like a lovely destination!
These look amazing. I would love to travel and see them myself. I can only image the scenery looks even better in person.
South Wales sounds amazing! And the pictures are incredible. Australia is on my bucket list and I’ll have to make sure South Wales is a destination to stop in!
Sounds like a lovely place to visit when you’re in Australia. It would be nice to go there and explore for a few days.
So many beautiful places to go visit in that area. I would LOVE to make this trip. I have no doubt it’s memorable!
Wow! Such stunning pictures! I love the sound and look of every single place you have written about here, especially Hunter Valley. I’m pretty sure I’d love visiting Hunter Valley! 🙂
Those are amazing spots in New South Wales. I would love to explore the Blue Mountains, it looks gorgeous!
Australia is on our top list to visit abroad. Not only I am fond of Kangaroo but Australia is such a pretty country. Also I have few invites a;ready from friends and relatives to come visit them. Hopefully very soon!
As someone who is really wishing that she was on a beach right now I do love the sound of Jervis Bay. Not only is it absolutely stunning but its blue waters look ideal for a part time mermaid like me!
Those Blue Mountains look like my idea of a perfect place to visit. I love that Australia offers both winter activities and summer fun. I never even knew they got snow.
Oh my god! You guys really make me want to throw work out of the window and fly off to Australia 🙂
I love your pictures of NSW and it’s rather phenomenal to see so much within the state – from pristine blue beaches to the snow-clad mountains! It’s clearly a place for everyone…
Amazing sights there! And this is such a good comprehensive guide for New South Wales! The Blue mountains remind me of our own Nilgiris. 🙂 Sydney of course will top my list of must visit. Great captures all.
Totally agree. Places like Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Snowy Mountains and likes can simply not be missed on a trip to New South Wales. Glad all of these are on our bucket list. Together they also show, how much diverse offerings the New South Wales region has got to make
I never realised how much New South Wales looks like parts of the UK, and also North America. Much more lush and green than I had imagined in my head! Of course, the long stretches of stunning coastline are not so readily found here in the UK, nor the Blue Mountains. And best of all, the famous wine makers to visit. I have always had Sydney on my wishlist but not thought about the rest of NSW, now I am!
I will definitely not going to miss this place, I am just processing my travel visa at Australian Government Site for a week of vacation in Australia, hope to have fun there, thank you for sharing this with us.
You sold me at the long stretch of white sand beaches of Byron Bay. A friend of mine went there and raved about the area. Was even tempted to relocate from the US, now I see why.
It is amazing how much a single province in Australia have to offer. I loved the photos of the beaches of Byron Bay. Also I did not realize until reading this post that there are areas with snow in Australia. I will certainly set aside a significant proportion of time for New South Wales whenever I visit Australia.
New South Wales has a lot of different experiences to offer and there’s something for everyone. The province looks absolutely stunning. Love the green and orange hues of nature, the snowy mountains, the clean beaches and the vast blue sea. Your pictures perfectly describe the beauty of the place. The wine tasting and zoo visit at Hunter Valley, the breathtaking views from the Blue Mountains, exploring the marine life of New South Wales, the iconic sites of Sydney, the architectural heritage and ghost tour of Newcastle – everything sounds fascinating. I would love to try all these adventures you’ve listed when I’ll get a chance to visit the place. Thanks for sharing this lovely post! 🙂
New South Wales has some really amazing and different places. From the modern city of Sydney to the amazing landscapes of the Blue Mountains, the wineries of Hunter Valley and the gorgeous coasts of Byron Bay, there;s a little bit of everything for all kinds of people and interests. I cannot wait to get to Australia in 2019!
You have captured the essence of NSW. All my memories of NSW, when we lived there for a year, comes flooding back. Out of your list , I have not been to Byron Bay.
Those are some fascinating shots of NSW. I would totally love lazing by the gorgeous beaches and taking in the magnificent views of the Sunset.
There is so much to do in NSW. I have always like the idea of visiting the Blue Mountains. Being a wine lover I would also naturally also want to visit the Hunter Valley. I have family who live in Australia so maybe it’s a good time to visit!
A fabulous list of the best spots in NSW – I grew up in Canberra, so we were always a day trip away from most of these, Jervis Bay & Shoalhaven are particular favorites of mine and we had some wonderful weekend trips here with the family as a child 🙂
What a great list of NSW hot spots! I love Byron Bay, my aunt & uncle used to have a place there, and remember the sweeping beach and going to Splendour! I really want to visit the Hunter Valley as an adult, as seeing wineries as a child was way less fun than it would be now 😉
New South Wales sounds like the place to go if you love both nature and cities. I’d love to see the Blue Mountains for sure. And Sydney seems like a must if you’re making the trek to Australia.