New South Wales Travel Guide

New South Wales (NSW) is one of Australia’s most diverse travel destinations, offering everything from the iconic Sydney Harbour to the rugged beauty of the Outback.

Discover world-class beaches, breathtaking Blue Mountains, and stunning wine regions like the Hunter Valley. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, vibrant city life, or wildlife encounters, NSW has something for every traveller.

Explore Heritage-listed national parks, taste incredible local food and wines, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of this dynamic state.

Let our New South Wales Travel Guide show you the best attractions and tope things to do to help you plan your perfect trip!

hikers at Gap Creek Falls Lake Macquarie.

Table Of Contents

Destinations
NSW Highlights
Festivals and Events
Planning Your Visit
Getting Here
Further Reading

Destinations

Sydney

Sydney is the most well-known city in Australia and the capital of NSW. Visit iconic sites such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, as well as the Harbour itself. You will also have your pick of multiple beaches to enjoy.

You will be spoilt with fine dining, bars, and shopping. Visit a zoo where the animals have a view to rival many millionaire mansions. Learn about the city's indigenous and European past.

Read our Sydney Travel Guide for more information.

The Rocks

Walk the cobblestone streets of Sydney's old town, the birthplace of European settlement in Australia. Take a ghost tour for a spooky perspective.

Manly

Catch the ferry over to Manly for a stunning journey across Sydney Harbour. Then enjoy a lush seafood brunch or simple fish and chips on the beach.

Bush Tucker

Head to the Royal Botanic Gardens with its sweeping harbour views and partake in a bush tucker tour with one of the garden's guides.

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains form part of the Greater Sydney region. The perfect one-day, weekend, or longer escape. A favourite weekend destination for Sydney locals seeking a "back to nature" luxury break.

Stunning views, bushwalking, and plenty of activities for adventure enthusiasts. Home to the steepest passenger railway in the world, the Scenic Railway, and Australia's ground zero for Yulefest.

A place to unwind with a round of two of golf, excellent food, a glass or two of wine, and luxurious accommodation.

Oberon

Explore the most ancient open cave system in the world, Jenolan Caves, and spend the weekend at the historic Caves House.

Katoomba

View the Three Sisters at Echo Point, high tea at the historic Hydro Majestic with its sweeping views over Megalong Valley, and enjoy numerous bushwalks.

Lithgow

Attend Ironfest, an arts festival with a metal edge showcasing cosplay, gothic, and steampunk. Visit Capertree Valley (Australia's Grand Canyon), the world's second largest canyon.

Central Coast

*Scenic coastal views from Bouddi National Park, Bouddi. Credit: Central Coast Tourism*

Torn between hiking through gorgeous National Parks and lazying away on pristine beaches? The NSW Central Coast has you covered. Get close and personal with Australian native wildlife, explore Aboriginal culture, and discover a thriving arts scene.

Luxury accommodation abounds from boutique to larger offerings. Food and wine lovers will rejoice at the local fare. The Central Coast is the perfect weekend getaway destination not too far from Sydney.

Broken Bay

Visit one of the Central Coast's best kept secrets, Broken Bay Pearl Farm. The only pearl farm in NSW.

The Entrance

Take a relaxing stroll through the Sensory Gardens, located at Terilbah Reserve. They actively welcome people with access needs.

Terrigal

A long white sandy beach and a couple of inviting lagoons. When not swimming, surfing, or fishing, cycle or walk one of the many coastal paths. Eat at a delicious local restaurant, or discover small lively bars.

Country NSW

*Couple enjoying Swift Sparkling Wine and oysters with scenic views across Printhie Wines vineyard in Nashdale, near Orange. Credit: Destination NSW*

Where country means incredible food, wine, and World Heritage-listed wilderness. One day you could be visiting numerous World class vineyards, the next a gold mine.

Explore quaint historic towns, you will love the eclectic and antique shopping. Visit Australia's first Dark Sky Park to gaze at the dazzling night sky.

Warrumbungle

For stargazing in the iconic Warrumbungle National Park, Australia’s first Dark Sky Park. Plus spectacular bushwalking.

Orange

One of NSW's top food and wine destinations. Fantastic restaurants and great shopping.

Parkes

For the famous "Dish" CSIRO's radio telescope helped broadcast the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon landing. Plus the annual Elvis festival.

Hunter

You may have noticed that vineyards are abundant in Australia and NSW. The Hunter is Australia's oldest wine region. Home to some of Australia's most notable winemakers. Tyrell's, Tulloch, Drayton, Linderman's, and McGuigan are the tip of the iceberg.

There is much more to this region than the cellar door. You can eat too. Discover cheesemakers, olive growers, chocolate makers, and much more.

Work off the food and wine with bushwalks through World Heritage-listed rainforests of Barrington Tops National Park. Make sure to start your day with a sunrise balloon ride over the vineyards.

Broke-Fordwich

The Hunter as it used to be, a more relaxed area of the region away from the tourist buses and day trippers.

Barrington Tops

Visit the historic township of Dungog, World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests, and adventure tours.

Hunter Valley

As well as vineyards partake in fine dining at hatted restaurants, luxury accommodations, curated golf courses, and spa experiences

Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island is often overlooked by locals and international tourists alike. This is probably a good thing as only 400 people are allowed to visit this UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination at a time.

This island paradise has recently been named one of the best destinations in the World for 2021 by National Geographic. The ocean surrounding Lord Howe is home to over 450 fish species, and 90 species of coral, many unique to the area.

It will take a two hour flight from Sydney to get to Lord Howe Island. Once there you can be assured all your worries and cares have been left behind.

The Water

Scuba dive in one of the best places in the World, snorkelling, glass bottom boat tours, hand feed fish at Ned's beach, water sports, or simply go swimming.

The Land

Climb iconic Mount Gower, bird watching, play a round or two of golf, spend 5 days doing the Seven Peaks Walk, or simply do nothing but read a book.

Mid North Coast

*Koala sitting in a gum tree at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. Credit: Destination NSW*

NSW's Mid North Coast stretches from Port Stephens to Woolgoolga, a distance of roughly 400 km. You will never be at a loss for something to do.

Your "to-do" list will be endless. Picture perfect beaches, water sports, adrenaline activities, Indigenous experiences, national parks, coastal walks, and so much more.

Animal lovers have a lot to experience, from swimming with dolphins, and whale watching, to getting up close to koalas at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.

Port Stephens

Get your adrenaline-pumping quad biking or sandboarding the Stockton Beach sand dunes. These are the largest coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

Port Macquarie

A visit to the Koala Hospital is a must, and take one of the Walk and Talk tours. Don't miss trying the locally grown oysters.

Bulahdelah

Hire a luxury houseboat and sail around Myall's Lake National Park.

Far North Coast

byron bay street — *Main Street Byron Bay.*

The Far North Coast of NSW stretches from Woolgoolga in the South to Tweed Heads on the Queensland border, a distance of around 260 km. It is also known as the Northern Rivers.

Experience empty beaches, rainforests, outstanding local produce, villages with colourful locals, and stunning mountain ranges.

Nimbin

This small hippie village is full of colour, both the buildings and the locals. It's also one of the launch points for a visit to the World Heritage-listed Border Ranges National Park.

Grafton

Rich in Victorian and Edwardian architecture, a walk around town is a must. With over 2,000 Jacaranda trees a visit when they are in full bloom (mid-October to mid-November) is a photographer's dream.

Tweed Heads

The Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre offers a unique insight into Aboriginal culture. Take a rainforest cruise, learn how to catch and cook a mud crab, or visit a local oyster farm.

Outback NSW

*Sculpture on display at The Living Desert and Sculptures attraction in Broken Hill. Credit: Destination NSW*

The NSW Outback is a wide and expansive space offering a lot to visitors. It's rich in Aboriginal culture and perfect for learning about the oldest living culture in the world.

Discover historic paddle-steamer towns, fossick for opals or learn how to shear a sheep. At the end of a hard day exploring, why not have a beer with locals at a fair dinkum Australian outback pub?

Silverton

Australia's piece of Hollywood in the outback. Numerous movies have been filmed here. Visit the Mad Max Museum, and the Silverton Hotel which you are sure to recognise from numerous Hollywood blockbusters.

Brewarrina

Home to one of the oldest man-made structures on earth, the Brewarrina fish traps. They are estimated to be over 40,000 years old.

Broken Hill

Enjoy the 12 sandstone sculptures at Broken Hill's Living Desert State Park. At sunset, the sculptures are particularly stunning.

Snowy Mountains

*Snow falling over the countryside along the Dead Horse Gap walking track near Thredbo. Credit: Destination NSW*

It doesn't need to be snowing to enjoy the natural beauty of the Snowy Mountains area. There is a lot to discover under the watchful eye of Australia's tallest peak, Mount Kosciuszko.

In summer climb to Mount Kosciuszko's summit and stand at the top of Australia. Spend time hiking around the National Park discover alpine wildflowers, and try to spot endangered pygmy possums.

In winter visit one of the area's four ski resorts for some snowy fun.

Tumbarumba

Try your hand at trout fishing. Visit one of the many cellar doors to taste the area's cool climate wines.

Batlow

Eat an apple where it's grown. Batlow has many apple festivals during the year including Batlow CiderFest.

Bombala

The region is known as Platypus Country. Head to the Platypus Reserve to see if you can spot one of these elusive marsupials.

South Coast

*Scenic coastal views showing the white sand of Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay. Credit: Destination NSW*

The South Coast of NSW is a seafood lover's dream. The coast is dotted with oyster farms and quaint fishing towns. This region covers a huge stretch of the State's coastline. Starting from Wollongong/Illawarra through to the Sapphire Coast.

Discover endless white sandy beaches with crystal blue water, and don't be surprised if you come across a kangaroo while you do. The whole coast is perfect for dolphin and whale watching.

Shoalhaven

Taste freshly shucked oysters from Jim Wilde's Oysters. Enjoy one of the area's many vineyards and cellar doors, and while at Coolangatta Estate ride Bigfoot to the top of Coolangatta Mountain.

Bermagui

Gorgeous beaches and coastal walks. The Fisherman's Wharf is one of the largest seafood suppliers in the state.

Narooma

Take a tour of Montague Island and snorkel with the fur seals.

NSW Highlights

*Queenscliff Tunnel, also known as The Wormhole at sunrise. Credit: Destination NSW*

Our top five picks for the New South Wales Travel Guide. Of course, there is so much more to see and do.

Sydney
The Capital City of NSW, The Emerald City, is not to be missed. Fine dining, museums, colonial history, beaches, Sydney Harbour, luxury hotels, hidden bars, and shopping in quirky or hip suburbs. Stay at Park Hyatt Sydney right on Sydney Harbour.

RELATED READING: Sydney Travel Guide

Blue Mountains
The area is breathtaking and perfect for nature lovers with a range of luxury accommodations on offer. Stay at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, located on a 2,800-hectare nature reserve in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

Broken Hill
The NSW Outback is an essential experience. The Historic mining town Broken Hill makes the perfect base for your adventures. Incredible desert landscapes, Aboriginal art & culture, amazing stargazing (see the Milky Way like never before), and get a taste of outback living.

Shoalhaven
For lovers of food, wine, native animals, bush, and the ocean. Enjoy some of the best oysters in Australia freshly shucked just for you. Visit vineyards, and discover delicious local produce. Stay at Bangalay Luxury Villas for lush accommodation and exquisite dining.

Gloucester
The spot for wilderness and adventure lovers. Bushwalk through ancient rainforests, kayak the Barrington River and explore its gold rush history. Discover local produce at the markets and vineyards.

Festivals and Events

*Views of The Rocks and Harbour Lights installations on marine vessels moving across Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney 2019. Credit: Destination NSW*

January
Parkes Elvis Festival - Parkes
Country Music Festival - Tamworth

February
Lunar Festival - Sydney

March
Mardi Gras - Sydney
Surfest - Newcastle

April
Taste Tamworth Festival - Tamworth
Orange F.O.O.D Week - Orange
IronFest - Lithgow
BluesFest - Byron Bay

May
Narooma Oyster Festival - Narooma
Hunter Valley Food and Wine Festival – Pokolbin
Lovedale Long Lunch - Hunter Valley
Batlow CiderFest - Batlow
Australian Celtic Festival – Glen Innes

June
Winter Magic - Katoomba
Henry Lawson Festival – Grenfell

July
Winter Blues and Jazz Festival - The Entrance
Splendour in the Grass – Byron Bay

August
Vivid - Sydney

September
Broken Heel Festival - Broken Hill
Peter Allen Festival - Tenterfield
Tulip Time Festival - Bowral

October
Good Food Month - Sydney
Abba Festival – Trundle
Bathurst 1000 - Bathurst

November
Bitter & Twisted Boutique Beer Festival - Maitland

December
Cherry Festival - Young
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Planning Your Visit

The weather is great all year round in NSW. You may want to avoid the height of summer where temperatures can reach over 40 degrees C, but that is usually only for a few random days.

Book your accommodation well in advance if visiting an area during school holidays or a festival. Book well in advance if heading anywhere along the coast of NSW for Christmas/summer holidays

Even in summer pack a light jumper for the evenings, especially if you are in the Outback.

Summer: Water activities and longer daylight hours to explore.
Autumn: Milder weather for hiking and outdoor activities.
Winter: Skiing in the Snowy Mountains.
Spring: Hiking and the native flowers are blooming.

Getting Here

*The 1947-vintage Flxible [sic] Clipper bus, part of the fleet at Fantastic Aussie Tours in the Blue Mountains. Credit: Destination NSW*

By Air: Sydney Kingsford Smith is the main International and Domestic Airport. There are many Regional Airports dotted around the State.

By Train: Trains run from the Capital Cities of each State to NSW/Sydney. Sydney is also the start/end destination for a couple of Australia's Greatest Train Journeys. Trains also run throughout areas of NSW.

By Sea: Pre-COVID times Sydney was the major cruising port for NSW. At present cruising is on hold.

By Bus: There are regular bus services available from the Capital Cities of each State. Buses also run throughout NSW.