It’s fair to say that most people associate New South Wales with Sydney – one of the world’s most famous and vibrant cities. However, there’s more to New South Wales than meets the eye…
From unspoilt beaches to breathtaking natural treasures, New South Wales is bursting at the seams with extraordinary activities and attractions. Best of all, most of them are within easy reach of the city.
Even though regional train and coach services depart from Central Station to many destinations around New South Wales, your best bet is to drive – car hire in Sydney might be cheaper than you think.
Byron Bay
Australia’s easternmost town is world famous for its lush rainforest, sensational beaches and laidback way of life.
Walk the 3.7 kilometre (2.3 mile) Cape Byron track for superb views across the ocean where humpback whales can be seen between June and November. After you’ve worked up a sweat, head back into town and experience Byron Bay’s thriving food scene that celebrates local produce.
Broken Hill
The frontier mining town of Broken Hill offers the quintessential outback experience. Despite playing host to historic buildings and incredible galleries, its breathtaking desert landscapes are the star attraction.
Other inland towns that are equally appealing include country music capital Tamworth, stargazing hub Coonabarabran, and Dubbo, home of the open-range zoo.
Blue Mountains
Just a 90-minute drive west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains deliver remarkable scenery and abundant hiking opportunities.
Highlights of this World Heritage area include walking to the foot of the Three Sisters on the 998-step Giant Stairway and taking a trip between cliff tops on the Scenic Skyway, some 270 metres (886 feet) above the ravines below.
The Snowy Mountains
If you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply want to satisfy your sense of adventure, ditch the scenic swimming beaches New South Wales is renowned for and head to the Snowy Mountains instead.
Here you’ll find the popular resorts of Thredbo and Perisher, where skiers and snowboarders hit the powder between June and October. There are also alpine terrains ripe for exploration by foot or mountain bike, especially the bushwalk going straight to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak.
The Hunter Valley
Home to more than 120 wineries as well as countless gourmet restaurants and luxury retreats, the Hunter Valley should be a bucket list item for food and drink connoisseurs everywhere.
Although its located just two hours drive north of Sydney, its well worth spending the entire weekend here, where in-between cellar door tastings and degustation menus you can learn how to make fresh pasta and take hot air balloon rides at sunrise.
Central Coast
It’s easy to overlook the Central Coast given its proximity to Sydney and other similar destinations. But, with an alluring mix of bays, inlets and lakes combined with white sandy beaches and picturesque waterfront esplanades, its thoroughly deserving of a weekend road trip.
From water sports to bushwalking, mountain biking to whale watching, there’s no shortage of things to do either. Stay in the southern Gosford area or the northern Wyong area for all your creature comforts.
