New South Wales
New South Wales, well-known for its capital Sydney and its many iconic attractions; Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Manly as well as its sophisticated dining scene. Combine this with its lesser-known attractions and this east coast state becomes a worthy bucket-list destination. From famous coast lines to renowned wine regions, national parks, outback and bushland, what are you waiting for it is time to visit New South Wales.
Guide to Sydney
Welcome to Sydney, a glistening harbour city, blessed with sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, world-class dining, and stunning parks and scenery. From the CBD to Bondi, Manly to Parramatta, Cronulla to Palm Beach, Sydney is brimming with memorable experiences.
Nature is right on the doorstep of Sydney’s CBD. The stunning harbour city is bordered by national parks, sandstone cliffs and sandy beaches. The Royal Botanical Garden founded in 1816 covers 30 hectares of the famous Sydney Harbour. Take a couple of hours to stroll through the gardens, enjoy a free guided tour or walk up to the Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, carved out of sandstone rock by convicts in 1810, has one of the best views of the Harbour.
Walk back by the domain and you will find The Art Gallery of New South Wales, home to Australian Masters and renowned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. A little further up the road past St Mary’s Cathedral is The Australia Museum, located in the city suburb of Darlinghurst. Look east along William’s Street and you will see the infamous Coke sign of the once-notorious Kings Cross.
On the opposite side is Hyde Park and the CBD, take a stroll down George Street, once packed with cars is now a pedestrian thorough fair and tram route, passing by the grand 19th Century structures such as Town Hall, the Queen Victoria Building and the Strand Arcade. Home to elegant boutiques, dressmakers, jewellers, cafes and more, before coming to the end of the line at Circular Quay and the Rocks.
The Rocks is a historic neighbourhood dating back to the colonial time where you will find cobblestoned laneways and some of Australia’s oldest pubs and breweries. Enjoy, a pint at the Fortune of War (proclaimed Australia’s oldest pub), browse the open-air markets on the weekend and stop by the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Don’t miss
- Ride on the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay
- Walk the headland from Bondi to Coogee
- Swim at the iconic Bondi Icebergs
- View the Harbour from one of the many vistas, (Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower, Balls Head, Middle Head, Watson’s Bay, Dudley Page Reserve)
- Visit the Rock’s Weekend Markets
Guide to Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region. A two-hour drive from Sydney it’s also accessible by train it offers a breath of fresh country air. Renowned for its exceptional wines, the region is also regarded for its acclaimed restaurants, concerts and beautiful heritage and ancient rainforests. Drop-by a cellar door, for a wine tasting, a must on any visit and make sure you sample some delicious produced from the region, cheese, jams, chutneys and more. Make a weekend of it and enjoy a round of golf at one of the notable courses in the region, or perhaps set out for an early morning hot-air balloon ride followed by a delicious champagne breakfast.
Don’t miss
- Learn a thing or two from the winemakers
- Get a bird’s-eye view across the vineyards
- Relax at a luxurious spa retreat or enjoy a round of golf
Guide to Northern Rivers (Kingscliff)
Kingscliff, a sleepy village known for its surfing and fishing, just south of the Gold Coast but north of Byron Bay in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales. It is fast becoming one of the state’s best coastal escapes. Part of a picturesque coastline it is ideal for whale watching, surfing and other water sports. For board riders there are world-class breaks and each year the Australian Longboard Surfing Open is held in Kingscliff attracting surfers and spectators from around the world.
You will find tasty places to eat along Kingscliff’s main streets. Sample fresh produce from the local Kingscliff Markets, held on the second and fourth Saturday of the month.
Don’t miss
- Hire bikes and explore the coast
- Enjoy the watersports. Hire a SUP or kyayk or go snorkelling
- Visit Tropical Fruit World, where there are exotic fruits to be tried and wandering kangaroos.