New South Wales

New South Wales (NSW)

Located on the east coast of Australia, between Queensland and Victoria, New South Wales is Australia’s most populated state; home to more than 7 million people. It’s capital, Sydney, host of the 2000 Olympics, is Australia’s largest city and often declared as one of the most attractive places to live. Some of Australia’s most impressive natural attractions lie in Sydney’s surrounding regional areas, all within about a three-hour drive from the city centre.


Sydney

Home to some of Australia’s most famous icons; the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach, Sydney is unquestionably an intoxicating city well worth visiting. With its famed shopping, eateries, galleries and constant festivities, no wonder Sydney is Australia’s most populated city.


Points of Interest:

The Rocks

With some of Sydney’s best shops, boutiques and pubs, the Rocks was once the site of Australia’s first British settlers. Today, enchanting history is fused with fresh excitement, attracting masses of both local and international tourists. Only a five-minute walk from abundant transportation services in Sydney central’s Circular Quay, The Rocks is also the starting point for the famous Harbour Bridge Climb.


Darling Harbour

A buzz with all kinds of entertainment day and night and only a casual stroll from the city centre, Darling Harbour is arguably one of the world’s most happening waterfronts. Also famous for its New Years Eve celebrations, Darling Harbour is where you’ll find first class shopping, harbour waterway tours and cruises, the Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre, museums, galleries and more than 100 eateries offering something for every kind of palate.


City Centre

International cuisine, brand-name designer boutiques, department stores, pubs, bars and more can be found in Sydney’s thriving city centre. Much of the architecture reflects the city’s cultural heritage. The city centre is only a short walk from two of Australia’s most stunning architectural masterpieces, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.


Bondi Beach

Well served by public transport, Bondi Beach lies just 11kms from Sydney’s city centre. It is an exciting hub of Aussie beach culture, enjoyed by everyone from wealthy businessmen to travelling backpackers. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, souvenir and surf shops. Check out the Bondi Markets held every Sunday.

Regional New South Wales

Points of Interest:

Blue Mountains

Only a 90-minute drive from Sydney, The Blue Mountains is a World Heritage Area and truly one of Australia’s most amazing natural wonders. The Greater Blue Mountains area consists of more than 1 million hectares of forest on a sandstone plateau, boasting unforgettable scenic views. Be sure to visit the town of Katoomba where you can ride the famous cable car and view the Three Sisters, three unique sandstone rock formations standing tall above the Jamison Valley.


Hunter Valley

One of Australia’s most popular wine regions, come for the wine but be surprised by the numerous extra curriculum activities on offer. View the vineyards from up above in a hot air balloon or helicopter, test your handicap on the golf course, take a cooking class, visit an art gallery, go horse riding, shopping or cycling or just relax and pamper yourself at a day spa.


Mungo National Park

Another of Australia’s World Heritage Sites, Mungo National Park is made up of 17 dried-up lakes covering 2,400 square kilometres. Lake Mungo is the second largest of the lakes, drying up about 14,000 years ago. Today it’s rippled, crescent-shaped dunes known as the Walls of China change colours brilliantly in the setting sun. The area is most famous for the archaeological relics ‘Mungo Woman’ and ‘Mungo Man’ that were discovered there.


Lord Howe Island

Less than a two-hour flight from Sydney, Lord Howe Island is a World Heritage island paradise, surrounded by coral reef and teaming with rare birds, plant and marine life. With visitor numbers limited to 400 at any one time, you can experience the slow life without disturbance and truly unwind. Activities include cycling, walking, trekking, snorkelling, diving and or course, relaxation. The local islanders run a mix of accommodation to suit every taste.


Byron Bay

Pristine surfing beaches, lush hinterland, friendly locals and an array of activities are awaiting you at Byron Bay. Although it’s a nine-hour drive north of Sydney, within minutes of arriving in Byron you can throw yourself into the surf or delve into natural relaxation. Keep an eye out for whales, dolphins and turtles that like to share the waves. Out of the water there is plenty to do; hinterland tours, sky diving, shopping on Johnson Street, winding down at a day spa, cycling and even kayak dolphin tours. Byron has accommodation to suit every budget, from backpackers and cheap motels to five star holiday apartments.


Jervis Bay

Visitors come for the abundant wildlife, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and hinterland national parks. Just a three hour drive south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is a great place to enjoy hiking, fishing, horse riding, sailing, dolphin and whale watching. The bay is also one of the best diving spots in New South Wales.


Kosciuszko National Park

Home to the highest mountain in Australia, Mt Kosciuszko, Kosciuszko National Park is part of the Snowy Mountains in Australia’s primary alpine region. Winter is all about skiing and snowboarding, with Thredbo, Perisher Blue, Charlotte Pass and the Selwyn snowfields all being popular resorts. During the warmer months visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, cycling, rafting, caving and kayaking. Challenge yourself and climb to the top of Mt Kosciuszko, which stands at 2,228 metres above sea level.


More Information on NSW:

Tourism New South Wales, www.visitnsw.com
Sydney Visitor Centre, www.sydneyvisitorcentre.com
Bondi Beach, www.bondivillage.com
Bondi Markets, www.bondimarkets.com.au
Katoomba, www.katoomba-nsw.com
Hunter Valley, www.winecountry.com.au
Lord Howe Island, www.lordhoweisland.info
Byron Bay, www.byron-bay.com
Surfing Byron Bay, www.gosurfingbyronbay.com
Tourism Jervis Bay, www.jervisbaytourism.asn.au
Thredbo, www.thredbo.com.au
New South Wales’ National Parks, www.environment.nsw.gov.au