Regional New South Wales is known for its natural beauty, engaging local communities and rich pastoral and rural heritage. For those seeking a holiday, the close proximity of regional NSW and the diverse experiences it offers differentiate the NSW holiday experience from those in other states.
A holiday in NSW is one where visitors can genuinely connect with community, with nature, with the past and with themselves.
Sydney - At a Glance
Sydney’s laid-back outdoor lifestyle and physical allure make it one of the world’s easiest and most pleasant cities to visit. The people who live here are a friendly, energetic bunch with a tell-it-like-it-is approach to life as visitors to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games found out for themselves. When it comes to which city is Australia’s true global city, there’s no argument. It’s Sydney – with its sense of style, its love of sport and exuberant celebrations including New Year’s Eve and Australia Day.
All of its attributes lie within easy reach of the city centre. Sydney’s harbour is its natural playground, the dominant factor in so much of what the city has to offer. The city has a wide-ranging cultural life, dynamic food scene and vibrant cityscape of outstanding contemporary and colonial architecture. Iconic beaches and five major national parks deliver unforgettable experiences.
The Heart of NSW
Some of Australia’s most historic country towns dot this region. These quintessentially Australian settlements, founded by gold miners, graziers and farmers and chosen by artists for their special light, are loved by visitors today for their old-world general stores and friendly country pubs. Elsewhere in the region, prepare for the unexpected: a giant telescope; memorials to Australia’s wartime history; fields of sunflowers adjoining cotton and wheat fields; captivating regional art galleries and a great outdoor zoo.
North Coast
Coast is where the world’s largest expanse of subtropical rainforest meets mountains forged from ancient volcanoes. A sparkling coastline of endless beaches offers surfing, whale-watching, frolicking dolphins and flocks of seabirds. Inspiring surroundings attract creative personalities – artists, writers and musicians. Colourful local festivals brim with arts and crafts, kites, crystals and local produce.
Take a horseback tour or dine on the waterfront on fresh seafood and locally grown fruit accompanied by crisp white wine. Rich volcanic soils produce macadamia nuts, exotic fruits, aromatic coffee, tea, pure milk and excellent wine. The Central East Rainforest Reserves cover more than 50 national parks and wilderness areas, from Mt Warning (where the sun first hits the Australian mainland each day) to wildlife-rich Barrington Tops. On the North Coast, waterfalls sparkle in the sun – Ellenborough Falls is Australia’s longest single-drop waterfall.
South Coast
The unspoilt natural beauty of the southern coastline of New South Wales unfolds in a series of bays and coves. Little townships, many with interesting histories, are known for their fine food and wines, and great country markets. Superb local cheeses are a speciality. Marine mammals take pride of place – pods of dolphins and migratory whales cruise past secluded white-sand beaches, and Australian fur seals thrive on Montague Island. There are two marine parks here - at Jervis Bay and Batemans Bay.
Head south from Sydney through the Royal National Park and along the Sea Cliff Bridge, a sinuously seductive road that is flanked by the Tasman Sea on one side and the richly forested Illawarra escarpment on the other. Take in the expanse of Wadbilliga National Park – the largest undisturbed wilderness in New South Wales. Take a dip in the pristine waters of Jervis Bay, stroll the old wharf at Tathra and relax in romantic little hideaways. Discover the secrets of Mystery Bay, Disaster Bay, Pigeon House Mountain and Mount Dromedary as you head towards the fabulous Sapphire Coast, the gateway to Eden.
Snowy Mountains
Mountain air doesn’t come any purer than this. Adventure activities, from winter sports to cycling, caving, rafting, kayaking and horse riding – plus bracing mountain walks – make your stay exhilarating. Australia’s highest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko, looks down on sub-alpine snowgum woodlands and tall forests of alpine ash and mountain gum. The Snowies are perfect for a touring holiday, perhaps staying in one of the region’s many bed-and-breakfast properties. Take in historic country towns, mountain flowers, grazing wallabies and grand scenery. Follow winding roads through the region – the Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road will take you past perfect picnic spots and lookouts with the best panoramas in the country.
NSW Outback
Harsh but fragile, the rugged natural beauty of Outback NSW has been appreciated for millennia by the region’s Aboriginal inhabitants. Aboriginal artworks, some 30,000 years old, adorn sites in Mutawintji National Park. At Mungo National Park, the remains of Mungo Man and Mungo Woman date back 40,000 years, making it the oldest known ceremonial burial site in the world. As a result of its significance to mankind, Lake Mungo is recognised as part of Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area.
The Outback is a region of grand horizons, of adventure, emus and opal mines. Here you’ll find some of Australia’s real characters. The light and vibrant colours attract artists and film-makers. Outback pubs, quirkily decorated and built to quench legendary thirsts, are full of welcoming locals and memorable stories.
Must See Destinations
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Sydney
A free-spirited and vibrant city, Sydney is built around one of the world's most beautiful harbours, with more than 70 sparkling beaches in easy reach of its cosmopolitan heart. Gain an insight into Sydney Harbour's history on a cruise, or board a yacht to explore the harbour's hidden coves. |
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Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is a place of breathtaking views, rugged tablelands, sheer cliffs, and deep valleys. This World Heritage listed wilderness area is recognised for its outstanding biodiversity and wealth of recreational opportunities. |
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Hunter Region
The Hunter Valley conjures up images of lazy days fine wine-tasting at the cellar door, of romantic retreats, quality eateries and gorgeous farming country. Add on a dolphin cruise, a World Heritage National Park and historic settlements and you can't go wrong. |
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Byron Bay
Northern Rivers and Tropical New South Wales is an area of natural wonderland on the most northern stretch of coast in New South Wales. Its beauty lies in its unspoilt beaches, volcanic mountains, lush countryside and World Heritage listed national parks. In all, it's a laid-back but adventurous paradise. |
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