7 Spots Not to Miss in New South Wales
Australia is a country filled with countless iconic spots. From east to west, there are varied landscapes, vistas, and cultural treasures to be enjoyed. It’s hard to know exactly which destinations are a “must-see” when there are so many wonderful places to discover, and when you may have limited travel time. Fortunately, we’re here to help you narrow down your NSW itinerary. For the rest of Australia, you might need to check out some additional resources. In no particular order, here are our picks for 7 great spots not to miss in New South Wales.
1. The Blue Mountains
A short way east from Sydney you’ll find the incredible Blue Mountains. The rugged wilderness is a fantastic escape from city life. Hiking on the region’s trails, exploring majestic waterfalls, and visiting the mountains’ surrounding towns makes for a dreamy getaway.
2. Sydney
No trip to Australia is complete with a visit to Sydney Harbour for a view overlooking the iconic Sydney Opera House. There is so much more to do in Sydney as well, with museums, shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Don’t miss taking a ferry for one of the best and most memorable experiences in NSW. Feeling adventurous? You can climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a safe, professional tour company.
3. Byron Bay
If you’ve come to Australia for stunning beaches, Byron Bay is a hot spot for sure. Well known for awesome surfing, Byron is also a creative and artsy town. Explore the local markets, enjoy one of the many festivals that come to town, and listen to some live music in the evenings. If you’ve never surfed before, this is a great opportunity to give it a try with a surfing lesson.
4. Hunter Valley
Experience a taste of the NSW countryside with a visit to Hunter Valley. Shopping, spas, walking, golf, and more: all of these activities are even better amidst the quaint backdrop of the Hunter Valley. Most of all, Hunter Valley is known for its plentiful wineries. Take a tour of the region and sample some of the finest varietals produced right here in NSW.
5. Broken Hill
Your NSW might focus on our glorious coast, but inland has its own share of wonderful sites. Broken Hill is a great destination for those looking for a genuine Australian Outback experience. Here you’ll find wide open landscapes with a distant horizon. Mining tours and museums are open for visitors, where you can learn about the region’s major industry; the world’s largest silver, lead and zinc mine is right here in Broken Hill. There are also plenty of art galleries (many celebrating the Aboriginal cultures), restaurants, and other points of interest.
6. Jervis Bay
Of course, one of NSW’s (nay, Australia’s) most beloved spots is Jervis Bay. Boasting some of the finest white sand beaches on earth, as well as abundant historic and cultural sites, outdoor activities, and watersports, Jervis Bay is a fantastic destination for family holidays, romantic getaways, and more. There’s a lot to keep you busy during your time in this fabulous region, but the #1 must-do is a wildlife-focused eco cruise. When you book with Jervis Bay Wild, you can choose from tours such as our famous dolphin cruise, whale watching experience, or the unique South Coast Passage.
7. Lord Howe Island
You can still explore NSW when you’re not on Australia’s mainland. Beautiful Lord Howe Island is a must see when travelling in New South Wales. This fairly tiny island is just a 2 hour flight from Sydney, but you’ll be transported to a tropical paradise. No more than 400 guests can visit the island at any one time, so you’ll enjoy a secluded and blissful getaway snorkelling, swimming, and relaxing.
Ready to plan your holiday to New South Wales? Make sure you add a Jervis Bay cruise to your itinerary.
