Sydney is the Harbour city with an iconic cityscape. It is synonymous with some of Australia’s most famous attractions such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach. The views are iconic, but look a little deeper and you’ll also find cultural riches in the galleries, museums and theatres. You don’t need to look for long to find the city’s parks that cut their way through the highrises and suburbs. Sydney CBD is certainly brash compared to its counterparts, but in a good way. This city will draw you further in and make you never want to leave.
The Blue Mountains World Heritage area has been a popular getaway for Sydney residents looking to discover outstanding natural beauty and world class hiking. The foot of the famous Three Sisters can be reached via the 998 step Giant Stairway. Then glide across the cliff tops on the Scenic Skyway, the 720 metre journey offers the best views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, Mt Solitary and Jamison Valley. Any trip to Sydney isn’t complete without a visit to the Blue Mountains, so have a snooze on the 2 hour train journey and you’ll be there in no time.
Take the road down to the South Coast on the Grand Pacific Driving Tour route. Discover incredible beaches and a menagerie of wildlife as the road stretches south from Sydney to Eden. Discover lovely seaside and hinterland towns along the way with top food and wine experiences to keep you busy.
The Shellharbour area has some of NSW’s best dive spots and famous surf breaks, The Farm and Mystics at Killalea beach. A quick drive south and you’ll find the Kiama area famous for the Kiama Blowhole and the Kiama Coastal Walk. Here you can also discover the captivating Minnamurra Rainforest, the perfect experience for the adventurers among you.
South Coast NSW is famous for its oysters, the oyster coast begins in Shoalhaven, here you will also find the White Sands Walk and catch a glimpse of dolphins in Jervis Bay. Further south is the Eurobodalla region, where you can dive with a colony of fur seals on Montague Island. At the southernmost tip of NSW you can find the Sapphire Coast and Eden. This is one of the best whale spotting spots in Australia.
Home to Australia’s oldest wine region, stretching back 180 years, the Hunter Valley is located slightly inland from the Central Coast. The region continues to be famous for its champion Shiraz and Semillon varieties. It’s all about quality over quantity in Hunter, experience it for yourself at one of the many wineries. Once you’ve finished sipping on award winning tipples, take a walk in world heritage wilderness at the Yengo National Park.
Pristine beaches meet incredible national parks in New South Wales Central Coast. As you head north of Sydney discover the area's natural treasures best showcased on the Bouddi Coastal Walk. There are numerous locations to experience mountain bike and horse riding trails.
How does an island paradise getaway sound? Hop on the short plane ride to the UNESCO world heritage listed Lord Howe Island. Home to the world’s most southerly coral reefs, making it a beautiful snorkelling and diving location. This off-the-grid luxury escape is truly a utopia.
The North Coast of NSW is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia. From Newcastle to Byron Bay, take in charming beachside towns the length of the coast. Once you have discovered NSW’s second largest city, Newcastle, get up close and personal with cute and cuddly animals at the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie. Let your hair down at the Big Banana Fun Park after a day exploring the beaches of Coffs Harbour. Catch a wave in Angourie Point where you’ll find one of the best right hand point breaks in the country. Then finish your day with some locally caught seafood and make sure you try the famous prawns!
In Byron Bay, be the first to watch the sun come up from the famous lighthouse. Then spend your day catching waves and rays at the many stunning beaches. Finish your day at one of the many high class restaurants or cocktail bars. You might even run into one of the Hemsworth brothers or other Hollywood celebs.
Between May and November the whales come to visit the north coast. With countless natural viewing platforms across the coast, you’ll be sure to see one of the thousands of humpbacks on their annual migration. If you want to get close to the action, take a whale watching boat trip and see these magnificent creatures breach the surface in front of your eyes.
The mountains of NSW offer experiences for visitors to enjoy in both summer and winter. From skiing and snowboarding through the colder months to hiking to the top of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, when things warm up. The UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve includes a wide spectrum of wildflowers and fascinating snow gum forests.
If you’re looking for a more culturally enriching experience, discover the Aborignal culture and ancient rock formations in the NSW outback. Outback NSW is home to seven national parks that all have something wildly different and unique to discover.
NSW is the most visited region in Australia for a reason. Sydney on its own would be enough to warrant a visit. But the stunning array of wildlife and national parks, along with the magnificent beaches and world class surf breaks makes the whole NSW coast magnificent.
Gifting Owl has hundreds of New South Wales experience gifts to give loved ones travelling to the state, or even to yourself! From learn to surf lessons to climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge - the options are endless.
