Rising up outdoors Sydney, I assumed I had seen all the very best locations to go to in New South Wales.

It wasn’t till our 18-month highway journey round Australia that we really found our house state.

I now realise that NSW is not only in regards to the coast and seashore cities, and even about Sydney.

There are such a lot of extra locations to go to in NSW which are off the overwhelmed path, simply as stunning (if no more stunning), than the locations I knew rising up.

When you’re planning a visit round New South Wales and need some unbelievable locations so as to add to your itinerary, then these are the nation cities, wine areas, mountain areas, and naturally seashore cities, you’ll wish to take a look at…

1. Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay is magical, and an actual spotlight of the South Coast. The seashores on this area are among the greatest, particularly Hyams Seaside, which has the Guinness World Report for the whitest sand on this planet, and there’s a thriving coral reef not too removed from the shoreline.

The one draw back is there aren’t many seashores round Jervis Bay that provide the browsing alternatives you’ll discover on the North Coast, and the water temperature is cooler.

However the wonderful thing about Jervis Bay is it’s not overdeveloped with excessive rises and vacationer gimmicks, the sand is white and pure, they usually aren’t closely populated.

Jervis Bay can also be a well-liked spot for whale watching, kayaking, canoeing, and walks.

2. The Snowy Mountains & Mount Kosciuszko

Our highway journey was the primary time Caz and I had visited the Snowy Mountains in Kosciuszko Nationwide Park.

We’ve by no means been into snowboarding, and have solely finished it as soon as within the States, however visiting the Snowies in the summertime months actually makes us wish to return and ski right here.

From driving the Alpine Method, to exploring Yarrangobilly Caves and Jenolan Caves, to climbing a part of Australia’s highest peak (Mount Kosciusko), to seeing wild brumbies and bike using the paths – all this obtained us excited to return for a winter on the Thredbo ski fields.

When you’re searching for a spot to hike, put the Snowy Mountains in your record.

3. Mudgee

How good is Mudgee? Rattling good!

We nonetheless can’t imagine we grew up solely 4 hours from this city and had by no means visited. It rapidly grew to become our favorite nation city in NSW.

When you’re a lover of wine, Mudgee is a good different to the well-known Hunter Valley.

We liked how you might cycle between the wineries, and it doesn’t have the vacationer buses just like the Hunter, but.

And also you’ll fall in love with its heritage buildings, huge streets, parks and nation allure.

I do know it’s a cliche, however Mudgee is a hidden gem, solely 3.5 hours drive from Sydney.

4. Kangaroo Valley

After we requested our Fb neighborhood for options on the place to go in Southern NSW, and so many individuals got here again and prompt Kangaroo Valley… so we simply couldn’t ignore it.

And we’re glad we didn’t.

When you haven’t been to Kangaroo Valley but, it is best to. The valley is as inexperienced as Eire with Australian bush escarpments and wildlife (they’ve loads of wombats).

Throw in a captivating city centre, historic bridges, waterfalls, nature walks, and nation pubs, and Kangaroo Valley makes for an incredible detour from the coastlines.

5. The Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is probably the most well-known day journey from Sydney, however for us locals to NSW, we each puzzled what all this fuss was about?

Seems, the Blue Mountains is extra than simply the Three Sisters rock formation, and it is best to keep longer than in the future!

The Blue Mountains have a depth larger than the guidebooks inform you. We snapped our “I used to be right here picture” after which went down, 900 steps, into the valley under right into a forested fern bower.

As soon as on the valley flooring, we have been in a position to go climbing amongst the rainforest-covered valleys – you’ll really feel such as you’re 1,000,000 miles away.

A neighborhood pal Dave instructed us in regards to the ‘Blue Mountains Chocolate Firm’ on Lurline St in Katoomba, the primary city within the Blue Mountains.

You can too discover the very best beer on the Carrington Lodge, and the very best place for lunch is on the Ambermere Home in Little Hartley – the signature dish “rabbit pie” was a success for me!

There may be rest, journey, and rejuvenation within the Blue Mountains, and we have been impressed by the unbelievably good native produce, cafes, cosy pubs, and eating places. It’s a foodie’s paradise.

6. Byron Bay

Byron Bay is that legendary seashore city that has been attracting hundreds of surfers from all over the world for years.

However it’s not only for surfers.

All sorts of folks come for the Nationwide Parks, the humanities and tradition, the markets, the festivals, the meals, the procuring, the well being retreats, to hold with hippies, to be seen, and the vibe.

And you will notice probably the most spectacular sundown and dawn over the ocean. Byron Bay has so much going for it. So many individuals come, and plenty of by no means go away.

7. The Hunter Valley

It’s exhausting to not loosen up and revel in your self on this world-famous wine area, solely a two hours drive north of Sydney.

However it’s not simply in regards to the wineries. There’s effective eating, connoisseur chocolate, adventures like sizzling air ballooning, and enjoyable spa therapies and massages.

Don’t miss the Lovedale Street Wine Path, it’s quiet and unhurried with many boutique wineries, the chocolate manufacturing facility, and effective eating places.

And imagine it or not, there’s additionally one thing within the Hunter Valley for households – mini golf, playgrounds, stunning gardens, and household singing time driving via the vineyards.

So style some wine and take a drive.

I like to recommend the Mountain View Path, driving as much as Bimbadeen Lookout for spectacular views of the valley and the Brokenback Vary.

8. Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is roughly half-way alongside a Sydney to Brisbane highway journey route and a well-liked cease for highway trippers.

For us, the city of Coffs doesn’t do a lot for us (until you wish to take a selfie with a Massive Banana), however what we do actually like is the encompassing area. So after we discuss of Coffs, we’re fascinated about the Coffs Coast Area!

The close by seashores are nice, particularly Crimson Rocks Seaside to the north, and the city of Sawtell close by is charming and the place we select to base ourselves.

Dorrigo Nationwide Park makes for an incredible day journey (go to Dangar Falls on the best way up), then as soon as within the park benefit from the rainforest and tree-top cover walks.

When you can time your go to proper, don’t miss the Bellingen Markets held each third Saturday of the month within the beautiful city of Bellingen.

9. Armidale

There’s one thing about College cities, as we found dwelling within the USA, and the College city of Armidale situated within the picturesque New England area is my sort of city.

We solely had two days to discover, our keep was sort of minimize quick on account of Kalyra breaking her arm within the playground, however we actually loved the historical past, the heritage buildings, the tree-lined streets, and the close by waterfalls and gorges.

Armidale can also be a beautiful place to go to for its status for good meals and wine, and we will see ourselves returning for one more keep.

10. Newcastle

Newcastle is Australia’s seventh greatest metropolis and has undergone an enormous transformation lately, particularly the CBD.

While it has all the time been an incredible seashore city with vigorous pubs and a giant College, it has moved on from its major trade of metal and has applied just a few artistic packages to convey again the tradition and humanities to the town, plus a vigorous cafe and restaurant scene, significantly alongside the waterfront.

It’s not nearly pubs and trade anymore. There may be richness, and a relaxed vibe, and it’s thrilling to see Newcastle providing way more for travellers lately.

Just below an hour away is the sand dunes of Port Stephens that are wonderful for sand boarding on.

11. Kingscliff

The city of Kingscliff is excessive up on the NSW North Coast (you’re nearly in Queensland) and it’s a kind of nice beachy cities with a relaxed vibe that’s simply sufficient off the overwhelmed observe that it doesn’t lose its enchantment.

It’s a really habitable kinda place with a pleasant seashore and cafe strip, pleasant locals, and the gorgeous Cudgen Creek is a prime spot for the children to take pleasure in some water actions.

If Byron is an excessive amount of for you, think about staying right here to discover the remainder of the North Coast area, and simply down the highway you’ve gotten Cabaritta Seaside and Fingal Head.

12. Sydney

Sydney sits excessive on anybody’s record of NSW locations, not to mention being the draw card and gateway to the area.

If you’re going to go to Australia, then you possibly can’t miss Sydney.

It has one thing for everybody: gorgeous harbour aspect location, the long-lasting seashores (such because the well-known Bondi Seaside), wonderful eating places, incredible cafes and pubs, world heritage websites, terrific procuring, unbelievable festivals, a multicultural inhabitants, and good year-round climate.

To not point out probably the most iconic sights within the nation, the Sydney Opera Home and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Rocks District close to the Round Quay is considered one of our favourite locations in Sydney to discover as a result of it’s not solely historic however has a relaxing vibe.

However don’t simply use Sydney as a gateway to NSW and Oz, give it at the least 3 days.

13. Lord Howe Island Marine Park

Nature lovers, hear up! Take a ferry from Sydney over to Lord Howe Island, which is legendary for its pure magnificence, unbelievable seashores, and thriving wildlife.

It’s some of the untouched and unspoiled locations in New South Wales, however as a result of it’s 600km off the mainland of New South Wales, not many individuals go to right here.

This makes it a exceptional hidden gem.

It’s most well-known for its Seven Peaks stroll, which takes you previous locations identified for that includes in David Attenborough documentaries.

The path is lengthy however it’s not extraordinarily powerful however takes a number of days to finish. It’s among the best multi-day walks in Australia.

14. Damaged Hill Outback

Damaged Hill is an outdated mining city that has a historical past courting again to the Eighties, making it Australia’s oldest mining city.

In addition to being a spot to find valuable metals, it’s additionally an space of excellent pure magnificence.

Being within the outback, you could find expanses of huge desert plains that shimmer within the daylight. There may be additionally the Residing Desert State Park the place one can find spectacular rock formations and sculptures.

When you’re searching for locations the place you possibly can swap off and revel in being in seclusion and solitude, that is the place to be.

15. Mungo Nationwide Park

One other fashionable place to see the NSW outback is Mungo Nationwide Park, which is legendary for its prehistoric historical past.

That is the place archaeologists discovered the stays of a Mungo Man and Lady that date over 40,000 years outdated. This makes it the oldest identified space the place people have inhabited, in all the southern hemisphere.

It additionally has wonderful rock formations.

16. Royal Nationwide Park

Lower than an hour outdoors Sydney is a pure paradise. Royal Nationwide Park is a spectacular slice of coastal wilderness that’s generally known as the world’s second-oldest nationwide park.

It’s identified for its miles of strolling trails, dramatic sandstone cliffs, pristine seashores, and eucalyptus-scented bushland.

You’ll be able to hike the long-lasting Coast Monitor for panoramic ocean views, while keeping track of the ocean for whales and dolphins.

Or you possibly can go for a swim within the glowing Determine Eight Swimming pools, kayak alongside the serene Hacking River, or head to one of many secluded picnic areas and watch the wallabies hopping round.

Earlier than you go

These are our only a few of our private favorite locations in New South Wales that any customer to Australia ought to take a look at.

New South Wales has among the greatest seashores in Australia, the very best mountain, probably the most relaxed seashore cities, and among the best cities on this planet.

Whether or not you’re searching for among the hottest locations or hidden gems, one can find one thing for everybody on this record.

I hope that this record gave you some inspiration for locations so as to add to your itinerary and helped you propose your journey.

Excursions of New South Wales

Extra NSW Journey Ideas

Are you searching for extra inspiration for visiting NSW? Then chances are you’ll discover the under sources helpful…

Pin To Save It On Pinterest