New South Wales

Australia's earliest-settled state, combining the big-city appeal of Sydney with the Blue Mountains, beaches and wine country.

New South Wales lies in the southeast of Australia. Its capital, Sydney, boasts landmarks such as the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach. The Blue Mountains National Park and the Hunter Valley wine region nearby can both be done as day trips, while Byron Bay and Port Macquarie on the north coast are known for surf and beaches, Jervis Bay on the south coast is famous for its white-sand beaches, and Lord Howe Island is a World Heritage–listed island. It can be visited year-round, with spring and autumn the most comfortable. Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport is the country's busiest international gateway.

Destinations

Itineraries

Sydney to Brisbane Pacific Coast Road Trip – Head north along the Pacific Coast, connecting bays, koalas, rainforests, and Byron Bay
Outback NSW: Broken Hill & Mungo – Journey west from highland wine country all the way to the silver mining city and World Heritage sand dunes
Hunter Valley & Port Stephens Loop – A short holiday loop from Sydney, featuring two nights in the wine region and one night by the bay
Sydney City, Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands – Five days of city and beaches in Sydney, plus day trips to the Blue Mountains and to the Southern Highlands and coast.
Grand Pacific Drive & Jervis Bay – Drive south along the Sea Cliff Bridge to Jervis Bay, returning through Kangaroo Valley and the Southern Highlands
Southern Highlands, Canberra & Snowy Mountains – A summer route from English-style highlands to capital museums, ending with a climb up Australia's highest peak
Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive – Drive south along the Princes Highway, connecting white sand bays, a historic whaling town, and the penguin parade
Classic Sydney Harbour & Blue Mountains – Spend three nights in Sydney exploring the harbour and coastal walks, then take the train to the Blue Mountains for an…
Sydney Museum District and Hunter Valley – Stay in Surry Hills and explore museums, galleries and the old town, with a day trip to the Hunter Valley wineries.
Sydney Family Wildlife and Harbour – Aquarium, Taronga Zoo, Luna Park and Featherdale Wildlife Park for koala and kangaroo encounters, a good fit for famili…
Sydney Harbour and Beaches for First-Timers – The Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the Manly ferry and the Bondi coastal walk, covering Sydney's must-sees in three days.
Sydney Coast and National Park Walks – Five classic walking stages: the Harbour Bridge, Spit to Manly, Palm Beach, the Royal National Park and the Bondi coast.