The cradle of Australian society, a land with a rich history, New South Wales is a state located in the south-eastern part of Australia. Often known around the world for its fervent city of Sydney, it is in fact the whole territory that should be discovered. There are many coastal towns with long beaches that are a delight for those who like to relax and enjoy water sports. Then, inland, a multitude of landscapes offer themselves to the hikers: tropical forests, steep mountains, vineyards, bushes and national parks with an incredible richness of fauna and flora. For two, with family or friends, here are 10 must-do experiences on a trip to New South Wales.
1- Strolling in Sydney
The discovery of the capital is often the first step of a trip in New South Wales. Welcome to Sydney, which has one of the most beautiful bays in the world, and which can be appreciated by walking along Circular Quay. It is then that one quickly has in heart to go to see more closely the emblem of the city: the Opera House, equipped with an exceptional architecture. Not far away is the Harbour Bridge, another monument not to be missed. You should also explore Sydney's different neighborhoods to soak up its atmosphere. From the colorful world of Chinatown, offering a variety of delicious cuisines, you can go to The Rocks for a drink in one of the historic pubs. For shopping enthusiasts, head to the Queen Victoria Building, a late 19th century landmark filled with the world's top brands. Finally, there's nothing like reaching the places with the best views of Sydney. The Botanic Garden with its view of the skyline and the observation tower with its breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
2- Meet the animals
Australia is famous for its emblematic animals and you have the opportunity to see most of them during a stay in New South Wales. For example, you can stay at the eco-friendly One and Only Wolgan Valley resort in the heart of the Blue Mountains and enjoy incredible accommodations while roaming your own private nature reserve. In an atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Australian country estates, you wake up to breathtaking views of eucalyptus-littered bushland and board a vehicle to meet kangaroos and wombats. Unless you prefer to go for a horseback ride for a total immersion in nature.
3- Hiking in the Blue Mountains
On the way from Sydney to the mythical Blue Mountains, the Valleys Route is a must to get into the green and enjoy the most famous wine region of Australia. Then you enter the heart of the Blue Mountains to follow some of the trails that reveal impressive panoramas of gorges and waterfalls. The Jamison Valley is a prime location for a beautiful view of cliffs and green country. You might also consider seeing the Three Sisters, symbols of the territory, or entering the Jenolan Caves to discover a buried gem of the Blue Mountains, before heading to the terrace of a bucolic village such as Katoomba for refreshments.
4- Take a wine tour in the Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest and most famous wine region. How about a pleasant trip by train to the vineyards from Sydney and then indulge in a wine tasting experience? The Hunter Valley welcomes visitors in the heart of its vineyard and landform landscapes where kangaroos can often be seen roaming. You can set down your bags in a winery and then learn about the world of wine and take part in tastings of local vintages, accompanied by cheeses. The Hunter Valley's lush green landscapes are also the perfect place for Segway, bike or horseback riding. It is also a great place to set up a plaid picnic. Another possible experience is to fly over these bucolic landscapes in a hot air balloon. And then, local wines can be enjoyed around the tables of restaurants featuring sweet food and wine pairings.
5- Spend some time in Byron Bay
During a stay in News South Wales, a zen stopover in Byron Bay allows you to set foot in a city where alternative lifestyles meet surf culture. You can practice at Main Beach before heading to the more muscular waves of Wategos Beach. Depending on the time of year, you can also go whale watching in the distance or take a kayak and paddle alongside dolphins. The lighthouse offers a superb view of the ocean and the Cape Byron trail is ideal for a sunrise walk to marvel at the marine panoramas. Byron Bay is also the gateway to lush rainforests, such as those in Arakwal and Nightcap National Parks. Hedonists, nature lovers, Byron Bay awaits you with open arms!
6- Discover Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island, located in New South Wales, is a small paradise on earth. Lost in the heart of the Pacific, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the ideal place to recharge your batteries. During a stay at the Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, one can enjoy a luxurious, elegant setting and the spa to relax. During the day, a multitude of activities are possible: walks through palm forests and hiking to Mount Gower, mountain biking, fishing, diving in the coral reef or simply lazing on white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The island remains peaceful and never welcomes more than 400 visitors at a time. Perfect conditions to recharge the batteries while enjoying the view.
7- Reaching the Outback
You don't have to go to the center of the great country of Australia to enjoy the sumptuous landscapes of the Outback. Sitting behind the wheel of a 4WD, New South Wales offers to drive to those parts of the state where travelers marvel at the ochre and desert lands, the rocky peaks and the spirit of the Aboriginal culture. From Sydney to Adelaide, welcome to the discovery of an authentic Australia, with stopovers in typical cities. Let's mention Dubbo and its Victorian architecture and Broken Hill, a former mining town that has become a major artistic center. The nature is incredible in its entirety, but let's mention in particular the White Cliffs and their almost lunar landscape, as well as the Mutawintji National Park and its formidable collection of Aboriginal rock art.
8- Walk in Mungo National Park
The landscapes of New South Wales never cease to amaze, but those of the Mungo National Park have something unique. You enter sandy lands where dry lakes follow one another. The rock formations, astonishing, contribute to give to the place this feeling to be on another planet. Alone or accompanied by an aboriginal guide, we discover in particular the place where chimneys and burials have taken place for more than 40 000 years. You can also take advantage of a stopover at the historic site of the Chinese Walls to contemplate the sunset, before going to observe the wildlife in its natural environment in the Hattah-Kulkyne reserve, where kangaroos, wallabies, emus and other birds live in large numbers. Mungo National Park is also a unique experience because it is home to part of the Willandra Lakes region, which is home to the remains of ancient civilizations.
9- Take a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive
It would be a shame to be on vacation on the South Coast in Australia and not plan a fascinating road trip along the sea. On the Grand Pacific Drive, the road takes visitors through a variety of landscapes bordering the ocean. You'll pass through national parks, rainforests and the edge of towering cliffs that drop into the ocean. Among the experiences offered along the way: the crossing of the Sea Cliff Bridge and its breathtaking panorama; a break at Hyams Beach on the whitest sand in the world; another at Pebbly Beach to bask in the company of kangaroos, but also the crossing of the Croajingolong National Park where hikes in the moors and quiet moments on deserted beaches await us
10- Go from beach to beach and watch dolphins
In New South Wales, the Pacific Coast is the place to be for those who love the beach and a relaxed atmosphere. The Pacific Coast Touring Drive is a scenic route to stop at beach after beach and enjoy the sun. In Port Stephens, you can board a catamaran to go dolphin watching offshore. Just like in Coffs Harbour, there are countless beaches and wild creeks where you can sunbathe and swim. The road also leads through a number of cities, such as Bellingen and its hippie atmosphere and the skyscraper beach towns of the Gold Coast. On the way to Brisbane, you can also opt for the interior and the lush vegetation of the Wollumbin National Park. A wide range of activities are possible along the Pacific Coast Touring Drive: kayaking, quad biking, rafting, surfing, animal watching. The options are seemingly endless, and such is the philosophy of New South Wales.
