New South Wales is a vibrant Australian state offering a wide range of experiences to its visitors. With its coastal towns and beautiful coastline, its national parks with their magnificent landscapes, its typical wildlife, its vineyards, its remote villages, its lively cities, its outback and the presence of the aboriginal culture, there is no end to the number of activities possible once you are here. It's simple, there is something for absolutely every type of traveler! And then, Sydney is a must-see and also has its share of surprises. So for those of you who don't know the fascinating territory of South-East Australia that is New South Wales, here are 10 activities that you must do
1- Visit Sydney by bike
Cycling is a trendy way of getting around and it allows you to discover cities peacefully and in a total respect of the environment. This is also the case in the great metropolis of Sydney. In the capital of New South Wales, you can start by getting on a bike to ride along the bay and enjoy the panoramic views, between iconic monuments and blue reflections of the sea. The Bay Run is a popular 7km route that passes through the Inner West, Iron Cove and several parks with great views. Picnic tables are available for a break in the sun. Another alternative is to join Centennial Park in the east of Sydney. This small loop allows you to go green and is particularly suitable for family walks
2- Surfing in Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a coastal town located in the north-eastern part of New South Wales. We like to stop there for its bohemian and relaxing atmosphere. Simply because it is a good place to live. After having been in the stores of the main shopping street leading to the beach, we join the sandy area to enjoy the beautiful waves and learn to surf. The conditions are perfect and while we slide on the water, it is not rare to cross here and there the way of a dolphin or a turtle. Once you're done, you can always stretch your legs by going to the Byron Bay lighthouse, which offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and the beaches.
3- Go whale watching in Jervis Bay
One of the must-do experiences in New South Wales is to go whale watching, especially humpback whales. These large marine mammals can be seen from June to October-November, when they migrate to and from Antarctica. There are several spots to see them in New South Wales: Byron Bay, the Sydney area and Jervis Bay, a favorite spot for many locals and visitors. Located about three hours drive south of the capital of New South Wales, cruises are offered and take the curious not far from the whales that frolic quietly in the clear waters
4- Climb the Harbour Bridge in Sydney
Sydney offers to climb one of its most emblematic monuments: the Harbour Bridge! The activity is of course supervised and is done in perfect safety conditions. Once briefed and perfectly equipped, the climbing of the "old hanger" as it is nicknamed by the inhabitants starts. All along the activity, we enjoy incredible views on the Sydney harbour and the skyline. Once you reach the top of the monument, you can even see the Blue Mountains on the clearest days. A magical and unforgettable moment that ends with the delivery of a certificate and a photo.
5- Hiking in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains region, located west of Sydney and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a small paradise for hikers. 140 km of hiking trails allow you to criss-cross the national park and marvel at the landscapes that consist of eucalyptus forests, sandstone cliffs, underground caves, canyons and waterfalls. You will also come across many animals such as wallabies, wombats, parrots and possums. The best way to learn more about the secrets of this exceptional natural area is to visit with an aboriginal guide. Not to be missed are the Jenolan Caves, ancient caves with incredible limestone formations
6- Quad biking in the giant sand dunes of Worimi
Port Stephens is a large bay located only 2h30 north of Sydney. There are no less than 26 beaches and coastal villages to enjoy. A short drive away are the famous Worimi Sand Dunes, where you can marvel at the natural beauty of Port Stephens. There are many activities to do there, such as sandboarding, which consists of hurtling down the dunes on a board. Yes, it is the sand version of snowboarding. Another popular activity in the area is a quad bike ride. Adventurers ride through the dunes and get a good dose of thrills as they climb and descend them. Accompanied by a guide, one also learns more about the local aboriginal history
7- Wine tasting in the Hunter Valley
Located only two hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine region and a very bucolic territory. You can walk through the vineyards and reach the spots with the most beautiful panoramic views of this green and delicately hilly region. You can also stop at the wineries where the winemakers welcome visitors to present their work and participate in tastings of the best vintages. The Hunter Valley is a superb gastronomic destination. It offers a multitude of wine tourism experiences such as winery tours and tastings. You can take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards, have lunch in a gourmet restaurant, learn how to pair cheese and wine, or attend a concert in the vineyards
8- Go and photograph the outback
It is not necessary to go to the center of Australia to admire the sublime landscapes of theoutback. The landscapes of red lands and endless horizons are also present in New South Wales. Camera in hand, we leave to stroll on the sand dunes of the national park of Mungo, to attend the spectacle of a dried lake and to see the glittering white cliffs which carry the name of Walls of China. We also make a detour to the opal deposits of White Cliffs, before passing through the city of Broken Hill, a mining town known for its artists and its numerous art galleries
9- Snorkeling at Lord Howe Island
During a stay in New South Wales, lovers of paradisiacal landscapes must go to Lord Howe Island, accessible in 2 hours by plane from Sydney. This subtropical crescent-shaped island, a well-kept jewel of the South-East Australian state, reveals a remarkably preserved nature. The beaches are of course of great beauty, with fine sand, translucent waters and a green surrounding nature. We immediately feel like putting on a bathing suit, mask and snorkel, and go snorkeling to observe the splendid sea beds. Lagoon Beach is the best place for this activity
10- Skydiving in Wollongong
Wollongong is the third largest city in New South Wales, a seaside resort located on the South Coast south of Sydney. To live an incredible experience, the ideal is to leave Sydney by car to reach the city after having passed on the Sea Cliff Bridge, this spectacular bridge which overhangs the sea was built not far from the cliffs. It offers a magnificent landscape for taking pictures, especially at sunset. Once in Wollongong, there are many activities to enjoy such as golfing, biking, discovering beautiful botanical gardens, the art scene, not to mention spending time in cafes and restaurants. Those who like to get their adrenaline pumping can try a parachute jump from a plane at 4,200 meters high. This jump, from which you can enjoy breathtaking views of Wollongong before landing quietly on North Beach, is considered one of the most spectacular in Australia, no less!
