Welcome to Sydney and New South Wales, an Australian state filled with natural wonders, vibrant cities and fascinating culture. Located on Australia's east coast, New South Wales is known for its beautiful beaches, spectacular national parks, unique wildlife and rich Aboriginal history. Whether you're looking for outdooradventures or urban experiences, New South Wales has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. Australia's most populous state is also full of surprises! Who would have thought that you could also stroll through vineyards and taste great local vintages? Would you like to discover the wonderful Australian state of New South Wales? Here are our 10 must-sees.
1- A stroll through Sydney
Sydney is one of Australia's most iconic cities. A few days in Sydney, New South Wales, starts with a visit to the Sydney Opera House, an architectural marvel standing majestically on the harbour. A guided tour as well as a theatrical or musical performance are unforgettable experiences. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is also a must-see, offering breathtaking views of the harbour and the city from its summit during a climbing session. Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb is a sensational activity in the city! Why not also opt for a boat tour, for a unique view of the harbour and skyline! Later, to soak up Australian culture, head for The Rocks, a historic district filled with boutiques, cafés and art galleries. Infinitely cultural, Sydney is home to several interesting museums, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which boasts a new wing dedicated to Aboriginal art and new creations. Sydney is also a beach town, the most famous being Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach and Manly Beach. Perfect for relaxation and water sports.
2- The Blue Mountains and their breathtaking views
Just 1h30 drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park is a nature-lover's delight. A wilderness of impressive sandstone ridges and endemic bush. A land where you can follow paths through lush green valleys and marvel at the views over steep cliffs. Don't miss the Three Sisters, the park's most iconic landmarks. The Blue Mountains are a place for hiking, mountain biking, canyoning and exploring the Jenolan Caves, some of the oldest caves in the world. Whether you're watching glow worms in a dark cave, strolling to sacred Aboriginal sites or visiting quiet mountain towns like Katoomba, the Blue Mountains never cease to fascinate.
3- Lord Howe Island, sublime territory
Lord Howe Island is a small island off the east coast of Australia, famous for its spectacular natural scenery and unspoilt environment. Numerous trails enable you to enjoy an exceptional natural setting, whether you choose to tour the island or climb Mount Gower. The island is also renowned for its heavenly beaches. You can rent a kayak to reach Ned's Beach, or spread your towel at Blinky Beach for a swim or surf. Lord Howe Island awaits visitors to observe its flora and fauna, conquer underwater caves and relax in the glorious sunshine. Several hotels offer upscale experiences on the island, including Capella Lodge and Arajilla Retreat.
4- The Hunter Valley, wines and gastronomy
New South Wales offers epicureans the opportunity to visit the Hunter Valley, about 2 hours drive from Sydney. They will discover the oldest wine region in Australia, where vineyards rub shoulders with the surrounding landscape. The Hunter Valley is famous for its wines, including Shiraz, Chardonnay and Semillon. A stay in the Hunter Valley is an opportunity to walk in the heart of nature, to stop at the producers for tastings, to share good local products during picnics or at the table of restaurants. There are also electric bike rides to take, a moment at the spa to enjoy and an enchanting walk to schedule at The Hunter Valley Gardens. Finally, don't hesitate to take a trip to the top of the mountain to enjoy the beauty of the landscape. A hot air balloon ride in the Hunter Valley is particularly recommended at sunset.
5- Mungo National Park and its lunar landscapes
Located in the south-west of New South Wales, Mungo National Park reveals panoramas like few others on Earth. The sand dunes and dry lake beds have created an almost lunar landscape. The hikes, as well as the vehicle tours, offer the feeling of having joined another world. On a tour with a local Aboriginal guide, what could be more exciting than visiting the site where the fossil remains of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady, two of Australia's oldest human skeletons, were discovered? An opportunity to learn more about the Aboriginal history of the area. Night under the stars, walk at the time of the full moon, the stars always sublimate the wonderful landscapes of the national park. It is also necessary to take advantage of the excursion to admire the local fauna and flora. The sandy landscapes are home to various plants, birds including the Australian eagle or the red kangaroo.
6- Byron Bay, surfing paradise
It is always a pleasure to stop for a few days in Byron Bay. Life is punctuated by the comings and goings of locals, visitors and van life enthusiasts who come to the stores, cafes, restaurants and beaches. A bohemian and summer vacation atmosphere that feels good. After strolling through the markets and contemplating the street art, head for the beach, Main Beach or Clarkes, to enjoy the sea and the sun. Those who are keen to get out and about can try activities such as kayaking or stand up paddle. Byron Bay is also a great place to try surfing. Go to The Pass or the Wrek. Between two sports or relaxation sessions, you can't miss the Byron Bay lighthouse, perched on top of its hill. The views on the coast and in the distance on the Blue Mountains and the forests are simply unique.
7- Jervis Bay, a seaside destination not to be missed
New South Wales has more than one string to its bow when it comes to satisfying sea lovers. Jervis Bay is one of the state's most popular spots, just a 3h30 drive south of Sydney. A good place to start is Booderee National Park, with its many trails and magnificent beaches. There are also historic indigenous sites, the ruins of the Cape St George lighthouse and a botanical garden. All along the bay, there are stretches of sand, each more beautiful than the next. These include Murrays Beach, Moona Moona Creek, Blenheim Beach and Nelsons Beach. As you'd expect, the area is ideal for a wide range of water sports. Dolphins can be seen all year round, and humpback whales between May-June and September-November.
8- Mudgee, country charm
A 3h40-minute drive west of Sydney, the Mudgee countryside is one of the metropolis' favorite destinations for a rejuvenating weekend away. And it's easy to see why! Here, you can stroll through pastoral landscapes, visit a local farm, stop off at restaurants and embark on a wine tour that takes in some of the area's 35 wineries. A stay in the area is also a great opportunity to go hiking in the Wollemi National Park. It's the perfect place to take in the views, stroll through the immense eucalyptus forests and finish off with a kayak trip on the Cudgegong River.
9- Along the Sapphire Coast
Fancy a road trip during your stay in New South Wales? Here's a particularly exciting itinerary along the Sapphire Coast. Stop off in charming towns such as Berry, Mollymook and Merimbula. We spend time on beaches that are far less crowded than other parts of the state, such as Cuttagee Beach and Bittangabee Bay. And what an incredible moment it is to photograph Horse Head Rock, a rock formation dating back 500 million years! Many other experiences are possible on the Sapphire Coast, such as eating freshly caught oysters, sailing from lighthouse to lighthouse from Boyds Tower to Green Cape Lighthouse, watching the whale migration (between May and November) and kayaking on the Towamba River. No road trip is complete without a dip in Bermagui Blue Pool, ranked among the eight best natural pools in the world.
10- Visit Port Stephens
Just 2h30 from Sydney, Port Stephens is a little paradise. Start by climbing to the top of Mount Tomaree to admire the beauty of the coastline. Then a stroll through the rainforest and on to one of the 26 beaches, each more beautiful than the last! Little Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay are particularly pleasant for swimming and water sports. Port Stephens is also a prime wildlife-watching destination. Dolphins off the coast between May and November, or koalas in the Tilligerry Habitat nature reserve. What's more, there's nothing like a visit to the area to treat yourself to a good dose of thrills, as you quad bike across the dunes on guided outings. These are the most imposing in the southern hemisphere.
When to visit New South Wales
From December to February, it's summer in New South Wales. Exploring the coast offers the chance to cool off in the ocean. From August to November, and March to May, temperatures are milder, ranging from 18 to 25°C depending on the month. Conditions are ideal for long strolls through the towns and hiking in the state's many national parks.
How do I get to New South Wales?
Sydney International Airport is served by numerous international airlines. It is the main gateway to New South Wales. Flights arrive from many cities around the world. From France, flights include a stopover. Once here, car rental remains the best way to get around and conquer the major sites.
Travelers who turn to Cercle des Voyages opt for a customized, personalized trip. They enjoy luxury accommodation in top-of-the-range hotels in the heart of nature, as well as traditionally decorated lodges on Lord Howe Island. They also benefit from expert advice and assistance, for a trouble-free trip during which all they have to do is enjoy the splendors and multiple facets of New South Wales.
