Located in southeasternAustralia, New South Wales is the country's most populous state. Known for its famous capital, Sydney, this region of abundant natural beauty is cradled by a living, authentic Aboriginal culture. From the beautiful beaches of the south to the lush national parks of the hinterland and the characterful vineyards, New South Wales promises an escape between modernity and ancestral heritage. A meeting point for travelers in search of singular experiences, this paradise on Earth will satisfy every desire, whether you're thirsty for adventure, a culinary enthusiast or a lover of art and culture.
The cultural riches of New South Wales
The state of New South Wales covers an area almost twice the size of France. It's a coastal region of a thousand riches, with over 1,900 km of white sandy beaches: a picture-postcard landscape. A sacred land of primitive landscapes, New South Wales offers a complete change of scenery and breathtaking cultural enrichment. Beyond its sanctuaries of natural beauty, New South Wales is home to large concentrations of Aboriginal rock engravings, dating back at least 40,000 years. Already seduced by the beauty of the surrounding nature, let yourself be subjugated by the cultural richness of these unique lands from another world. From the untamed panoramas of the South Coast to the picturesque Australian Alps, this is Australia as we dream it, combining luxury and cultural heritage.
Sydney, capital of the Australian art of living
Who hasn't dreamed of staying in Sydney? A favorite destination for surfers and a cosmopolitan metropolis, the capital of New South Wales enjoys a divine location on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. A veritable paradise for lovers of urban landscapes, Sydney is not only Australia's largest city, but also its oldest. It was built around one of the world's most beautiful natural harbours, Port Jackson. To take in its architectural wonders and enjoy a unique experience, book a private guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, a mythical contemporary masterpiece, and attend an exclusive show while enjoying a gourmet dinner overlooking the harbor. The Royal Botanic Garden, considered the city's green lung, offers beautiful strolls, while the Sydney Fish Market, the largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere, allows you to sample fresh, local fish. Recently, it has also become possible to climb to the top of the arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the world's largest steel arch bridge, spanning a total of 3.3 km. The Burrawa Climb allows climbers to learn more about the culture of the local Aboriginal communities around Sydney. Accompanied by an Aboriginal storyteller, overlook a 360-degree view as your guide takes you on a journey back in time. For a memorable cultural experience, head for world-renowned Aboriginal art galleries such as the Australian Museum, which exhibits contemporary and traditional artworks by renowned Aboriginal artists. Come back down to earth and follow in the footsteps of Aboriginal peoples on urban tours organized by Dreamtime Southern X. The guides share a wealth of anecdotes about the creation of Sydney before colonization: a true history lesson with spiritual overtones! Looking for a breath of fresh air? Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and take a ferry across the bay. Admire Manly beach, stroll around Circular Quay and take a break to enjoy the wide-open spaces in perpetual dialogue with the surrounding nature. Located 7 kilometers from the city, Bondi Beach is one of Sydney's most emblematic beaches. Learn to ride the Australian wave at one of the beach's many surf schools, or soak up the sun in the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you appreciate architecture and art, the mysteries of Aboriginal culture or the pleasures of outdoor living, Sydney is a city of a thousand facets, tinged with modernity and tradition.
The Blue Mountains, Australia's natural magic
Mystical and majestic, lulled by Aboriginal legends and guarded by sovereign mountains, the Blue Mountains owe their name to the blue mists saturated with oily eucalyptus vapors. Just 90 minutes from Sydney, the Blue Mountains will satisfy your thirst for wonder in a majestic setting of natural harmony. With their breathtaking cliffs, waterfalls, canyons and eucalyptus forests, these reliefs, an integral part of the Australian Cordillera, are particularly spectacular. Enter a tropical jungle-like forest of tree ferns and giant eucalypts. From a few hours to several days, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a true moment of plenitude and an incredible diversity of landscapes. Don't miss the Three Sisters, the park's mythical rock formations, which you'll discover at the Echo Point observation point. Take to the trails to discover a succession of breathtaking views and explore the Jenolan Caves, formed over 340 million years ago and the oldest publicly accessible caves in the world! For a unique immersion in history, head to Red Hands Cave to admire one of the region's finest examples of Aboriginal rock art.
Here, handprints and outlines made from ochre line the rock, which has been converted into a colorful fresco. Dating back some 1,600 years, this ceremonial cave was used for the initiation of young warriors: a fascinating sight that bears witness to thousands of years of history. Finally, don't miss the sunset from Sublime Point: an unforgettably poetic moment! Looking for a family adventure? Head to Scenic World for four extraordinary experiences through the rainforest. Climb aboard the Scenic Railway, the steepest railroad incline in the world at 52 degrees. Climb aboard the Scenic Skyway and Scenic Cableway, two cable cars offering unique panoramic views of the Blue Mountains.
Finally, explore the Scenic Walkway, a hiking trail winding through the rainforest, and admire the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains at your own pace. To extend your stay, opt for accommodation in high-end lodges, enjoy renowned spas and explore hiking trails with private guides.
Aboriginal culture: explore sacred sites steeped in history
Both urban and wild, New South Wales offers an immersion in the Australian way of life and the country's ancestral culture. With a rich and vibrant history, the Aboriginal people are Australia's original inhabitants and the oldest living culture on earth. "Aboriginal" comes from the Latin ab origine, meaning "those who have been here since the beginning". To discover Aboriginal traditions, beliefs and cultural practices is not only to enrich our understanding of the country's history and diversity, but also to recognize and respect a thousand-year-old heritage that is an integral part of our national heritage. How can you remain insensitive to the strength and beauty of these men and women who have been keeping their traditions alive for 60,000 years?
Numerous sites and experiences focusing on Aboriginal culture offer unforgettable, authentic moments: from guided tours of sacred sites to arts and crafts demonstrations, not to mention tastings of traditional dishes, encounters with Australia's first inhabitants provide invaluable cultural exchanges. Located just an hour's drive from Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover the Aboriginal culture of the Guringai and Darug peoples. Between mangroves, secluded coves and mountain passes, important heritage sites such as petroglyphs and rock carvings offer a glimpse into the history and way of life of the First Nations. Off the beaten track, these luxury tours nestled in the heart of Australia's wilderness bring you closer to Aboriginal stories, traditions and wisdom. Alongside passionate guides, you can take part in guided tours and discover in complete intimacy a civilization with a rich and complex spirituality. Near Bourke, in the Murruwari Hidden Valley, share the daily life of the Murruwari people, discover their way of life, watch traditional dances and songs and learn the techniques of making handicrafts. The site also houses an art gallery displaying works of art created by local artists.
Food and wine in the Hunter Valley
Head north for a gastronomic getaway on the wine trail! Around 2 hours' drive from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is the cradle of Australian wine. Its winegrowing history began in the early 19th century, when the first pioneers planted vines directly from France. Today, it is Australia's oldest wine-growing region. The region produces premium varietals and rare vintages from over 150 vineyards. Visit award-winning wineries and dine in some of Australia's finest restaurants. Varieties such as Semillon, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are typical of the region's terroir. By bike, horse-drawn carriage or hot-air balloon, explore the beauty of the vineyards and discover the secrets of Australian wine-making. With tastings, tours and wine courses, the Hunter Valley offers a moment of gastronomic relaxation in spectacular surroundings.
To savor the authentic taste of Australia, treat yourself to a glimpse of the territory's agricultural know-how and enjoy gourmet tastings accompanied by the region's finest wines. Opt for private tastings at renowned estates such as Tyrrell's, Brokenwood or McGuigan Wines. Visit the Hunter Dessert Bar, set amidst the vineyards, for a variety of desserts accompanied by the region's finest wines, and be sure to visit the Muse restaurant in Pokolbin, one of the Hunter Valley's most modern wineries. Some wineries also offer luxury accommodation, to extend this unique wine experience. For the perfect moment in nature with a glass in hand, stay at idyllic wineries. From luxury resorts with golf courses and spas to charming accommodations, nature retreats and farm stays, you'll enjoy a picturesque setting while savoring the country's finest wines. Cheers!
Although not as popular as the Hunter Valley, the Mudgee and Orange regions offer picturesque walks and bucolic stays. Climb aboard a gondola and enjoy the sun's magical reflections on the vineyards: hot-air balloon rides with sparkling wine breakfasts will delight all those who secretly dream of flying..
Three and a half hours' drive west of Sydney, Orange hosts the annual Orange F.O.O.D. week, Australia's longest-running regional food festival. From trendy boutique hotels to luxurious cottages tucked away in the vineyards, the escape promises to be as luxurious as it is tasty! Three addresses to remember: Philip Shaw, one of Orange's pioneering winegrowing families; Koomooloo Vineyard, one of Australia's highest and coolest vineyards; and Rowlee Wines, in the foothills of Mount Canobolas. The latter offers intimate tastings, wine and food pairings, vineyard picnics and luxury accommodation. Want to surprise your taste buds again? A three-and-a-half-hour drive northwest of Sydney, the Mudgee region is popular with nature and food lovers alike. Situated on the Cudgegong River and surrounded by rolling green hills, it boasts a rich historical heritage and World Heritage-listed wilderness. But what makes Mudgee so famous are its 40 family-run vineyards, ideal for a weekend of outdoor wine tasting. A lively little countryside, Mudgee is the perfect place to enjoy a wide range of grape varieties.
Well-known for its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, it offers an end-of-the-world flavor that's sure to please every oenophile. Be sure to visit the winemakers and taste some of the region's finest wines. Founded in 2000 by David Lowe, Lowe Wines produces high-end wines in small batches from a certified organic and biodynamic estate. Meanwhile, the French-style Beaurepaire vineyard offers a tour of its historic cellar, housed in 170-year-old stables. Finally, voted best wine tourism experience by Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine, Logan offers a range of styles from shiraz to sauvignon blanc. The tasting room is perched on the side of a hill and offers a breathtaking view of the vineyard: an ideal option for combining relaxation with a gourmet tour!
The legendary Outback National Parks
Turn your back on the ocean and take to the hills of Australia. The bewitching hinterland, known here as the Outback, leaves an unforgettable impression of its immensity. You'll marvel at primitive landscapes and spectacular rock formations reminiscent of the world's first mornings: singular for its distinctive nature and unmistakable exoticism, the Outback and its vast plains offer a perfect combination of blue skies, scorching sun and sandy dunes. Far from the golden beaches of the coastline, it's here, inland, that Australia's charm comes into its own. This part of New South Wales, wilder and less touristy, offers unique experiences thanks to its seven major national parks. Sturt, Mungo and Culgoa National Parks are particularly worth exploring. Of exceptional archaeological and anthropological importance, Mungo National Park is the great guardian of the history of the Paakantji, Nygiampaa and Mutthi Mutthi peoples. Present in the region for tens of thousands of years, ancient burial sites, hearths and spiritual sanctuaries still allow visitors to explore the heritage of the aboriginal peoples.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is particularly famous for its wind-sculpted rock formations, known as the Walls of China. Remains of a riverbed that dried up 14,000 years ago, the site is best visited at dusk: in the last hours of the day, the last rays of sunlight bring out a palette of orange, yellow and red rocks tending towards deep purple. A magical sight!
Further north, in the far west of New South Wales, Mutawintji National Park is one of the country's other iconic historic sites. This nature reserve boasts some of Australia's most striking examples of Aboriginal art. Thanks to its protected status, this sacred territory is administered by the Mutawintji Local Aboriginal Land Council, whose culture has been rooted here for millennia. Accompanied by the park's Rangers, explore the park's historic areas and witness the unique splendor of Aboriginal art. A spectacular walk, the Mutawintji Gorge Walk, takes you along the eucalypt-lined creek and up to the permanent water source in the gorge. The Homestead Creek Walk, a 4-5 hour loop, takes you to the rock paintings of Wrights Cave, The Rockpools and Homestead Gorge.
The Australian Wild West in all its splendor, in the heart of arid landscapes of exceptional beauty!
Lord Howe Island, Australia's best-kept secret
With its turquoise-blue lagoon, coral reefs and teeming marine life, Lord Howe Island is a jewel case of pure beauty. A small jewel lost in the Pacific, just a 2-hour flight from Sydney, Lord Howe Island is one of the world's most unspoilt islands: with a maximum of just 400 visitors per day, the experience promises to be as intimate as it is exclusive. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lord Howe Island is the ideal destination for nature lovers in search of a romantic setting. Deep-sea enthusiasts can escape for a day's diving in the heart of the protected marine reserve: dream with your eyes wide open as you admire the coral reefs of paradise-like Ned Beach. Once your head is out of the water, the show goes on: climb to the top of Mount Gower with experienced local guides.
Mount Gower is the island's highest mountain and is considered one of Australia's finest day hikes. It takes eight hours for good walkers, with some via ferrata-type sections. It takes fourteen kilometers to reach the top of the peak and admire the island and its crystal-clear waters. If you're not into heights or depths, then kayaking, paddleboarding, cruising, snorkeling, surfing or an excursion to Ball's Pyramid, a volcanic landmark rising out of the ocean and culminating 561 m above the water. To enjoy the island's heavenly beaches, don a mask and snorkel and swim among Wrasse, Mullet, Orphie, Silver-drummer, Spangled Emperor and Kingfish. And if you want to see even more, head for Erscott's Hole, just a few fathoms west of the golf course, for a coral immersion experience.
Paradise beaches and secluded paradises
Rest assured, however, that paradise beaches are not the exclusive preserve of tropical islands! Located 3 hours south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is renowned for its magnificent white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Between kayaking, snorkeling and diving, it's possible to admire the marine fauna emblematic of the east coast, and easily spot turtles, dolphins and other colorful tropical fish. Between May and November, don't miss the ballet of humpback whales passing the bay on their annual migration. For a closer look at the queen of the oceans, Jervis Bay Wild offers intimate, eco-friendly cruises departing from Huskisson. If you want to go the extra mile, stop off at Murrays Beach, reputed to have the whitest sand in the world. For a magical spectacle orchestrated by nature, stroll the region's beaches at night and observe bioluminescence, an unusual phenomenon that transforms plankton. It becomes luminescent and emits a blue glow. This natural chemical phenomenon is most common in the Australian spring and summer, when the water warms up. Finally, animal lovers can head south to Jervis Bay to meet Australia's iconic wildlife. At Pebbly Beach, enjoy a sublime setting for swimming and diving. Every day, kangaroos come to bask on the beach, to the delight of young and old alike! Finally, stop off at the fishing village of Narooma, take a boat to Montague Island and finish your trip with a visit to the pygmy penguins and fur seals.
GOOD TIPS
Getting there
Located over 15,000 km away, Australia is best reached by air. Many airlines offer flights to Sydney, with at least one stopover in Doha, Dubai, Singapore or Abu Dhabi.
Formalities
Australia requires a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return to France.
The "E-visitor 651" electronic visa is compulsory.
When should I travel to New South Wales?
One thing you should know: the seasons in Australia are reversed from those in Europe. The best times to travel to New South Wales are spring and summer, between September and May. In Sydney, average highs are 25.9°C during the summer months of December to February, with no rainfall.
Useful
CERCLE DES VOYAGES - More information on the website
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Cercle des Voyages is a travel agency located in the heart of Paris, offering top-of-the-range stays, tours and budget flights to dozens of destinations around the world. Our Australian destination consultants share their expert advice and secrets to make your trip an unforgettable, personalized experience. Entrust them with your travel habits, and together we'll design a tailor-made trip that's just right for you. You can also take advantage of their concierge services before, during and after your trip.
