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Discover the best places to visit and things to do in New South Wales with our ultimate travel guide. From beautiful beaches, world-renowned wine regions, charming country towns, adrenaline pumping snowfields and the magnificent outback, it’s easy to plan your next NSW getaway.
New South Wales is a great holiday destination for a romantic getaway in wine country, family beach holidays on the coast or road-tripping to the outback; NSW has it all.
There are plenty of things to do in New South Wales starting with a bridge climb on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Escape the city with a sojourn to the Hunter Valley for wine tasting at some of the best cellar doors in the region. For a change of place, explore New South Wales’ natural beauty with a visit to the Three Sisters in the picturesque Blue Mountains.
New South Wales’ temperate climate makes it a great state for outdoor activities. Hiking and bushwalking in NSW is a popular activity in picturesque locations such as the Blue Mountains, Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast and Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains. If you’re time poor and can’t escape the city, we have 5 of Sydney’s best bush walks within easy reach.
Looking to go camping in NSW and wondering how to find the best caravan parks in NSW? If you’re longing to avoid the crowds, we have the 11 most beautiful secluded camping spots including Green Patch in NSW. While it’s hard to tear yourself away from some of the country’s most popular national parks and their associated camping spots such as the Blue Mountains, be adventurous and head inland to Mount Kaputar National Park, an hour’s drive from Narrabri and be inspired by Dawsons Spring campground, considered one of our Top 10 camping spots in Australia.
The best beaches in New South Wales can be found dotted up and down the coast from Tweed Heads in the north to Merimbula in the south. First time visitors to Sydney will want to head to world-famous Bondi Beach. Head to Hyams Beach on the South Coast renowned for its fine white sand and crystal clear water. Its no surprise Hyams Beach is considered one of Australia’s 10 Best Beaches. In Byron Bay on the North Coast of NSW avoid the crowds at Tallow Beach, perfect for both people and pooches. If you’re after the best spots to snorkel in Sydney we’ve shared the secret spots.
ICYMI, Vivid Sydney, aka the biggest festival of light, art and music in the world, is back for another year. From 24 May to 15 June, Sydney will ill...
Imagine a city boasting the charm of rural Australian life mixed with rich textured Victorian colonial history… and the expansive wonder of an Afric...
Not everyone enjoys a ‘stop and flop’ type of holiday. Here are five ways to eat, play and stay around the NSW South Coast. 1. Take your surfing ...
Clever locals, both old and new, are shaking things up on NSW’s Central Coast, breathing life into the suburbs of this once sleepy beachside region....
It’s hard to imagine Sydney in winter without Vivid Sydney. Maybe because it’s officially been happening for 11 years. Running from Friday 24 May...
If you think there’s nothing to do in the Valley that doesn’t involve vino, think again. Jessica Humphries explores a host of indulgent activities...
It may be loved for its beaches and chilled vibes but Byron Bay has plenty of other treasures just waiting to be discovered. From Main Beach, where s...
Small village towns perched high above sea level, an abundance of waterfalls and swimming holes, boutique shopping and connoisseur coffee – the Blue...
Summer’s almost here, and Friend Number 1036 has decided it’s the perfect time to pay you a visit in sunny Sydney... But unfortunately, you’ve ...
So you’ve seen the jet boats at Circular Quay and popped the Champagne at Icebergs, but what about some other Sydney summer activities around its fa...
Just one hour’s drive from Sydney’s city centre lies 1200 hectares of lush bushland known as Glenworth Valley. Here, over four days and three nigh...
For generations, families in New South Wales and southern Queensland have holidayed in the sleepy coastal town of Yamba. With a usual population of 7...
Ever wondered where the best snorkelling spots are in Sydney? Forget the Barrier Reef, Sydney-siders, the coast here is peppered with world-class wat...
The whale season is one of nature’s most spectacular sights and NSW coastal national parks are the ideal place to catch the action. Plan your next c...
If you’re just about ready to venture off to an island that has permanently warm weather, don’t leave just yet. Although winter may have you fixe...
With Sydney such a proud summer city, sometimes we go to ground at the sign of the first cold snap. But there’s a whole world to embrace once the co...
From intimate beaches to untamed rainforests, the NSW Coffs Coast combines a treasury of attractions without the crowds. After travelling the world, C...
Ever wondered how to go to the snow in Australia on a budget? When it comes to skiing, boarding – or making snow angels – Australia does it just ...
Sydney may be well known for its iconic and picturesque walks like the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk, but these five hidden bush walks are its best kep...
Besides lounging on a sandy beach all day, what are some other things to do in Wollongong? Here are 11 things to cross off your list. 1. Coastal cra...
If you feel like you’ve done everything there is to do in Byron Bay, Graham Simmons says think again. His ten best insider secrets will allow you to...
Ruby Boukabou takes you on a walking tour from The Rocks to Barangaroo, a journey from the oldest corner of the city to its most dazzling recent addit...
Louise Southerden test-walks one of the more adventurous Great Walk of Australia: the newly opened Seven Peaks Walk on Lord Howe Island. It’s a sun...
AT’s Alissa Jenkins recently took a rainy road trip to the Central Coast to have lunch at the delectable Bells at Killcare...half her luck! This wa...
From surfing sand dunes to hiking up coastal headlands, Port Stephens, in New South Wales, has adventure in spades. Here are our five favourite activi...
Cockatoo Island is Sydney Harbour’s forgotten day trip. So to help you un-forget, Lee Grewal from the blog Adventure in Our Tea Cups, has compiled h...
Long Sydney days got you keen for some R&R? Of course they have... You're in luck. We did the hard yards and picked the most pamper-filled day sp...
Thinking of venturing down to Carriageworks? It's well worth seeing, especially if you like interesting architecture, fashion - or farmer's markets......
Bathurst is famed for its motor racing, but if you're not about adrenaline and action, here are 9 things to do at your own speed. 1. Bathurst Regi...
Bushwalk over or couldn't be bothered? Here's a quick, cool and digestible guide to the Blue Mountain’s suavest town, Blackheath from locals: celebr...
Thousands of whales escape the cold of Antarctica and migrate to Australia to warm up every year, but they don’t just relax in the seas of Sydney th...
Venturing to Mudgee for a weekend of culinary delights? Make sure to bring a basket – you’ll need it to cart away the farm-fresh produce and artis...
There are plenty of places to visit in New South Wales starting with a city stay in Sydney, home to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Discover the diverse regions within 3 hours of Sydney such as the picturesque Blue Mountains, stunning South Coast and world-renowned wine region Hunter Valley ideal for short breaks. New South Wales has it all, from brilliant beaches and pristine national parks to charming country towns and the spectacular outback.
New South Wales’ capital, Sydney is a vibrant city with the stunning harbour at its dazzling heart. Explore the heritage sights; discover the intriguing history and marvel at the spectacular harbour and beautiful beaches that make Sydney a world-class city. Make the Sydney CBD your base or explore in all directions with iconic Bondi Beach in the east, sophisticated Palm Beach in the north, “The Shire” in the south and Parramatta in the west, Sydney’s newest thriving metropolis.
Just 90 minutes drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains has some of NSW’s most dazzling natural attractions, most notably the Three Sisters. Explore the natural beauty with bush walks for all levels of fitness or visit Scenic World or Jenolan Caves to see the Blue Mountains from a different perspective. There are plenty of things to do and places to stay in the Blue Mountains in quaint villages such as Leura, Katoomba, Medlow Bath and Megalong Valley.
The NSW Snowy Mountains is the perfect holiday destination in any season for the outdoor enthusiast. In the winter months, hit the slopes in Perisher or Thredbo for skiing or snowboarding and in the warmer months explore the region by bush walking, bike riding or hiking. In any season, there are plenty of things to see and do in the Snowy Mountains.
It may be known as the land of many crows, but Wagga Wagga and surrounds is fast evolving into the land of boutique stays, quality coffee, gourmet res...
Discover why Newcastle is the perfect coastal escape to enjoy and explore at any time of year. Newcastle is a thriving city by the sea. Wit...
Long expansive beaches, relaxing waterfront accommodation and lazy days with nowhere in particular to be… sounds like a dream, huh? We’ll let you ...
A coastal road trip from Sydney to Brisbane (or the reverse) is a rite of passage in Australia. While many tread the well-worn path with just a brief ...
Road tripping through the NSW outback is an opportunity to connect with both an ancient landscape and... yourself. Isn't it time you discover the Da...
With a secluded retreat designed for maximum relaxation, a fantastic regional art gallery and next-level produce enriched by volcanic soil, the pictur...
For generations, families in New South Wales and southern Queensland have holidayed in the sleepy coastal town of Yamba. With a usual population of 7...
Heading south, David Levell takes in the beauty and simplicity that is the NSW coast. (more…)...
Australian Traveller rates The top 5 short break drives from Sydney and Canberra. 1. Sydney to the Blue Mountains Not for nothing have the Blue Moun...
Welcome to Australia’s most underrated island. By Georgia Rickard. Photograpy by Grace Cassio. Things to do Hit up pie night - This is is one o...
If you’re looking to widen your exposure to impressive Australian food and wine regions, there’s one boutique country town that’s overwhelmingly...
To journey into the heart of outback New South Wales is to find the Australia depicted in movies; a moon-like landscape, home to outback chancers and ...
In any other country Port Stephens would be a national icon. But here in Australia, the gorgeous bay and its beaches with thousands of things to do f...
If you’re yearning for some old-fashioned country hospitality, head to the Upper Hunter Valley. Debbie Southern discovers seven majestic towns that ...
A quick break at the end of a busy week can do you a world of good, but planning one is often the last thing we have time for. Follow in the footsteps...
You don’t need sugar on top to enjoy the sweet surrounds. The hidden villages and fantastic local produce make for the perfect Snowy Valleys Way roa...
Compelled over decades to chalk ‘Eternity’ on the city streets, Arthur Stace has gone down in history as a Sydney folk hero. Almost every day bef...
Boutique chocolatiers, gourmet coffee, cheese, wineries, local farmers’ markets... The road west of Sydney is filled with serendipity, writes Sally ...
The Southern Highlands is reinventing its long-held appeal for a new generation of visitors and locals alike. Here are 10 reasons to head south from S...
Byron-Bay-style magic is sprinkled all over Yamba with its funky cafés and summer ambience echoing through the streets. Getting there Getting here ...
It’s one of the country’s most visited wine regions, but delightful nooks await those prepared to avoid the Hunter Valley’s more beaten tracks. ...
Bondi, sometimes known as the playground of the Pacific, has a lot of overseas cachet. For the well-heeled international visitor it’s a mix of Bohem...
Whether you’re heading from Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne or elsewhere, a drive to the snow is the way to go. This is one journey that’s all about t...
Less than two hours from the mainland, but another world entirely; find yourself intoxicated by the colours, creatures and atmosphere of Lord Howe. &...
Georgia Rickard treks out to Mungo National Park, discovering a whole lot more than just a dream-defining landscape. Â Photography by Elizabeth Allnut...
Gone are the days of Coogee's English-style pier, Sydney’s ‘Seaside Village’ is all Australian. Here is the best of its surf, sand, shopping, e...
Not sure where to stop on your NSW coastal road trip? Here are the 10 best detours... 1. Bamboo Buddha A little piece of Bali hidden in the ’burbs...
A sleepy seaside break in Sydney is as coveted as the million-dollar properties on its glorious shores. Megan Arkinstall finds that Palm Beach has per...
Perisher, Perisher, Perisher. It’s like Marcia, Marcia, Marcia. Perisher is a Brady Bunch resort of integrated areas. The largest resort in the sou...
From penal colony to coal port to ghost town, Newcastle’s bleak history is now a thing of the past, heralded by an exciting, cutting-edge district e...
You’ll find options in New South Wales to suit every budget from camping and caravan parks, budget hotels to beachside resorts, boutique hotels and luxury accommodation.
Wondering where to stay in NSW? Whether you’re planning a family holiday, city break, adventure holiday, romantic getaway or luxury experience there is a destination to suit every style, from a coastal holiday in Byron Bay, to a rural retreat in Orange, New South Wales has the perfect accommodation to suit your style and budget.
If your mind, body and soul are in serious need of some TLC but so is your bank balance, check out these affordable wellness retreats around the count...
In a city that’s saturated with plenty of glitzy, corporate accommodation offerings, West Hotel proves its distinct independence. Details West Hot...
Bannisters Port Stephens is the unbelievably chic home away from home you (and your pet) have been waiting for. I can’t tell you how often I’ve h...
Think there’s nothing fun and different to do in Sydney this winter? Think again… If there’s one thing that’s undeniably sought after in Sydn...
Throw another log on the fire, don your comfiest slippers and pop the cork of that bottle of red you’ve been saving, because your next romantic wint...
Not everyone enjoys a ‘stop and flop’ type of holiday. Here are five ways to eat, play and stay around the NSW South Coast. 1. Take your surfing ...
Clever locals, both old and new, are shaking things up on NSW’s Central Coast, breathing life into the suburbs of this once sleepy beachside region....
Soak up some seriously serene Byron Bay bliss with our top pick of hotels, resorts and caravan parks in this classic coastal getaway. Once a sleepy s...
Following a refit, Sheraton’s Sydney Hyde Park property treads the line between grandeur and comfort well. With a wealth of finely crafted boutique...
After its huge refurbishment in recent years, Byron Bay icon Raes on Wategos has emerged dreamier than ever. We check in to find out. That first glim...
From tiny houses to luxury villas and safari-style tents, accommodation on the white-sand fringed south coast of New South Wales is totally unique. He...
Tucked away in the hinterland, half way between Byron Bay and Bangalow, you’ll find the charming guest house Hidden Valley perched high on a hill ov...
Hiring a holiday home is the quintessential summer experience and whether it is a beach shack or a private island villa, comes with quality linen or h...
For generations, families in New South Wales and southern Queensland have holidayed in the sleepy coastal town of Yamba. With a usual population of 7...
Staying regional doesn’t mean sacrificing on style, service and gluten-free toast, as we find out at Abode. (more…)...
In the space of five months, one pocket of Surry Hills received a major boost in the heritage building-turned-cultural destination stakes. Where Par...
Just when you thought the world of glamping couldn’t get any better, Sierra Escape – Mudgee’s luxury eco site – expands. A stone’s throw fr...
With five coastal holiday parks making the very best of the natural beauty of the Clarence Coast, you’ll want to pack the tent... and STAY awhile. ...
We celebrate the arrival of a new ‘British’ pub, The Duke of Clarence, in Sydney’s CBD – but just how authentic is it? Words by unashamed Brit...
Already an interior design addict’s dream, boutique hotel Halcyon House – on northern NSW’s Cabarita Beach – has upped the ante with its gorge...
Ready for a weekend winter getaway? Here are five utterly distinctive places to stay in Sydney's rarefied Blue Mountains; accommodation so unique t...
There are more accommodation options in the Hunter Valley than you can poke a slice of smelly cheese at. for your holidaying pleasure, Here’s Austra...
A beacon of change for Darling Harbour? Lara Picone scales the heights of Sofitel’s grand new harbour-city property, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour...
Steve Madgwick checks in to the reincarnation of Double Bay’s most iconic stay, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay. Luckily the Cover Girl is here ...
 It’s billed as Australia’s most luxurious escape, owned by one of the world’s most upmarket airlines, so you’d expect Wolgan Valley to offer...
The Ultimo – the world’s first astrology hotel – has opened in Sydney. Imogen Eveson checked in to have her chart done. They had me at ‘wor...
A hip hotel on the NSW mid-north coast livens up the sleepy town of Old Bar where Dan Down finds his inner music fan. What does it mean to be a ‘m...
Is it possible to find mindfulness in just two days? Lara Picone puts her busy brain through its paces at Billabong Retreat. My brain refus...
Lush and serene, with a show-stealing pool to rival the beach, Elements of Byron adds a little more barefoot luxury to the bay. I am doing ...
A tiny but ultra-cool retreat where guests are encouraged to buy any décor that takes their fancy is bringing a grown-up touch back to Sydney’s fav...
A night in Ovolo 1888, on the grittier side of Darling Harbour, with its casino and industrial past, is a night well spent. I’m all for fun touches...
Despite Hotel Palisade dashing makeover, Lara Picone wonders if staying in a boutique hotel above a pub is ever a good idea? My heart pounds as the...
From government offices to the new five-star luxury: one of Sydney’s most iconic buildings has been transformed, but thankfully a few things have st...
Surprisingly, beachside suburb Bondi has lacked a cool, playful boutique hotel to match its laid-back vibe… until now. Past the row of gelato-colou...
Not sure where to stay in the Hunter Valley? You'll definitely find a place to suit you among these luxury hotels, cottages, guesthouses, lodges and w...
Set inside one of Sydney Harbour’s most recognisable structures, Alissa Jenkins checks in to see if the new Ovolo Woolloomooloo hotel befits its loc...
It's one of NSW’s most luxurious stays and Megan Arkinstall slips in for a blissful weekend retreat. From the moment you step out of your car (whic...
Lara Picone checks out the Old Clare Hotel, a curious mix of grit and glamour. (more…)...
Why is the Crowne Plaza one of the most popular places to stay in the Hunter Valley? Megan Arkinstall reviews this crowd favourite to see if popularit...
You’re spoilt for choice for top-notch places to eat in NSW starting with dining in the harbour city. Grab breakfast in Sydney’s Bondi, lunch at iconic waterside restaurant Catalina and dinner harbour side at Quay; consistently voted as one of Sydney’s best restaurants.
Some stellar regional dining hot spots are putting small-towns on the map, like Paper Daisy in Cabarita Beach and Fleet at Brunswick Heads, both on the North Coast of NSW. Likewise if you’re heading south, check out Biota on the NSW South Coast.
Those who have made the journey understand the magic of Griffith: a true Little Italy with all the culinary prowess to go with it in the heart of NSW....
Mudgee too mainstream? Already peeled Orange? When finding your next foodie destination don’t overlook the Riverina region of NSW. It’s time to pa...
As a Melbourne expat living in Sydney, I’m often faced with the dilemma of showing out-of-towners how the NSW capital can do food and culture right....
Not everyone enjoys a ‘stop and flop’ type of holiday. Here are five ways to eat, play and stay around the NSW South Coast. 1. Take your surfing ...
Clever locals, both old and new, are shaking things up on NSW’s Central Coast, breathing life into the suburbs of this once sleepy beachside region....
Not that long ago, central Sydney had a reputation for uninventive bars, lacking soul. But happily, things have changed. Today there are plenty of und...
With an abundance of cafes lining the streets of its towns, the Blue Mountains has no shortage of coffee. With so many to choose from, here are the be...
We've combed the nooks, crannies and kitchens of the Blue Mountains, from Katoomba to Blackheath and Leura to Blaxland, to find the best "Mountain Cui...
In a city that feels as if a new restaurant opens every week, Bopp & Tone proves that when a space does everything right, people take notice. The...
Heading for a sublime weekend away with your special someone or the family in the Southern Highlands’ most popular getaway spot? Make sure you book ...
For generations, families in New South Wales and southern Queensland have holidayed in the sleepy coastal town of Yamba. With a usual population of 7...
Merivale’s busy year of relaunches and pop-ups continues with its collaboration with the team responsible for east Sydney eatery ACME; Kingdom of Ri...
The bright and colourful Ovolo Woolloomooloo just got so much more compelling with the opening of Alibi, a naughty and nice combo of glamorous cockt...
Boho beach town Byron Bay has long been a hipster hotspot. Now the laid-back coastal cool town is trading its hippie heritage for some stylish new hot...
Is this Sydney’s most delicious, and elaborate, high tea? Bronwen Gora endeavours to find out. Sydney’s ultimate high tea menus have arrived, â€...
A hidden gem in Sydney’s emerging suburb of Chippendale, Kensington Street precinct is the new hotspot for food lovers, and those on the hunt for a ...
What Thredbo lacks in size (480 hectares compared with Perisher’s 1245 hectares), it makes up for in vertical with Australia’s longest trail at fi...
Housed in The Cannery, an old Rosella factory in Sydney’s Rosebery, the recently opened Stanton & Co. from Parlour Group has a funky vibe, a coo...
Watch out Byron Bay. The past few years have seen young foodies set up shop on the Central Coast – just an hour’s drive from Sydney – turning th...
Often overlooked by road-trippers making a beeline for Brisbane or Sydney, Port Macquarie has more than enough reasons to lure gourmands away from the...
Has Parramatta’s food scene been given the fine-dining boost it deserves? Kate Symons gives Alex&Co. a taste. The school discos of my childhood...
So it doesn’t have the prettiest sounding name (well that’s our humble opinion, anyway) but we think you’ll agree, after reading this, that the ...
Beyond being just an interesting collection of restaurants, each proprietor gathered within the Tramsheds is passionate about the idea of visitors and...
The Hunter Valley is home to more than just boutique wineries. It’s filled with quiet valleys, arresting road art, oddly enough, amazing burgers. Li...
Fun, fine wine and, of course, excellent food; a visit to Orange in time for truffle season is a chance to join a big Bacchanalian party. Bailey is a...
Bistro Officina is firing up Bowral’s on-the-rise dining scene. Nikki Wallman takes a seat at the new hotspot. The word ‘hot’ doesn’t immedia...
Dine at Sydney’s restaurant-of-the-minute to see if its food and wine matches the drama of its inspired aesthetic. The details Restaurant Hubert, ...
Sydney’s hottest new eat street is fast revealing itself to be along the Wulgul Walk at Barangaroo. Among the plethora of restaurants and bars that...
Nikki Wallman signs up for a cooking workshop with soul at Biota, the regional NSW restaurant bringing simplicity and restraint back to fine dining. ...
It’s a precarious proposition, being the newest family member of Australian hotel royalty; Nikki Wallman checks in to see if you can have too much...
A polished setting and innovative menu with made-from-scratch ingredients make Nathan Sasi’s new latin-inspired cuisine a real treat, writes Eloise ...
Leigh-Ann Pow goes underground in the heart of Sydney for a taste of rural India. Does she find it in Indu? As I head through the very unimposing doo...
Despite considering himself a Bondi Beach outsider, Icebergs Dining Room and Bar head chef, Monty Koludrovic, who’s headed the local institution sin...
Be sure to pick up these foodie (and wine) goodies while you’re in Kangaroo Valley. No, seriously...(By Megan Arkinstall) 1. Malt bread - Kangaroo...
Megan Arkinstall discovers the perfect Kangaroo Valley gourmet getaway; a region full of fresh produce and locals who know what to do with it. We’r...
The top 10 places to eat, sleep and play so you too can experience ‘Newy’ like a true local. 1. Baked Uprising There’s a bakery here called B...
There are plenty of tours and packages to make the most of your NSW holiday. Try whale watching during whale season in Byron Bay or a day trip to the Blue Mountains taking in the highlights such as Wentworth Falls and the Three Sisters. Book a wine tasting tour in the Hunter Valley to taste award-winning wines in a bucolic setting.
For your chance to WIN a three-night stay at Jamala Wildlife Lodge valued at $5000!
The TOWNS issue (August, September, October) out now.
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