New South Wales (NSW) is a traveller’s paradise, renowned for its scenic diversity including pristine beaches, coastal towns, sparkling bays and impressive national parks.
Its capital city, Sydney, is one of the most recognised Australian cities across the globe. It is famous for its iconic landmarks including the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Travellers can also venture out to the more remote areas of NSW to discover rural towns and experience the true Australian outback.
Although the cost of living in Sydney is very high, there is so much for travellers to enjoy within this glorious state.
Top Things to See & Do in NSW:
- Sydney CBD (Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Museum of Contemporary Art)
- Sydney BridgeClimb
- Take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens
- Bask in the sun ans go swimming at NSW’s many beaches (Bondi Beach, Bronte Beach, Coogee Beach, Manly Beach, Shelly Beach and surrounds)
- Indulge your senses within the Hunter Valley Wine Region
- Visit the Three Sisters and go hiking within The Blue Mountains national park.
- Explore the many historical convict sites throughout Sydney (The Rocks, Circulay Quay / Sydney Cove)
- Go bar hopping at Darling Harbour
- Go out for dinner in the Barangaroo precinct
- Enjoy a high dose of animals at Taronga Zoo
Weather Overview
Like Victoria, getting around New South Wales is pretty easy.
Especially in Sydney where the public transport system is very good. Given a lot of Sydney is surrounded by water, there are ferries that can take you to various places around the city as well.
One of the main downsides of getting around the city is the traffic. Sydney is definitely not the best place to drive, especially during peak times where it becomes extremely congested.
However, driving is usually the best option if wanting to get out to the more regional areas and national parks – e.g. the Blue Mountains.
The best options in the city:
- Walking
- Use the metro (train) system
- City ferries
- Jump on a public bus
- Book a Taxi/Uber
- Hire a bike
Regional Areas:
- Hire a car, 4WD or caravan
- Take regional public transport (trains and buses)
The Best Adventure Activities in New South Wales include:
- Hiking the many trails in the Blue Mountains
- Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Skydiving in the Hunter Valley
- Surfing
- Sailing
- Abseiling & Rock Climbing
- Caving
- Whale watching
- Parasailing
- Jet skiing
- Scuba Diving
- Off-road Driving and Quad biking
- Cost of Living 30%
- Safety 95%
- Landscapes & Scenery 100%
- Tourist Attractions & Things to Do 90%
- Adventure Rating 90%
Disclaimer: Always check the smartraveller.gov.au website (or related) before travelling overseas, for their latest safety updates, advice and recommendations.
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MY TOP 3 RECOMMENDED GEAR FOR NSW
Closed-toed Hiking Shoes
Given New South Wales is renowned for its National Parks, you will have a lot of opportunities to go hiking.
Places like the Blue Mountains can have quite rocky and rugged landscapes, so you want to ensure that your feet are well protected.
Matein Anti-theft Backpack - 25L
This backpack is a great option if you are travelling to New South Wales. It’s handy for day trips and is great for securing your laptop, camera, phone and other valuables.
It has lots of storage and pockets, is safe and secure, USB charging port and water resistent zippers.
Sunscreen
Given most travellers choose to travel to New South Wales during Spring and Summer (when the weather is at its best), it is important to pack ample amounts if sun screen.
The UV rays from the sun can get very high in Australia, so ensure to slip-slop-slap to avoid getting burnt and damaging your skin whilst at the beach.
SOLO TRAVEL TIPS
Thinking of travelling solo?
Amazing! Ensure to check out our Solo Travel page that is loaded with important advice & tips to know before you go.
They will help you to prepare for the journey and overcome any personal obstacles you experience during your trip.
TRAVEL GEAR
Need help or guidance on what to pack?
Finding the right gear for your trip can be overwhelming and expensive – especially if you don’t know where to start.
On our Travel Gear page, I list my favourite travel gear and accessories to help you narrow down the field, save money and buy quality gear at reasonable prices.
PLAN & BOOK YOUR TRIP
Ready to take the big leap?
There’s no doubt that planning and booking your trip is the most exciting part for any new adventure.
Here I outline 20 steps that you need to know in order to plan and book a successful trip & have fun whilst doing it.
Start Planning Your Journey Today!
If you're interested in trying something new, or planning your next adventure, ensure to check out our latest articles for inspiration.
If you're ready to take an even bigger jump and would love to travel solo overseas, ensure to grab your copy of our FREE Solo Travel Starter Pack for Beginners.
This pack includes:
- A breakdown of how to book your first solo trip overseas and all the steps you need to consider
- Solo travel tips for beginners
- A pre-travel Planner, Tracker & Budget Template
Get yours for free today!