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Luxury Accommodation NSW
New South Wales is home to some of Australia’s most iconic sights, from the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to Bondi Beach and the Blue Mountains. Beyond the city, it offers more than 2,000 kilometres of coastline, world-class wine regions, snow-capped alpine peaks and the World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island. The state’s diversity makes it easy to combine a city break with beach, bush and country escapes.
Welcome
Your New South Wales escape
New South Wales offers the classic Australian holiday in every form. Sydney is one of the world’s great harbour cities, with its sparkling waterfront, golden beaches, world-class dining and vibrant arts scene. Beyond the city, a long coastline stretches north and south past laid-back surf towns, national parks and some of the whitest sand in the world.
Head inland and you’ll find the dramatic sandstone cliffs of the Blue Mountains, the vineyards and long lunches of the Hunter Valley, and the alpine landscapes of the Snowy Mountains. Whether you’re after a city escape, a coastal holiday, a wine country retreat or an outdoor adventure, New South Wales has a destination for every season and every traveller.
Things to do
Harbour, beaches, mountains and wine country
Across New South Wales, there is something for every kind of traveller:
See the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and take a ferry across Sydney Harbour
Walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk and swim at Sydney’s famous beaches
See the Three Sisters and walk the clifftop trails and waterfalls of the Blue Mountains
Taste your way through the wineries of the Hunter Valley, Mudgee and Orange
Relax in Byron Bay and explore the beaches and hinterland of the North Coast
Spot dolphins and climb the Stockton sand dunes at Port Stephens
Swim at the white-sand beaches of Jervis Bay on the South Coast
Ski at Thredbo and Perisher in winter, or hike to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak, in summer
Escape to Lord Howe Island, a World Heritage-listed island paradise
Spot humpback whales migrating along the coast between around May and November
Location
Perfectly placed on Australia’s east coast
New South Wales stretches along Australia’s east coast, between Queensland to the north and Victoria to the south, with the Pacific Ocean on its eastern edge and the outback in the far west. Sydney is the state’s capital and main gateway, with international and domestic flights into Sydney Airport. The Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Southern Highlands are around one to two hours’ drive from Sydney. The Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and Jervis Bay are around two to three hours away. Regional airports, including Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Newcastle, make it easy to reach destinations further along the coast.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get around New South Wales?
In Sydney, trains, buses, ferries and light rail make it easy to get around without a car. You can tap on and off with an Opal card or a contactless bank card, phone or smartwatch. NSW TrainLink trains and coaches connect Sydney with many regional towns. However, a car is recommended for exploring wine regions, national parks and smaller coastal towns, where public transport is limited.
- Are there many toll roads in Sydney?
Yes. Sydney has an extensive network of toll roads, including the Harbour Bridge, Harbour Tunnel and several major motorways. Most tolls are collected electronically, with no cash booths. Hire car companies usually charge tolls to your account, often with an added service fee, so check your rental agreement before you drive. If you’re using your own vehicle, you’ll need an e-tag or a visitor pass to avoid penalties.
- How far apart are the main destinations?
New South Wales is a big state, and distances can be longer than they look on the map. Byron Bay is around eight to nine hours’ drive from Sydney, and the Snowy Mountains around five to six hours. For destinations further afield, domestic flights to regional airports such as Ballina, Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie can save a lot of time. Lord Howe Island is only reachable by air, with flights from Sydney taking around two hours.
- Are the beaches safe for swimming?
New South Wales has hundreds of beaches, many patrolled by lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers, particularly during the warmer months. Always swim between the red and yellow flags, as rips are common along the coast. Bluebottles can wash in on summer days with onshore winds. Ocean rock pools and sheltered harbour beaches are great alternatives for families and less confident swimmers.
- When is the best time to visit?
New South Wales is a year-round destination. Summer, from December to February, is peak beach season, but it is also the busiest and most expensive time to travel. Autumn and spring offer mild weather, ideal for wine regions and bushwalking. Winter brings the ski season in the Snowy Mountains, from around June to early October, along with whale-watching along the coast. During the warmer months, check the Hazards Near Me NSW app for bushfire alerts before heading into regional and bushland areas.
- Can I visit the Blue Mountains as a day trip from Sydney?
Yes. The Blue Mountains are around an hour and a half to two hours from Sydney by car or train. Trains run regularly from Sydney’s Central Station to Katoomba and other mountain towns. A day trip gives you time to see the Three Sisters and do a short walk. Staying a night or two allows you to explore the longer walking trails, waterfalls and charming villages at a more relaxed pace.
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