Visiting New South Wales: Top 8 Tourist Must See Spots
If you’re dreaming of an Australian adventure, New South Wales (NSW) should be at the top of your list. This stunning southeastern state is rife with unique experiences, World Heritage listed sites and wildlife that can only be found down under.
From the glistening skyline of Sydney to the rugged landscapes of the Outback, NSW is a region that promises something for every kind of traveler so it’s no wonder that it continues to be one of Australia’s most sought-after tourist destinations. And All Ways Tailormade wants to guide you through every delightful visiting spot.
Sydney Harbour
Home to Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour is one of the world’s most beautiful harbours and for good reason. Built along the natural coastline of Australia, this welcoming destination is not void of greenery, with pockets of natural landscape nestled amongst glittering city skylines and the unmistakable silhouette of Sydney Opera House.
Be sure to visit in both daylight and at sunset/sunrise to truly appreciate the expertise of architecture that combines the natural beauty of a waterfront landscape with buildings that only enhance the views.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a coastal town in Northern New South Wales that personifies the poster image of Australia. Sandy beaches, glassy ocean waves, tropical rainforests that provide a haven to vulnerable and threatened wildlife, aboriginal heritage; it’s the perfect melody of bliss and adventure.
These are just a few things you can do in Byron Bay:
- Visit Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park
- Go on a rainforest tour, or multiple rainforest tours
- Go snorkelling around the coast
- Take surfing lessons
- Experience a wildlife safari
- Fly over the town with a hot air balloon
- Jump on a whale watching cruise
- Watch the sunset
- Spot platypuses on a guided tour
Find a guide to Byron Bay’s Wildlife.
The Sapphire Coast
Dive headfirst into wonderfully wild waters when you visit the Sapphire Coast. Located in the Southern regions of New South Wales, this region is bordered by sparkling cerulean seas, dotted with charming towns and villages and local food experiences.
For a quaint and authentic look into Australian life and culture, this is definitely a spot worth visiting.
The Blue Mountains
Just a short drive west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains watch quietly over mist covered valleys and landscape as dramatic as it comes. This World Heritage Site has 6 key areas, and stepping foot in even a single one will be an experience you carry with you, wherever you go.
1. Katoomba
Katoomba is home to the widely recognised Three Sisters rock formation that draws tourists and Australian natives for its majesty, but this is not the only sight worth seeing. Stunning views and traipsing waterfalls will stop you in your tracks as you trek the Grand Cliff Top Walk.
2. Blackheath
Blackheath boasts once in a lifetime views over the Grose Valley, showcasing sandstone cliffs, deep gorges and Govetts Leap – the tallest waterfall in the Blue Mountains. When you venture into the valley, you’re met with hanging swaps as you immerse yourself in canyon style terrain and paradisiacal walking tracks.
3. Glenbrook
Glenbrook is a more manageable area of land for those who want a milder, flatter terrain but still desire a touch of adventure. Camp, picnic, cycle or wander your days away as you discover secluded pools, Red Hands Cave and the wheelchair accessible Mount Portal Lookout.
4. Lower Grose Valley
This region offers a blend of steep cliffs, deep ravines, and expansive forests, providing a true wilderness experience.
Several trails wind through the Lower Grose Valley, such as the Perrys Lookdown Track and the Lockleys Pylon Walk, which offer views of the valley from dramatic vantage points.
5. Mount Wilson
Mount Wilson offers cooler temperatures and a serene atmosphere, with thick forests and dense greenery that contrast beautifully with the more rugged, arid landscapes of other areas in the Blue Mountains.
6. Southern Blue Mountains
The Southern Blue Mountains encompass some of the most remote and untouched areas in the National Park, with features like the historic Ruby Creek and Kowmung River breaking up the landscape with tranquility. Adventure underground in the Colong Caves or visit an authentic mining town.
This region is also home to iconic Australian wildlife including red-necked wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas and wombats.
Mungo National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mungo National Park is located in the western part of NSW and is a fascinating destination for those interested in history and culture. The park is known for its ancient Indigenous heritage, with human habitation dating back over 40,000 years.
The park’s Mungo Lady and Mungo Man are two of the oldest human remains ever discovered in Australia. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the park’s rich history and explore its unique, lunar style landscape, which features ancient sand dunes, salt lakes, and rock formations that will leave your jaw on the floor.
The Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands has so much to do that you could easily spend a few days indulging in the offerings of numerous towns, rolling countryside and we simply cannot omit the wineries. This area is idyllic, magnificently placed for tourists who want a taste of home whilst still absorbing the best that Australia has to offer.
Look for the following spots to make your stay:
- Minerva Pool in Dharawal National Park
- Stanwell Tops
- Nan Tien Temple
- Kiama Blowhole
- The town of Bowral
- Fitzroy Falls
Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley is located in the Southern Highlands but is such a special destination that it requires mentioning as its own must see tourist spot. It’s a magical, almost reminiscent landscape that offers everything you could ever want or need as a tourist visiting a new country.
There’s exceptional adventure experiences, fantastic food, kangaroos lounging on a golf course, winery tours, a wildlife park with kangaroo cuddling experiences, heritage buildings, bushwalking, kayaking.
The better question would be: ‘What can’t you do in Kangaroo Valley?’
Don’t forget to walk over Hampden Bridge over Kangaroo River.
Jervis Bay
Famous for its white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, Jervis Bay is one of the most stunning coastal areas in New South Wales. The bay is also home to some of the country’s best marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles.
Jervis Bay is cherished not only for its sweeping beauty, but for the memories you take away.
Here are just a few of the truly unique and remarkable things that you can see and do in Jervis Bay, NSW:
- Lounge on the secluded Hyams Beach
- Wander the Booderee National Park
- Visit the Botanic Gardens
- Spend a day at Jervis Bay Marine Park
- Dine in the treetops at The Gunyah
- Swim with whales
- Watch bioluminescent plankton on the shoreline
New South Wales offers an extraordinary variety of experiences that you’ll find nowhere else in the world. From phenomenal nature experiences to inland hikes through rainforests, mountainous landscapes and even sandy dune-like expanses of land, the state has something new everywhere you look.
At All Ways Tailormade, we want you to soak up every last drop of a country that is dripping with hidden gems which is why our spectacular New South Wales Tours are designed to be as immersive as they are convenient. Book an Australia Tour with us now to get your cultural fix.
