New South Wales is the most populous and diverse state in Australia. Located in the southeastern corner of the country, it has something to offer all travelers, from rugged national parks and cities, to beautiful beaches and resort towns. A trip to New South Wales wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its capital city, Sydney. The city is a beautiful, bustling and cosmopolitan delight and one could easily spend a week here and never run out of things to do.
Here are some of the highlights of Sydney:
o The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognized and visited tourist places in Australia. Designed by Jorn Utzon, it is located on Sydney Harbor at Bennelong Point and was completed in 1973. Approximately 300 events are held here annually, including Opera Australia, Australian Chamber Orchestra, and The Australian Ballet. Guided backstage tours are offered throughout the year and it’s a wonderful place to relax on the steps near the water.
o The Sydney Harbor Bridge is a favorite with tourists and locals alike. After 9 years of construction, it was opened to traffic in 1932. The bridge is used by cars, cyclists, pedestrians, and trains with footpaths on both sides of the bridge, making it safe to cross and enjoy the view. For a more rewarding view and incredible experience, try the guided BridgeClimb Sydney. This 3.5-hour adventure takes you to the top of the bridge at 134 meters, where you will be rewarded with fantastic 360-degree views of Sydney Harbor and the city skyline. Choose to take a tour at sunrise, day, sunset, or night. Definitely the tour of a lifetime and must do if you feel comfortable being on top of the world.
o Darling Harbor is a huge coastal precinct that is only a 10 minute walk from the city center. It is one of the largest shopping, dining and entertainment areas in Sydney. You’ll find many delicious waterfront dining options and bars for evening entertainment at Cockle Bay Wharf and King St. Wharf.
o The Sydney Aquarium is also located in Darling Harbor. This aquarium displays the world’s largest collection of Australian marine life, including sharks, eels, rays, and crocodiles. Some other attractions worth visiting in Darling Harbor include the Chinese Garden of Friendship, the Australian National Maritime Museum, and the Sydney Fish Market.
o The Rocks Historic Precinct was the first settlement in Australia in 1788. Today, the beautifully restored buildings house shops, restaurants, boutique hotels and galleries, making it a great place to spend the day shopping, eating and exploring local art
o The Museum of Contemporary Art is also located on The Rocks, and features modern art and exhibitions from around the world.
o To find unique arts, ceramics, souvenirs and crafts, visit The Rocks Market, which is open only on weekends. To see it all, consider embarking on The Rocks walking tour as it’s a great way to see what this colorful neighborhood has to offer.
New South Wales is known for miles and miles of beautiful beaches. Whether you like to surf, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun, there is a beach for you. Many of the best beaches in New South Wales are close to Sydney and easily accessible.
o Located just 7 miles from the city center, Bondi Beach is Australia’s most popular beach. Bondi is a great place to surf, snorkel, enjoy the sun, skate, bike, and people watch. Surf lessons and surfboard rentals are offered. Campbell Parade, which runs the length of the beach, offers an abundance of shops, restaurants, and bars. Some other great beaches in this area include Coogee, Manly, Palm Beach, and Whale Beach.
Sydney attracts a large population of outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. In a couple of hours, you can be surrounded by the majestic Blue Mountains and the gateway to days of exploring, hiking, and fresh air.
Here are some highlights of the Blue Mountains:
o The Blue Mountains is a great option for anyone looking for an incredible getaway to nature. The name comes from the “blue haze” that hangs over the region caused by a fine mist from the eucalyptus forests. The area is known for its forests, gorges, canyons, limestone caves, beautiful forest walks, Aboriginal engravings and luxurious resorts, excellent restaurants and day spas.
o The Great Blue Mountains National Park offers breathtaking scenery, Aboriginal engravings, extensive marked trails, and several cliffs, including Evan’s Lookout.
o The Jenolan Caves are the most spectacular limestone caves in Australia.
o Echo Point offers some of the best views of the Jamison Valley, including the Three Sisters rock formation.
o Hunter Valley is a great region to visit for lovers of wine and gourmet food. This area is Australia’s oldest wine country and offers more than 120 wineries. In addition to the many wineries and winery tours, olives and fine cheeses are also produced here. Hunter Valley offers many dining options and even gourmet cooking lessons.
New South Wales offers a wealth of activities for all members of the family, whether they enjoy the bustle of the city or the tranquility of the great outdoors. This Australian territory is a must see on any Downunder tour.
Look for our next series of articles on the other five states of Australia, including Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia, and their mainland, the Northern Territory.
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