The sails of Sydney opera house lit by late afternoon sun. Golden sands fringed by turquoise waters, where surfers defy crashing breakers. Landscapes that feel like a world map, from gentle countryside and hazy mountains to plunging canyons and deep forests. Whatever memories you want to look back on, New South Wales is the place to make them.
NATURE
Open up some space on your camera roll. This is a land of contrasts, where every landscape is on an epic scale. In the Blue Mountains, endless skies are the canopy for ancient rock formations – hike to soaring views, or dip into river canyons. Then there’s Jervis Bay with its icing sugar beaches and mirror-clear waters. Wild encounters could include diving with dolphins, walking with kangaroos or spotting birds in the woodlands of the Southern Highlands.
CULTURE
History and culture in New South Wales run deep. This region is home to the First Nations peoples, who remain careful custodians of heritage and the land, including the Booderee National Park at Jervis Bay. Gain a deeper perspective on the place you’re visiting through Aboriginal-run experiences, from history and foraging tours to contemporary galleries.
FOOD & DRINK
Feast your way from city to coast to countryside, anywhere from down-to-earth food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants. In Sydney hop between neighbourhood cafes, hawker eateries and rooftop bars for sunsets as deep as a glass of pinot noir. Or head to the Southern Highlands to taste wine straight from the vineyard, and tour distilleries and breweries. Back on the coast, throw back fresh oysters with a squeeze of lemon (and a glass of champagne). Wherever you find yourself there’s one thing you can guarantee – each day will start with a cup of coffee.
Dreaming of the open road? Plan classic coastal itineraries that begin in New South Wales, from Sydney to Melbourne or up to the Gold Coast
