Sydney & surrounds Sydney
The Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, ferries to Manly and surf at Bondi: Australia’s biggest city and the gateway to New South Wales.
The independent NSW travel portal
New South Wales, harbour to outback
Sydney’s harbour and beaches, sandstone cliffs in the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley wine, dolphins at Port Stephens, the lighthouse at Byron Bay and red earth around Broken Hill. Twelve destination guides, honest logistics and the tours worth booking.
⭐ Real, bookable tours✔ Free cancellation on many tours🚆 Honest transport advice
Why New South Wales?
Australia’s first state, and its most varied
New South Wales runs from the subtropical north coast near Queensland to the alpine country on the Victorian border, and inland across farmland and wine regions to the deserts of the far west. Sydney, the state capital and Australia’s largest city, is where most visits begin, and much of the best of the state lies within three hours of it.
The coast is the big draw: hundreds of beaches, coastal national parks and some of the best whale watching in the country. Inland there are World Heritage mountains and rainforests, Australia’s oldest wine region, historic gold-rush and mining towns, and the outback. Distances outside the Sydney area are long, so pick a few areas rather than trying to see everything.
12destination guides, six pages each
2,228 mMount Kosciuszko, the highest peak on the mainland
2 hSydney to the Blue Mountains by train
1788the year the British colony was founded at Sydney Cove
NSW, Sydney and Canberra: what is what?
New South Wales (NSW) is one of Australia’s six states, and Sydney is its capital. The national capital, Canberra, is not in NSW but in the separate Australian Capital Territory, which NSW surrounds; it is a useful gateway for the Snowy Mountains. Most of the state uses Australian Eastern Time, but Broken Hill keeps Central Time, half an hour behind Sydney. See the travel guide for visas, money and other practical details.
Where to go
Twelve destinations, from the harbour to the outback
Each guide has six pages: an overview, tours, things to see, getting there, a travel guide and when to go.
Sydney & surrounds 
Sydney & surrounds Blue Mountains
Sandstone cliffs, eucalyptus valleys and the Three Sisters, two hours from Sydney by train: the classic NSW day trip, and better overnight.
Hunter & Port Stephens Hunter Valley
Australia’s oldest wine region, two hours north of Sydney: Semillon and Shiraz at the cellar door, long lunches and dawn balloon flights.
Hunter & Port Stephens Port Stephens
A huge sheltered bay with resident dolphins, the biggest coastal sand dunes in NSW and calm beaches, two and a half hours north of Sydney.
Sydney & surrounds Central Coast
Surf beaches, coastal national parks, lakes and a lighthouse, an hour or so north of Sydney: the city’s favourite weekend escape.
Hunter & Port Stephens Newcastle
Ocean baths, a convict-cut rock pool, surf beaches and a lively harbour: NSW’s second city, reinvented on the coast north of Sydney.
North Coast Byron Bay
Surf beaches, a lighthouse on the mainland’s most easterly point, dolphins and a green hinterland of waterfalls and villages.
North Coast Coffs Harbour
Warm beaches, a historic jetty, a seabird island, World Heritage rainforest on the escarpment and the famous Big Banana.
South Coast & Snowies Jervis Bay & South Coast
Famously white sand, clear water, resident dolphins and the small towns of the South Coast, around three hours south of Sydney.
South Coast & Snowies Snowy Mountains
Australia’s highest mountains: ski resorts in winter, the walk to the top of Mount Kosciuszko in summer, lakes, caves and thermal pools.
Country & Outback Broken Hill & Outback
A heritage-listed silver city in the far west, with desert sculptures, a film-set ghost town, outback art and ancient rock art nearby.
Country & Outback Orange & Mudgee
Cool-climate wine, orchards, an extinct volcano and gold-rush towns in the Central West, three to four hours from Sydney.
Top experiences
The best of New South Wales
The moments that make a trip here memorable, and how to fit them in.
Ferry across Sydney Harbour
Ride from Circular Quay to Manly for the Opera House and bridge views at public transport prices.
Watch the mist lift off the Three Sisters
Be at Echo Point early, then walk the cliff tops of the Blue Mountains.
Taste Semillon where it is made
Spend a day among the cellar doors of the Hunter Valley.
Slide down giant sand dunes
Sandboard or ride a 4WD across the Stockton Bight dunes at Port Stephens.
Stand at the mainland’s eastern tip
Walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse and look out for dolphins and whales.
See the outback around Broken Hill
Desert sculptures at sunset, a film-set ghost town and Aboriginal rock art.
Tours & tickets
Featured tours across NSW
Real experiences on GetYourGuide, from the Opera House to day trips across the state.
Guided tour Sydney Opera House Guided Tour with Entrance Ticket
A guided walk through the building’s foyers and, when they are free, its main performance halls, with the story of how it was designed and built.
Day trip Blue Mountains: Zig Zag Tour with Three Sisters and Scenic World
A day out that combines a ride on the heritage Zig Zag Railway near Lithgow with the Three Sisters and Scenic World. Check the listing for the days the railway runs.
Day trip Hunter Valley: Wine, Gin, Cheese and Chocolate Tour from Sydney
A day trip from Sydney with tastings at wineries, a gin distillery and stops for cheese and chocolate.
Day trip From Sydney: Jervis Bay Day Tour and Dolphin-Watching Cruise
A full day from Sydney with a dolphin cruise on the bay and time at the white beaches, with stops on the way.
Day trip Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphins and Dunes Day Tour
A full day from Sydney with a dolphin cruise on the bay and sandboarding on the dunes.
Climb Sydney: Guided Daytime Summit Climb of Sydney Harbour Bridge
Clip on and climb the outer arch of the bridge to the summit, high above the harbour, with a guide and the safety gear supplied. Check the listing for age and health requirements.
Kayaking Byron Bay: Sea Kayak Tour
A guided paddle from the beach around the bay, looking for dolphins and sea turtles, with a swim stop when conditions allow.
Day trip From Sydney: 1-Day Tour to Thredbo Snow Resort
A very long day from Sydney to the snow at Thredbo, with transport included. Check the listing for lift tickets and hire.
At a glance
Which destination is for you?
A quick comparison to help you plan.
| Destination | Best for | Ideal stay | Without a car? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Harbour, beaches, city life | 4–5 nights | Yes |
| Blue Mountains | Lookouts, bushwalks, waterfalls | Day trip or 1–2 nights | Yes, by train |
| Hunter Valley | Wine, food, ballooning | 1–2 nights | With a tour |
| Port Stephens | Dolphins, dunes, beaches | 2–3 nights | Possible, by coach |
| Central Coast | Easy beach break near Sydney | 1–2 nights | Partly, by train |
| Newcastle | Ocean baths, coastal walks | 1–2 nights | Yes, by train |
| Byron Bay | Beaches, surf, hinterland | 3–4 nights | Possible in town |
| Coffs Harbour | Beaches, rainforest, the Big Banana | 2–3 nights | Partly |
| Jervis Bay & South Coast | White sand, dolphins, small towns | 2–3 nights | Hard; a car helps |
| Snowy Mountains | Skiing, alpine walks | 2–5 nights | In ski season, partly |
| Broken Hill & Outback | Outback, mining heritage, art | 2–3 nights | Town yes, surrounds by car or tour |
| Orange & Mudgee | Cool-climate wine, country towns | 2 nights | Hard; a car helps |
When to go
Seasons the other way round
Summer is December to February. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons almost everywhere in the state.
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Warm days, wildflowers, whales heading south and fewer crowds than summer.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Beach season, New Year’s Eve in Sydney and the school holidays. Hot inland, with bushfire risk.
Autumn (Mar–May)
Settled weather, warm seas, the grape harvest and autumn colour in the mountains.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Snow season in the Snowy Mountains, whale migration and the best time for the outback.
Itineraries
From 5 to 14 days
Realistic routes by train, coach and car, from Sydney along the coast and into the mountains.
5 days
Sydney and the Blue Mountains
The harbour city plus the best day out by train.
7 days
Sydney, mountains and wine
The city, the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley.
10 days
Sydney to Byron Bay
The classic north-coast road trip.
14 days
The grand tour of NSW
City, mountains, wine, the South Coast and the high country.
Live availability
Things to do in New South Wales
Live prices and dates straight from GetYourGuide.
Where to stay
Places to stay in every destination
From harbour-view hotels and mountain guesthouses to vineyard lodges and beach resorts.
Hotel Palisade
📍 Sydney (Millers Point)A small boutique hotel in a restored heritage pub at Millers Point, with a rooftop bar.
Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
📍 KatoombaA luxury resort in gardens a short walk from Echo Point, with a spa and valley views.
Elements of Byron
📍 Byron BayA large beachfront resort with villas in bushland at Belongil Beach, with pools and a spa.
Plan your days in NSW
See more of New South Wales in fewer days
Harbour cruises, guided walks and day trips from Sydney take the logistics off your hands. Compare tours and tickets across New South Wales and book in a couple of taps.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in New South Wales?
A week covers Sydney, the Blue Mountains and one more area such as the Hunter Valley or Port Stephens. Two weeks lets you drive the coast to Byron Bay or south to Jervis Bay. See our itineraries.
Do I need a visa to visit NSW?
Almost every visitor needs a visa or electronic travel authority to enter Australia; only New Zealand citizens get one on arrival. Apply before you fly, and check the Australian Department of Home Affairs for your nationality.
What is the best time to visit New South Wales?
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are best for most of the state. Summer is beach season, winter is snow season in the mountains and the best time for the outback. See when to go.
Do I need a car in NSW?
Not in Sydney, and trains reach the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and Newcastle. For the Hunter Valley, the South Coast, Orange and Mudgee and most national parks, a car or a tour makes things much easier.
Is New South Wales safe for tourists?
Yes, generally. The real risks are natural: strong surf and rip currents, sun, heat and bushfires in summer. Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches.
Can I see kangaroos and koalas in NSW?
Yes. Wild kangaroos are common in rural areas and some national parks, and wildlife parks near Sydney, on the Central Coast and at Port Stephens have koalas.