Things to do in NSW

Looking for a glitzy romantic city getaway, a family beachside reunion, or want to traipse around an arts trail in the Outback – it’s all possible in NSW.

The expansive state that’s nestled between Victoria and Queensland has a lot to offer thrill-seekers, adventurers, romantics, and families alike, no matter what type of holiday you are seeking.

The capital is stunning Sydney, where the harbour dazzles and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, opened in 1932 bridge is an icon. Aussie personality Paul Hogan was a rigger there before he made his mark with the famous Crocodile Dundee movies.

These days you can cruise under it, drive across it and scale it with Bridge Climb Sydney where the views are impressive.

There’s also nothing like seeing it from the air when you fly into Sydney.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge takes centre stage on New Year’s Eve, with it being lit up based on that year’s theme. 

You can enjoy the harbour bridge at all times of the year though with it being visible from many vantage points across the city. If you’re in the CBD, take a stroll down to Circular Quay and make your way to Bennelong Point where you’ll see another showstopper, the Sydney Opera House which first opened in 1973.

The Opera House’s sculptural elegance has made it one of the most recognisable buildings of the 20th century and Sydneysiders never tire of it. 

After you’ve captured photos of the glistening Port Jackson Harbour (the of Sydney Harbour), make your way back to Circular Quay and either walk or take a train to Wynyard Station. At Wynyard Station, look for the signs for the T1 – North Shore and Western Line, which will take you over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

Get off at Milson’s Point and go down to Luna Park. Luna Park is another brilliant spot that you can take photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge so you have long-lasting memories you can look back on.

Luna Park is an amusement park and is sure to satisfy even the fussiest child, with all of its rides.

Captain Cook Cruises offers a hop-on-hop-off ferry from Circular Quay’s Wharf 6, which is closest to the Museum of Contemporary Art. The ferry service will travel to Taronga Zoo, where you can take in the wildlife.

After you’ve been mesmerised with the wildlife, hop back on the ferry where you will stop at Shark Island, Watson’s Bay, and then Manly. Manly is on the northern side of Sydney, and home to one of Sydney’s most popular beaches. 

Stroll through The Corso, being sure to stop at any of the local shops, where you will find surfing and other sports equipment. Then finish off the trip by heading to Manly Beach where you can either go for a surf or relax on the beach.

When you’re satisfied, head back to the Manly Wharf and hop back on the ferry. 

No trip to Sydney would be complete without a visit to Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi. If you feel like it, you can stop at Bondi Junction and do a bit of shopping before going to the beach.

New South Wales has a lot of interesting sights outside of Sydney. The Blue Mountains, which is approximately 50 kilometers from Sydney is home to The Three Sisters, which are captivating rock formations that were formed around 200 million years ago after volcanic eruptions caused the coal, sandstone, and shale layers were broken up.

You can either enjoy them from afar or travel to The Giant Stairway at Echo Point, which gives you access to several trails and a lookout point where you will revel in the mesmerising views across the Jamison Valley.

The world’s oldest cave system, the Jenolan Caves are limestone caves in the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve, west of the Blue Mountains.There’s over 40 kilometres of multi-level passages and over 300 entrances to explore in the cave system. 

Over 150 wineries call the Hunter Valley home. Many vineyards offer tours where you can meet the passionate winemakers and sip delicious wine. 

More active travellers will want to check out Newcastle’s Bathers Way, which is a premier coastal walk in NSW. It’s a six-kilometre walk stretching from the southern Merewether Baths to the northern Nobbys Beach. Don’t forget your camera though. With stunning views, you will want to take photos to remember the magic. 

Pack a picnic and stop along the way. The walk provides access to the Newcastle Memorial Walk, a 450 metre walk that gives you 360 views of the coast, all the way from the Stockton Sand Dunes right through to the Hunter Valley.

Art lovers might want to travel 1143 kilometres to Broken Hill, where they’ll be able to delight in the wonders of the Living Desert State Park.

The John Simons Flora and Fauna Sanctuary offer a 2.2 kilometre cultural walk trail where you will discover Indigenous culture, wildflowers, native plants, and free-roaming Wallaroos and Kangaroos. The walk costs $6 to enter and it takes around 1.5 hours to complete. The more adventurous will want to check out the Sundown Trail. 

You’ll be amazed by the rock formations and will see many reptiles including skinks, lizards, bearded dragons, goannas, and brown snakes.

It’s a rugged walk so make sure you wear tough shoes and take plenty of water with you.

In 1993, Lawrence Beck, a Gosford-based sculpture suggested adding sculpture to Broken Hill’s art culture. His proposal resulted in 53 tonnes of sandstone being transported from Wilcannia to the Living Sculpture State Park. 

You can access these sculptures from 6 am until just after sunset during the Summer months, and from 8:30 am during the other months. Be sure to take your credit card to pay the $6 entry fee and take your camera as well so you have a lasting memory.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the Starview Campsite provides 15 unpowered campsites for you to get back to nature and relax. In the campsite are some BBQs, picnic tables, a sheltered area, and Starview Seats where you can let your mind wander while you take in the beauty of the night sky.