1. Beach Culture


New South Wales is blessed with beautiful beaches. People watch at Bondi or take the little ones to a calm water beach like Manly or Forrester’s Beach near Terrigal. Take a dip in one of the 100 ocean pools dotted along the coast – try Bondi, Curl Curl or Wollongong. Surfers will love the breaks at the key surfing spots.


people sunbathing on Bondi beach Australia


2. Sydney Harbour Bridge


It’s one of Sydney’s gems! Affectionately known as ‘the coathanger’, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a must see. It’s well worth climbing the 200 steps to the Pylon Lookout for sensational views over the harbour or take the challenge and climb to the very summit of the bridge. 


3. Blue Mountains


Take a day tour to the Blue Mountains and see the famous Three Sisters rock formation, Wentworth Falls, Jenolan Caves and local villages. Ride the Scenic World cable car or railway over the World Heritage wilderness. 


stream passing through big boulders in the Blue Mountains


4. Shopping


Shop til you drop in Sydney! Try the Queen Victoria Building, Pitt Street Mall and Westfield Sydney in the city centre or head to Oxford Street in Paddington for trendy boutiques. You’ll find the best city markets at The Rocks, Paddington, Balmain, Glebe, Bondi and Manly.


Three women walking along past shops in Sydney


5. Sydney Opera House


No trip to Sydney is complete without seeing the unmistakable Sydney Opera House. You can walk around it, take a backstage tour or see a performance, but be sure to enjoy a drink at the Opera Bar with the iconic structure as a backdrop. 


6. Cruise Sydney Harbour


Sydney Harbour is the epicentre of the city and a cruise is the best way to truly appreciate its beauty. Take the ferry to Manly, enjoy a sunset cruise or celebrate a special occasion with a sumptuous dinner cruise. 


View of Sydney Opera house and harbor with boats


7. Major Events


Sydney plays host to some spectacular events including Vivid Sydney - a festival of light and music - and the famous Mardi Gras. It’s also the place to be on New Year’s Eve when the sky comes to life with a stunning fireworks display. Music lovers won’t want to miss the Tamworth Country Music Festival or Byron Bay’s Bluesfest. And head to Canberra for the annual Floriade event.


8. The Hunter Valley


Sample wines at De Bortoli, McGuigan, Bimbagden and Tyrrells just to name a few. Gourmet produce, cheeses, chocolates and day spas make perfect companions to these famous wines! 


Green grapes growing on vines in The Hunter Valley

9. Outback & Country NSW


Enjoy rural charm and hospitality in outback and country New South Wales. Discover vibrant landscapes, a rich Indigenous culture, historic towns and World Heritage Listed National Parks. See exotic animals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo and marvel at the world’s largest silver mine in Broken Hill. 


10. Island Life


Norfolk Island offers an array of history and culture, culinary delights and a subtropical climate. Explore the beautiful shores of Emily Bay and the convict remains of historic Kingston and Arthur’s Vale. Discover Lord Howe Island, recognised for its natural heritage.