New South Wales in a Nutshell

Sydney, New South Wales Gateway

New South Wales capital is also Australia’s largest city and the ideal starting point to unveil all this state has to offer. Bustling Sydney is an extraordinary merger of spectacular scenery, friendly people and laid-back culture that captivates its visitors from the first moment they step foot on this pulsating urban hub.

From Tweed Heads to Eden, A Fascinating Coast

There’s so much more to New South Wales than its fascinating capital Sydney. In fact, one of the best ways to experience this diverse state is by driving across its ever-surprising coast. One can start its journey from both south or north.

NSW North Coast

Assuming you’re starting your journey from the north, the ideal way to begin this epic coastal drive across New South Wales would be with a jaw-dropping view of what you’re about to experience. For that, we advise you heading to Point Danger Light in Tweed Heads, an unusually shaped lighthouse that signals an occasion: you’re about to leave Queensland and entering New South Wales.

Driving south will provide the opportunity to experience one of Australia’s most enticing beach-towns: Byron Bay. From there one will find several destinations worth visiting before reaching Newcastle, New South Wales second-largest city after Sydney. Take note: Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Heads, Crescent Head, Port Macquarie, Seal Rocks and Port Stephens.

Central Coast

Generally speaking, this is the coastal section between Sydney and northern Newcastle. It includes many whale-watching locations (migration takes place between May and November) such as Crackneck Lookout or The Skillion in Terrigal. Not to be missed is The Hunter Valley, a gourmand’s dream location known for its extraordinary wines and charming restaurants.

South Coast

Usually associated with the coastal towns from Sydney down to Eden, this is New South Wales lesser-known coast section. Even if most of the time the weather isn’t as welcoming as one would wish, there are still several reasons to visit like the spectacular white sand beaches and transparent waters of Jervis Bay. An hour’s drive to the countryside will take you to the strikingly beautiful Fitzroy Falls and Kangaroo Valley, self-proclaimed “Australia’s most beautiful valley”.

New South Wales National Parks (H2)

Nature lovers will feel over the moon with so many options to choose from. For instance, Sydney alone is surrounded by some of the state’s most appealing parks: Blue Mountains National Park, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Royal National Park, Australia’s first national park.

Also worth exploring are Lane Cove National Park (this one a short ride from Sydney’s CBD), Yuraygir National Park and Dorrigo National Park (both not far from Coffs Harbour), among others.