We are all visitors to this time.
Australian Aboriginal Proverb
The list of must-see places in NSW (New South Wales) is likely world-renowned. What do people beyond Australia think of when picturing the land down under? Sydney Harbour and it's iconic Opera House are the first visions that come to mind.
Those visions, while iconic, hardly account for all the magical places in NSW. We have Outback and beaches, parks and wilderness to explore. This article describes 15 unique places to visit in NSW, in no particular order. This chart previews half of them.
| 🌳Attraction | 📸Type of scene | 🤿What to do there |
|---|---|---|
| Gordon's Bay | beach | swim, snorkel, hike |
| Mount Annan | flora | tour the gardens |
| Lake Mungo | landscape | hike |
| Curracurrong Falls | water | hike, photograph |
| Kosciuszko National Park | national preserve | sports for all seasons |
| Broken Hill | A desert outpost | Tour man-made attractions |
| Cathedral Rocks | coastal | Stargaze, walk the coastline |
| Sydney Harbour | landscape | Tour the park, explore the harbour |
| Jervis Bay | beach | Enjoy beach activity |
| Wentworth Falls | landscape | climb, ride bikes, hike |
| Stockton Sand Dunes | landscape | explore the dunes |
| Royal National Park | landscape | picnic, hike, photograph scenery |
| Central Coast | coastal | explore the coastline |
| Yarrangobilly Caves | underground caves | explore the caves and surrounding area |
| Kiama | coastal | explore the area, photograph the sights |
Sydney Harbour
Naturally, this must be where we start our journey, as would any traveller arriving in NSW. We Sydneysiders must convince new arrivals to leave the Central Business District (CBD), even though it, too, an engaging sight.
Furthermore, we should impress upon our tourists to not just cast their eyes on the Opera House, but take in the whole harbour. Perhaps even spend some time in the Harbour National Park.
However, if their trip coincides with the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, one of Tasmania's top attractions, it might be hard to turn their focus.
How to Get There
by car
follow directional signs throughout the city
by bus
Ride number 238, 239, or 244 from various points around the city.
by bike / on foot
reach the park via Mosman, Cremorne, and Balmoral, among other areas.
When to Go
The park and harbour are open year-round. See the harbour best in early morning or sunset light.
Gordon's Bay
Tourists rave about Bondi Beach but, a short distance away, they might enjoy the solitude and serenity this bay affords. It sees fewer visitors, and is only accessible by walking. Treat yourself to a relaxing swim in crystal-clear water, away from all the tourist hype.
Afterwards, continue your stroll to Coogie, along the Coastal Walk. Or hike the trail even further, into Victoria, to see more beautiful places to visit.
How to Get There
by car
30-40 minutes from Sydney, via Moore Street.
(Limited parking available)
by bus / train
- to Randwick Station
- bus 350 direction Coogee.
- get off at the Moore Street stop
on foot
from Clovelly Beach
along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
When to Go
The bay is accessible year-round.
Jervis Bay - Hyam's Beach
Technically, this bay falls in the Australian Capital Territory. But, it used to be a part of NSE and besides, Hyam's Beach is too delicious to miss out on.
It boasts the whitest sand you could dream of, and an aura of calm that might convince you of being in another world. No wonder it ranks so high on everyone's list of magical places in NSW.
How to Get There
by car
- via M1 and Princes Highway or
- Grand Pacific Drive
by public transport
- train to Bomaderry Station
- bus 737 to Bomaderry
- bus 103 Hyams Beach
When to Go
- May to November for whale watching
- Spring to early autumn for beach fun
Cattai National Park
A walk along Hawkesbury River is always nice; if you're lucky, you might catch one of the water sport competitions routinely held there. For our money, this is the best place for a picnic, and taking in nature scenes. Should you dine towards sunset, you might have a kangaroo audience to witness your meal.
How to Get There
by car
- drive the M2 Motorway north
- Exit at Winter
- Follow signs to the park
by public transport
- from Sydney Central to Windsor Station.
- Locate the shuttle bus to the park
When to Go
The park is open year-round, with access during winter limited to 8am to 6pm. Summer hours are 8am to 8pm
Mount Annan
This is not your standard botanical garden. It contains all the local flora and the requisite informational plaques, of course. But it also boasts barbacue grills, picnic sites, and stunning views. While there, be sure to look for Sundial Hill and pay tribute to the Stolen Generations Memorial.
How to Get There
by car (from Sydney CBD)
- south on M5 or M7 direction Camden
- exit Narellan Road
- follow signs to Mount Annan
by bus
TransLink has several routes to this park
When to Go
The park is open every day, from 8 AM to sunset.
Wentworth Falls
Wentworth Falls is a NSW town, but it's also one of the most popular tracks carved into the Blue Mountains. This entire range has something for everyone - climbers, bikers, and casual day-hikers alike.
The Wentworth Falls track is relatively short, and treats those who walk it to unique sights. Once you've reached the descent's end, the natural pool at the bottom is well worth a photo or two.
How to Get There
by car
- Great Western Highway right onto Falls Road
- right onto Fletcher Street
- find a parking place at the end of Fletcher Street
by train
- to Wentworth Falls Station
- turn left at station's exit
- walk Station Road until the last traffic light
When to Go
Blue Mountains is accessible year-round. Visit during April - May, or September - November, for smaller crowds.
Mungo National Park - Lake Mungo
Unless you've experienced the Outback's vastness - say, while touring Western Australia's wonders, you can't fathom the awe Lake Mungo inspires. To outsiders, it must be like 'The Cloud' - unknowable, yet filled with knowledge of the ages.
Lake Mungo is a dry lake or, more specifically, a surreal landscape. Nothing but red dirt and earth formations, as far as they eye can see, all under a punishing, unforgiving blue sky.
How to Get There
For your safety, a guided tour is best. You can arrange your excursion with any Mildura commercial travel outfit.
When to Go
Tours run year-round. For wildlife excursions, plan your trip during Spring and Autumn. To capture dramatic land formations, ask about sunrise/sunset tours.
Stockton Sand Dunes
This stunning stretch of coast is part of the Worimi conservation lands. The dunes top more than 30 metres in some places, and travel north at a rate of four metres per year. This constant shifting makes for an ever-changing landscape so, even if you've been there before, it's worth going again.
How to Get There
Four-wheel-drive (4WD) is the best and safest way to experience these dunes. If you lack your own, sign up for a guided tour, which provides 4WD vehicles.
When to Go
You can access the dunes year-round.
Royal National Park
Royal National Park is an all-access pass to the most magical places in NSW. Here, we limit ourselves to gushing about two of them: Curracurrong Falls and Wattamolla Beach.
A gently-trickling waterfall that runs onto Wattamolla Beach sets the scene for a romantic picnic or a restful yoga session. You might then walk the four-kilometre Coast Track to Curracurrong Falls.
Note that Curracurrong Falls is one of 35 in the world whose waters fall into the ocean. Time your hike to arrive at sunset, so that you can photograph Curracurrong in the best light.
How to Get There
by ferry
- From Cronulla, ride the ferry to Bundeena
- walk to the park entry
train/ferry
- Cronulla Station
- ferry to Bundeena Wharf.
train/bus
- Sutherland Station or Otford Station
- find the Park Connections bus service to Bundeena Wharf
When to Go
Park operates daily from 7am to 8:30pm. Check the park's website to plan your trip, as it may be closed due to poor weather or fire danger.
Central Coast
The Entrance is a no-drama name for a calm stretch of coastline. This town sits along a channel that feeds into to Tuggerah Lakes. As tourism dollars make up a substantial part of the town's economy, you'll find many guest accommodations. You might be so enchanted, you'll want to spend the night, even though you're only 1.5 hours from Sydney.
How to Get There
by car
- M1 Motorway north, to Tuggerah Interchange
- Left onto Wyong Road
- Exit roundabout onto The Entrance Road
by bus
- 21
- 22
- 26
- 14X
- 15
by train
- from Sydney Central
- to Tuggerah station
When to Go
You can access the town year-round, but certain events require more careful planning.
- Pelican feeding: daily at 3:30 pm, at The Entrance Foreshore (weather permitting)
- Markets, festivals, and other gatherings: check the town's website and follow their social media
- Summer: the ideal time for all water activity, from prawning and fishing, to swimming and boating.
Kosciuszko National Park
Snow, when it falls, counts among the unique attractions in Queensland, because it's so rare. In Kosciuszko National Park, Snowy Mountains are common (in the winter).
Nature enthusiasts enjoy this park year-round; you can alway find sights and activities to suit your tastes. If you're not sure where your tastes lie, visit the park to discover one of the most beautiful places in NSW.
How to Get There
by car (from Sydney)
- M31 and M5, then
- M31 exit a Cooma
by bus
- The Snowy Regions Bus
- Service from Sydney to Jindabyne
- shuttle to the park
When to Go
The park is accessible year-round.
Yarrangobilly Caves
This cave system is not far from Kosciuszko Park. You needn't travel deep underground to appreciate its wonder - though, it helps. Still, if you'd rather not lose sight of the sky, go in just deep enough to find the Glory Arch. Once you satisfy that curiosity, travel a piece down the road to soak in the Yarrangobilly thermal pools.
How to Get There
Other than arranging a tour, driving is the only way to reach these caves.
When to Go
The caves and pools are open year-round, though they shift their schedule with the seasons. Check the park's website when planning your trip.
Kiama
This coastal town lies south of Sydney. It seems unassuming but features a couple of Australia's top tourist offerings: Cathedral Rocks, and the Kiama Blowhole. When the conditions are just right, the blowhole shoot a geyser of water 25 metres into the air. It's no wonder the Aboriginal inhabitants named it 'Where the sea makes noise'.
Cathedral Rocks lies a few miles north, a picture-perfect scene. It feature a lone pillar, jutting out from the sea.
Arrive to photograph it at sunset to capture dramatic lighting. And then, stay for a bit of stargazing. On a clear night, you can trace the Milky Way.
How to Get There
by car
from Sydney, via the M1 Princes Highway
by train
hourly departures from Sydney Central
by bus
- Greyhound Australia (to nearby Gerroa)
- Premier Motor Service (daily trips)
When to Go
The town, and its attractions, are open year-round.
Rocky Point Island
This header is a bit of a trick, as we must start from Balmoral Beach. Balmoral is a popular strand, but strolling the promenade to Rocky Point is always such a thrill.
Amateur photographers have much to train their lenses on, from wildlife to landscapes. This island is a popular spot for weddings, too.
How to Get There
From the beach, look for the tree-lined promenade. Once you cross it, you'll enter a recreational area.
When to Go
The beach and island are accessible year-round. Be mindful of weddings and other events that might block access to the island.
Broken Hill
This town's name is rather evocative of its nature. It is a mining city, despite this industry's slowing advances. Today, it is Australia's longest-serving mining town.
In itself, that's a good reason to visit. Plus, you've lots of art galleries to tour, and iconic architecture to photograph. You might even tour a movie set; the Australian film industry is very active, here. However, for a spectacular sunset, head to the Mundi Mundi Lookout, and prepare to have your breath taken away.
Broken Hill lies closer to Adelaide than to NSW's capital city. Being so close, you might consider leaving NSW behind, to explore the amazing sites South Australia has to offer.
How to Get There
Air travel is the quickest way to get to Broken Hill. You might also consider riding the train, or buying passage on a coach.
Any road travel will make for a long trip. However, if you decide to drive, make sure your car is in optimal shape. In fact, Broken Hill's website recommends making the trip in a 4WD.
When to Go
You can visit the town year-round.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
