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Australia’s most visited state; New South Wales partly owes its popularity with tourists to the glamorous city of Sydney.  With its harbor beaches and intoxicating blend of bushland and bustling city, Sydney is a perfect snapshot of Australia.  Beyond the glow of Sydney, New South Wales becomes a sweeping landscape of quaint, beachside hamlets, inland opal-mining towns, and alpine hideaways.

View a selection of Excursions in New South Wales.

Sydney

It’s no surprise that when the British first traveled to Sydney they named the area Botany Bay.  Even today, with a population of over 4 million people and a reputation for fun rather than flora, one still witnesses bush land in the bustling city.  Native Waratah wind their way through the historic Rocks area, while pockets of palm trees frame long stretches of pristine beach.

It is Sydney’s manmade wonders, however, that draw most visitors.  The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are two of the most photographed icons in Australia.  Your Australian vacation wouldn’t be complete without hiring a seaplane and enjoying a bird’s eye view of the Opera House’s signature “sails” before landing at Cottage Point for a picnic lunch.  See the Harbour Bridge up close and personal by climbing the metal monolith and enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the glittering bay below.

For fun with your feet firmly planted on the ground, explore the Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour, dance the night away at one of Sydney’s trendy nightclubs, or people watch at Bondi Beach.  In this vibrant metropolis you will find no lack of energetic escapes and dynamic distractions.

Blue Mountains

A favorite getaway spot for Australian’s is the world heritage listed Blue Mountains.  Named after the bluey-green hue of the Eucalyptus trees that flourish in its valleys, a wonderland of waterfalls and winding rivers, cheerful cottages and cavernous canyons is a comfortable hours drive away from the city center.  Experience Aboriginal mythology firsthand by visiting the Three Sisters rock formation.  Play hide-and-seek with the elusive echidna while hiking untamed bush land.  Enjoy an afternoon in the sleepy village of Leura browsing its quaint art galleries and antique stores.  In the Blue Mountains, travelers are free to do as little or as much as they please.

Hunter Valley

Treat your taste buds to a gastronomic getaway by visiting the Hunter Valley.  Australian specialty shops selling cheeses and chocolates are sandwiched between world-class wineries in a locale that seems worlds away but is conveniently only 90 minutes from Sydney’s doorstep. 

Stressed out Sydneysiders escape to this pastoral paradise where they can enjoy fine food and wine without the pressure of finding a parking space.  Hire a bicycle and discover charming wineries along tree-lined lanes.  Pick up a piece of distinct jewelry or fine glassware from one of the local artisans.  Soar above the quilted landscape on a sunrise balloon ride before returning to earth for a celebratory champagne breakfast.  A vacation in Australia’s Hunter Valley is guaranteed to satisfy your appetite for peace and plenty.

Broken Hill

Broken Hill’s title of the “Silver City” is well earned.  Not only is it home to the world’s richest silver deposit but it has also enjoyed success on the silver screen.  Its martian landscape has provided the backdrop for several prominent Australian films including Mad Max II and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. 

Broken Hill is much more than Hollywood hype; it is authentic Australia.  It has the roughness of the outback with its rusty plains, precious pubs and vast cattle stations, yet it supports a flourishing arts community that rivals that of Sydney.  Famous Australian artists like Pro Hart and Jack Absolom have galleries here and their work adorns many a museum and pub wall.  With its red earth and red hot artists, Broken Hill is Australia at its enigmatic best.