Best places to visit in NSW along the east coast
With borders opening up across Australia and the Covid situation overseas still uncertain, there’s never been a better time to explore your own backyard.
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With borders around the country — and even to the world — slowly beginning to open up, the uncertain situation overseas is pushing many Aussies to explore their backyard.
And NSW, with its sprawling coast, dominant mountain ranges and eclectic culture is the best place to do it.
From city escapes to meandering through country towns — there’s so much to see and do around the state you’ll want to start trip stacking year-round.
But if you’re wanting to find some of the highlights to do before you book your trip, here’s some ideas to get you started.
Best NSW wine tour
Full day tour of the Hunter Valley
NSW’s wine regions punch well above their weight for their size and age and most are only a few hours outside of Sydney.
A full-day wine tour of the Hunter Valley should be on every NSW visitor’s bucket list with Uncork the Hunter offering private tasting at five different wineries.
The tour includes five VIP cellar door tastings, including a mystery tasting at one of them.
You’ll also get the opportunity to savour some of the Hunter Region’s cottage industry including olives and olive oils, cheeses, organic poultry, snails, berries, herbs, jams, pickles and chocolates – all produced in the Hunter Valley.
The tour includes an antipasto picnic for lunch, set up amongst the vineyards, before a final stop at Hunter Valley Brewery for a refreshing beer.
Best kayak tour in Byron Bay
Kayak with dolphins in Byron Bay on a guided tour
Australia’s east coast is teeming with dolphins and one of the best spots to get up close and personal with the sleek creatures is in Byron Bay.
You’ll head out into Cape Byron Marine Park on a two-person sea kayak, paddling out to see the historic Cape Byron Lighthouse – and Australia’s most easterly point.
From there, you’ll learn about the area’s cultural and Aboriginal history from your guide before navigating towards the local pod of more than 300 dolphins.
Thanks to the massive population in Byron, sightings of the dolphins are almost guaranteed, as the smart animals play and splash around your kayak. And, if you don’t see any dolphins, you can take part in another tour completely free of charge.
Spot other marine life such as sea turtles and migrating humpback whales (between May to November) if you’re lucky.
Best Aussie cruise out of Sydney
10 day Tamania and Kangaroo Island ex Sydney Cruise
While cruising isn’t quite back in action just yet, it’s the perfect time to snap up an early-bird special before the whistle blows and everyone wants a ticket on board.
This 10-day adventure starts in Sydney, but you will actually be heading to Tasmania and Kangaroo Island for the majority of the trip.
The cruise begins with a night at leisure to soak up the delights of Sydney, from its tantalising foodie scene to vibrant night markets and harbour front bars perfect for sunset cocktails.
Then, climb aboard the fresh and modern P&O Pacific Adventure for eight unforgettable nights.
You will spend a night in Hobart, home of the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), step back in time in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Port Arthur settlement, and then breathe in the wild beauty and serenity of Kangaroo Island.
There’s plenty of free time to lap up this adventure — and to enjoy the shop to — there really is no better way to relax and see first hand the beauty our backyard has to offer.
See Sydney from above
Indigenous-led Burrawa BridgeClimb
Everyone knows about climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge – but there’s a new way to walk up the city’s iconic coat hanger.
The Burrawa climb gives tourists a fresh perspective of the bridge and the city below with an Indigenous storyteller guiding the tour.
Two decades after thousands of Australians walked across the bridge in the name of reconciliation, the three-hour experience offers a unique immersion into Aboriginal stories and landmarks across the harbour.
Climb the 1332 steps over three hours as you take in the 360-degree views.
Embrace your adventurous side
Skydive the beach at Wollongong
If you’re looking to get outside your comfort zone in NSW, hurling your body out of a plane at 15,000ft is probably the best way to do it.
Skydive Australia has jump zones all across Australia but its first site was Wollongong – just south of Sydney.
You’ll tandem jump out of a plane, with a skydiving instructor attached to you, before freefalling above one of NSW’s most beautiful beaches.
You’ll experience free falling at speeds of 220km/h for up to 60 seconds before your instructor pulls the parachute to help you lightly float to the ground.
And, if you’re looking to add a bit more thrill to your jump, the instructor will let you control and steer the parachute on the way down.
See how the Blue Mountains got their name
Private Blue Mountains tour with wildlife park and river cruise
A visit to NSW isn’t complete without a stop at the state’s famous Blue Mountains.
Take it in properly with a private tour, led by a guide with more than 30 years experience, who will spend the day escorting you around the region with full commentary.
Your tour will hit all the main sights – Katoomba, Echo Point, The Three Sisters and a number of the mountains’ spectacular gorges and canyons.
You’ll also be able to visit Scenicworld and ride the iconic railway and the cross-valley cable car.
After soaking in the sights of the Blue Mountains, you’ll head to nearby Featherdale Wildlife Sanctuary to see koalas, kangaroos and emus.
Returning to Sydney, you’ll ditch the road and make your way back into the city via river cruise.
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