We thought that we’d already seen the best places to visit in NSW.
But that was a bit premature, because we’d only ever really done Sydney and the North Coast.
Now that we have covered more of NSW on our Aussie road trip and finally visited South Coast NSW, the Hinterland, and Country NSW, we realize that NSW is not just about east coast beach towns and Sydney.
Sure it has some of the best beaches in Australia and one of the best cities in the world, but for a small state it offers so much more.
Read on and you’ll learn about our favourite country towns, wine regions, mountain areas, and of course beach towns.
12 Places to Visit in NSW
1. Jervis Bay
Greenfields Beach, Jervis bay
Jervis Bay is magical. Definitely the highlight of our visit down the south coast and a place we’d like to explore more.
The beaches in this region are as good as anywhere in NSW, if not Australia. The only downside is they don’t offer the surfing opportunities you’ll find on the north coast, and the water temperature is cooler.
But the great thing about Jervis Bay is it’s not overdeveloped with high rises and tourist gimmicks, the sand is white and pure, and they aren’t heavily populated like Sydney and north coast beaches.
Jervis Bay is also a popular spot for whale watching, kayaking, canoeing and walks.
For tips on Jervis Bay check out these posts:
What a Day at Famous Hyams Beach looks like
The Sensational White Sands Walk
The Amazing “Scottish Rocks” in Booderee National Park
2. The Snowy Mountains
Climbing Mount Kosciusko
This is the first time Caz and I have visited the Snowy Mountains. We’ve never been into skiing, have only done it once in the States, but visiting the Snowies in the summer months really opened up our eyes to how much there is to do there.
From driving the Alpine Way, to exploring Yarrangobilly Caves, to climbing part of Australia’s highest peak (Mount Kosciusko), to seeing wild brumbies and bike riding the trails, all this got us excited to return for a winter at the Thredbo ski fields.
Check out this post:
Things to See on a Snowy Mountain Drive
Thredbo YHA Hostel – Budget Accommodation in the Snowy’s
3. Mudgee
How good is Mudgee? Damn good!
We still can’t believe we grew up only 4 hours from this town and have never visited. It’s our new favourite country town in NSW.
If you’re a lover of wine, Mudgee is a great alternative to the famous Hunter Valley. We loved how you could cycle between the wineries, and it doesn’t have the tourist buses like the Hunter, yet.
And you’ll fall in love with its heritage buildings, wide streets, parks and country charm. I know it’s a cliche, but Mudgee is a hidden gem, only 3.5 hours drive from Sydney.
Check out this post:
Things to Do in Mudgee
4. Kangaroo Valley
When we asked you guys for suggestions on where to go in Southern NSW, so many of you suggested Kangaroo Valley so we just couldn’t ignore it.
And we’re glad you did.
If you haven’t been to kangaroo Valley yet, you should. The valley is as green as Ireland with Australian bush escarpments and wildlife (they have lots of wombats).
Throw in a charming town centre, historic bridges, waterfalls, nature walks and country pubs, Kangaroo Valley makes for a great detour from the coast.
Check out this post:
Why You Should Go to Kangaroo Valley
5. The Blue Mountains
Caz had never visited the Blue Mountains, and it’s been 30 years since I last visited, and we both wondered what all this fuss was about as a must see day trip from Sydney?
Turns out, the Blue Mountains is more then just the Three Sisters and you should stay longer than one day!
The Blue Mountains has a depth greater than the infamous Three Sisters. We snapped our I was here photo and then went down, 900 steps into the valley below into a forested fern bower. – See more at: http://www.lastminute.com.au/blog/y-travels-blue-mountains-luxe-escape/?cid=lmau_ext_nsw_ytravel#sthash.a6pUh4JK.dpuf
The Blue Mountains has a depth greater than the infamous Three Sisters. We snapped our I was here photo and then went down, 900 steps into the valley below into a forested fern bower. – See more at: http://www.lastminute.com.au/blog/y-travels-blue-mountains-luxe-escape/?cid=lmau_ext_nsw_ytravel#sthash.a6pUh4JK.dpuf
The Blue Mountains has a depth greater than the infamous Three Sisters. We snapped our I was here photo and then went down, 900 steps into the valley below into a forested fern bower. – See more at: http://www.lastminute.com.au/blog/y-travels-blue-mountains-luxe-escape/?cid=lmau_ext_nsw_ytravel#sthash.a6pUh4JK.dpuf
Go hiking down amongst the rainforest covered valleys into the valley below and you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away.
A local friend Dave told us about the ‘Blue Mountains Chocolate Cafe’ on Lurline St, where to find the best beer (Carrington Hotel), and to have a long-lunch at the Ambermere Rose Inn – the signature dish “rabbit pie” was a hit for me!
Ambermere Rose Inn
There is relaxation, adventure and rejuvenation in the Blue Mountains, and we were impressed by the unbelievably good local produce, cafes, cosy pubs, and restaurants. It’s a foodie’s paradise.
There is relaxation, adventure and rejuvenation, unbelievably good local produce, world class cafes, cosy pubs, and restaurants. It’s a foodie’s paradise. – See more at: http://www.lastminute.com.au/blog/y-travels-blue-mountains-luxe-escape/?cid=lmau_ext_nsw_ytravel#sthash.a6pUh4JK.dpuf
Dave told us about the ‘Blue Mountains Chocolate Cafe’ on Lurline St (around the corner from Echos), where to find the best beer (Carrington Hotel) and the rave reviews Nineteen23, the degustation restaurant he was driving us to, had been getting.
- See more at: http://www.lastminute.com.au/blog/y-travels-blue-mountains-luxe-escape/?cid=lmau_ext_nsw_ytravel#sthash.a6pUh4JK.dpuf
6. Byron Bay
Sunset at Byron Bay Beach
Our favourite place in Northern NSW, Byron Bay is that legendary beach town that has been attracting thousands of surfers from around the world for years.
But it’s not just for surfers.
All types of people come for the National Parks, the arts and culture, the markets, the festivals, the food, the shopping, the health retreats, to hang with hippies, to be seen, and the vibe.
And you will see the most spectacular sunsets and sunrises. Byron Bay has a lot going for it. So many people come, and many never leave.
Check out these posts:
The Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk
5 Byron Bay Beaches You Must Set Foot On
7. The Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley wineries
It’s hard not to relax and enjoy yourself in this infamous wine region only a two hours drive north of Sydney.
The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s most famous wine growing regions, and a place we have visited many times.
But it’s not just about the wineries. There’s fine dining, gourmet chocolate, adventures like hot air ballooning, and relaxing spa treatments and massages.
Don’t miss the Lovedale Road Trail, it’s quiet and unhurried with many boutique wineries, the chocolate factory, and fine restaurants.
And believe it or not, there is also something in the Hunter Valley for families – mini golf, playgrounds, beautiful gardens, and family singing time driving through the vineyards.
So taste some wine and take a drive.
I recommend the Mountain View Trail, driving up to Bimbadeen Lookout for spectacular views of the valley and the Brokenback Range.
For more tips check out this post:
A Guide to Hunter Valley Wine Tasting
8. Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is roughly half-way along the Sydney to Brisbane road trip route and a popular stop for road trippers.
For us, the town of Coffs doesn’t do much for us but what we do really like is the surrounding region. So when we talk of Coffs, we’re thinking about the Coffs Coast Region!
The nearby beaches are great, especially Red Rocks Beach to the north, and the town of Sawtell is charming and where we choose to base ourselves.
Dorrigo National Park makes for a great day trip (visit Dangar Falls on the way up), then once in the park enjoy rainforest and tree-top canopy walks.
If you can time your visit right, don’t miss the Bellingen Markets held every third Saturday of the month in the lovely town of Bellingen.
For more tips check out this post:
Best Things to Do in Coffs Harbour
9. Armidale
Booloominbah Estate, Armidale
There’s something about University towns, as we discovered living in the USA, and the University town of Armidale located in the picturesque New England region is my kind of town.
We only had two days to explore, our stay was kind of cut short due to Kalyra breaking her arm in the playground, but we really enjoyed the history, the heritage buildings, the tree-lined streets, and the nearby waterfalls and gorges.
Armidale is also a lovely place to visit for its reputation for good food and wine, and we can see ourselves returning for another stay.
To learn more check out this post:
2 Days in Armidale – Things to See and Do
10. Newcastle
Newcastle is Australia’s 7th biggest city and has undergone a transformation in recent years, especially the CBD.
Whilst it has always been a great beach town with lively pubs and a big University, it has moved on from its primary industry of steel and has implemented a few creative programs to bring back the culture and arts to the city, plus a lively cafe and restaurant scene, particlulary along the waterfront.
It’s not just about pubs and industry anymore. There is richness, a relaxed vibe, and it is exciting to see Newcastle offering much more for travellers these days.
Learn more tips from these posts:
Seeing a City with New Eyes and Discovering its Soul
Lonely Planet’s Must Visit Destination for 2011
11. Kingscliff
Cudgen Creek, Kingscliff
The town of Kingscliff is high up on the NSW North Coast (you’re almost in Queensland) and it’s one of those great beachy towns with a relaxed vibe that’s just enough off the beaten-track that it doesn’t lose its appeal.
It’s a very liveable kinda place with a nice beach and cafe strip, friendly locals, and the pretty Cudgen Creek is a top spot for the kids to enjoy some water activities.
If Byron is too much for you, consider staying here to explore the rest of the North Coast region, and just down the road you have Cabaritta Beach and Fingal Head.
12. Sydney
Last, but certainly not least, is the big smoke. Sydney sits high on any international destination hit list, let alone being the draw card and gateway to NSW.
If you are going to visit Australia then you can’t miss Sydney.
It has something for everyone: stunning harbour side location, the iconic beaches, excellent restaurants, fantastic cafes and pubs, world heritage sites, terrific shopping, incredible festivals, a multicultural population, and good year round weather.
But don’t just use Sydney as a gateway to NSW and Oz, give it at least 3 days.
For our best tips on Sydney, check out this post:
The Ultimate Guide to Sydney – Things to See & Do
Need More Tips for NSW?
Check out these useful guides:
Lonely Planet’s Guide to NSW
Lonely Planet’s Sydney & NSW Regional Guide
Our Favourite Places to Visit in NSW
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