New South Wales Travel Guide & Destinations Hub

Discover the best places to visit in New South Wales — from iconic Sydney landmarks to the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley wine country, South Coast beaches and the Northern Rivers hinterland. Plan day trips, short breaks and multi-day itineraries with expert local tours from Cooee Tours.

Welcome to New South Wales

New South Wales is Australia’s most diverse travel destination — home to world-famous cities, ancient landscapes, award-winning wine regions and hundreds of kilometres of coastline. Whether you're visiting for a single day or planning a longer holiday, this NSW travel hub helps you explore the state efficiently with curated tours, scenic routes and expert local insights.

Use this guide to compare destinations, discover must-see attractions, download planning resources and book trusted New South Wales tours with Cooee Tours.

Sydney & Surrounds

Sydney is the gateway to New South Wales — a harbour city known for its beaches, coastal walks, historic precincts and vibrant dining scene. It’s ideal for first-time visitors, short stays and day tours.

City Landmarks & History

Explore the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay and The Rocks. Ideal for first-time visitors and cruise passengers.
View Sydney City Tours →

Beaches & Coastal Walks

Bondi Beach, Manly, Bronte and the famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk offer surf, scenery and cafés by the sea.

Sydney Harbour Experiences

Harbour cruises, ferry rides, sunset dining and Taronga Zoo visits deliver unbeatable water-level views of the city.

Blue Mountains

Just 90 minutes from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer dramatic escarpments, waterfalls, bushwalks and wildlife. Ideal for day trips or overnight stays.

Scenic World

Cableway rides, walking trails, and stunning views over the Three Sisters.

Hiking Trails

Wentworth Falls, Govetts Leap, and Prince Henry Cliff Walks.

Local Villages

Leura and Katoomba offer cafés, artisan shops and accommodation.

Hunter Valley

NSW’s famous wine region — day trips from Sydney are popular. Cellar doors, vineyard tours, gourmet restaurants, and hot air balloon rides are highlights.

Wine Tastings

Shiraz, Semillon and Chardonnay at boutique and large wineries.

Balloon Flights

Sunrise experiences over the Hunter Valley vineyards.

Local Cuisine

Farm-to-table dining, cheese and chocolate tasting experiences.

South Coast

From Wollongong to Batemans Bay, the South Coast offers pristine beaches, national parks, whale watching and coastal villages.

Beaches

Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, surfing and swimming opportunities.

Nature Escapes

Murramarang National Park, coastal walks, wildlife spotting.

Local Towns

Batemans Bay, Kiama and Berry provide cafés, galleries, and local markets.

Northern Rivers

Lush hinterlands around Byron Bay, Lismore, and Ballina, combining beaches, rainforests, farm stays, and surf culture.

Byron Bay

Beaches, lighthouse walks, surfing lessons and local markets.

Rainforest Adventures

Nightcap and Border Ranges National Parks, wildlife spotting and guided walks.

Farm & Food Tours

Local produce tours, cheese factories, chocolate and coffee farms.

Popular New South Wales Itineraries

These sample NSW itineraries help you maximise your time — ideal for short stays, weekend breaks and first-time visitors.

1-Day Sydney City & Harbour Loop

Opera House, Harbour Bridge climb, ferry to Manly, and Darling Harbour lunch.

Blue Mountains Day Trip

Three Sisters, Scenic World cableway, short hikes, and village cafés.

Hunter Valley Wine & Gourmet Tour

Morning cellar doors, gourmet lunch, and optional hot air balloon flight.

NSW Travel Planning Resources

Download practical NSW travel guides designed by local experts — perfect for offline planning and stress-free touring.

📋 NSW Packing Checklist (PDF)

City, beach, mountain, and winery essentials for NSW day trips.

🗺️ NSW Offline Map & Day Trip Routes (PDF)

Print-friendly map covering Sydney, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, South Coast and Northern Rivers.

🌿 NSW Outdoor Safety Guide (PDF)

Hiking, beach and wildlife safety tips.

Best Time to Visit New South Wales

New South Wales is a year-round destination. Each season offers unique experiences — from beach escapes and festivals to wine harvests and cool-climate hikes.

Summer (December – February)

Ideal for beaches, coastal walks and island cruises. Popular destinations include Sydney Harbour, Bondi Beach, Jervis Bay and Byron Bay.
Explore South Coast →

Autumn (March – May)

One of the best times to visit NSW. Mild temperatures suit wine tours, city sightseeing and national park walks.
Discover Hunter Valley →

Winter (June – August)

Perfect for food and wine experiences, Blue Mountains hikes and fewer crowds in Sydney.
Visit Blue Mountains →

Spring (September – November)

Wildflowers, waterfalls and ideal sightseeing weather. A great season for city tours and nature-based travel.
Explore Sydney →

Explore New South Wales with Local Experts

Choose from Sydney sightseeing tours, Blue Mountains day trips, Hunter Valley wine tours and coastal escapes — all operated by experienced local guides.

Browse NSW Tours & Book Online

New South Wales Travel FAQs

What are the best places to visit in New South Wales?

Popular NSW destinations include Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, South Coast beaches and the Northern Rivers region.

How many days do I need to explore NSW?

A short visit can cover Sydney and one nearby region in 3–4 days, while 7–10 days allows for coastal and regional travel.

Can I do day trips from Sydney?

Yes. The Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, South Coast and Central Coast are all popular Sydney day trips.

When is the best time to visit New South Wales?

Spring (Sep–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) offer the best weather. Summer suits beaches, while winter is ideal for wine regions and mountain walks.

New South Wales Destination Map

This map highlights New South Wales’ major travel regions, helping you plan routes, day trips and multi-region itineraries.

Regions shown: Sydney & Surrounds, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, South Coast and Northern Rivers.

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