Things to Do in New South Wales

Stockton Beach has sand like any other beach, but this New South Wales spot has dunes of sand that reach up to 90 feet high. Historically the beach has been the site of several shipwrecks; the wreckage of some continues to wash ashore. The most well known wreck was the Sygna, an enormous Norwegian freight ship that crashed during a storm in 1974. What remains of the ship can be seen from the beach and has become a local landmark.

Today the area is a popular camping, sand boarding and 4WD vehicle area due to its firm sands and massive sand dunes. Camel and horseback rides, quad biking, and surfing make the Stockton Bight sand dunes an adventure and activity hub. There is also fishing and scuba diving in the waters off the coast. Clear rock pools nearby are a fun way to see various marine wildlife as well. The coastal desert wilderness stretches nearly 20 meters.

Leura, sometimes called the “Jewel in the Mountains Crown,” is a small Blue Mountains village located about 60 miles (100 kilometers) west of Sydney. Smaller than neighboring Katoomba, with a quaint, cherry tree lined town center called the Leura Mall, the village exudes mill-town charm. There are cafes, bakeries, antiques shops, and high-end boutiques, with brightly colored flowers decorating the streets.

Anyone who’s seen a picture of the Blue Mountains should recognize Echo Point. Famous for its view of the Three Sisters, this sweeping viewpoint on the outskirts of Katoomba defines the Blue Mountains’ beauty. From this cliff top ledge, the jagged escarpment vertically drops towards the distant valley floor—a void where clouds can linger in the treetops nearly a thousand feet below.

Take a deep breath and drink in the beauty of the Blue Mountains’ southern flank, and then consider walking the “Giant Stairway” that drops down into the valley. Over 800 stairs that are carved from the mountain descend 1,000 vertical feet, where numerous hiking trails weave their way along the forested valley floor. Climbing the walls of the “Ruined Castle” is a popular valley hike, and is a good way to escape the crowds that tend to gather at the viewpoint. Rather than hiking back up the stairs, take a ride on the “Scenic Railway” that leads back to the top of the cliff. At inclines of up to 60° it’s considered the world’s steepest railway, and drops passengers at Scenic World—a short walk from Echo Point Lookout.

With 65 hectares (175 acres) of fruit orchards and plantations open to visitors, Tropical Fruit World is one of the Gold Coast’s most unique tourist attractions. The eco-friendly, family-run farm grows over 500 varieties of tropical fruits, and visitors can not only go behind-the-scenes to discover the workings of the farm, but sample a delicious array of exotic fruits.

There’s plenty to see and do at Tropical Fruit World - take a Plantation Safari by tractor train, enjoy a wildlife boat cruise, ride a miniature train and get close to kangaroos, emus and Clydesdale horses at the fauna park. Of course, the best part is tasting the exotic fruits, juices and ice creams, so head to the Plantation Café to try unique varieties like cheese fruit, chocolate pudding fruit, caramel fruit and champagne fruit. There’s also a recreational area, with mini golf and a children’s playground; a fruit market where seasonal fruits like dragonfruit, jackfruit and papaya are on sale; and a shop, where you can purchase souvenirs like avocado oil cosmetics or home-made fruit jams.

The sheltered, picturesque Wategos Beach is popular on Cape Byron for surfing and relaxing. Numerous picnic tables and electric barbecues allow visitors to enjoy the pristine surrounds over lunch. The nearby Cape Byron Walking Track passes behind the beach, calling for an afternoon stroll. Lifeguard patrols provide a safer beach environment during the busier summer months.

Little Wategos Beach offers a more secluded vibe given the fact it can only be reached by foot from the neighboring Wategos Beach. Little Wategos sits on the tip of Cape Byron, making it the easternmost beach on Australia's mainland. Although usually inviting, swimmers are encouraged to practice caution as strong currents can form even on mild days.

Besides swimming and surfing (longboarding does well here), the Wategos Beach area sees its fair share of fishing, particularly for flathead and whiting.

The Southern Highlands of New South Wales are a combination of natural sites, including mountains, caves, and waterfalls, and quaint villages filled with historic homes and heritage sites. Visitors to the area can picnic, hike, or bike through Morton National Park or enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the Corbett Gardens of Bowral. Alternatively, visit the many historic manors and mansions that dot the small towns like Berrima, Bundanoon, and Bungendore. Charming cafes and traditional pubs round out the experience.

The rolling green hills of the Southern Highlands are home to cooler temperatures, with ideal conditions for producing wine. A handful of excellent vineyards are open for tours and tastings. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors — the Fitzroy Falls, Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk, Wombeyan Caves, to name a few — or soaking in the historic ambiance of small, old towns, the Southern Highlands provides a contrast to the bustle of urban life in Sydney.

Located in central Sydney, the historic precinct of the Rocks is the oldest area in the city and the site of the first European settlement. Full of history and character, today the Rocks is home to fashionable boutiques, artisan markets, historic pubs, trendy restaurants, and a thriving arts and culture scene.

Set in the Blue Mountains just outside of Sydney, the cool climate of the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden (previously known as Mt. Tomah Botanic Garden) nurtures thousands of species of plants, from all over the world. The plants are arranged geographically, allowing for a walk among the greenery of different regions of the southern hemisphere. At 1,000 meters above sea level, there are magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and World Heritage Park. At this higher elevation rich volcanic and clay soil called basalt, along with heavy rainfall, creates conditions perfect for producing and cultivating unique plants found only in this climate. The 28-hectare estate has both manicured gardens and wilder “jungle” sections, as well as accommodation for those wishing to stay in the park.

The Blue Mountain Botanic Gardens are also focused on conservation, with a World Heritage Exhibition Center has educational displays for a variety of plants, animals, and for local history.

This unique landmark—a massive rock fashioned into a cozy bench—was carved from sandstone in the early 1800s by Gov. Lachlan Macquarie for his wife Elizabeth. As the story goes, when the weather was warm and the sun high, Mrs Macquarie loved to relax at the point of this scenic peninsula and stare out over the ocean.

Today, travelers enjoy a leisurely walk to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair from the iconic Opera House or wander over to this historic attraction after a visit to the nearby Royal Botanic Garden. In a bustling city that’s alive with energy, the stone bench offers visitors a perfect place to unwind, relax and take in the some of the best views of Sydney Harbour.

Bondi beach might be Sydney’s most headline-grabbing beach, but another local favorite is right nearby – Tamarama Beach. The small bay stretches just 80 meters along the coast and it’s an idyllic setting, with its golden sands framed by rugged sandstone headlands and lush parks.

Tamarama has long had a reputation as one of the city’s most exclusive beaches and its young, fashionable crowds has earned it the nickname ‘Glamarama’ among locals. The consistent surf and big breaks also make Tamarama a top choice for adventurous surfers, but with dangerous riptides at both sides of the bay, swimmers are advised not to venture outside of the marked safe zones.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site covering an area of around 3,861 square miles (10,000 square kilometers), the Blue Mountains region is a popular day-trip destination from Sydney. Featuring tall forests, sandstone cliffs, dramatic canyons, and scenic lookouts and waterfalls, the area is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Stretching along the coast of Sydney Harbour against a backdrop of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden and neighboring park, The Domain, offer spectacular views and beautiful scenery. This inner-city oasis boasts exotic plants, a tropical rain forest, woodland, flowers, and rare horticultural exhibits.

Though six times the size of Sydney Harbor, Jervis Bay remains relatively undiscovered, despite containing the whitest sand beach in the world (Hyams Beach, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.) The clear turquoise waters located in the park are lauded as some of the purest in the world. Outside of its beautiful beaches, the park has wetlands, forests, and bays rich in Australian wildlife and Aboriginal artifacts. The diverse landscapes offer excellent bird-watching, hiking, snorkeling, and swimming.

Whales and dolphins have been known to make appearances, and fishing is plentiful and popular here. Greenfield Beach is a favorite area, with facilities for visitors. The main town of Huskisson is a launching off point for the many aquatic activities available in the Jervis Bay Marine Park. The protected area lies on 4,854 hectares in total, so there’s plenty to explore.

The Australian Reptile Park is a hands-on zoo and educational center on the Central Coast of New South Wales. Visitors to the park have opportunities to walk alongside a giant Galapagos turtle, take pictures with a koala, feed kangaroos, see tarantulas and venomous snakes, and watch a crocodile named Elvis eat his lunch.