NEW SOUTH WALES TRAVEL GUIDE

Are you looking for expert advice and insider tips on travel in the NSW?

We were born and raised in Woy Woy on the Central Coast of NSW, but live in the USA.

New South Wales is a state we know a lot about - especially Sydney and surrounds. We fell in love with Sydney at a young age and have visited often over the years. Caroline went to University in Sydney.

It is what we consider one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It's also Australia's biggest city.

We’ve also extensively explored both the north and south coasts, and to a lesser extent country NSW.

NSW is Australia's most populous state, so you are bound to find a lot of diversity of culture in this state.

From snowy mountains, to small dusty outback towns, rivers that meander beside gum tree lined banks, and spectacular beaches, NSW will delight and entertain.

Scroll down to find our tips on the best things to do in NSW including best beaches, suprising country towns, itinerary ideas, road trips and more.

NSW HIGHLIGHTS

Begin by discovering a few of the highlights of NSW including its many spectacular beaches. 

Mungo National Park

15 Best Places to Visit in New South Wales, Australia

Growing up outside Sydney, I thought I had seen all the best places to visit in NSW. But that was a bit premature because we’d […]

Greenfield Beach, NSW, Australia

11 of the Best NSW Beaches to visit

Growing up in NSW and having road tripped extensively both the north and south coast regions, I’ve been to most of the best beaches in […]

AWESOME BEACH DESTINATIONS IN NSW

The NSW coastline stretches for over 2,000km and has endless options for swimming, surfing, snorkelling and sunbaking.

I love the more cove style beaches of NSW with its golden sand and rolling surf. For beach lifestyle, you'll find some of the best beaches in the country.

And like WOW to Sydney. How can the biggest city in the country have endless stunning choices for beaches.

Couple enjoying scenic views over Coffs Harbour from Forest Sky Pier, Niigi Niigi - Sealy Lookout, Coffs Harbour.

15 Best Things to Do in Coffs Harbour NSW

If you’re planning a visit to Coffs Harbour, you’re probably heading there to visit the beaches and grab a selfie with the Big Banana monument. […]

scuba diving jervis bay

12 Exciting Things to Do in Jervis Bay, NSW

Jervis Bay is magical. It’s a small, seaside town with less than 400 permanent residents (according to the 2016 census), but you can still be […]

Surfer walking along Broken Head Beach, Byron Bay.

11 Stunning Byron Bay Beaches You Must Set Foot On

The Byron Bay Beaches are legendary. It’s not just Australians and the surfing community who know about Byron Bay, but people all over the world. […]

Kingscliff, NSW, Australia

11 Exciting Things To Do In Kingscliff, NSW

Kingscliff is a sleepy beach side town on the northern NSW coast, only a fifteen-minute drive from the Queensland border. Although it’s small in size, […]

Scenic coastal views from Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Arakoon.

Caravan Parks in South West Rocks NSW

If you’ve ever thought about visiting South West Rocks in NSW, one of the best ways to see it is to grab your car keys, […]

A river

Guide To Visiting Yamba NSW: Is this Australia’s best kept secret?

I feel like we have discovered Australia’s best kept secret. Actually, we may be a little late in the discovery. I think the cat was […]

Bouddi national park Central Coast

Top Things to do on the Central Coast of NSW

In 2010 we returned to our home town, Woy Woy on the Central Coast of NSW. It’s tucked away on a peninsula, just over an […]

Palm Beach, Sydney, Australia

Palm Beach: Is this one of the best beaches in Sydney?

Each time I step foot off the ferry onto Palm Beach in Sydney I feel like I’ve arrived home. It might be because I watch […]

Surf beach kiama

Things to do in Kiama, NSW (surprising beauty!)

I’m not sure what I was expecting from Kiama, NSW. I had it in my head there would be lots of concrete, busy roads, and […]

I want to say thank you for all you do. Because of your post on where to see Kangaroos in Australia, my family and I ended up at Pretty Beach on our way up to Sydney. It has been one of our most memorable stops yet!! We are on an around the world trip for the year and here in Australia your blog has me saying Lonely Planet who? It's not a lonely planet, it's a friendly planet with yTravel Blog at hand. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

y Travel reader

NSW ROAD TRIP IDEAS

Looking for a classic coastal drive, a food and wine trail, or an epic Outback adventure?

NSW has a road trip that will suit any kind of traveler and style?

The following articles will share things to do, see and eat along some of these famous NSW drives.

2 weeks in South Coast NSW

The Ultimate 2 Week South Coast NSW Road Trip Itinerary

Arguably the best way to explore New South Wale’s South Coast is by car. A South Coast NSW road trip takes you past some of […]

story bridge brisbane

The Ultimate Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Itinerary

The iconic east coast road trip from Sydney to Brisbane, known as the Legendary Pacific Coast, is one of Australia’s top road trips. Stretching 900 […]

man leaning on a sign

Things to see and do on a Snowy Mountain Drive

Whenever I tell people that Australia has snow-capped mountains, they are shocked! Australia is home to so many diverse landscapes, why not add snow-topped ski […]

Boulders Beach, NSW, Australia

North Coast NSW Road Trip – Lennox Head to Gold Coast

North Coast NSW is one of my favourite areas in Australia. It’s lush, hilly, filled with ancient rainforests, magnificent views, stunning coastline and beaches, and […]

NSW ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

NSW has endless attractions and activities form surfing famous breaks to spectacular coastal drives, world class wine regions and national parks.

Here are a few of our favorites.

giraffes with sydney harbour in the background

Guide To Visiting Taronga Zoo, Sydney – A World Class Zoo

Taronga Zoo in Sydney is a captivating haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Situated against the picturesque backdrop of the iconic Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo offers an […]

Where To See see wild kangaroos in Australia

I never get sick of seeing wild kangaroos in Australia, and I’m an Aussie, I see them all the time. I can’t imagine how excited a […]

Untitled design

Hiking the Gorgeous Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk with Kids

When you visit Byron Bay – and you MUST visit Byron Bay – one of our top recommendations for things to do is an early-morning walk to […]

girls on a hillside

The Spectacular Bondi to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk, Sydney

Sydney can be a glamorous place, but it’s also beautiful, as you discover on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. This easy and family-friendly walk […]

woman and child posing to camera in front of beach view

The Sensational White Sands Walk in Jervis Bay

Man, I loved this coastal walk. It’s one of those trails I could have just kept on walking (even with a 2-year-old strapped on my […]

light projections on a building

How to Experience the Vivid Sydney Festival (with or without kids)

The Vivid Sydney festival has kicked off in Sydney, Australia. For the next three weeks, Vivid will dazzle and amaze over 1.7 million visitors flocking to […]

Yarrangobilly Caves, Snowy Mountains, Australia

What to Do at Yarrangobilly Caves – Snowy Mountains

Recently we shared with you our relaxing retreat at Yarrangobilly Caves House in the northern part of the Snowy Mountains. I could have easily stayed […]

a girl standing in water

The 5 Lands Walk, Central Coast NSW – connecting to land and culture

It’s strange to think that I discovered one of the most beautiful ways to connect people to land and culture in my own back yard […]

a man singing into a microphone

Byron Bay Bluesfest in Pictures

We attended the 22nd Annual Byron Bay Bluesfest held over Easter. Bluesfest, held on a 120-hectare tea farm just outside of beautiful Byron Bay and […]

SYDNEY HIGHLIGHTS AND TIPS

No visit to NSW would be complete without spending time in this spectacular city.

Sydney is amazing. Everywhere you turn will be views to astound, the climate is spectacular, the culture diverse and sparkly, the food and wine sensational.

Don't forget to explore the areas surrounding Sydney for many hidden secrets.

Check out our most popular Sydney posts below.

caz at the top of the mast on a tall ships Sydney Harbour

Sailing the Sydney Tall Ships in Sydney Harbour + Climbing the Mast

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich maritime history of Sydney Harbour on an afternoon Sydney Tall Ships cruise that promises to […]

a harbour

What It’s Like To Experience A Helicopter Ride In Sydney!

Taking a helicopter ride over Sydney is a unique and thrilling experience that will leave long-lasting memories. Not only do you get to enjoy breathtaking […]

Sydney Harbour Bridge climb at Twilight

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb: Is It Worth It?

Is the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb worth it? One of Australia’s biggest tourist attractions and a world icon,but are the views worth it?

Let's go surfing Bondi

Learn Surfing at Bondi Beach, A Bucket List Experience!

I don’t think you could get an any more Australian experience then learning to surf at Bondi Beach, Australia’s most famous beach. Surfing at Bondi […]

kayaks in water

Our Experience Kayaking on Middle Harbour, Sydney

Looking for a unique adventure in Sydney? Then be sure to explore the hidden treasures of Middle Harbour in Sydney by kayaking. Kayaking on Middle […]

Views of The Rocks through to Sydney CBD, Sydney.

11 Ideas For What to do in the Rocks, Sydney

If you’re looking to explore one of Sydney’s most vibrant neighborhoods, you’ll find there are many things to do in The Rocks, Sydney. My first […]

View of Sydney Opera House from the Manly Ferry

2 Day Sydney Itinerary: What To Do In 48 Hours

Are you wondering what to do in Sydney in only 48 hours? Great question! It’s not easy to pack all the amazing sites into a […]

Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney, Australia

17 Free Things to Do in Sydney

Sydney consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world to visit, and that’s probably not news to most of you. The […]

fitzroy falls australia

13 day trips from Sydney For a weekend getaway

Looking for suggestions on day trips from Sydney? These coastal and inland destinations are within 3 hours from Sydney, perfect for a Sydney weekend getaway

girls on a hillside

15 Exciting Things to do in Sydney with Kids

The list of things to do in Sydney with kids could be endless. Caz and I both grew up an hour north of Sydney and […]

NSW ACCOMMODATION IDEAS

From unique lighthouse stays, to camgrounds on the beach and accommodation to suit al budgets in Sydney, we have a few NSW accommodation ideas for you.

view of a city next to a body of water

Camping At Cockatoo Island, Sydney

As you descend upon the glistening waters of Sydney Harbor, a curious sight catches your eye. A tiny isle, sitting atop the dark turquoise waves, […]

woman standing with views of opera house and harbour bridge in sydney

A Stay At Sydney Harbour YHA Hostel, The Rocks District [Review]

I am very much a feelings person. I trust my intuition and know in an instant whether something is right for me or not. As […]

a porch on a house

A Stay At The Historic Seal Rocks Lighthouse Cottages, NSW [Review]

Enjoy a weekend getaway at the heritage listed Sugar Loaf Point Lighthouse in Seal Rocks, Australia.

Mount Kosciusko, Thredbo, Australia

Thredbo YHA Hostel, Budget Accommodation in the Snowy Mountains [Review]

If only all hostels had views like the Thredbo YHA Hostel in the Snowy Mountains, in Kosciuszko National Park. Especially in a town that is […]

Scenic coastal views from Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Arakoon.

Caravan Parks in South West Rocks NSW

If you’ve ever thought about visiting South West Rocks in NSW, one of the best ways to see it is to grab your car keys, […]

Cuddle time at Holiday Inn Sydney Airport

Holiday Inn Sydney Airport – accommodation for stress free travel

You may have been following along on social media, but just before Christmas Caz and the kids flew from Sydney to the Gold Coast for […]

View of the Sydney Opera House from walking over the Harbour Bridge

5 best accommodation in Sydney CBD – from budget to luxury

Looking for a place to stay on your visit to Sydney? We have researched the best accommodation in the Sydney CBD to save you time! Let us know what you choose.

Billabong Yoga Retreat Sydney

What’s It Like At The Billabong Yoga Retreat, Sydney? [Review]

We all have those moments in life where it all becomes a bit too much, and we need to take a step out of your […]

NSW COUNTRY CHARM

Are you looking for quiet country charm, delicious food and wine, and kookaburras singing in some gigantic gum trees?

Don't overlook this charming region of NSW!

Tnings to Do in Armidale - NSW, Australia

13 Exciting Things to do in Armidale NSW

I really enjoyed Armidale in northern NSW. In a way, I kind of knew I would, considering it’s a university town located in the picturesque […]

bike riding through the River Red Gum Forest

Guide To The River Red Gum Parks of the Riverina, NSW

The fire crackles and pops beside me. Soon we will be cooking our evening meal over it and warming ourselves on an Autumn evening under […]

Kangaroo Valley, NSW, Australia

9 Best Things To Do In Kangaroo Valley NSW

You should always leave space in your travel itinerary for spontaneity. And that’s what happened to us when we landed in Kangaroo Valley NSW. A […]

Sun rising over a vineyard in the Hunter Valley.

A Guide To Hunter Valley Wine Tasting and Tours

The Hunter Valley Wine Region is one of Australia’s most famous and popular wine growing regions. As such, anyone visiting Hunter Valley should consider looking […]

Adventure Playground, Bathurst, NSW

14 Awesome Things to Do in Bathurst, NSW with kids

I took Kalyra for a daddy and daughter weekend getaway to Bathurst NSW, and what a pleasant surprise that trip was. No longer do I […]

5 things to do in Mudgee, Australia

5 Awesome Things to Do in Mudgee NSW

Mudgee…why oh why did we wait 40 years to visit? And we grew up only 4 hours away. You’ve been calling us for so long […]

crowd of people in a park

Things to Do in Orange NSW – F.O.O.D Week

You know a town is passionate about food, and really good at it, when the winner of Australia’s MasterChef and local town resident (Kate Bracks) […]

WHAT REGION IN NSW ARE YOU PLANNING TO VISIT?

There are many stunning NSW destinations, divided into different regions.

Whether weekend getaways, family holidays or adventure holidays, you’ll find plenty of points of interest and amazing attractions.

Click the image to head straight to our tips and resource guides for the region you are planning to visit.

FEATURED VIDEO: Exploring Sydney with Kids

Check out all the fun you can have in Sydney, including our favorite - the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk

FOLLOW OUR CURRENT ADVENTURES

Travel has been the focus of our life since 1997 - intentionally.

We don't plan on stopping that. We now have a base in Raleigh, NC - after being granted a Green Card for our extraordinary ability in the art of travel blogging.

We will continue to explore more of the US but also intend on traveling further abroad - Europe, South East Asia and Central and South America.

We can't wait to share more of our favorites as we experience them.

Be sure to join our free VIP email community - form below for loads of free travel planning resources.

And connect with us on social for live udpates!

4 Powerful Ways to Travel More & Create Better Memories
Want to know how we've made a lifetime of travel for 24 years? Insider tips and updates! 
This is what gives us incredible memories to share around the campfire. Join our community for insider tips and updates!
Scroll to Top