New South Wales
New South Wales boasts over 800 national parks and a similar number of beaches. If you love the outdoors, in New South Wales you’ll never be far from beautiful forests, dramatic escarpments, rivers and lakes.
Throw in beautiful wine regions, historic villages and some of Australia’s quirkiest outback towns and you get a sense of the diversity on offer in New South Wales. Start in the iconic capital Sydney, and choose your own adventure from there.
NSW faq’s
Did you know NSW is the ocean pool capital of Australia?
New South Wales has around 100 ocean pools along its coastline, 35 are in the Sydney area. You can find them as far south as Bermagui and at Yamba on the north Coast of New South Wales. The oldest ocean pool is in Newcastle and the best known is the Icebergs Pool in Bondi. If you’re on a mission for a great Insta shot, you get some great views from these pools with the Sydney skyline or Pacific Ocean in the background.
Do I need a National Park Pass?
In New South Wales you will need a park pass for 45 out of over 800 parks and reserves. In many cases, the fees apply to parts of a park – this is the case for areas of Sydney Harbour, Blue Mountains and Budderoo National Parks. If you walk or cycle in there is no charge. Daily fees range from $4 – $12 dollars. Annual Passes are also available.
Some of the more popular parks where fees apply include Kosciuszko, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Lane Cove Royal and Mungo National Parks. Camping fees do apply at National Park campgrounds. Passes are available online at NSW Parks and Wildlife website.
Which outback towns should you visit NSW?
Outback New South Wales is rich in history and natural beauty. Broken Hill and neighbouring Silverton are full of galleries, are steeped in mining history and have drawn movie makers from around the world to its dramatic landscape.
Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs are not only quirky outback opal towns but are also set in an other-worldly landscape. The harshness of the landscape is offset by the chance to relax in one of the areas many mineral springs. Also check Burke on the banks of the Darling River or Australia’s newest astronomy hotspot Coonabarabran.
Outback adventure
If a glorious sunset is one of the joys of travelling, then a sunset Mungo National Park tour is a must. Nowhere else does the light, landscape and history of an area combine in such a magic way.
For this visit to Mungo National Park we booked a sunset tour. This allowed us to get onto the dunes and amongst the rock formations. Best of all, on a cloudless evening, we looked forward to seeing the changing mood of the place at sunset.
Looking for a Day Trip from Sydney?
It might be a big city, but day trips from Sydney can get you out of the hustle and bustle and into beautiful seaside towns, picturesque mountain villages and historic inland cities. Walks, wildlife, national parks, sumptuous high teas and cosy cafes are all on offer just beyond the city.
South Coast Beach Holidays
The New South Wales south coast boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. From the whitest sand to turquoise water, you’ll think you’re in a pacific island paradise. Go for a kayak, grab your snorkelling gear or just relax in a laidback seaside town.
National Parks & Camping in NSW
If camping in a beautiful national park is your idea fun, you might never leave New South Wales! From beachside campsites to Mount Kosciuszko to the desert beauty of Mungo National Park, if you have a swag, tent or camper trailer your spoilt for choice in New South Wales.
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