Insight Australia

NEW SOUTH WALES

WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO SEE

Instantly identifiable by the white sails of the Sydney Opera House and the coathanger-like Harbour Bridge that frame the capital’s sparkling harbour, Sydney is also the gateway to a wide range of Australian landscapes and experiences within New South Wales.

From the world-heritage-listed Blue Mountains national park to the Hunter Valley vineyards, endless golden beaches, temperate rainforests, snow-capped mountains and red earth outback. Whether you choose to head north, south or inland, there is a multitude of adventures to be had and just about every special interest can be catered for.
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Sydney, its world-famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge
  • The World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains national park
  • Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region
  • Byron Bay and the beautiful New South Wales north coast.
  • South Coast and Southern Highlands
Activities
  • See a performance or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House and climb to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
  • Catch a ferry to Manly to enjoy beautiful surf beaches and stunning coastal walks only 15 minutes from Australia’s biggest city.
  • Take a tour of Sydney’s harbourside botanic gardens with an indigenous guide to learn about the city’s beginnings, Aboriginal bush tucker and traditions.
  • Hike in the Blue Mountains’ world heritage wilderness, and learn the indigenous legends behind the iconic Three Sisters rock formations.
  • Sample world-renowned wines and boutique Hunter Valley drops in Australia’s oldest wine country.
  • Quad bike over sand dunes and share the waves with dolphins in Port Stephens on the Hunter Coast.
  • Travel over the Sea Cliff Bridge scenic drive, see the Kiama blowhole, taste your way around the Southern Highlands (or join us on a truffle hunt – June-August), walk in the rainforest canopy and paddle on the Kangaroo River.
  • Learn to surf or kayak with dolphins, but don’t miss out on the walk to the lighthouse in buzzy and bohemian Byron Bay. The coast from Sydney north to Brisbane is one of Australia’s most iconic overland touring routes.
  • Head for the high country to enjoy spectacular scenery, crisp mountain walks and, in winter (June to October), ski through the eucalypt trees in the aptly-named Snowy Mountains.
Hidden Gems
  • Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park overlooking Sydney’s northern beaches and the sparkling Pittwater waterways is one of the city’s true hidden gems: secluded beaches, wonderful walks and a rich indigenous history all less than an hour from the city.
  • World Heritage Lord Howe Island offers a complete change of pace and is the idyllic base from which to enjoy great walks, spectacular diving and beautiful birdwatching.
  • Mudgee and Orange, in the state’s central west, offer fabulous finds for wine lovers and foodies. This is a region to watch!

GOOD TO KNOW

There’s so much more to Sydney than ‘just’ the city centre, Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The city is made up of several inner city ‘villages’, each with their own personality (arty, foody, trendy, bohemian or exclusive) and Sydney is fringed by dozens of golden beaches and surrounded by pristine national parks on three sides. So, don’t forget to allow time to enjoy bushwalking on scenic coastal tracks and swim, surf or people watch at the city’s beautiful bays and beaches.

CRUISE SHIP PORTS

Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and Eden
Norfolk Island.
Ask us for shore excursion options
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