That first view of the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House will take your breath away. One of the world’s most famous and beautiful performance venues truly is a sight to behold, and at the core of what makes Sydney such a fabulous city to visit. But it’s not all that Sydney and New South Wales has going for it—far from it. Beyond the famed Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and Taronga Zoo lies a city and a state where history, nature, and culture combine in remarkable ways.
There’s so much to discover in New South Wales, from Sydney’s historic precinct of The Rocks to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, where rising sandstone cliffs pierce the sky and offer ideal hiking escapes, to the Hunter Valley, where wine flows and charming towns take advantage of the enviable climate. Discover Sydney and travel beyond into New South Wales in a way you never imagined before. You can learn about all of Goway’s vacation packages to Sydney and New South Wales on our website.
What is there to do in Australia’s New South Wales?
See the popular sights of Sydney
If it’s your first time in Sydney, you need to see the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Taronga Zoo, and the other classic showstoppers. Tour the Sydney Opera House to learn the fabled history of its construction and hear its renowned acoustics for yourself. Book a BridgeClimb and head to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the ultimate adrenaline rush and to enjoy the most unique views of the harbor. Spend an afternoon alongside the surfers and locals at Bondi Beach and enjoy the world-famous outdoor lifestyle. But don’t stop there. These sights are great, for first timers and return visitors alike, but they are by no means the final word on attractions in Australia’s largest city and most populated state.
Explore The Rocks precinct
If you want to experience the soul of Sydney, head to The Rocks. This precinct is where you’ll uncover the startling past of the city hiding in plain sight. Originally known as Tallawoladah by the Gadigal people, The Rocks has been home to the Gadigal for tens of thousands of years. Once European settlers arrived, it was renamed The Rocks and became the working class core of the emerging city, where merchants, sailors, and convicts made their homes. Many of the historic homes were preserved, and transformed into shops and restaurants as they exist today. This is a great part of the city to eat out, go shopping, explore hidden laneways and walk cobblestoned streets.
Head out on a walking tour and hear the story of Boora Birra, one of the sacred Dreamings that tells of the harbor’s creation. Learn about the Aboriginal legacies that continue to impact daily life in The Rocks in the 21st century. Eat, drink, and socialize while soaking up the unbeatable atmosphere.
Hike the Blue Mountains and see The Three Sisters
The Blue Mountains offer an escape from the city for a day trip or a weekend. While the Blue Mountains are only a 90-minute drive from Sydney, this region feels a world away. Sandstone cliffs cut through eucalyptus forests, deep valleys give way to secret waterfalls and cave paintings, and charming settlements provide relaxing breaks for day hikes or camping trips. The crowning achievement of the region is The Three Sisters in the Jamison Valley. Three sandstone spires stand alongside each other against the green backdrop of eucalyptus forest. Depending on the time of day or season, The Three Sisters may look completely different, as the light shifts their colors, giving them different looks and personalities.
This is a region to reconnect with nature and explore at leisure. Hike to lookouts to enjoy the views of the undulating landscape, marvel at ancient Aboriginal rock paintings, rest beneath waterfalls, stay overnight in a country guesthouse or resort, and feel revived in this World Heritage-listed wonderland.
Head to the Hunter Valley and enjoy world-class wines
Australia is bursting with good wine regions and the Hunter Valley is one of the best. Located around two hours north of Sydney, it’s the oldest wine region in the nation, dating back over 180 years. This rich history has produced over 150 wineries, which dot the subtropical landscape. Rivers crisscross the region and the hills of the Great Dividing Range provide a picturesque backdrop. In the Hunter Valley, you’ll have your choice of celebrated wineries to visit. A variety of wines abound here, but the region is best known for its Shiraz, Semillon, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Book a wine tour so you don’t have to stress about getting around (or sticking to one glass) and enjoy a leisurely day connecting between wineries and trying out seasonal specialities and old favorites. The food is also fabulous in the Hunter Valley. Over 65 gourmet restaurants provide the ultimate culinary pairing to their winery counterparts, along with a range of elegant guesthouses, retreats, spas, and even hot air balloon rides, which offer breathtaking views overlooking the vineyards and the ultimate way to complete your stay. If you’re looking for food, wine, relaxation, and some quality time spent among old and new friends, make trails for the Hunter Valley in New South Wales.
The world-famous sights of Sydney remain the ideal starting point for any Australian vacation, but they are by no means the only reason to visit the state of New South Wales. In Sydney and beyond, travelers can discover historic urban neighborhoods, breathtaking mountain ranges, pristine beaches and coastlines, scenic national parks, and some of the world’s best food and wine. Learn all about Goway’s vacation packages to Sydney and New South Wales on our website and get in touch with a Destination Specialist or your trusted travel advisor when you’re ready to book.
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You might say that Aren was destined to become a globetrotter after his family took him to Germany two times before he was four. If that wasn’t enough, a term spent in Sweden as a young teenager and a trek across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand confirmed that destiny. An independent writer, director, and film critic, Aren has travelled across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. His favourite travel experience was visiting the major cities of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, but his love for food, drink, and film will take him anywhere that boasts great art and culture.
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