Adventure Awaits in New South Wales

Amazing wildlife, spectacular scenery, memorable food and wine, and some of the world’s friendliest people await you in Australia’s oldest state, New South Wales. Roughly twice the size of California and known for its five major national parks, UNESCO World Heritage Areas, lush hinterlands, and acclaimed wine regions, New South Wales provides an amazing variety of activities for travelers.

The climate in NSW varies from subtropical temperatures in the north and along parts of the coast, to the dry, desert-like conditions of the far west, and to the snowfalls of the Southern Alps. So it’s possible to ski, explore the magnificent gorges and waterfalls of the Blue Mountains, embark on a wine tasting tour in the Hunter Valley, and watch whales and dolphins off the coast—all within the state of New South Wales. And throughout the region, there are many reminders of a rich historical and cultural heritage. Aboriginal rock art and 60,000 year-old artifacts at Lake Mungo, for example, are among the lasting legacies of the first Australians.

One of New South Wales’ most popular destinations is Sydney, a bustling, cosmopolitan city set on one of the world’s most stunning harbors. Along with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House, we recommend a visit to the Taronga Zoo, where you’ll wander among some of the most exotic creatures in the world. You can have a picture taken with a mellow koala, see kangaroos and wallabies (be sure to say hello to Mr. Jones, a big red roo who loves to pose for photos), and observe the strange-looking Tasmanian devils. While in Sydney, you can also enjoy an evening dinner cruise and take a scenic flight above Sydney harbour and over Bondi Beach to watch the surfers waiting to catch the next big wave. For those in the mood for adventure, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is a must. Other popular activities include an excursion to Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, a ride on the ferry to Manly Beach, and “restaurant hopping” in Darling Harbour.

There are several options for experiencing Sydney—and beyond—including taking a cruise. Princess Cruises, Holland America line, and Royal Caribbean International, for example, offer itineraries that begin or end in Sydney, making it easy to plan a pre- or post-cruise package in New South Wales. For land packages in Australia, tour companies such as Travel Impressions provide vacations in New South Wales (as well as other regions in Australia) that include accommodations and tours. In addition to Sydney, Travel Impressions features packages in the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley.

Your options for traveling in New South Wales are as diverse as the region itself, and we’d love to help you choose the itinerary which best suit your vacation needs.