NEW SOUTH WALES

Sydney sits on one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. This vibrant, cosmopolitan gateway to Australia is a captivating city packed with natural and man-made charms. Its superb beaches, historic enclaves, top-flight restaurants and surrounding attractions all combine to make it an essential Australian experience.

What to See

Sydney - Sunny, sexy and sophisticated, Sydney basks in its world wide recognition as the shining star of the southern hemisphere. The white-sailed Sydney Opera House, caught mid-billow over the waters of Sydney Cove, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the pride and joy, but there's far, far more on offer.

You'll need days to discover the harbour, the city's restaurants and cafes, Olympic Games venues, glamorous beaches, museums and art galleries, and the national parks and wildlife within the city and on its fringes.

Blue Mountains - A natural wonderland not far from Sydney, the Blue Mountains is a spectacular area of national park wilderness, dramatic canyons and caves, sheer-cliffed valleys, pretty stone and timber towns, and world-class guesthouses not to be missed.

The Hunter Valley - The Hunter Valley conjures up images of lazy days of fine wine tasting at the cellar door, of romantic retreats, quality eateries and gorgeous farming country. Add on a dolphin, or whale-spotting cruise at nearby Port Stephens and you have a trip to remember.

Broken Hill - For the quintessential Outback adventure head for Broken Hill, a quirky, historic silver mining town straight out of the movie "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" Home of art galleries and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Broken Hill is surrounded by prolific desert wildlife.

Byrons Bay - From humble beginnings, Byron Bay underwent many transitions from dairy farming to major meat exporter, followed by sand mining and whaling. Byrons Bay today is renowned for its surfing beaches and beautiful rainforests and enjoys a relaxed and informal lifestyle that has become a favourite for many travellers. The Cape Byron Lighthouse dominates Australia's most easterly point and is a popular place to visit.

Lord Howe Island - With its abundance of rainforests, coral reefs, beaches and volcanic peaks, this World Heritage-listed island is truly unique. Packed with diverse plant and marine life. The island has a limit on visitor numbers so you'll never compete for space.

Activities & Adventures

Take To The Water - Tour boats, public ferries, water taxis and floating restaurants all ply the fabulous Sydney Harbour, so sit back and watch as the scenery enfolds around Sydney's heart. Scuba diving and snorkelling plus deep sea fishing are very popular activities further up the coast and on Lord Howe Island.

Adventurers Paradise - From a gentle stroll through dripping tree ferns and rainforest to serious bush walking in a land of waterfalls, chasms and eucalypt forests, the Blue Mountains is just the ticket. Add on a horse ride, some rock climbing, surfing, absailing and canyoning and you have a great adventure playground.

Wine And More - Explore Australia's oldest vineyards in the Hunter Valley, by car, tour-bus, bicycle, or horse-and-carriage, stopping off to fill-up on some of the world's best cuisine. All this, with ballooning thrown in, adds up to a sensuous sojourn.

Coastal Self-Drive - Fill the car with gas and off you go, either south or north, the scenic coast of New South Wales awaits. Marvel at dolphins and whales, rainforest and coastal fishing towns, deserted beaches and supremely beautiful national parks along the way.

Outback Adventures - Take to the dust roads past kangaroos, emus and eagles to ghost towns, opal mines and Aboriginal rock art sites in the arid lands of the interior.

Unique Experience

Slip into your Bridge Climb overalls, clip on a harness and climb the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge - the views from the top are awe-inspiring. At certain times of the year, keep an eye out for southern-right and humpback whales migrating up and then down the coast. Learn how to surf at one of the world's most famous beaches, Bondi Beach.

Time To Go

Summer and the beaches, winter and skiing in the Snowy Mountains or log fires in the Blue Mountains. Sydney's average summer temperature is 25°C or 77°F in summer and 17°C or 65°F in winter.

The Outback is hot to very hot in summer with temperatures averaging 32°C or 90°F but cools down in winter to around 16°C or 62°F. Spring for wildflowers in the bush and autumn for the falling leaves of the Hunter Valley.