New South Wales Holidays Guide

Beautiful Australia Holidays

australia accommodation guide

'I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains.' These words of the famous poet Dorothea Mackellar are an awesome introduction to the vibrant landscapes of New South Wales, one of the first ports of call for most international visitors to Australia. From the pristine beaches and iconic landmarks of Sydney to the stunning sandstone ridges of the Blue Mountains – and beyond to the Outback – New South Wales will delight and amaze.

New South Wales Highlights

Head over to Sydney Harbour, take a picture outside the iconic Opera House and Climb the Harbour Bridge

Visit Mungo National Park, and soak in the spectacular sand lunettes and the dunes of the Walls of China.

Go wine tasting in Hunter Valley

Take a day-trip to the Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.

Head south to Jervis Bay to take a dolphin cruise

Fly to Lord Howe Island to explore the volcanic island's natural environment and subtropical marine life.

New South Wales Holidays Planner

With its glittering skyscrapers, vibrant city life and multitude of museums, Sydney is the state's most popular destination for travellers. Sydney is well-known for its relaxed outdoor lifestyle but you'll also find fantastic restaurants, chic boutique shopping and world-class art galleries and museums. Climb the famous Harbour Bridge for a bird's eye view of the harbour, or take in a show at the Opera House. Strut your stuff on the golden sands of Bondi Beach or eat like a king in Chinatown.

West of Sydney, the unspoilt mountain ranges of places like Blue Mountains offer spectacular views as well as opportunities for trekking and walking. The Blue Mountains are one of Australia's 'must-see' regions, with their dramatic rugged gorges and seemingly endless green eucalyptus forests. Up and down the coast from Sydney you'll find endless white sandy beaches and quaint beach-side towns. The south coast of NSW contains the quaint coastal cities of Wollongong while up the beach pockets of northern areas like Byron Bay are well known for their surf and whale watching experiences. A short drive inland from the beach town of Newcastle will bring you to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia's premier wine-growing regions and from here you can continue to the Great Dividing Range to see the rainforests and ancient archaeological finds of the west. Then there's the Outback and the legendary mining towns of Broken Hill, Bourke and Lightning Ridge to experience country NSW and buy jet black opals.

And then there are the offshore islands, seldom associated with this beautiful Continent.

Lord Howe Island is a superb destination located less than 2 hours by air from Sydney. Some of the finest scenery of Australia can be found and photographed on this majestic island. World Heritage listed for its natural beauty, unspoiled beaches and abundance of marine life, this tranquil location will soothe even the most temperamental of souls.

If you're looking for an island escape away from the stresses of the concrete jungle, look no further than Norfolk Island. A true taste of Australia's history can be experienced on this wonderful island, being World Heritage listed for its historic and beautifully kept convict sites in Kingston and Arthur’s Vale. The crystal blue waters and friendly locals will ensure the Norfolk Island smile stays with you forever.

New South Wales Accommodation Search

Within Sydney, accommodation centres around the CBD and the waterfront district of Darling Harbour – both handy to restaurants and night-life – however there are also great hotels and B&Bs located in the beach-side suburbs. Outside Sydney there are accommodation options for everyone – from luxury bush retreats to fun family resorts and relaxed caravan parks. The following New South Wales hotels provide some of the best deals for a holiday in Australia – please search below to obtain the best available prices from over 100 booking sources:

New South Wales has a mild temperate climate with summer (December to March) being the most popular season for visitors. The Festival of Sydney, featuring concerts and performances for all ages, runs throughout January. The New Year's Eve fireworks over the Harbour Bridge are spectacular.

New South Wales Travel Info
There are many ways to get out and see this beautiful land including bus, walking and bike-riding tours. Or hire a car or camper-van and head out to explore – the options are endless and the roads are safe and reliable. Most regions have a prominent roadside Visitor Information Centre where the helpful staff can offer advice on the local region.