Breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences abound in New South Wales, Australia. The diversity of its landscapes is simply stunning. Dazzling beaches, national parks of astounding beauty, trendy wineries, snowy wonderlands, challenging outback – this list is just the beginning so you can fashion out the exact kind of holiday you want, whether that’s a romantic getaway, a day picnic or skiing in the mountains! To get you started, we showcase some of the best in the list below. Pick from tours that take you to the majestic Blue Mountains, whale watching, kayaking in the pristine waters of Byron Bay, or climbing up Sydney Harbour Bridge. Else go bushwalking to explore the glorious natural treasures its national parks offers. With so many things to do in New South Wales, Australia, the choices are endless.
1. Marvel at the dramatic scenery of Blue Mountains National Park
Get exceptional sightings of Blue Mountains National Park and its treasures with this private guided tour. Travel in a luxury vehicle with a knowledgeable guide who will ensure you have great viewings of the park’s incredible features including Katoomba Falls, the quaint villages of Leura and Blackheath, and of course, the world-famous Three Sisters rock formation. In addition to this, experience exhilarating rides on the Scenic Railway and Scenic Cableway to view the rainforests of Jamison Valley. The tour also makes a stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park where you can observe native Australian animals like kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, and Tasmanian devils.
Blue Mountains National Park Private Tour from Sydney
Duration: 9 hours
2. Enjoy unlimited rides on Scenic World's magnificent experiences (from USD 18.39)
This Blue Mountains Scenic World pass with hop on hop off bus pass is a convenient way to enjoy the spectacular beauty of Blue Mountains National Park. The pass entails you to unlimited access all four of its attractions - Scenic Railway, Scenic Skyway, Scenic Cableway, and Scenic Walkway. With the Scenic Railway and the Cableway, you can view the beautiful forested woodlands of the Jamison Valley floor from two different perspectives, while Scenic Walkway allows you to see the rainforest up close and the Skyway glides you over the valley’s treetops.
Blue Mountains Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Pass with optional Scenic World Tickets
3. Take in panoramic views from lookouts of Barrington Tops National Park
Explore this fascinating national park where you have the opportunity to experience a bewildering range of biomes and topographies. You can explore different areas of the park through its many well-laid-out walking trails, some easy and some for serious hikers. Each, however, guarantees an absolutely phenomenal experience - take in the pristine forestland around you and stunning views from lookouts like the Devils Hole. This World Heritage-listed park is also the habitat of many different native species of birds and animals that you can observe as you walk around. For those just looking to spend a fun day, there are ample facilities like picnic and barbecue areas, biking trails, fishing spots, and camping sites.
Barrington Tops National Park
Address: New South Wales, Australia
Website: Barrington Tops National Park
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4. Hang out with sharks and sting-rays at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium (from USD 26.85)
Spend a day at the marvellous SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and see its spectacular collection of marine animals including sharks, platypus, sting-rays, and seahorses. This world-class aquarium has over 12,000 animals across 650 different species, and you can see them up close! The aquarium offers numerous thrilling experiences including diving with sharks and taking a ride in a glass-bottom boat.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
5. Explore the iconic Sydney Opera House (from USD 29.61)
Uncover exciting facets of the iconic building that’s synonymous with Sydney in this tour. A knowledgeable guide will take you through the opera house, its different theatres and rooms, sharing interesting insights about its history, anecdotes, stories, and facts that will give you an inside look at this landmark.
Sydney: Opera House Guided Tour with Entrance Ticket
Duration: 1.0 hour
6. Give your kids the time of their lives at Amazement Farm & Fun Park
At this park, kids have a feast of fun experiences to choose from - mazes, petting zoos, a bird sanctuary, cute friendly animals like miniature goats and pony rides to name a few! Additionally, the park features loads of games and play equipment including a full play area, picnic tables, and bike tracks. If you are keen to experience farm living, then consider its farm stay option!
Amazement Farm & Fun Park
Address: 170 Yarramalong Rd, Wyong Creek, New South Wales
Website: Amazement Farm & Fun Park
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: Adults: 16 AUD/11 USD; Children:12 AUD/ 8 USD(up to age 16)
7. Walk around Darling Harbour, a hub of entertainment
Experience the vibrant energy of Darling Harbour and enjoy its many attractions including waterfront dining, historical museums, wildlife zoos, and buzzing nightlife. Some of the most popular places to check out here include the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds, and Australian National Maritime Museum. A hidden gem is the Chinese Garden of Friendship, a tranquil green space built in the traditional Chinese style featuring waterfalls, beautiful plants, and hidden pathways.
Darling Harbour
Address: Sydney, New South Wales
Website: Darling Harbour
8. Witness the natural wonders of Kosciuszko National Park
This gigantic natural park, the largest in Australia, offers an amazing range of experiences that often changes by season. You will find that the park encompasses varying landscapes including snow-clad mountains, glacial lakes, rivers, alpine fields, walking trails, as well as caves and gorges. It is divided into seven distinct areas, each of which offer unique experiences - snow adventures at Thredbo-Perisher area and Selwyn area, hiking or biking in the scenic wilderness trails of Lower Snowy River area and High Plains area, fishing in Khancoban area, stunning cave formations in Yarrangobilly area, and finally water sports and wildlife exploration in Tumut area. To see glorious panoramic views, hike up to Mount Kosciuszko which is the park’s highest point.
Kosciuszko National Park
Address: New South Wales, Australia
Website: Kosciuszko National Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Go horseback riding amidst woodlands at Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures
If you are looking for some outdoor adventures, then spend a day at Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures. This family-owned adventure centre offers a host of outdoor activities such as horse riding, quad biking, rappelling, kayaking, and camping. Horse riding is the most popular activity here and you can choose to go on guided trips or free-range riding depending n your comfort. Don’t miss the mesmerizing sight of all the horses running back into their paddocks at the end of the day. The property itself is gorgeous - set inside a lush valley and surrounded by the National Park.
Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures
Address: Cooks Rd, Glenworth Valley, New South Wales
Website: Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)
10. Take a stroll around the lush Wollongong Botanic Garden
Overlooking the city of Wollongong, this expansive botanical garden offers an abundance of lush greenery and beautiful flowers. Walk around through its different garden collections that cover both native and exotic plants of various countries such as gardens dedicated to roses, flowering trees, and rain forest vegetation. Additionally, the grounds have several facilities for kids including a maze, a play area, and climbing net. If you are keen to know more about the garden and its botanical treasures, join the guided tours offered or any of its regular events.
Wollongong Botanic Garden
Address: Murphys Ave, Keiraville, New South Wales
Website: Wollongong Botanic Garden
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
11. Have a delicious buffet at the revolving Sydney Tower (from USD 70.0)
Get the experience of a lifetime with a meal in the extraordinary revolving restaurant in Sydney Tower Restaurant. This pass entails you to enjoy the all-you-can-eat buffet at either lunchtime or dinner, where you can indulge in an array of delicious dishes ranging from fresh seafood, unique prime meats, and exotic native dishes like with crocodile or kangaroo meat. Over and above the incredible food is the setting - the restaurant offers unending 360-degree views of Sydney and its outskirts. On clear days, you can even see the lush slopes of the Blue Mountains! One of the most wonderful experiences is to witness sunsets here with changing skies and emerging stars. The restaurant moves at a slow pace so you can enjoy different views through your meal - a full revolution typically takes 70 minutes.
Skyfeast Dining Experience at the Sydney Tower
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
12. Spend a romantic evening on a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise (from USD 96.0)
Enjoy the breathtaking sight of the beautifully lit up Sydney Harbour from the water with this evening cruise. Lasting for around two-and-a-half hours, the cruise is a great way to sit back and have a relaxed evening. On board the vessel, you will enjoy a three-course meal with live music playing in the background, as you take in the beautiful views of a setting sun and various Sydney Harbour landmarks as they pass by. For unobstructed views of the night skies and the Harbour, head to the upper deck.
Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise
Duration: 2 hours
13. Kayak with dolphins in Byron Bay (from USD 58.51)
Get close to the stunning marine ecosystem of Byron Bay by going kayaking in the company of trained guides. For around two-and-a-half hours you will paddle around in this pristine bay and experience the landscapes and wildlife around you. You will get a chance to see friendly Bottlenose dolphins up-close, or spot sea turtles swimming around or even sight the marvellous humpback whales as they migrate. Suitable for even beginners, the guide will provide adequate instruction for kayaking as well as offer insights into local history, the nearby landmarks like Byron Bay lighthouse, and of course, the marine life you encounter.
Tip from Content Creator
Byron Bay is beautiful, with its stunning beaches, lush nature, vibrant social life, and wonderful people always ready to help. I almost ended up sleeping on the street, but a lady saved me! Aside from kayaking, another activity you can enjoy here is biking along the beautiful coast and taking in the sights.
Byron Bay: Sea Kayak Tour with Dolphins and Turtles
Duration: 2.5 hour
14. Go surfing on the celebrated Bondi Beach (from USD 65.15)
If you have never surfed before but are dying for a chance, then this tour is perfect for you. Get beginner surfing lessons on one of the most famous beaches in the world Bondi Beach. Lasting two hours, this tour offers the guidance of an experienced surfing instructor who will take you through the basics of surfing including surfing techniques and critical safety lessons. The size of the group is usually five or less, which makes it possible to have personalised attention and guidance. With their help, you will be surfing in no time and gain bragging rights of having surfed in this famous beach!
Bondi Beach: 2-Hour Surf Lesson Experience for Any Level
Duration: 2.0 hour
15. Enjoy the beauty of Hunter Valley from high above (from USD 215.05)
Float high above the ground and view the picturesque wine region of Hunter Valley from the skies. This balloon flight is an amazing way to experience the beautiful and romantic countryside of Hunter Valley with its many vineyards. Scheduled early morning, this balloon ride takes you into the skies during sunrise and gently glides, giving you an ethereal experience. Helmed by professionally trained pilots who also offer insights into ballooning and the sights below, the balloon ride is safe and fun. To wrap up this amazing experience, you will enjoy complimentary Hunter Valley champagne and chocolates!
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Hunter Valley
Duration: 4hrsDuration
16. Go behind the scenes at Sydney Cricket Ground (from USD 21.69)
A must for all sports fan, this 90-minute tour will give you behind the scenes access to the famed Sydney Cricket Ground and the SCG Museum. Home of international sporting events across cricket, rugby, and football/soccer, Sydney Cricket Ground has a rich history that the tour guide will take you through. As you explore the grounds you will have a chance to see the fields, dressing rooms of players, the media centre and the Walk of Honour. The guide will share fascinating stories of players, events, and spectators. At the SCG Museum, major sporting memorabilia like prized bats/balls, medals, and other treasures are displayed.
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and Museum Walking Tour
Duration: 1.5 hour
17. Cruise Sydney Harbour Bridge (from USD 104.52)
Ride over the famed Sydney Harbour Bridge on a bicycle and have a grandstand view of all the major landmarks in the vicinity including Sydney Opera House, Luna Park, and Lavender Bay. You will be led by a tour guide who will share the history and fun facts about the city, as you ride along - a cool way of experiencing its appeal! The tour includes lunch plus exploration of a few more historical and cultural sights of Sydney on your return ride.
Scenic Sydney Harbour Bridge Bicycle Ride
Duration: 5.0 hour
18. Witness whales swimming past you on a Whale-Watching Cruise (from USD 61.0)
Every year between May and November, humpback and southern right whales migrate between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. The Pacific Ocean waters near Syndey are a prime location for catching sight of these majestic animals. Take a trip into the open ocean on a custom-built catamaran that features huge viewing windows and large open-air observational decks that make your experience comfortable yet memorable. On board will be a naturalist who will share interesting insights and fact about whales, dolphins, and other marine animals you may come across. The cruise also gives you a chance to enjoy views of the Sydney skyline, Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as the world-famous Sydney Opera House from the water.
Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
19. Have snow adventures at Thredbo Ski Resort (from USD 100.0)
If you are looking to have some fun in the snow then this tour is perfect. Travel to Thredbo Ski Resort located in the Snowy Mountains where you can marvel at the sight of the sun rising over Jindabyne Lake and spend a day on the slopes skiing or riding the Toboggan. If you want a more laid-back time, head to Perisher Valley to play in the snow and enjoy the scenic views.
1 Day Thredbo Snow Tour From Sydney
Duration: 1 day
20. Get a unique perspective of Sydney Harbor Bridge with BridgeClimb Sydney (from USD 125.68)
How incredible would it be to climb atop Sydney’s iconic landmark, Sydney Harbor Bridge? In this experience, you will be guided to climb the top of this amazing engineering marvel, alongside its outer arch using catwalks and ladders. From this vantage point, 134 meters (440 ft) above the water, take in unforgettable views of the city skyline, the Harbour, Sydney Opera House, and the Blue Mountains. In the end, you will receive a commemorative Climber Certificate, a Climber cap, plus a complimentary group photograph taken during the climb!
Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb: Day, Twilight or Night Climb
Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hour
21. Enjoy a river cruise and explore the coastline along Port Macquarie (from USD 18.0)
Explore yet another aspect of Sydney’s gorgeous marine wildlife by cruising through the Hastings River and into Limeburners Creek, located off Port Macquarie a coastal destination north of Sydney. This eco-friendly boat ride will take you through the numerous oyster farms in the area and give you a chance to appreciate the different kinds of wildlife in the water, in the skies and on the shores, too. Lasting for two hours, the cruise is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the coast. You are free to bring your own food and beverages on this trip, though you will be offered complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits.
Port Macquarie: Eco River Cruise with Dolphin Spotting
Duration: 120 minute
22. Step back in time with a visit to Luna Park Sydney (from USD 43.85)
Spend a day at this heritage amusement park taking in the incredible views of Sydney Harbour and enjoying fun rides with your kids. This one-of-a-kind park dates from the 1930s and features numerous rides and experiences that bring back the charm of the funhouses of yore. Must-try rides include the Ferris wheel, the Tango Train, the haunted Mystery Manor, and the heart-thumping Devil’s Drop!
Luna Park Sydney: Unlimited Rides Pass
23. Appreciate the Aboriginal history of Royal Botanic Gardens (from USD 35.0)
Get a deeper understanding of Australia’s Aboriginal heritage with this tour where you will walk through Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney which was an important ceremonial site for numerous Sydney Aboriginal Nations and also the Cadigal people of the Eora Nation. Led by an Aboriginal guide, you will learn about the traditional lifestyles of the First Nations as well as their food practices. You will also get to know about local plant life and bush foods and based on the season, have a chance to taste them.
Aboriginal Heritage Tour at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
24. Explore the remote waterways of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park (from USD 181.0)
Located close to Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is home to remarkable natural wonders and also to important Aboriginal heritage sites. Experience the highlights of this natural park with this tour which includes a stop at West Head lookout, a walk led by a knowledgeable guide through a remote Aboriginal heritage site, a two-and-a-half-hour cruise through its waterways plus a lunch featuring typical Australian flavours.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Day Trip from Sydney
Duration: 8 hours
25. Pet a koala at Sydney Taronga Zoo (from USD 97.0)
This private tour is a wonderful opportunity to get close to Australia’s amazing wildlife and go for a ‘behind-the-scenes’ experience. Trained and knowledgeable zookeepers will escort you around the zoo taking you to different animals and giving you a chance to interact with them. The small sizes of the tour allow flexibility in how you want to experience the zoos. Some unforgettable experience includes holding and feeding animals like koalas, echidna, and marsupial gliders.
Sydney Taronga Zoo Tickets: Behind-the-Scenes Access
Duration: 2 hours
26. Get unmatched views of the Three Sisters formation (from USD 138.0)
This comprehensive tour packs in some of the best highlights of New South Wales. The full-day tour will enable you to experience the charming village of Leura, the full glory of the Blue Mountains, the exotic wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park, and the serene waters of Parramatta River. You will have ample time to admire the beauty of the gorgeous Blue Mountains - you get to ride on the Scenic Cableway and Scenic Railway and visit Echo Point for observing the Three Sisters at close quarters. The tour also includes a visit to Waradah Australian Centre where you can learn more about Australia’s history.
Blue Mountains Tour: 3 Sisters, Scenic World, Wildlife Park
Duration: 10 hours
27. Get an adrenaline rush sandblasting in Port Stephens (from USD 147.0)
Explore the coastal treasures of Port Stephens with this tour where you can go dolphin-watching, sandblasting on sand dunes, and observe Australian wildlife. Accompanied by a guide, this full-day tour starts with a visit to the Australian Reptile Park where you see kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils. Following that is a cruise on Nelson Bay to look for bottlenose dolphins in the wild, and finally, you will go an off-roading drive on Stockton Bight Sand Dunes which is part of the country’s biggest sand dune system and has sand dunes that go up to 100 feet (30 m).
Port Stephens, Somersby, and Nelson Bay from Sydney
Duration: 11 hours
28. Learn about Australia's history at Australian Museum (from USD 11.0)
The Australian Museum’s massive collection of over 18 million items throws a fascinating light on the country’s history. Housed in a majestic colonial building, the museum’s curated displays and exhibits are spread over three floors. Learn all about the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the geological richness of Australian Outback, and the unique wildlife of Australia. There are dozens of jaw-dropping exhibits including dinosaur skeletons, rare minerals and fossils, and even live animals like a python.
Australian Museum General Entry Ticket
Duration: 3 days 3 hours
29. Taste delicious fruits from across the world at Tropical Fruit World (from USD 74.0)
With this tour, you will spend a day exploring two super fun Gold Coast attractions, Tropical Fruit World and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Tropical Fruit World is the ideal destination for families - find out about tropical fruits of different varieties and maybe even try them out at the Rainforest Cafe, or perhaps buy them at the store inside. The plantation is not just about plants though - kids can enjoy themselves at a variety of fun activities including miniature train rides, plantation safari, a jungle river cruise, and flying fox ride. At the next stop, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you will have the opportunity to get a closer look at native Australian animals presented in their natural settings.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Tropical Fruit World Day Trip from Gold Coast
30. Have close encounters with Australian native animals at Walkabout Wildlife Park (from USD 78.0)
The native wildlife of Australia is truly something special, and in this tour, you will get a chance to see them at close quarters. The Walkabout Wildlife Park you will encounter free-roaming kangaroos, wombats, emus, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils as you ride through. As an additional experience, interact with animals like koalas and pythons under the guidance of a park ranger. The tour also includes visits to 2 to 3 wineries of the Hunter Valley, a well-known wine region. Enjoy award-winning wines combined with cheese and chocolate in beautiful vineyard settings.
Hunter Valley Wine, Walkabout Wildlife Park Tour from Sydney
Duration: 11 hours
Go on an adventure of a lifetime in New South Wales
Given the sheer range of choices, deciding on the best things to do in New South Wales, Australia can be overwhelming! Resist the temptation to cram too many different experiences in a short time as this can lessen your enjoyment. Tours are a good way to make the best use of your time in this remarkable country but leave enough time to explore its natural beauty on your own.
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