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Reboot 2020, One NSW Adventure At A Time

Now’s the time to love New South Wales (NSW), and as travel restrictions ease, it’s time to explore our own backyard and reboot 2020. From 1st June to 31st December, there are exactly 213 days to make the most of this year.

To help you out, we’ve created a list of NSW’s most memorable travel adventures across Only in NSW; Animal Encounters, Food & Wine, Outdoor Adventures, Art & Culture and Aboriginal Experiences.

Choose your adventure – it’s time to get out there and #LoveNSW.

ONLY IN NSW
NSW is the most geographically diverse state in Australia. It’s also home to iconic experiences which you can’t do anywhere else on the planet.

Sydney (credit: Dan Freeman on Unsplash)
Sydney (credit: Dan Freeman on Unsplash)

1. Sail Sydney Harbour at sunset with EastSail and enjoy the views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

2. Head over to Bondi, Australia’s most famous beach, for a surf lesson with Let’s Go Surfing, and lunch at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar.

3. Venture across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can walk and climb it, and during the Blackmores Running Festival you can even run across its broad expanse while it’s closed to traffic.

4. Ring in the New Year on Sydney Harbour – there’s a reason why footage of New Year’s Eve in Sydney is broadcast globally on every news programme. Nobody does NYE like Sydney.

5. Walk on some of the purest sands in the world on the glorious W Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast. White Sands Walk in Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast.

6. Catch a ferry to Manly for a true Sydney Harbour cruise the way the locals do it.

7. Lord Howe Island is one of the most unspoilt and sustainable paradises in the world. With pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and just 300 residents, this UNESCO World Heritage listed island is a unique and untouched destination.

8. See the sunrise from Australia’s most easterly point, Cape Byron on the NSW North Coast.

9. Do a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House, then enjoy a drink admiring the sails from below at Sydney institution, Opera Bar.

10. Jenolan Caves is one of the finest cave systems in the world. This labyrinth of stalactite-lined limestone chasms, carved by pure underground rivers, is a three-hour drive from either Sydney or Canberra.

11. Visit the highest peak in Australia, Mount Kosciuszko, in the NSW Snowy Mountains. There are two ways you can reach the top and both offer spectacular views, with one beginning in Thredbo and the other in Charlotte Pass.

12. Gaze over the second-largest canyon, by width, in the world (after the Grand Canyon) at Capertee Valley, between Lithgow and Mudgee in Central NSW.

13. Take a selfie and become one of the millions who marvel in awe each year at the Three Sisters rock formation, the Blue Mountains’ most spectacular landmark.

14. Go on a stargazing adventure and explore Australia’s first Dark Sky Park in the Warrumbungles.

15. See what lies beneath at Balls Pyramid – 23km southeast of Lord Howe Island, this is one of the only known places where the Ballina Angelfish can be sighted scuba diving at depths of less than 25m.

16. Act like a Sydney local, and do the famous Bondi to Coogee walk. Home to Sculpture by the Sea every October and November, it’s part of the 80km Bondi to Manly Walk.

17. A running ‘hot lap’ race on a world renowned motor racing track? That’s the Panorama Punish in Bathurst on Mount Panorama.

18. Get up close and personal with your favourite furry friends whilst spending the night at luxury eco lodge Wildlife Retreat at Taronga.

19.  No trip to the Coffs Coast is complete without a stop (and a photo) at the Big Banana, Coffs Harbour’s famous landmark.

20.  Visit the Silverton Hotel for a beer and a quintessential outback Australian pub experience, complete with resident donkeys.

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Four-legged critters, sea creatures, birds and marsupials, whatever your animal instinct, NSW has an animal encounter for you.

21. From August to November, swim with the whales along the ‘Humpback Highway’ off the South Coast with Dive Jervis Bay.

koala (credit: Photo by Dan Kb on Unsplash)
koala (credit: Photo by Dan Kb on Unsplash)

22. Port Macquarie is lucky to have one of the highest koala populations on the east coast of Australia and is home to the famous Koala Hospital, which offers daily tours to see koalas in their care.

23. Swim with sea turtles just off Tweed Heads at Cook Island, a tiny volcanic outcrop that is home to a permanent population of Green, Hawksbill and Loggerhead turtles.

24. Swim, snorkel and dive with seals in the crystal clear waters off Montague Island.

25. Visit Aussie Ark in Barrington Tops, a unique conservation project that serves as a breeding sanctuary for critically endangered wildlife.

26. In Port Stephens, Australia’s dolphin capital, swim in the open ocean alongside dolphins with Dolphin Swim Australia.

27. There are only a handful of dugongs in care in the world and one of these gentle creatures, Pig, calls Dugong Island at Sydney’s Sea Life Aquarium home. Diving with sharks at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is another exhilarating experience.

28. The Solitary Islands Marine Park is one of the largest marine protected areas in NSW and covers a total area of 71,000 hectares, extending along 75km of coast, from Coffs Harbour north to the Sandon River mouth.

29. Due to open later in 2020, the Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens will give visitors the chance to see koalas in their natural habitat, spend a night onsite sleeping in luxury glamping tents, all the while supporting koala rehabilitation and preservation.

30. Wade into the sparkling water at Ned’s Beach on Lord Howe Island and hand feed the fish. You will instantly be surrounded by a feeding frenzy of Mullet, Wrasse, Garfish, Silver-drummer, Spangled Emperor and Kingfish.

31. Head south for some whale watching in Eden. This historic town, on the NSW Sapphire Coast, is a beautiful destination and whale watching excursions depart here on a daily basis beginning in late May.

32. Julian Rocks in Byron Bay is one of the best diving spots in Australia, rivalling the Great Barrier Reef with its underwater experiences.

33. Take a twilight camel ride along the sands of Birubi Beach with Oakfield Ranch, in Port Stephens or Lighthouse Beach with Port Macquarie Camels.

34. Fishing in the pristine waters of the Snowy Mountains is an unforgettable experience. With Australia’s highest peaks creating an awesome backdrop, the lakes, rivers and water catchments are great fishing spots for recreational anglers.

35. Play with meerkats at Mogo Wildlife Park, go behind the scenes at the Australian Reptile Park, be a zookeeper for the day at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, feed the koalas at Oakvale Wildlife Park, or meet the animals at Port Macquarie’s Billabong Zoo – including tong feeding their world famous snow leopards.

36. Visit Symbio Wildlife Park; its Kangaroo Walk-Through is one of the few places in Sydney where you can feed, pet and snap the ultimate selfie photo with a kangaroo.

37. The recently opened Sydney Zoo is a one-of-a-kind destination with more than 2,000 animals. Located in Western Sydney, the zoo is made up of four iconic precincts – Australia, Primates, South-East Asia and Africa.

38. Go platypus spotting in the pools located at Bombala Platypus Reserve near Bombala in the Snowy Mountains.

39. Zoofari at Taronga Western Plains is an unforgettable safari experience here in NSW. Spend the night in an Animal View Lodge, situated on the edge of a vast savannah where giraffes, zebras and rhinos roam.

40. Find some of the largest species of bass in Australia in NSW’s Clarence River, which just happens to be the largest river on the eastern seaboard.

41. The Kangaroo Valley is home to not only its namesake marsupials, but also wallabies at Tallowa Dam. The Bendeela Camping and Picnic Area is also one of the best spots to see wombats in the wild.

42. For the ultimate Aussie farm stay experience, camp under the NSW night skies at an outback station, options include: Eldee Station, Bindara on the Darling and Trilby Station.

43. Spot koalas in their natural habitat at Narrandera Nature Reserve, known to locals as Koala Reserve. This wildlife haven is situated on the shores of the Murrumbidgee River and home to over 200 koalas.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Road trips, coastal hikes with stunning scenery, accommodation that is one with nature, NSW has something for everyone when it comes to getting out and about in the great outdoors.

44. Drive from Sydney to the NSW South Coast along the scenic Grand Pacific Drive, across the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge.

45. Experience some of the state’s most spectacular sights on the North Coast, including a drive through Waterfall Way between Coffs Harbour and Armidale, featuring Australia’s highest waterfalls, and Ebor Falls in Guy Fawkes River National Park, Glen Innes.

46. Move south along the Canola Trail in the Riverina, stopping at Coolamon’s Up To Date store, Junee Licorice Factory and Temora Aviation Museum. Go at your own pace as you explore the array of food and wine experiences, landscapes and attractions along the trail.

47. Fossickers Way is a four-day drive which explores the history and flavour of the enchanting New England region from Barraba to Tamworth. Nicknamed gemstone country after the abundant sapphires and gems discovered here, you’ll discover gorgeous landscapes, historic country towns and delicious local produce.

48. Parkes in Country NSW is home to the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, affectionately known as “The Dish” after the popular 2000 film of the same name. With a 64-metre diameter, the radio telescope makes for spectacular stargazing and is well worth the drive out to see it.

49.  The Long Paddock road trip follows the historic Cobb stock route, from fascinating Echuca-Moama on the mighty Murray River to iconic outback towns like Deniliquin and Ivanhoe. The eight-hour drive features public artworks and information boards along the way, bringing the history and heritage of this memorable drive to life.

50. Explore tourist favourites, the Central Coast, Port Stephens and the Northern Rivers area, on the Legendary Pacific Coast drive.

51. Covering nearly 950km of spectacular landscape and history through Outback NSW, the Darling River Run follows the course of the Darling from Walgett to Wentworth, a journey rich with indigenous history and the memories of Australia’s pioneering days.

52. Take on NSW’s newest cycling and walking tracks at the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail in the Snowy Valleys.

53. The World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests are the most extensive area of subtropical rainforest in the world. There are 50 separate reserves totalling 366,500 hectares with incredible walking tracks to explore from Newcastle and beyond.

54. Go hiking in the Blue Mountains – from the Kanangra Walls to Katoomba Walk, a challenging 45km hike through rugged scenery, to the Six-Foot Track, Grand Canyon Walk, Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Lockleys Pylon plus the Grand Pass, there’s something here for every hiker.

55. Newcastle’s Bathers Way is one of the premier coastal walks in NSW stretching 6km from Merewether Baths in the south to Nobbys Beach in the north. Finish off with a swim in the Bogey Hole for the perfect day out.

56. Serious hikers love the Light to Light Walk on the South Coast, spanning 30km of spectacular coastline.

57. The family-friendly Three Sisters Walk treats you to ever-changing views of the grand Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.

58. Standing tall at 875 metres, Mount Gower is Lord Howe Island’s highest mountain. Rated as one of Australia’s best day walks, the Mount Gower hike is a challenging eight-hour return trek, complete with rope-assisted climbs and dizzying drops.

59. Solitary Islands Coastal Walk is an easy four-day walk over 60km of coastline on the Coffs Coast. Enjoy whale watching, birdwatching and swimming on your journey from Red Rock to the coastal village of Sawtell.

60. Hike the multi-day Yuraygir coastal walk on the Clarence Coast near Yamba.You’ll find loads of places for whale watching, snorkelling and swimming, with overnight stops at beach campgrounds.

Royal National Park (credit: John Elfes on Unsplash)
Royal National Park (credit: John Elfes on Unsplash)

61. Visit Australia’s first National Park, the Royal National Park, and explore The Coast Track, a one or two-day walk between Bundeena and Otford.

62. Hiking Oxley Wild Rivers National Park means you get to witness the beauty of World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest, historic sites, and magnificent waterfalls near Armidale.

63. Explore the eight-kilometre Bouddi coastal walk, known as one of the most appealing Central Coast walks.

64. Hike to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for alluring views of Palm Beach, where the hit TV series Home and Away is filmed.

65. Make a splash in NSW’s iconic ocean pools – there are 100 along the coast – including the Entrance Ocean Baths, Bermagui Blue Hole and Yamba Rock Pool.

66. The NSW coastline is home to some of the world’s best surf beaches, so take some time to hang out and catch a wave.

67. Mountain bike along Australia’s lengthiest gravity trails in Thredbo known as the Cannonball Downhill Trail.

68. Home to 170km of coastline, the Shoalhaven Region is challenging visitors to explore their pristine beaches by taking the “100 Beach Challenge”.

69. Travel down the Snowy River on a multiple day kayaking and rafting trip with Alpine River Adventures, visiting places hardly touched since European settlement.

70. Stand in three states in NSW Corner Country. At Cameron Corner, 145km northwest of Tibooburra, you can actually stand at the intersection of NSW, South Australia and Queensland.

71. Pan for sapphires and precious gems in Glen Innes and Inverell on the Fossickers Way touring route.

72. Enjoy daily winter temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius and try your luck at finding Lightning Ridge’s elusive black opal.

73. Go camping in the middle of Sydney Harbour on Cockatoo Island.

74. Ride the steepest passenger railway in the world at Scenic World in the Blue Mountains.

75. Be rewarded with one of the state’s most spectacular sunsets at the summit of Mt. Tomaree, Port Stephens.

76. Abseil in the Blue Mountains, where better to get vertical than the dramatic cliff faces here?

77. For the thrill of a lifetime, try a tandem glide with Warren Windsports or the Sydney Hang Gliding centre at Stanwell Tops.

78. Thredbo is home to Australia’s longest ski run, the Crackenback Supertrail. Do you have what it takes to make it down?

79. With the continental shelf only 20km offshore, take a charter from Bermagui Harbour to pristine waters to hook black marlin and yellowfin tuna.

80. Take a moment to relax in Moree’s famous hot springs, in the north west of NSW.

81. Let your national pride shine and get a photo at the iconic Australia Rock in Eurobodalla.

82. Explore one of NSW’s newly formed National Parks, Yanga National Park. It covers an area of 66,734 hectares, and has a frontage of 170 kilometres on the Murrumbidgee River.

83. Visit Grafton during Jacaranda season, from the last weekend in October to the first weekend in November, to capture some truly Insta-worthy snaps.

84. An awesome natural spectacle, the Kiama Blowhole on the captivating NSW South Coast is one of the largest blowholes in the world.

85. Visit the extraordinary Figure 8 Pool in the Royal National Park. Not for the faint-hearted, it can only be visited during low tide.

86. Experience spectacular views of constellations and planets in an award winning night sky tour at Outback Astronomy in Broken Hill.

87. Island hop on Sydney Harbour by jumping aboard a hop-on-hop-off ferry.

88. Get a bird’s eye view of Sydney Harbour by catching a seaplane from Rose Bay.

89. Enjoy the peace up high on a hot air balloon ride over the Hunter Valley.

90. Skydive from Australia’s highest altitude of up to 15,000 feet, directly over North Wollongong beach, or head north to Byron Bay where you can freefall at over 200km/hr.

91. Charter a helicopter for a game of golf and wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, home to Greg Norman-designed golf course, The Vintage.

92. Home to the only two flying Spitfires in Australia, the Temora Aviation Museum has one of the world’s finest collections of flying historic aircraft.

93. Head out for heli fishing in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park flying over the stunning park to experience the gorges and waterfalls while on pursuit of the Australian Bass.

94. Taking a Wing Walk at HARS Aviation Museum in Albion Park means you can view a 747 aeroplane from a completely different perspective.

95. Want to while away some time just floating downstream? Hire a houseboat and cruise the mighty Murray River at Moama and Wentworth.

96. Explore one of the largest, privately owned cool climate gardens in the world and largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, Mayfield Garden.

97. Experience life ‘off the grid’ by staying at a luxury eco-hut at Kimo Estate in Gundagai, home of the Dog on the Tuckerbox Pioneer Monument.

98. Feel the need for something truly removed from the rest of the world? Faraway Domes, Warialda could be right up your alley.

99. Rent a houseboat on the Hawkesbury River and float the days away on this pristine piece of NSW.

100. Try camping of a different sort at Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay, staying in luxe African-inspired canvas tents perched amongst the eucalyptus and paperbarks.

101. Tilba Lake Camp has a glamping experience to suit all modern adventurers – from the yurt-like lotus belle tents to self-contained pods. With all mod cons and wood fires, this is camping, but not as you know it.

102. Nestled in the northern end of Kosciuszko national park between Gundagai and Tumut, Nimbo Fork Lodge is surrounded by spectacular landscapes and breathtaking views.

103. Set within a stunning 18-hectare rainforest, the Byron at Byron is an iconic luxury getaway at one of Australia’s most iconic beachside locations.

104. Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat, located in the Tweed hinterland, is an idyllic rainforest getaway with a range of bungalows, cabins and lodges, all of which boast floor to ceiling views of the natural surroundings.

105. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, Blue Mountains is an ultra-luxury conservation-based resort, occupying just one percent of a 2,800 hectare nature reserve in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

106. A residential masterpiece built into the natural rock formation, Seidler House’s award-winning design is positioned on the edge of a rugged sandstone escarpment to ensure panoramic bush views overlooking the deep picturesque gorge of the Wingecarribee River, Joadja, Mittagong and Bowral in the Southern Highlands.

107. Gaia Retreat and Spa is co-owned by actress Olivia Newton John and set in the breathtaking Bundjalung Country hinterland of Byron Bay. This boutique retreat lets you craft your own wellness journey, with food, treatments and more included.

108. Take a trip to Morton National Park where you can enjoy panoramic views of Budawang Wilderness from the summit of Pigeon House Mountain, or be amazed by the 81m high Fitzroy Falls.

FOOD & WINE
Farm to table restaurants, hatted eateries, award-winning local producers, wine regions, delectable sweet treats and more is all on the menu for foodies when they visit NSW.

109. Sip Australia’s most awarded semillon while at Tyrrell’s in the Hunter Valley and treat yourself to their $850 Sacred Sites & Muse Lunch Exclusive Experience.

110. Tour one of Australia’s premier cold climate wine regions at the foothills of the magnificent Snowy mountains with True North Heli’s Vine to Wine adventure.

111. See the very best of Australia’s produce and NSW wine take centre stage at the iconic Sydney Opera House’s Bennelong restaurant.

112. Enjoy freshly shucked Sydney Rock Oysters straight from the farm gate on the NSW South Coast.

113. Located on the Tweed River, Husk Distillers is Australia’s first paddock to bottle agricole rum distillery and the home of the award-winning Ink Gin.

114. Rick Stein’s signature restaurant at Bannisters in Mollymook on the South Coast of NSW is an extraordinary culinary experience in an attractive setting.

115. Dine at Saint Peter in Sydney’s Paddington where chef Josh Niland is renowned for his dishes featuring fresh, sustainably sourced seafood.

116. Visit Bilpin, a small town famous for the apples grown in the surrounding orchards and the cellar doors of Bilpin Cider and Hillbilly Cider Shed.

117. Go truffle hunting with a local providore in cold climate areas like Oberon, Braidwood or the Southern Highlands.

118. Dine at Pipit Restaurant in the charming seaside village of Pottsville, where chef Ben Devlin’s menu featuring fresh, local produce earned him the Regional Restaurant of the Year in the 2020 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide.

119. Join an oyster tour on the South Coast of NSW with Captain Sponge Oyster Tours or just north of Sydney, Sydney Oyster Tours to explore the Broken Bay oyster farms on the Hawkesbury River.

120. If you’re a fun-gi, you will love mushroom foraging in Oberon.

121. Eat the famous Strawberry Watermelon Cake at Black Star Pastry’s original location in Newtown.

122. Bangalay Dining, located in Shoalhaven Heads, is an incredible dining experience inspired by natural surroundings. Choose from a-la-carte or degustation and even stay on site at Bangalay Villas.

123. NSW has no shortage of award-winning bakeries and patisseries, some favourites include: Bourke Street Bakery in Sydney, Gumnut Patisserie in Bowral, Legall Patisserie in Bathurst, and Racine Bakery in Orange City.

124. Tropical Fruit World, located in Duranbah on the NSW Tropical North Coast, is a 165-acre family-run working fruit farm which grows over 500 fruits from around the world. Take a farm tour and even be a farmer for a day.

125. Those with a sweet tooth will absolutely love the sweet treats from Junee Licorice Factory – the best licorice you’ll ever have!

126. Hit the Sydney boutique beer trail, some favourites include: 4 Pines Manly, Batch Brewing Co in Petersham and Marrickville, Newtown’s Young Henry’s and Yulli’s Brews in Surry Hills.

127. Go behind the scenes and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Sydney Fish Market, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. You can also do cooking classes with Sydney Seafood School.

128. Fleet is an intimate 14-seater, two-chef’s-hatted restaurant located in Brunswick Heads and a must-visit for locals and travellers alike.

129. Explore the iconic Pie Trail in the Southern Highlands.

130. Support local by enjoying NSW wines on wine lists showcasing 100 percent NSW Wines at award winning restaurants including Clementine in Yass and Bills Fishhouse at Port Macquarie.

131. Go foraging with Peter Hardwick before enjoying lunch at Harvest, Newrybar.

132. It’s famous for its wine but Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley is now also famed for its stunning brand new cellar door, complete with two restaurants – Cru Bar + Pantry and The Wood Restaurant.

133. In the Canberra wine district, Clonakilla is one of the standouts, with their shiraz viognier routinely called the best in the world by wine experts.

134. Sip and stay overnight at Nashdale Lane Winery in Orange which takes wine tasting up a notch with luxury glamping on site at the vineyard.

135. If you like dessert wines, a must-try is De Bortoli’s The Noble One, originally created by Darren De Bortoli at the family winery in the Riverina in 1982.

136. Wine and books? This perfect pairing is at Bendooley Estate in the Southern Highlands, with The Berkelouw Book Barn housing a gorgeously atmospheric bookstore as well as the Estate’s restaurant and bar.

137. For those who prefer their wine to be organic, Canowindra has delivered with Rosnay Organic Winery and Wallington Wines.

138. When only the best will do, try some award-winning wines in Logan Wines beautiful tasting room in Mudgee.

139. Learn all about the Southern Highlands climate, terroir and past years’ vintage at PepperGreen Estate.

140. Using hand-crafted techniques and natural wood smoke is Poachers Pantry’s secret to being one of the finest smokehouses in the country. This 25-year old family business is a must-visit in Murrumbateman.

141. Lowe Wines produces premium small batch wines from their certified organic and biodynamic property in Mudgee – pay them a visit and enjoy a guided wine tasting, stroll on their farm trail and if you’re lucky, a platter served on the terrace of their cellar door.

142. A trip to the Shoalhaven region should include a visit to Cupitt’s – a restaurant, bar, winery, brewery, fromagerie, wedding venue and accommodation in Ulladulla.

143. Ross Hill Wines in Orange makes great cool-climate wines, and the winery is also home to the Barrell and Larder cooking school.

144. Keith Tulloch Wines is famous for its semillon and shiraz, but it’s also where you can find Muse Kitchen, with a menu inspired by local produce, and Cocoa Nib, the delicious brainchild of chocolatier, Aymee Slaviero.

145. Wander, run and get lost in Bago Maze on the Hastings River on the North Coast of NSW. It’s one of the world’s largest hedge mazes and it’s tantalisingly located at Bago Winery where you can then enjoy a wine tasting at the cellar door, or grab a local cheese and meat platter.

146. Margan Restaurant is now in its 13th year at Margan Estate Winery in the Hunter, and is a pioneer of agri-dining in the Hunter Valley.

147. Soar above and enjoy the Fly, Wine, Stay and Dine experience at Lake George Winery at Collector, and the Picnic in the vines and Fly tour at Swinging Bridge Wines cellar door in Orange.

148. Love a good mystery? At Tulloch Wines you can test your wine tasting skills with their Mystery Tasting. They select six wines and you work through them at your own pace with assistance from your dedicated wine professional.

149. NSW boasts 14 unique and distinctive food and wine regions including the oldest, Hunter Valley, and youngest, New England. Follow a NSW Food & Wine Trail to explore the very best the state has to offer, meeting local producers along the way.

150. Savour a slower-paced elegance in the Southern Highlands, land of long lunches, sophisticated red wines, famous flower gardens and ivy-covered country manors.

151. While the oldest vineyards can be found in the Hunter Valley, some of the state’s newest cellar doors have launched in this lush haven of acclaimed and innovative winemakers, and offer more than 150 cellar doors to keep you occupied.

152. The Shoalhaven wine region offers a revitalising blend of pristine beaches and hinterland wineries. Try the signature French red grape Chambourcin and warm-climate white varietals such as Savagnin, which pairs perfectly with local oysters.

153. From its source high in the wilderness to its salty mouth near Port Macquarie, the Hastings River runs through a glorious valley, home to a cluster of boutique wineries. Warm coastal breezes, summer rainfall and volcanic soils laced with clay and sand produce bold whites and earthy reds.

154. Cowra and Canowindra in the Central West are home to some great wineries. Cowra is a thriving hub with an up-and-coming wine region and a gorgeous Japanese garden, while Canowindra is renowned for its organic wines.

155. Excellent restaurants, colonial architecture, brilliant stargazing and a convivial community atmosphere make for an unforgettable time in Mudgee.

156. Orange is cool in every sense of the word – in climate and culture. With high altitude and volcanic soils, it’s a hotspot for crisp chardonnay, citrus-edged sparkling wines, heritage cider apples and food festivals.

157. Griffith, in the Riverina region has a strong food and wine culture, partly due to the European population that settled there after World War II.

158. A relatively young wine region, the Canberra District punches above its weight, with over 30 cellar doors and an exciting mix of traditional styles and exciting blends – riesling and shiraz being the hero varieties.

159. The Tumbarumba wine region in the Snowy Mountains makes cool-climate wines of elegance and complexity. Make a beeline for Tumbarumba Wine Escapes and Courabyra Wines, on your next visit.

160. New England has a lot to offer – award-winning cool climate wines, craft breweries and distilleries, as well as 40 high altitude vineyards and the ultimate claim to fame, the highest vineyard in Australia at Black Mountain.

Art & Culture
From modern art to museums and experiences you won’t forget, NSW has a culture that is alive and vibrant, and accessible to all.

161. Art lovers need to go to Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), at vibrant Circular Quay. Situated on the edge of Sydney Harbour, the MCA contains over 4,000 artworks by Australian artists.

162. Set up for a sunset viewing of The Living Desert And Sculptures in Broken Hill.

163. The historic Art Gallery of NSW, located in The Domain is the most important public gallery in Sydney and one of the largest in Australia.

164. Smash-hit Broadway production Frozen The Musical will make its way to Sydney at the end of 2020, with its premiere Australian season landing at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre.

165. Collector Judith Neilson opened White Rabbit Gallery in 2009 to showcase what has become one of the world’s most significant collections of Chinese contemporary art.

166. Head over to MAMA in Albury – the Murray Art Museum will keep you and the family entertained with contemporary art, workshops and cafes. And it’s free to get in.

167. In Murwillumbah, visit the M | Arts Precinct, an industrial warehouse and classic Art Deco building where artists and art lovers can come together over great coffee, food and art, and the Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Centre, a large, modern, architecturally award-winning building with views to Wollumbin.

168.  NERAM in Armidale is home to one of the nation’s most significant art collections outside the capital cities. Holding a collection of over 5,000 works of historical, modern and contemporary art, NERAM offers a comprehensive overview of Australian art history unmatched in regional Australia.

169. Immerse yourself in Australian cricket history on a guided tour of the SCG. As Sydney’s home of sport, the SCG is where international and domestic sporting heroes play, including the famed AFL team, Sydney Swans.

170. Film fans will be keen to visit the Mad Max Museum in Silverton. It houses a large collection of photographs, life size characters in full costumes, original and replica vehicles and plenty of souvenirs to take home.

171.  Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail in Port Macquarie is a must-visit for fans of the furry creatures – this sculpture walk presents over 70 different coloured and costumed koala statues, each with its own name and history, promoting wildlife conservation.

172. Discover the story of the Australian pearl at the Broken Bay Shellar Door in Mooney Mooney.

173. Home to one of Australia’s most iconic films, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and the globally renowned Broken Heel Festival, Broken Hill is an incredible arts hub located in Outback NSW.

174. On the fringes of the CBD in Sydney’s Inner West, you can explore street art, vintage stores, cool bars, live music venues and hipster cafes in Newtown.

175. Watch a movie at Empire Cinemas, Bowral, the oldest commercial cinemas in the country which has been operating since September 1915.

176. Need new threads? Visit The Intersection, Paddington, home to one of the best designer fashion shopping experiences in Australia.

177. Cricket fans will be thrilled with the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral, hometown of famous cricketer Donald Bradman.

178. A fan of ghouls and ghosts? Then visit Australia’s Most Haunted House, Monte Cristo, an 1884-built homestead in Junee.

179. A slice of Japanese culture and a memorial to the fallen, the Japanese Gardens and Cultural Centre in Cowra, was created by Ken Nakajima to symbolise the Japanese landscape.

180. Go back in time and ride on a paddle steamer along the historic Murray River, and add a Wharf to Winery tour where you can moor alongside river wineries.

181. Peer into the life of one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, Brett Whiteley, in Surry Hills’ Brett Whiteley Studio, which houses an array of unfinished works and a collection of reference books.

182. Check out the fascinating Killer Whale Museum in Eden.

183. Visit the number one most digitally advanced planetarium in Australia, Science Space, in Wollongong.

184. Pick up a handmade millet broom from Tumut Broom Factory. They’re the last original millet broom factory in the country and have been going since 1946 in the Snowy Mountains.

185. The Paddle Vessel (PV) Jandra offers cruises on the Darling River from Bourke’s Kidman’s Camp seven days per week during winter.

186. Located in the former 1940s headquarters of Paramount Picture Studios, the Paramount House Hotel is a contemporary take on cultural and work spaces with rooms that are a mix of heritage brightened by new.

187. Join the River Boat Postman as it delivers mail and other essentials to river-access-only settlements upriver from Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury.

188. Take a tour of the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s Bruce Langford Visitor Centre in Broken Hill.

189. Chippendale’s Old Clare Hotel lives in the iconic heritage-listed Carlton & United Breweries Administration Building, a picturesque post-Victorian building in what is now one of Sydney’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

190. White Cliffs is Australia’s oldest commercial opal field and almost everything is located under the surface, including the W Man’s Hill in the early 1900s. White Cliffs Underground Motel, dug into Poor Man’s Hill in the early 1900s.

191. Are you a music lover? Stay at Boogie Woogie Beach House, the ultimate stylish music hotel in Old Bar on the Mid North Coast.

192. Grand Art Deco building, the Tattersalls in Armidale, was originally built in 1884. It’s now been restored to its former glory and is conveniently located near Armidale’s famous two cathedrals in the town’s centre.

193. Created inside the historic 1868 Belmore House and commonly described as “one of the most elegant structures in the colony out of Sydney”, The Houston in Wagga Wagga is a breathtaking 10-suite boutique hotel.

194. Originally a convent, then a school for many years and now named after a poem by Banjo Paterson, Flash Jacks in Gundagai was built in 1888 and houses nine immaculate guest rooms.

195. Once a family home, the front of the Byng Street Boutique Hotel is the original homestead “Yallungah”, built c.1896 by the architect William Lamrock, and is considered a significant piece of Orange’s historical architecture.

196. Historic Goonoo Goonoo in Tamworth is a must-visit for everyone interested in history – it was once the head station of the Australian Agricultural Company as well as being a destination for dignitaries during the gold rush.

197. Mona Farm, at Braidwood, offers a luxury self-contained homestead featuring stunning contemporary Australian and international art.

198. Dovecote, located just two hours from Sydney in Gerringong, on the NSW South Coast, has two award-winning architecturally designed houses to choose from – The Headland and The Range, both boasting 180-degree views. It also featured in the 2020 film, The Invisible Man.

199. Whilst exploring the picturesque wine region of Mudgee, spend the night in a beautifully restored Victorian heritage building, Perry Street Hotel, which was once the historic 1862 Mechanics Institute.

ABORIGINAL EXPERIENCES
New South Wales is a vibrant hub of Aboriginal tourism in Australia and has a diverse range of Aboriginal Tourism experiences and stories that are all unique to the state.

200. View the Walls of China in Mungo National Park in Outback NSW, dramatic formations sculpted by wind and erosion, where 36,000-year-old relics of ancient Aboriginal culture have been discovered.

201. NSW has the country’s largest population of Aboriginal Australians, with many opportunities to learn more about the many different Indigenous nations and cultures. Take an Aboriginal-guided tour with Dreamtime Southern X in Sydney, or Bourke Aboriginal Cultural Tours along the Darling River.

202. Change your life on NSW’s South Coast with an immersive cultural tour run by Ngaran Ngaran Cultural Awareness at Narooma – learn about the Yuin people and dreamtime stories of Mount Gulaga.

203. The Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk is the newest edition to the Wagirra trail near Albury. The sculptures are accompanied by interpretative panels and videos via smartphone which tell the story of Aboriginal history and the cultural significance of the Murray River.

204. At Mutawintji National Park, see Aboriginal rock art and hear Dreamtime stories about the culture and mythology of this ancient landscape near Broken Hill in Outback NSW with Mutawintji Heritage Tours.

205. Join a quad bike tour of the Stockton Sand Dunes with Sand Dune Adventures through Worimi land where you will hear about the stories from the Worimi people themselves.

206. Expert Aboriginal guides lead Wajaan Yaam stand up paddle board tours in traditional Gumbaynggirr country. Explore marine parks in Coffs Creek, Red Rock and Corindi Old Camp on the North coast on this authentic tour.

207. For a great experience that highlights the best of the Aboriginal art in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, step out on a tour with Guringai Tours.

208. The multi-award-winning Aboriginal Blue Mountains Walkabout adventure in the Blue Mountains helps you learn about the local Darug language group.

209. The Blak Markets in Sydney’s La Perouse feature authentic, unique and affordable Indigenous artworks, beauty products, homewares and jewellery, with 100 percent of the profits going back into Aboriginal communities.

210. Unkya Aboriginal Cultural Tours run Ocean Dreaming Tours at Mackville on the North Coast, giving tourists the chance to witness the connection the Gumbaynggirr people have to the water and welcome the whales migrating up the coast.

211. Australia’s first native rooftop farm, Yerrabingin Rooftop Garden in Sydney, is taking the first steps into rehabilitating threatened species, including bush tucker, Australian botanicals and medicinal plants alongside holding events and workshops focusing on Aboriginal culture.

212. Learn the art of tool making with Bundyi Cultural Tours and your host, proud Wiradjuri man Mark Saddler, will take you on a personal tour of his ancient country in the Riverina area.

213. The Brewarrina Fish Traps are estimated to be over 40,000 years old and one of the oldest man-made structures on earth.

For more information, go to visitnsw.com/213adventures

Share your favourite Sydney and NSW holidays on social media by using the hashtag #LoveNSW or #NewSouthWales.

With love

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