STORY BY PAUL HUGHES, 2018 IMAGE BY JAMIE DAVIES
New South Wales on the east coast of Australia is known for its pristine beaches, lush national parks, vibrant cities, and diverse cultural experiences.
New South Wales offers something for everyone and, at the heart of it all is Sydney, one of the world's most iconic and exciting cities.
Sydney is a city of contrasts, blending the old and the new, the natural and the man-made. From the soaring heights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the tranquil beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens, there's no shortage of sights to see and experiences to be had.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Sydney is the Opera House, with its distinctive sail-like roof and stunning waterfront location. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and design of this architectural masterpiece, or catch a performance in one of its many theaters.
For those seeking adventure, head to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a thrilling climb with panoramic views of the city and harbor. Or take a scenic helicopter tour for a bird's-eye view of the city and its many attractions.
But Sydney isn't just about the big-ticket attractions. It's also a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality and culture.
Tourists love to explore the bohemian vibe of Newtown, the trendy cafes and boutiques of Surry Hills, and the world-renowned sandy beaches and laid-back lifestyle of Bondi.
New South Wales offers something for everyone and, at the heart of it all is Sydney, one of the world's most iconic and exciting cities.
Sydney is a city of contrasts, blending the old and the new, the natural and the man-made. From the soaring heights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the tranquil beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens, there's no shortage of sights to see and experiences to be had.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Sydney is the Opera House, with its distinctive sail-like roof and stunning waterfront location. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and design of this architectural masterpiece, or catch a performance in one of its many theaters.
For those seeking adventure, head to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a thrilling climb with panoramic views of the city and harbor. Or take a scenic helicopter tour for a bird's-eye view of the city and its many attractions.
But Sydney isn't just about the big-ticket attractions. It's also a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality and culture.
Tourists love to explore the bohemian vibe of Newtown, the trendy cafes and boutiques of Surry Hills, and the world-renowned sandy beaches and laid-back lifestyle of Bondi.
HOP-ON, HOP OFF THE BIG RED BUS - IMAGE BY TOURISM AUSTRALIA
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ICONIC BONDI BEACH IN SYDNEY - IMAGE BY TOURISM AUSTRALIA
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Beyond Sydney, New South Wales offers a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. The Blue Mountains, located just a short drive from the city, are a haven for hikers and nature lovers, with stunning vistas and dramatic landscapes.
Australia's oldest wine region the Hunter Valley is a must-visit for food and wine enthusiasts, with world-class vineyards and gourmet dining
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No trip to New South Wales is complete without experiencing its world-famous beaches. From the golden sands of Bondi to the secluded coves of the South Coast, there's a beach to suit every taste and mood.
Whether you're seeking culture, adventure, or simply a relaxing getaway, New South Wales and Sydney have it all.
Australia's oldest wine region the Hunter Valley is a must-visit for food and wine enthusiasts, with world-class vineyards and gourmet dining
.
No trip to New South Wales is complete without experiencing its world-famous beaches. From the golden sands of Bondi to the secluded coves of the South Coast, there's a beach to suit every taste and mood.
Whether you're seeking culture, adventure, or simply a relaxing getaway, New South Wales and Sydney have it all.
THE ANNUAL SYDNEY TO HOBART IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S CLASSIC YACHT RACES -- IMAGE BY TOURISM AUSTRALIA
While Sydney is the headquarters for one of the world's toughest team sports, Rugby League, almost every world sport is played across the state.
There are 17 teams in the National Rugby League, with 11 teams in NSW, four in Queensland and one each in Victoria and New Zealand.
It's regarded as a tough, rugged sport because the average player is close to 100kgs (220 lbs), 186 centimetres tall (6'1") and they play two 40-minute full contact halves at high speed without any padding or helmets!
There are 17 teams in the National Rugby League, with 11 teams in NSW, four in Queensland and one each in Victoria and New Zealand.
It's regarded as a tough, rugged sport because the average player is close to 100kgs (220 lbs), 186 centimetres tall (6'1") and they play two 40-minute full contact halves at high speed without any padding or helmets!
Almost every world sport is played across Australia - discover here why Australia punches well above its weight in all world sports.
Some of the great highlights of my fishing life were from the small township of Bermagui on the NSW coast, about five hours' drive south of Sydney and seven hours travelling east from Melbourne.
As an avid game fisher, I would to drive 700 kilometres each way from Melbourne to Bermagui at least a dozen times a year....... just to fish the weekends!
It's one of the sports fishing hotspots of Australia and a place where I have caught some amazing fish, including Australian record fish on three occasions.
Some of the great highlights of my fishing life were from the small township of Bermagui on the NSW coast, about five hours' drive south of Sydney and seven hours travelling east from Melbourne.
As an avid game fisher, I would to drive 700 kilometres each way from Melbourne to Bermagui at least a dozen times a year....... just to fish the weekends!
It's one of the sports fishing hotspots of Australia and a place where I have caught some amazing fish, including Australian record fish on three occasions.
MORNING, NOON OR EVENING, WHEN THE SURF'S UP IT'S ALMOST LIKE A CONGER LINE -- IMAGE BY TOURISM AUSTRALIA
Tourist Regions of New South Wales
Snowy Mountains
If snow-based sports appeals to you, the Snowy Mountains will blow your mind. with skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing.
Chalets open onto the ski fields with most accommodation right in the ski areas; you can look out your window and watch skiers come down the mountain.
Entertainment, restaurants and cafes are in abundance and everyone is there for the same thing - to have fun.
Adventure doesn’t stop in summer, with cycling, caving, rafting, kayaking, hiking and horse riding being popular in summer months.
Mt Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia standing 2,228-metres, is very popular with hikers in the summer months and reaching the peak is rewarded with spectacular views and a great selfie op.
If snow-based sports appeals to you, the Snowy Mountains will blow your mind. with skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing.
Chalets open onto the ski fields with most accommodation right in the ski areas; you can look out your window and watch skiers come down the mountain.
Entertainment, restaurants and cafes are in abundance and everyone is there for the same thing - to have fun.
Adventure doesn’t stop in summer, with cycling, caving, rafting, kayaking, hiking and horse riding being popular in summer months.
Mt Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia standing 2,228-metres, is very popular with hikers in the summer months and reaching the peak is rewarded with spectacular views and a great selfie op.
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Blue Mountains
Highlights of the Blue Mountains include the Jenolan Caves, the Botanic Gardens and Mount Tomah.
The natural landscape is attractive to hikers and adventure seekers as well as couples or families just wanting to get off the beaten track.
There are walks, lookouts and waterfalls to be found along the way, but it's very important to stay on the tracks as it is very easy to get lost if you stray.
As with any hiking (even short strolls in the bush), never go alone unless you are very experienced; take plenty of water, some lightweight but warm clothes, energy food, a mini survival kit and a fully-charged phone; and it is essential that you tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
Highlights of the Blue Mountains include the Jenolan Caves, the Botanic Gardens and Mount Tomah.
The natural landscape is attractive to hikers and adventure seekers as well as couples or families just wanting to get off the beaten track.
There are walks, lookouts and waterfalls to be found along the way, but it's very important to stay on the tracks as it is very easy to get lost if you stray.
As with any hiking (even short strolls in the bush), never go alone unless you are very experienced; take plenty of water, some lightweight but warm clothes, energy food, a mini survival kit and a fully-charged phone; and it is essential that you tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
THE POPULAR JENOLAN CAVES -- IMAGE BY TOURISM AUSTRALIA
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OVERLOOKING COCKATOO BAY -- IM AGE BY TOURISM AUSTRALIA
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North Coast
On the North Coast that are perfect uncrowded beaches that seem to go on forever.
If you love a beach walk, surfing, swimming or snorkeling you will be in your element.
Some attractions in the area include major parks such as Myall Lakes National Park, Solitary Islands Marine Park, Wollumbin Mt Warning National Park and Dorrigo Rainforest Centre.
The popular Wollumbin (Mt Warning) summit walking track closed in 2020 due to management discussions with the traditional indigenous custodians. Contact Visit NSW for updated information.
Relax in Northern New South Wales with a holiday to remember.
On the North Coast that are perfect uncrowded beaches that seem to go on forever.
If you love a beach walk, surfing, swimming or snorkeling you will be in your element.
Some attractions in the area include major parks such as Myall Lakes National Park, Solitary Islands Marine Park, Wollumbin Mt Warning National Park and Dorrigo Rainforest Centre.
The popular Wollumbin (Mt Warning) summit walking track closed in 2020 due to management discussions with the traditional indigenous custodians. Contact Visit NSW for updated information.
Relax in Northern New South Wales with a holiday to remember.
BEYOND BYRON E-BIKES -- IMAGE BY TOURISM AUSTRALIA
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BEACH SANDBOARDING AT PORT STEPHENS - IMAGE BY TOURISM AUSTRALIA
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South Coast
The spectacular unspoilt beaches of the New South Wales coastline continues south of Sydney.
Surrounded by national parks, some of the most popular are Booderee National Park, Murramarang National Park, Montague Island National Park and Ben Boyd National Park.
Depending on the time of year you can see dolphins and whales off the coast and Penguins and fur seals at Montague Island.
The spectacular unspoilt beaches of the New South Wales coastline continues south of Sydney.
Surrounded by national parks, some of the most popular are Booderee National Park, Murramarang National Park, Montague Island National Park and Ben Boyd National Park.
Depending on the time of year you can see dolphins and whales off the coast and Penguins and fur seals at Montague Island.
Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is famous worldwide for its wine making, particularly the crisp semillion and the ripe shiraz wines.
Enjoy the tastings at the many wineries that open their cellar doors to the public daily.
Some other attractions in the region are Barrington Tops National park, Maitland Regional art gallery and Lake St. Clair.
The stunning coastline of endless perfect beaches are also a major attraction in this area.
The Hunter Valley is famous worldwide for its wine making, particularly the crisp semillion and the ripe shiraz wines.
Enjoy the tastings at the many wineries that open their cellar doors to the public daily.
Some other attractions in the region are Barrington Tops National park, Maitland Regional art gallery and Lake St. Clair.
The stunning coastline of endless perfect beaches are also a major attraction in this area.
WINE TASTING AT COURABYRA WINES -- IMAGE BY TOURISM AUSTRALIA
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THE BROKENWOOD VINEYARDS -- IMAGE BY BROKENWOOD
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Outback NSW
Tourists come from every country in the world to see Australia and it's a shame so many miss the opportunity to visit the Outback.
This spectacular, breathtaking landscape is unique with rugged gorges, aboriginal rock art and remote caves.
There are campsites along the way but many who travel to the outback feel its all part of the experience to camp by a local river and sleep under the spectacular stars.
Places of interest include Paroo-Darling National Park, Kinchega National Park, Sturt National Park and Mungo National Park.
Tourists come from every country in the world to see Australia and it's a shame so many miss the opportunity to visit the Outback.
This spectacular, breathtaking landscape is unique with rugged gorges, aboriginal rock art and remote caves.
There are campsites along the way but many who travel to the outback feel its all part of the experience to camp by a local river and sleep under the spectacular stars.
Places of interest include Paroo-Darling National Park, Kinchega National Park, Sturt National Park and Mungo National Park.
Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe island is a protected marine park and part of Australia's world heritage listings.
If you enjoy trekking, the trek to the summit of Mt Gower is considered one of the best one day treks in the world.
The island is perfect for a relaxing holiday with the major form of transport being bikes. There is no mobile phone reception.
Lord Howe is very popular with Sydney locals, being only two hours drive north. You can hand feed fish, swim, snorkel, kayak and dive on the reef.
There is no shortage of things to do when you get back to nature on Lord Howe Island.
Lord Howe island is a protected marine park and part of Australia's world heritage listings.
If you enjoy trekking, the trek to the summit of Mt Gower is considered one of the best one day treks in the world.
The island is perfect for a relaxing holiday with the major form of transport being bikes. There is no mobile phone reception.
Lord Howe is very popular with Sydney locals, being only two hours drive north. You can hand feed fish, swim, snorkel, kayak and dive on the reef.
There is no shortage of things to do when you get back to nature on Lord Howe Island.
BOATS IN A BEAUTIFUL AND POPULAR BAY AT. LORD HOWE ISLAND --- IMAGE BY DYLAN SHAW @dyl.shaw
Note: When I began my journalism career my senior editor was a former librarian, great teacher and wonderful, selfless person named Alan Finch who, with wife Valerie, wrote a book titled "Lord Howe Island". If you would like to know more about Lord Howe Island, it's a very informative and enjoyable read - Paul.
