Beaches, snow-capped peaks, rainforest wilderness, and vast outback plains, NSW has it all.
Head north and south ofĀ SydneyĀ and youāll find more beaches than you can count, as well as lakes and winding rivers, thundering waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Beyond the sandstone curtain of the Great Dividing Range, with its gorges in the north and snow-covered alps in the south, stretch the western slopes and plains, full of country towns and hidden surprises. Head to the far west and youāll find yourself on the edge of theĀ Outback. With moreĀ national parksĀ than any other state (and more diversity of landscapes, too) New South WalesĀ deliversĀ the goods when it comes to unforgettableĀ getaways.
Lace up your boots for one ofĀ Australia's bestĀ bushwalkingĀ destinations. The ridge of mountains two hours west of Sydney by road or trainĀ is a World Heritage-listed wonderland of sandstone canyons, waterfalls, valleys, and clifftop lookouts. The national parkĀ offers remote bush campsites, or you can go for a bit more comfortĀ in one of the regionās many caravan andĀ holiday parks.Ā
The coastline of northernĀ NSW, from north of Newcastle to the Queensland border, is classic beach holiday territory. Almost every town has at least oneĀ caravan park, often with waterfrontĀ campsites, and most of the coastline is protected byĀ national parksĀ with fantasticĀ camping spotsĀ and facilities. Flanked by the Great Dividing Range and World Heritage rainforests,Ā the North Coast has Hipcampers spoilt for choice.Ā
Every bit as wild as theĀ North Coast, the South Coast stretches south of Sydney to the Victorian border with a string ofĀ national parks, state forests, campgrounds,Ā and seaside towns with family-friendlyĀ holiday parks.Ā KangaroosĀ andĀ wallabiesĀ graze the camping grounds and laze on the beaches, which have some of the whitest sand in the world. Kayak the waterways, bushwalk the forests, and soak in the views from the mountaintops.
AlpineĀ New South Wales, also known as theĀ Snowy Mountains, stretches from the ACT south to the Victorian border along the spine of the Great Dividing Range. Along with hundreds of camping spots, the big attraction of Kosciuszko National Parkāthe largestĀ national parkĀ inĀ NSWāisĀ Australiaās highest peak, MountĀ Kosciuszko. In winter, the area is a magnet for skiers, and in summer, fishing,Ā bushwalking,Ā and mountainĀ bikingĀ reign supreme.
The far western corner ofĀ NSWĀ is a great introduction to theĀ Outback, where endless red dust plains seem to stretch on forever under cloudless blue skies. Take aĀ road tripĀ out here and you'll see plenty ofĀ kangaroosĀ and emus, but not many people. National parksĀ such as Mungo, Mutawintji, and Kinchega offer superbĀ camping spots, Aboriginal art sites, and stunning scenery.