New South Wales Australia
New South Wales: Ultimate Australia
If you're heading to Australia for the first time, it's likely you'll arrive in New South Wales (NSW) - its capital city of Sydney, to be more precise. It's practically a pilgrimage for backpackers these days, iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Bondi Beach sitting high on many must-visit lists. It's a cornucopia of backpacker-friendly hostels, bars, restaurants, and more, as well as an ideal place to pick up some temporary work.
Many first-time visitors travel to NSW and stay here a while to get used to the Aussie way of life, and are rewarded with things to see and do. This is one of the most populated states in the country, meaning there are plenty of reasons for travellers both old and new to visit NSW.
Whether you’re more at home on the beach or in the bush, love the bustling city life or want to escape to a national park, in NSW there is an option for everyone.
New South Wales flights
New South Wales regions
Outside of the big capital city, New South Wales is the ideal state to get used to the size and variety of Australia's incredible natural spaces. Within its borders are outback deserts, rainforests, alpine regions, indigenous rock art sites, and more. It's no wonder many visitors stay here for months before feeling the urge to move on. The state has several must-see regions, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter Valley, North Coast (where you'll find surfing paradise Byron Bay) and the Snowy Mountains (yes, it is possible to ski in Australia!).
Soak up culture in New South Wales
Sydney is perfect for the culture vulture, with a multitude of events, festivals and fascinating Indigenous history on display, including Aboriginal artefacts in the Australian Museum. The Sydney Opera House is one of the world's best venues to catch a show, and events like Vivid Sydney see the city emblazoned in incredible light art installations. This year's Vivid Sydney takes place from May 26 to June 17. The Sydney New Year's Eve celebrations are world-famous, and culminate with a mesmerising firework display over the harbour, and the annual Mardis Gras parades create one of the most amazing street parties anywhere ever.
Food and wine in New South Wales
New South Wales is a fantastic destination for foodies and wine-lovers, and the gourmet treats extend well beyond the bright lights of Sydney - though you will find some of the world's best eateries and street food in the state's capital, so don't overlook it! Head over to the Hunter Valley for one of Australia's most celebrated wine regions, or alternatively check out the restaurant scenes in the Central and North Coast regions.
Getting adventurous in New South Wales
New South Wales was made for adventure travel, with activities all over the state that'll be sure to get the adrenaline pumping. The Blue Mountains region presents some truly awesome hiking and mountain biking trails that weave through stunning wilderness, while Wollongong is a top destination for skydiving and hang-gliding. Alternatively, you could get your kicks in Sydney itself, by climbing over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, sea kayaking around the surrounding beaches, or even careening around the harbour on a jet boat.
Work and play in New South Wales
For students and young travellers, New South Wales offers the perfect environment to combine work and play. With job opportunities and study options available all over the state, and as you have already seen, you'd need a lifetime to enjoy all the various things to do.
Life's a beach in New South Wales
New South Wales enjoys some of the best beaches on the planet, making it a perfect spot to indulge in that sought-after surfer lifestyle. Sydney alone (as if it didn't have enough going for it!) is surrounded by epic beaches and adjoining suburbs, including Manly, Coogee and - most famous of all - Bondi. But you'll find stretches of paradise all the way up and down the coast. Byron Bay is hugely popular, and for good reason, while you'll find quieter, more off-the-beaten-track beaches on the South Coast, like in Killalea State Park.
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*A Note About Flight Prices: All prices were current at the time this was published. Prices are subject to availability and subject to change without notice. Prices are based on searches done in the last 14 days for one-way flights to select destinations in Northern Territory, Australia between April 2019 and August 2019. Flight prices vary by date, departure city, arrival city and availability. All taxes/fees are included in the price, except certain government taxes, change fees and fees imposed in destination and airline baggage fees if applicable.