From mountains and beaches, to Outback towns and national parks, here are the best things to do in New South Wales, Australia!
Sydney is often at the top of travellers’ Australia bucket lists, but the state of New South Wales has so much more to offer!
Yes, it’s home to the iconic city of Sydney, which has world-famous attractions like Bondi Beach, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and more.
If you’re hoping to explore more of NSW, here is our list of all the best things to do! You can explore vibrant cities, camp in remote Outback towns, or mingle with marine life.
Go stargazing, hiking, or camping in the Blue Mountains, Snowy Mountains, or the Warrumbungles. See picture-perfect beaches, surf world-class waves, or go snowboarding.
Take our list of the top things to do in NSW and use it as inspiration for planning your own adventures!
Read next: The Best Australia Travel Tips
21 Best Things To Do In New South Wales, Australia
NSW has something for everyone. Our list of the best things to do in New South Wales includes well-known Sydney attractions, and plenty of nearby places that you can easily explore from the city.
There are also some hidden gems around the state that many travellers might not know about. So let’s get into it!
1. Attend a performance at the Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House may be the most famous landmark in NSW, and possibly all of Australia.
With its signature white, wave-like structures and prime location on the edge of Sydney Harbour, this is possibly the most iconic opera house in the world.
While visiting Sydney, you absolutely have to see the Sydney Opera House with your own eyes. After taking your pictures of the famous landmark, consider actually attending a show here.
Venturing inside the Sydney Opera House for a local performance is an unforgettable experience to have in the capital city of NSW. From exhibitions and concerts, to theatre, comedy, and dance, there is a huge range of cultural events that make their way to the Sydney Opera House.
Browse the schedule online to book your place at the next performance!
2. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Another one of the best experiences to have while visiting Sydney is climbing the Harbour Bridge.
Those who are afraid of heights may have to skip this activity. But rest assured, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is a very reputable and responsible company that puts safety above all else.
You’ll be strapped into harnesses and led by expert guides as you climb your way to the top of the colossal steel structure. Then enjoy sweeping views of the harbour and the surrounding cityscape from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
3. Experience Outback life in Broken Hill
If you want to venture into the rural Outback, take a trip out to Broken Hill. This historic mining town in far western NSW showcases the best of regional Australia.
Once a booming hub for silver, lead, and zinc mining, Broken Hill is home to the world’s largest mining company, BHP.
But the town isn’t all industry – there is a thriving creative community and plenty of cool attractions to see.
Engage with the local art at the Pro Hart Gallery, or admire the sunset over the Outback at the Living Desert Sculptures.
You can also explore Broken Hill’s historic architecture, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service base, or venture into the nearby Mutawintji National Park to experience Aboriginal rock art and breathtaking desert scenery.
Explore more of the Outback with a Sydney to Perth road trip!
4. Camp, surf, and hike in the Royal National Park
The Royal National Park is one of the most beautiful places in NSW, located just south of Sydney.
Not only is it a popular day trip destination, it’s a great place for outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, swimming, surfing, and more.
As Australia’s oldest national park (and the second oldest national park in the world), this sanctuary of natural beauty is well protected from commercialism. Even though it’s right next to the city, it’s filled with vast wilderness.
Ocean lovers can explore the coastline of the Royal National Park for some incredible sights. Go surfing at Garie Beach, camp at North Era Campground, admire the Wedding Cake Rock, cliff jump at Wattamolla, or hike the entire Coast Track.
You can also venture inland and explore hidden waterfalls, swimming holes, campgrounds, and remote walking trails. This is the perfect place to connect with nature on a day trip from Sydney.
5. Go sandboarding in Port Stephens
Port Stephens is a stunning little town on the Central Coast of NSW. It’s a popular spot for weekend getaways from Sydney or Newcastle, and it’s full of fun things to see and do.
Highlights include surfing at Zenith Beach, hiking the Tomaree Head Mountain for sunrise, and relaxing by the waterfront in Nelson Bay.
But the natural attraction that Port Stephens is best known for? The Stockton Sand Dunes! Situated in Worimi National Park, the Stockton Sand Dunes are part of the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.
To make it easier, book a sandboarding tour on the dunes with a local guide. That way the experts can show you the ropes and provide you with the gear you need for an epic outdoor adventure in Port Stephens.
6. Hike Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko
At 2,228 metres, Mount Kosciuszko is the highest mountain in NSW and all of the Australian mainland. You can conquer the peak on a hiking day trip in Kosciuszko National Park.
The hike to the Mount Kosciuszko summit takes about 4-6 hours, depending on which trail you take. There are trails from Charlotte Pass or Thredbo, and there is even a biking trail from Charlotte Pass if you prefer mountain biking to hiking.
Whichever trail you decide to take, hiking through the mountains of Kosciuszko National Park is a breathtaking experience. You can also go camping nearby in the national park or go for a dip in the Snowy River.
Hiking enthusiasts can be sure to put Kosciuszko National Park on their list of places to visit in NSW! Just remember that you can only hike between October and May, as the mountains will be covered in snow for the winter months.
Plan more treks with our guide to hiking in Australia!
7. Eat fresh oysters in Merimbula
Merimbula is a charming town on the South Coast of NSW that is known for its amazing seafood.
Part of the Sapphire Coast, Merimbula has sparkling blue ocean waters connected to several lakes and estuaries. These pristine conditions on the Far South Coast NSW provide the perfect place to harvest delicious oysters.
Since the 1920s, oysters have been farmed in Merimbula with little to no treatment after harvesting. You can find Sydney rock oysters and several other varieties, all of which taste incredible.
Follow the Sapphire Coast Oyster Trail for top oyster production locations and eateries so you can sample the fresh seafood of southern NSW!
8. Explore the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most beautiful places to visit in NSW.
Just an hour west of Sydney, visitors can explore the Blue Mountains on a day trip or stay for longer. One thing is certain, you definitely won’t regret any time you spend in the Blue Mountains.
This gorgeous national park has an endless supply of rugged mountains, tumbling waterfalls, and fantastic hiking trails.
Popular natural attractions include rock formations like the Three Sisters and Pulpit Rock, as well as cascades like Wentworth Falls, Katoomba Falls, and Empress Falls.
Visitors can also check out Scenic World, a family-friendly destination where you can ride the Scenic Cableway for the best views of the Blue Mountains scenery.
If you’re staying in Sydney and don’t want to rent a car or take the train to explore on your own, you can book a guided day trip to the Blue Mountains!
9. See Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is a gorgeous area on the South Coast of NSW. Known for its abundant marine life, calm waters, and idyllic beaches, Jervis Bay is a beautiful part of Australia.
Locals flock here for weekend trips from Sydney, where they can spend their time camping in Booderee National Park, kayaking or paddleboarding in the serene waterways, and snorkelling with the marine life.
But the beaches are definitely the best part of Jervis Bay. Though you’re in southern New South Wales, every beach here feels like a destination in the Australian tropics.
With powdery white sand and turquoise water, the Jervis Bay beaches are like heaven.
Hyams Beach is the most famous, as it’s constantly ranked one of Australia’s best beaches and it’s even claimed to have some of the whitest sand in the world.
To make the most of your time, do the White Sands Walk. This coastal walking trail passes all the most beautiful beaches in the area, including Hyams Beach.
10. Go wine tasting in the Hunter Valley
Just a short distance from Sydney lies the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s top wine regions.
If you’re a wine lover, add the Hunter Valley to your list of places to visit in NSW!
As a popular weekend trip from Sydney, visitors love to explore the charming small country towns like Pokolbin, Lovedale, Maitland, and Wollombi. Scattered throughout these towns and surrounding countryside, you can find world-class wineries and boutique local businesses.
Besides wine tasting rooms and vineyards, the Hunter Valley has lots of cosy country accommodation, farm to table restaurants, and shops selling locally made cheeses and fresh produce.
Join a guided wine tasting day trip from Sydney so you can indulge in the best wines without having to drive yourself back to the city.
If you want a relaxing weekend getaway full of delicious food and wine, Hunter Valley is one of the best places to go.
11. See the Kiama Blowholes
Kiama is another one of the best places to visit in NSW which is a popular weekend trip from Sydney.
This lovely coastal town lies at the southern end of the Grand Pacific Drive, which is a scenic road trip road that runs from Sydney down through the Illawarra Region.
Kiama has lovely beaches, a magnificent coastal walk, and some very unique natural attractions called blowholes.
There are two of these in the area: the Kiama Blowhole and the Little Blowhole. Both are collections of volcanic rocks next to the ocean that formed due to lava flows millions of years ago.
When the sea has the right amount of swell, the waves rush into these rocky holes and burst upward like an erupting volcano. The Kiama Blowhole is the bigger of the two, and there are multiple viewing platforms where you can see the phenomenon from above.
The Little Blowhole is less famous, but when the ocean is doing the right thing, even the Little Blowhole can put on quite a show.
Find more activities with our list of the best things to do in Kiama.
12. Chill out in Byron Bay
One of the most popular places to visit in NSW is Byron Bay! This beautiful town on the north coast is a hotspot for travellers of all ages.
Known for its trendy, hipster vibes, Byron Bay has a bustling and welcoming town centre full of shops, cafes, and colourful street art.
But Byron Bay also has an abundance natural beauty to explore outside town! Start with a walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, which overlooks the most easterly point of mainland Australia.
You can also sometimes spot dolphins and even whales in the winter months from the lighthouse!
And don’t forget to try some water sports while you’re staying in the paradise of Byron Bay. Visitors can go kayaking with dolphins, join surf lessons, and explore the underwater world on guided snorkelling tours.
Or if you’re more of a beach bum, you can just relax on Byron Bay’s stunning beaches like the Pass, Wategos Beach, and Main Beach.
13. Ski or snowboard in the Snowy Mountains
Looking for a winter getaway from Sydney? Many travellers don’t know that Australia has snow, but in the winter you can visit the charming and beautiful Snowy Mountains!
Located in southern NSW near the Victorian border, Australia’s Snowy Mountains are the perfect place to explore in winter.
Head to popular ski resorts like Perisher, Thredbo, or Charlotte Pass for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding, and hot coffees in cosy cafes or hotels.
This is a beautiful part of NSW that has lots of amazing accommodation options and ski passes.
14. Explore Mungo National Park
The NSW Outback doesn’t get as much attention as other places like the Red Centre or South Australia. But in the far west of the state, you can find some wild Outback landscapes!
One of the best is Mungo National Park, which could be considered a hidden gem of NSW. Few tourists venture this far inland, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re up for a big adventure.
Mungo National Park is home to several unique sand and clay formations known as the Walls of China, which make for some crazy photos.
Beyond its otherworldly landscape, Mungo National Park is a place of rich Indigenous heritage. You can explore the park on guided tours with Traditional Owners, learning about the area’s history, Aboriginal culture, and the ever-changing desert environment.
The park is also home to the famous Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, the remains of humans who lived over 40,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest known sites of human occupation in Australia. It’s one of the coolest attractions to see if you’re interested in history and archaeology.
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15. Go whale watching in winter
Australia’s East Coast is one of the best whale watching locations in the world!
Every winter between May and October, thousands of humpback whales migrate north along the East Coast of Australia in search of warmer waters.
Once the whales make it to the north of Australia where the water is tropical and warm, they can have their babies and nurse their young in a calm environment.
Then at the end of winter, the whales migrate back down south again so they can feed in the nutrient-rich waters of Antarctica during summer.
You can spot whales all along the New South Wales coastline throughout winter! Or you can book an organised whale watching tour that takes you further out to sea with an expert guide.
Byron Bay, Jervis Bay, and Sydney are popular destinations for whale watching day trips in New South Wales.
16. Complete the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
As one of the most famous walking trails in Australia, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a must-do while visiting Sydney.
Starting at the southern end of Bondi Beach and ending at Coogee Beach, this scenic coastal trail offers some of the most amazing views in Sydney.
You’ll pass rugged cliffs, grassy parks, ocean pools, and pristine beaches, all while getting in a great leg workout. The trail is 6km long and takes 2-3 hours to complete.
There are lots of amazing swimming spots and cafes along the way where you can take a dip in the Pacific Ocean or grab a famously strong Australian coffee.
If you don’t want to walk the entire track both ways, you can get the public bus back to where you started after finishing the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
17. Skydive in Wollongong or Newcastle
One of the best things to do in Australia with your friends, partner, or solo, is to go skydiving.
Many people have skydiving on their bucket list. Though you can do this all over the world, why not do it on your trip to Australia?
There are lots of amazing places to skydive around the country. But thanks to its gorgeous coastline, New South Wales offers some of the best views.
For anyone staying in Sydney, you can drive either an hour south to Wollongong or 2 hours north to Newcastle. Both are accessible by train from Sydney as well.
Skydive Australia has jumps in both locations, and you can admire the picture-perfect beaches as you free fall from the sky.
Book your skydive in Wollongong or Newcastle online and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
18. Road trip along the coast
Road trips are an amazing way to explore Australia. New South Wales in particular provides the perfect backdrop and amenities for an epic coastal road trip.
If you have time to road trip the entire coast, go for it! From the lush hinterlands of the North Coast, to the golden beaches of the Central Coast, to the remote campsites and cooler temperatures of the South Coast, there are endless places to explore.
The entire coastline is also framed by amazing hiking trails and national parks, so you can combine coastal wonders with some forest exploration.
Most of the public beaches and parks around the state have toilets, showers, and public BBQ facilities, and there are campgrounds galore. NSW really has everything you need for the perfect road trip adventure!
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
19. Ride the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly
So you’ve done the Bondi to Coogee Walk, you’ve climbed the Harbour Bridge, and you’ve admired the Sydney Opera House. What other must-do attractions are there in Sydney?
Many travellers would recommend catching the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. This is like a cheaper version of a sightseeing cruise, as you get beautiful views of the famous harbour while you cruise over to Manly.
Feel the breeze on your skin as you relax aboard the public ferry. You’ll glide through Sydney Harbour and get front row seats to the city’s scenery such as the Royal Botanic Garden, the Opera House, and the harbour islands.
Upon arriving in Manly, you can spend the day walking, cycling, swimming, snorkelling, surfing, and sightseeing in one of the best beach neighborhoods in Sydney.
Read our guide to the best beaches in Sydney for more ideas!
20. Surf in Crescent Head
Crescent Head is a beautiful coastal spot on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Picture a dramatic headland overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with perfect point breaks creating waves for surfers of all levels.
Surrounding the headland are shallow inlets for kids, lovely beaches for swimming and sunbathing, and various campsites and holiday homes where you can relax with loved ones.
If you’re looking for a tranquil spot to kick back, soak in the sun, and surf your heart out, plan a trip to Crescent Head!
Just note that Crescent Head is a very popular spot during school holidays, so the campsites and accommodations can fill up quickly. If you plan to visit during holidays, book your stay in advance to avoid missing out.
21. Go stargazing in Warrumbungles National Park
Located in the Orana region of inland New South Wales, Warrumbungle National Park is a fascinating place to visit.
During the day, you can hike through the rugged volcanic mountains, spotting wildlife and getting insane photos of the crazy rock formations.
But the Warrambungles come alive at night! As Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, Warrumbungle National Park has minimal light pollution and creates the perfect place for stargazing.
Visitors can set up telescopes and cameras at designated viewing areas, or visit the nearby Siding Spring Observatory which is home to Australia’s largest optical telescope.
You’ll get the most incredible views of the starry night sky in the Warrumbungles!
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