Welcome to New South Wales

Brassy, bold, stately and old, New South Wales (NSW) hogs the lion’s share of Australia’s population, and it’s where the country’s modern society was birthed. It’s the most eclectic state and one of great contrasts; from the glitz of Sydney’s uberstyle bars and heart-breaking harbour, to the lunar landscapes of Mungo National Park. History echoes in the sandstone edifices and gracious old pubs speckled throughout... Read More

Top experiences in New South Wales

Recent articles

Australia's best summer festivals

There’s always a festival somewhere in a country as big and diverse as Australia, but it’s in summer, roughly from November to March, that things really kick off. Whatever you’re into, wherever you find yourself, you’ll find like-minded souls getting together to cheer on the good things in life.

From hedonistic three-day music festivals to sedate celebrations of wine and food and showcases of creative exuberance, there’s a time and place for every passion under the southern s
Hugh McNaughtan
Lonely Planet Writer

Food touring in Australia's Newcastle

Adorned with handsome heritage architecture and fringed by sandy beaches, Australia's second-oldest city is slowly making waves on this country's celebrated foodie scene. With the Hunter Valley's farms and vineyards, Myall Lakes' oyster leases and Pacific Ocean's bounty all on its doorstep, Newcastle is now come of age in the kitchen.

Sydney weekenders and a mass homecoming of ex-pats (many tired of no-booking queues and big city egos) have helped see Newcastle's bar and restaurant scene booming once more. Here's the lowdown on the memorable mouthfuls and hippest haunts that chilled-out Novocastrians would probably prefer were kept to themselves.
Benedict Walker
Lonely Planet Writer

48 hours in Newcastle

For many years the Australian port city of Newcastle, a two-hour drive north of Sydney, has been on the brink of big things. Coal, steel and timber was once this city's lifeblood but the cultural, the gastronomical and the creatively entrepreneurial have been on the rise for a long while. Newcastle's time has finally come.

Today Australia's second-oldest city is punching well above its weight. Superb surf beaches, historic architecture and a sun-drenched subtropical climate are only part of the city’s charms. There is fine dining, hip bars, quirky boutiques, and a diverse arts scene. And did we mention the easy access to the delights of the Hunter Valley wine country and incredible coastline of Nelson Bay and the whale watching at Port Stephens? You’ll be surprised just how much variety you can jam pack into a 48-hour itinerary.
Miriam Raphael
Lonely Planet Writer
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Travel guides

Starting at $12.99

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New South Wales adventures

$34.54 Sightseeing tours

Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Explore Sydney and Bondi Beach on this hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour, which takes you by double-decker bus to 34 stops around the city including Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, Bondi Beach and more. Enjoy unobstructed views and recorded commentary on board. Simply hop off to walk around and sightsee in depth. Your ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours, so you can experience Sydney and Bondi's most noteworthy attractions, sights, and shopping and dining areas at your own pace.
$138.17 Sightseeing tours

Australia Multi-City Attractions Pass

Explore the best of what Australia has to offer with an Australia Multi-City Attractions Pass. See more and save up to 50% on admission to Australia's favorite attractions, tours, cruises and things to do, all on one easy-to-use card! You will receive either five, seven or ten tickets (your choice), loaded on a smartcard for entry to top attractions in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and destinations throughout Tasmania. Use your tickets all in one city, or spread them over as many cities as you can. You have an entire three months to use your tickets from the date of card activation.
$4499 Nature & wildlife

Explore Australia

Imagine getting to Australia’s greatest highlights in 12 legendary, stress-free days. From its world-class cities and sacred Red Centre, to the Great Barrier Reef and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, this itinerary leaves no stone unturned. With meaningful cultural immersion, included internal flights, and a guided foodie walk through Melbourne, this is a trip down under you might wish to take again and again.
$191.13 Sightseeing tours

Thredbo or Perisher Weekend Snow Trip

Rip up the powder as you tear down the ski runs at Perisher, or work on your board tricks at Thredbo during an action-packed snow weekend from Sydney. Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced skier or boarder, get set for a wild weekend of Snowy Mountain fun.Your weekend includes partying at the Snowy Valley Resort on Saturday night and two full days at the snow, as the bus departs the snow to return to Canberra or Sydney late Sunday afternoon.
$229.51 Sightseeing tours

3-Day Thredbo or Perisher Midweek Madness Snow Adventure from Sydney

Travel down to Jindybine from Sydney or Canberra with a coach load of new buddies and enjoy three full days of action packed snow fun at Thredbo and Perisher. Enjoy some Midweek Madness at the snow, thrashing out your snowboard on the half-pipe, or tearing down the ski slopes.You'll be taken to either Thredbo or Perisher, enjoy three full days at the snow including accommodation at the Snowy Valley Resort and breakfast daily.
$538.09 Small group tours

Blue Mountains Deluxe Overnight Eco Experience - Small Group (2-day)

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city for the beautiful and scenic Blue Mountains. Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park and hand-feed kangaroos and emus, see stunning mountain views and travel through historic towns. Stay overnight at Lilianfels and enjoy a morning of exploring the countryside at your own pace.
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