10 things to do in New South Wales outside Sydney

Before we go any further, let me say this: Sydney is AMAZING. It’s a legendary traveller city and people come here and sort of get stuck. They love it so much they find it hard to tear themselves away. I’ve seen it myself many times.

Yes, you must climb the Harbour Bridge, yes, you must take in the view of the Sydney Opera House from the Manly Ferry and yes, of course, you must surf on Bondi Beach. A trip to Australia would feel a little unfulfilled if you didn’t do any of those things.

That said, there’s so much more to New South Wales than just Sydney, it’s a huge state more than twice the size of the UK. So make sure you hang around long enough to explore the state rather than just Sydney, otherwise you’ll be kicking yourself when you hear everyone else’s stories later on.

Here are 10 amazing things to do in New South Wales that will take you beyond Sydney…

Climb the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains offer amazing views of dramatic landscapes just a few miles north of Sydney. In approximately 2 hours, you can go from a bustling Australian metropolis to dramatic, deserted, mountainous landscapes, in the Blue Mountains.

You can hike, rock climb, and mountain bike the rocky landscape. If you’d prefer to take things a little easier (unless you’re scared of heights) and ride the world’s steepest railway incline up the mountains and then jump in the Skyway – a glass-bottomed box that will dangle you over ravines and cliff tops over 270m up. A nice birthday treat if you’re looking for ideas.

Kiama Blowhole

Kiama is a small coastal town around 120 km (75 miles) south of Sydney. It’s got a much-talked-about natural blowhole which makes for a pretty impressive stopover – the seawater can be sprayed up to 25 metres in the air in the right conditions.

The blowhole is the main attraction in Kiama, but that’s not all. 10 minutes further down the road is the beautiful Seven Mile Beach with miles and miles of beautifully dramatic coastline. If you get up early enough, you should be able to sit in the quiet morning sun and watch pods of dolphins swim in the water below.

Walk through Minnamurra Rainforest

Budderoo National Park can be found around 100 kms (62 miles) southwest of Sydney. The park is the perfect contrast to the cityscapes, mountains, and beautiful coastlines found in other parts of NSW.

Within Budderoo National Park is Minnamurra Rainforest, which is exactly what you would expect a rainforest would be; thick green leaves, stunning hidden waterfalls, and lots of wildlife.

To protect the forest, you walk the whole way on an impressive boardwalk meaning the plants below are protected from repetitive walking keeping the park in its natural state. A great idea.

Head North to Newcastle

Forget about getting mortal, this Newcastle is something a bit different (sorry Geordies!) Newcastle is New South Wales’ second largest city and is jam-packed full of hipsters.

This is probably because the city is a hub of the very best of New South Wales culture. Examples of the very best in Australian art, fashion, and music are everywhere, not to mention the beaches which are probably Newcastle’s highlight. There are so many to choose from, so try and get to them all if you have time, otherwise at least get to Merewether.

Ski in the Snowy Mountains

Yes, Ski. You may not believe it, but New South Wales has some pretty decent winter sports potential during the winter season. The Snowy Mountains are Australia’s highest mountain range and can be found in the southern part of the state, near the border of Victoria.

If you’re visiting during winter, hit the slopes for some great skiing opportunities and if you’re here in summer then you’re not left out, you’ll just have to swap the skis for hiking boots, kayak, or a horse.

Feed the fish at Neds Beach, Lord Howe island

One of Australia’s cleanest beaches, and home to 500 species of fish, Neds Beach on Lord Howe Island off the coast of New South Wales provides you with a pretty unique opportunity to stand knee-deep in the warm waters as hundreds of fish flap in the water beside you waiting to be fed.

Bring some fish food and help feed eager mullet, wrasse, garfish, silver drummer, spangled emperor, and metre-long kingfish, but beware these hungry little ones aren’t shy!

It’s another trek so nearly a 2 hour internal flight is easiest to get here but this tropically beautiful island is absolutely worth the effort if you have some time to spend exploring New South Wales.

Byron Bay

One of my favourite places on the East Coast, Byron Bay. It’s not far behind Sydney in legendary status amongst travellers but, for very different reasons so you have to visit both.

Its one similarity is a magnificent beach. Imagine lying on powdery sand, with tropical rainforest to one side of you, and a beautiful blue ocean to the other, and you’ve pretty much got the gist. Throw in some chilled-out beach bars playing chilled music and plenty of independent food joints and that’s Byron Bay. It’s around a 9 hour drive from Sydney so it’s a bit of a trek, but get some accommodation and make a weekend of it.

Go Whale watching in Stanwell Tops

Stanwell Tops near Wollongong is one of the best places to spot whales outside of Sydney and believe me, with around 45 species of whales in Aussie waters, you won’t be disappointed with your early start, which is the best time to see them.

If Wollongong isn’t floating your whale-watching boat then take your pick… you can spot them in Byron Bay, Newcastle, Post Stephens, Crowdy Head at Crowdy Bay National Park and so many more. The feeling you get from watching these incredible ocean giants is unforgettable – DO NOT miss it!

Do some wine tasting

Australia is home to some of the world’s best vineyards, and New South Wales is home to the best of the best. Tatler Wines Vineyard in The Hunter Valley has been producing some of the country’s best wine for years, and with a backdrop of the rolling Brokeback Ranges, it’s the perfect place to come and relax and learn more about wine if that’s your thing, or maybe just get tipsy and enjoy yourself.