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Australia Travel Inspo
New South Wales
All you need to know about Sydney & New South Wales
When you think of Australia, we can guarantee you’re imagining blue skies, a thriving beach culture, early morning coffee runs along the coastline and a few world class surf breaks, right?
Well, if this is the lifestyle you’re craving then you should absolutely get yourself on a flight to New South Wales! Home to big name cities like Sydney, the sun-kissed town of Byron Bay and breathtaking natural treasures over in the Blue Mountains; these are only a handful of spectacular finds for you to uncover.
Not sure how to go about exploring this amazing state? Join us on our fully guided Welcome to Sydney Tour or our 30 day semi-guided East Coast Tour.
Plan Your Adventure
Join us on our Welcome to Sydney, Melbourne Mini Pack, or Welcome to Australia: East Coast tours or chat to our community team to plan your own epic personalised adventure.
New South Wales Destinations
Sydney
Blue Mountains
Port Stephens
Jervis Bay
Byron Bay
"When I think of classic Australia, I think of NSW. Beautiful beaches, gorgeous weather and a city that is iconic as it gets! Everyday spent here feels like a fever dream..."
Hannah
Sydney
Key Characteristics
Ever wondered why there’s a spaceship in the middle of a city? Oh wait, that’s just the Sydney Opera house…
Sydney ☀️ is the capital of New South Wales and rightfully so, its vibrant city, dazzling landmarks, beautiful beaches and a rich history attract millions of visitors every year. Usually, travellers come to gawk at its glittering harbour and snap the classic shot 📸 in front of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, but for most backpackers, this becomes the perfect base, with so much to explore in all directions.
Type Of Traveller It Suits
Sydney truly has something for everyone. For our beach lovers, travel to the east of the city, grab an acai bowl and spend the day relaxing on the iconic Bondi Beach 🏖️. If you’re a quirky and eccentric character, you’ll be wanting to head west to suburbs like Newtown for an inner city feel. For anyone wanting that big city feeling, head to the Opera Bar and for sunset and watch the Sydney Harbour bridge and the buildings around it come to life at night! P.S – for an even bigger wow factor, stroll down to Darling Harbour on a Saturday night for their weekly firework 🎆 display.
Backpacker Tips
Sydney boasts over 100 beaches! There really is no excuse to be bored in a city like this. No matter the season, Sydney weather is always a delight too, which means there is always an opportunity to go beach hopping. Why not try the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk? Take in beautiful shores, cliff tops and great cafes along the way. The walk could take anywhere from 2 hours to a whole day depending on how many stop offs and swim breaks you take!
Whether you’re settling in Sydney or just planning to explore for a few days, the transport is super easy to use. Simply use your debit or credit card to tap on and off wherever you go! For those staying longer, we recommend getting an Opal Card to help to save money on your weekly travel spend.
For those on our Welcome to Sydney tour, all your transport throughout the week is covered by us! If you’re heading over on a Working Holiday Visa, we can help set up your sim card, bank account and tax file number too, so you can relax and explore the city with us, stress free!
Visit New South Wales on These Tours
8 Days / 7 Nights
Welcome to Sydney
Sydney is as iconic as they come. Experience this bustling city along with the chill beachy vibes of the south coast.
5 Days / 4 Nights
Blue Mountains Road Trip (Add-On)
We created this fantastic add-on so that you can explore the Blue Mountains and Central Coast of NSW with your new found travel family straight after your Welcome to Sydney tour!
4 Days / 3 Nights
Sydney Mini Pack
Short on time but want to see the city and still get work and travel help? Our Sydney Mini Pack is for you!
30 Days / 29 Nights
Welcome to Australia: East Coast
Drive 4×4’s on K’Gari (Fraser Island), fly over and cruise around the Whitsunday Islands, snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, all this and a lot more. On this 30 day – semi guided tour.
52 Days / 51 Nights
45 Days / 44 Nights
52 Days / 51 Nights
52 Days / 51 Nights
Blue Mountains
Key Characteristics
Just a 90 minute drive from Sydney is the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed marvel and an adventurer’s paradise. The Blue Mountains ⛰️ national park is the perfect day trip or weekend getaway. Explore ancient forests, hike down to find cascading waterfalls, and soak in panoramic views of the Three Sisters rock formation.
“But are the Blue Mountains actually blue?”
Well not quite. While the mountains are most recognisable for having a blue haze as they stretch out in the distance, fun fact is this haze is actually created from the oil’s of the eucalyptus trees 🌿 rising into the air! Don’t believe us? Well, it might just be something you need to see for yourself.
Type Of Traveller It Suits
The Blue Mountains are a nature lover’s dream! If you love hiking 🗺️ through breathtaking landscapes, encountering unique wildlife, and finding unforgettable sunset spots then this might be the perfect destination for you. Better yet, whether you’re a solo traveller, a group of friends, or a budget-conscious explorer, the Blue Mountains offer a range of experiences that cater to the adventurous spirit of backpackers.
Backpacker Tips
To explore the Blue Mountains, you can use an Opal card for affordable and convenient public transport options, including trains and buses. However, if you’re travelling in a group, we definitely recommend renting a car as this will give you SO much more flexibility and options of places to explore. Our Blue Mountains Road Trip 🚐 gives our backpackers the chance to head off on a self-guided road trip after their Welcome to Sydney Tour. We’ll book your accommodation and give you a personalised itinerary and the rest it up for you and your travel group to decide on your own terms!
Our favourite walks are definitely the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Wentworth Falls track and heading to Lincolns Rock for an epic sunset view.
Port Stephens
Key Characteristics
So you’ve explored the bustling city life in Sydney and experienced the jaw dropping views over in the Blue Mountains, now it’s time to visit somewhere a little more low key, BUT equally just as beautiful…
Welcome to Port Stephens, a small coastal town that we think is an underrated destination in NSW. It has some incredible beaches, crystal clear water and playful dolphins that you can regularly spot throughout the year. While it’s more of a quiet town, it definitely doesn’t fall short on activities to do. You can surf the waves on One Mile Beach, go Sandboarding on the massive dunes at Anna Bay or go koala spotting 🐨 in the national parks. How wholesome does that sound?!
Backpacker Tips
While the bus from Sydney is a convenient and budget-friendly option, we recommend renting a car to give you enough freedom to explore at your own pace and discover secret gems off the beaten path. With it being only a 2 hour drive outside of Sydney, it makes for a perfect day or weekend road trip!
Port Stephens is full of hidden gems, one of our favourites being Fingal Bay. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, you’re usually the only person on the beach! You can stroll down the shore and feel like the main character too, obvs. If you’re up for a climb, head to Mount Tomaree. While the walk to the top definitely involves a step or two… or a couple hundred, it’s 100% achievable and will only take you 20-30 minutes max. We promise the view at the top will be so worth it. In fact, the panoramic views from the summit are undoubtedly breathtaking, and you’ll forget that you’re completely out of breath from the climb… 😅
As for more unique activities, allow us to introduce you to the ultimate Port Stephens experience: Sandboarding! Strap yourself in for an afternoon of fun and laughs as you attempt to surf down the dunes at Anna Bay. Sit or stand on the boards if you’re feeling brave, but try not to end up with a face full of sand at the end!
For our nature lovers, it is impossible not to visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. This sanctuary was created to help support the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of Koalas in the wild. You can watch the Koalas in their natural habitat knowing that they are getting first class care and attention 🥹 *grabs tissues*.
Jervis Bay
Key Characteristics
The ultimate holiday destination for Sydney-siders, Jervis Bay. Rumoured to be home to Australia’s whitest beach 👀, this coastal town is unlike any other. Located a three hour drive south of Sydney, you can experience dolphin-spotting cruises, water sports, snorkelling spots and a world class surf camp nearby. But hold on to your sunhat – there’s more! On your doorstep you’ll have national parks, charming coastal villages, surrounded by wildlife aplenty. Let us guess, your suitcase is already packed…
Backpacker Tips
First off, getting here is a breeze. Grab some fellow travellers and split a rental car for an epic road trip along the coast. Make sure to stop off at Bald Hill Lookout and admire the views as you drive across Sea Cliff Bridge!
Once you’re in Jervis Bay, head straight to Hyams Beach, which is rumoured to have the world’s whitest sand and clearest waters. On our Welcome to Sydney tour, our group will spend the afternoon here to sunbathe, swim, play beach games and enjoy all of its beauty. But don’t just stick to the postcard-perfect beaches. Venture off the beaten path to find some hidden gems. Ever heard of Hole in the Wall? It’s not just a name – it’s a literal hole in a rock cliff, and the view is worth the hike, trust me. Or how about Moona Moona Creek? It’s like a natural lazy river, perfect for a chill day floating on an inflatable unicorn (or whatever floats your boat).
And here’s a pro-tip: avoid the crowds by hitting up the beaches early in the morning or late in the afternoon. That’s when you’ll have those pristine shores all to yourself, perfect for some Instagram-worthy shots or just some quiet time to have your “I made it, mum” moment.
Byron Bay
Key Characteristics
Ahhh Byron Bay – where the waves are endless, the sunsets are psychedelic, and the vibe is as chill as a Sunday morning yoga session 🌅. This laid-back hippie haven in New South Wales is where barefoot meets board shorts, and every day feels like a festival. From drum circles on the beach to organic cafes serving up vegan delights, Byron’s got a bohemian charm that’ll make you feel right at home. So, grab your surfboard 🏄, embrace the free spirit within, and let Byron Bay work its magic on you. Peace, love, and waves, man 🌊!
Type Of Traveller It Suits
Byron Bay, with its eclectic charm and laid-back vibe, is a magnet for backpackers of all kinds. Whether you’re a free-spirited backpacker, a surf enthusiast, or a wellness seeker, Byron has something special to offer. Plus, the town’s compact size makes it easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle, giving you the freedom to explore its many attractions at your own pace.
Backpacker Tips
If you’re itching to ride the waves, our 30 day semi-guided East Coast tour includes a surf lesson with one of the local surf schools! Whether you’re a total newbie or looking to polish your skills, you’ll find the perfect wave to catch and the perfect instructor to guide you. Don’t worry, your tour guide will be there to get all the best pictures of you inevitably face planting into the water 😅… AND the ones where you stand too of course! 🏄♀️
For a magical encounter with nature, why not head out early on a Dolphin Kayak tour? How crazy would it be to be paddling alongside a pod of Dolphins 🐬 and taking in all of Byron Bay’s scenery… all before midday too!?
And when the sun sets, don’t miss out on the vibrant nightlife scene that Byron Bay is famous for. The main attraction is heading to the infamous Piano Bar, which is quite literally a piano in the middle of a bar, taking any and every song requests! One minute you’ll be screaming your lungs out to Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield and the next, probably the YMCA 🕺…
Visit New South Wales on These Tours
8 Days / 7 Nights
Welcome to Sydney
Sydney is as iconic as they come. Experience this bustling city along with the chill beachy vibes of the south coast.
5 Days / 4 Nights
Blue Mountains Road Trip (Add-On)
We created this fantastic add-on so that you can explore the Blue Mountains and Central Coast of NSW with your new found travel family straight after your Welcome to Sydney tour!
4 Days / 3 Nights
Sydney Mini Pack
Short on time but want to see the city and still get work and travel help? Our Sydney Mini Pack is for you!
30 Days / 29 Nights
Welcome to Australia: East Coast
Drive 4×4’s on K’Gari (Fraser Island), fly over and cruise around the Whitsunday Islands, snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, all this and a lot more. On this 30 day – semi guided tour.
52 Days / 51 Nights
45 Days / 44 Nights
52 Days / 51 Nights
52 Days / 51 Nights
Travel Is All About Meeting People
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Want To Know More About New South Wales?
We love to hear from you and help you with your travel plans. If you have any questions at all then feel free to get in touch. Not only can you message us, we also offer free travel advice calls meaning you can have a real conversation with a real person that’s been in your shoes.
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