New South Wales

South of Queensland is New South Wales, Australia’s first point of early settlement by the British in 1788. The New South Wales capital is Sydney, a harbour city and Mecca for any tourist in Australia. This cosmopolitan jewel is renowned as one of the most visually stunning cities in the world, and it is not hard to see why: with clean beaches, beautiful parkland and striking architecture, Sydney is 360 degrees of colour and vibrancy. As the first point of European settlement, there is a distinct colonial flavour to the downtown areas, particularly in the historical Rocks district where cobblestone laneways and courtyards are home to world-class restaurants and shopping.

Darling Harbour, which is worth a visit for the cityscape views alone, is an eclectic mix of children’s playgrounds, trendy eateries and bars. The Sydney Aquarium, Chinese Botanical Gardens and IMAX cinemas are located here, although free outdoor entertainment can make a visit to Darling Harbour a cheap day out.

For a slightly more artistic edge try Oxford Street, home of Sydney’s annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. This strip of boutique shops and cafes makes a pleasurable stroll, particularly towards Paddington. For budding photographers, why not consider a climb across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a ferry ride across the harbour or a visit to the top of Centrepoint Tower? For those who enjoy live theatre, the iconic Sydney Opera House has local and touring ballet, opera and dramatic productions throughout the year.

Up and down the East coast of New South Wales are many smaller towns and cities that offer glimpses into the local way of life. Between Sydney and Newcastle is a region known as the Central Coast, with plenty of beaches, fishing areas and accommodation for holiday makers. The South Coast of New South Wales is a somewhat different landscape with a more feel in the climate and landscape. Rugged cliffs, untouched beaches and pristine forests are just some of the beautiful features of this region.

Further inland in NSW there are several areas that grow and produce highly-rated wines, for instance the Hunter Valley near Newcastle and the Canberra district. World-class wines may be tasted and purchased in these regions which are also famous for their broad range of accommodation, from cosy bed and breakfasts to opulent resorts.

Visitors might be surprised that Australia has a ski season from June to August, and the Snowy Mountains just South of Canberra are a popular Winter holiday for snowboarding and ski enthusiasts. The nearby Australian capital of Canberra is the home of the Australian Parliament and is a city brimming with museums, galleries and other cultural exhibitions.