Beyond the beach – surprising experiences in Sydney and New South Wales
Enjoy the best of both worlds by combining incredible beaches with exciting inland escapades for every type of traveller
Blessed: make a pitstop in New South Wales for spectacular beaches, such as Bondi, and amazing attractions that will keep the whole family entertained.
The Australian state of New South Wales is blessed with some of the most stunning stretches of sand on earth. But you rarely have to look too far behind the beach to find amazing attractions and activities to lure you away from the coast…
And, of course, no visit to New South Wales would be complete without a stay in its bustling capital. So, while you're there, make the most of the vibrant city life by checking out hotel deals in Sydney at newsouthwaleshotels.net. With the city's cultural hotspots and nightlife just moments away from your hotel doorstep, it's an experience that's not to be missed.
Bondi Beach, Sydney
Sydney’s most famous beach is known for its people-watching, surf lessons and seafood restaurants, but there’s also a strong arty streak. The streets behind the beach are dotted with galleries, with the Aquabumps Gallery specialising in visually stunning surf photos, having the greatest sense of place. You can test your own photography skills along sections of the 80km walk from Bondi to Manly, which brings together harbour views, vertiginous lookouts, charming cove beaches and green, trickling gullies.
Each October, however, the art lines up in the other direction along the coast. The clifftop walk from Bondi Beach to Tamarama plays host to the famous Sculpture By The Sea, where dozens of weird and wonderful artworks are installed for all to enjoy.
Emerald Beach, Coffs Harbour
Best for: Wildlife
There are several tremendous beaches around Coffs Harbour on the North Coast of New South Wales. However, Emerald Beach is known for getting great surf conditions when you most want them – in the Australian summer months. It is also a famous hangout for inquisitive kangaroos – take the walk up to the Look At Me Now Headland and you’re almost guaranteed to see some.
Back to nature: Emerald Beach is known for its great surf and inquisitive kangaroos that roam the headland
There’s plenty more wildlife in the nearby Dorrigo National Park, where lyrebirds, possums, brush turkeys and angle-headed dragons hang out in the World Heritage-listed rainforests. Keep quiet while on the walking tracks to waterfalls such as Crystal Shower Falls and see what you can spot.
Birubi Beach, Port Stephens
Best for: Adventure
Birubi Beach is the eastern section of the massive Worimi sand dunes system, which sweeps along the southern coast of Port Stephens towards Newcastle. It’s also where you can try your hand at riding a camel.
More daring deeds are available elsewhere among the dunes, where four-wheel drive outings, quad bike tours and sandboarding experiences take place. The Aboriginal-owned Sand Dune Adventures combines quad bikes and sandboards with cultural education. Guides explaining local Aboriginal customs, heritage and bush food.
Wamberal Beach, Central Coast
Best for: Culture
Wamberal Beach is the in-the-know local pick of the Central Coast beaches. It’s backed by a pretty lagoon and the surf rolls in consistently. But it can also be used as a springboard to the fascinating hinterland. Bouddi National Park plays host to the Bulgandry Art Site, where Aboriginal rock art is carved into the stone floor.
Best of both: combine wine tasting with an immersive Aboriginal workshop at Firescreek Winery.
The Firescreek Winery, meanwhile, specialises in wines made with locally-sourced botanicals. It also runs Aboriginal storytelling sessions, where a local Indigenous elder showcases traditional tools and musical instruments as you taste the wines.
Culburra Beach, Jervis Bay
Best for: Wine
Jervis Bay is lined with dozens of beaches with sand so gorgeously white you need sunglasses. Culburra Beach on the northern end of the Beecroft Peninsula isn’t one of the best-known here, but it’s close to the up-and-coming wineries around the Shoalhaven River. The Two Figs Winery has imperious hilltop views, while the Coolangatta Estate offers cute heritage accommodation and deluxe picnic experiences.
Tallow Beach, Byron Bay
Best for: Pampering
Byron Bay became such a surfer favourite because it has several great beaches, all facing in different directions. But Tallow Beach is the four-mile stunner backed by the rainforest bushland of Arakwal National Park.
In the wild: Minyon Falls walking track leads through rainforest to a scenic waterfall.
It’s in that surrounding rainforest that you’ll find a series of blissed-out spa retreats. Notable among these is the Ecoasis Mami Wata. Here, each of the private chalets is designed with valley views in mind, while tea appreciation ceremonies and Ayurvedic massage are part of the wellness menu. Go in October, and you can combine it with the Tweed Artisan Food Festival.
While New South Wales’s coast is ringed by world-beating beaches, outstanding new experiences open up just a few miles inland that reveal glimpses of the real Australia, in all its natural glory. Add to that contemporary sculpture trails, Aboriginal rock art sites and mouthwatering artisanal food and wine festivals and even the most devoted beach buff will want to follow a path into the interior.
New South Wales – a state that shines out
New South Wales is waiting for you – from festivals, food and culture to wildlife and natural spectacles, there are endless unmissable moments to be had on a holiday through the state.
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