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Sydney

Sydney's inner city is charming yet busy, during the day you can wander around looking at the diverse range of buildings as the CBD is small enough to make your way by foot. The Botanical Garden is a nice way to spend an afternoon, and Hyde Park is a great sport to hang out with friends. The city itself is a blend of high time, the bars and clubs fill with patrons from all walks of life.

 

Sydney is rightly proud of its extensive ferry network, and the best way to access it, is either side of the harbour. At Circular Quay, you can check out the different options, as the ferries are an easy way to access Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, the Opera House from the water.

Darling Harbour on the western edge of the inner city is lined with bars, restaurants, cafes and more than a couple of clubs. The maritime museum and Sydney Aquarium are at either end of the Darling Harbour footbridge, and both are potentially worth a look depending on your interests. You can also catch a water taxi into the central harbour from here. 

 

Kings Cross has a notorious reputation, as being run by the underworld, it is actually fairly safe and attracts a large community of backpackers in its hostels for the fun nights out. It is alight with the neon lights of bars and strip clubs, you will notice a few hookers working on the streets, but the nightlife varies from commercial music venues and strip clubs to bars and underground clubs. There is a strong security and police presence and the area has a number of hostels at reasonable prices surrounding it.

 

Circular Quay and the Rocks are the melting spot between the modern and historic sections of Sydney, is where convict built buildings merge with more modern structures. Even though they are renovated on the inside. You will actually find some of Sydney's best bars and restaurants here, generally warm and charming with a feel of history. Be aware, it is quite expensive to eat and drink in this area, but a must for wander through with your camera.  

 

Bondi and Coogee are flooded with backpackers all year around, but be extra aware that prices skyrocket about the month before Christmas, and it can be hard to book anything around New Year's Eve, unless you have booked well in advance. There are private houses available to rent however, they are extremely hard to get and generally very expensive. There is generally a lot of work, but with thousands of backpackers trying to fill the positions the competition is strong.

 

Bondi is best known for its beach, the surf can be good, but more often than not it is both overrated and super crowded. The beach itself is beautiful despite the crowd and there is a surf school for those, who want to learn how to surf. 

 

Swimmers beware there are literally thousands of rescues every year due to flash rips. It may look calm but things can change without warning, especially the appropriately named the rip at the southern end of the beach, Backpackers Rip. SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS PEOPLE DO DROWN HERE! When you are in Bondi you should do the Bondi-Coogee walk. Make sure you take your boards and drinking water with you. You walk from Bondi over the southern headland to Tamarama, if you are an experienced surfer, you should check this place out, from here you just want to keep walking, past the cliff side cemetery, spectacular sea cliffs, amazing small beaches and rugged shoreline. The walk to the north head of Bondi is great too. 

 

Coogee is a slightly smaller version of Bondi with a few fun places to party, although guys be warned, it has quite a reputation for becoming violent on the later hours of the night. But you have to look for trouble or at least unlucky to encounter any problems. Bondi Junction has a few small bars and clubs, heaps of shopping and cheap supermarkets for food, however apart from that, there is not much else to do.

 

Northern Beaches

Stretching from Manly to Palm Beach, this spectacular part of the coastline is extremely diverse. Manly is a busy tourist beach with plenty to offer, including surf lessons, markets and great small pubs. Another place worth looking at is the Sydney Harbour National Park. If you can get a car, take the drive along the coast up to Palm Beach, where you can find some amazing lookouts and walking tracks along the way. The further north you travel the less commercial and built up areas and the surf and the beaches get a lot less crowded.

 

The Hunter Valley

For those who need a break from the goon bags, which is the cheap Australian wine sold in 2 to 4 litre boxes, should take the two and a half hour drive from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, to experience the relaxing culture and culinary excellence of one of Australia's most famous wine regions. Apart from the wine tasting and food, there are plenty of historic buildings in the small towns, as well as some amazing walking tracks and wildlife. 

 

Not all wineries in this region offer free tasting and some charge you an entry fee, but with a little research when you get there and you can find some great freebies. Remember drink driving is taken very seriously in Australia, so if you can not agree on a designated driver, it is probably best to avoided tasting to much wineries. 

 

For those who are not wine fans, the Hunter Valley is also home to the boutique Bluetongue Brewery, which is worth a visit. 

 

It is recommended to have a campervan or car with tent, as there is only one hostel and you will need to book well in advance, other accommodation can be rather expensive in this region.

 

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are around an hour and a half drive from Sydney, but are also accessible via a spectacular train journey. The Blue Mountains get their name due to the gasses that the gum trees release to make themselves more flammable. It is the only way gum trees are able to reproduce. The gasses cause a clue haze in the air, giving a truly uniquely cast to the Great Dividing Range. Linked by a main highway and the region contain several small towns offering nice food, amazing art and local specialties. 

 

The Tree Sisters peaks are the main attraction along with the Katoomba railway and although it is rather pricey, it is also a wonderful experience on the world´s steepest railway. Originally built to haul valuable coal from the coalmines in the valley below. It now offers access for tourist to the valley, old coalmines and a boardwalk amid the trees, ferns and wildlife. 

 

The town of Katoomba is home to a hostel and is probably the best place to set up base, when exploring the region. You will find an endless amount of lookouts and walking trails close by Katoomba, where there are spectacular waterfalls and amazing rainforest and wildlife. You can easily spend a full day or two wandering around and relax, in this truly spectacular and instantly recognisable part of Australia.

 

Ballina

Ballina is a great spot to get away from the usual backpacker scene, although it does have a reputation, as more of a family orientated area. 

 

With horseback riding at the southern end of the beach and great on shore fishing, it is an extremely relaxing area. You can also choose to test your surfing skills, at the famous Lenox Heads, or on one of the many other great surf spots. If you are a surfer and were thinking of heading to the Tweed Heads or Coolangatta region to surf Snapper Rocks and Kirra, it may be worth diverting away from the crowds and heading down Ballina way. With Byron Bay neighbouring the area, there are plenty to do and see.

 

Nimbin

A seemingly lawless town with regard to anti-cannabis legislation has long been a popular stop off for tourist. You could say, it has a bit in common with the "coffee shops" in Amsterdam, except there is not much else here apart from a few bars, arts, craft style shops and the Nimbin Museum. 

 

The museum itself can be a good laugh and there is a message and theme, as you walk through the different rooms, representing different eras in the Nimbin area, which is not so obvious. 

 

Surrounding Nimbin, there are amazing landscapes and natural beauty, if you grab a local map when you arrive, you will be able to discover some great swimming hills and rivers, as well as some spectacular walking tracks. 

 

Many of the cafe's offer smoking device and utensils as well as selling the products, so beware of sellers on the street, as they can charge a higher price or offer a less quality product and may also be pushing a harder substance. The cafes also offer some great tasting food and drinks with a lot of it organic. 

 

There are tours available, but Nimbin is small enough to drive to and explore either on your own or with friends. You will always meet someone to talk to or hang with.

 

Byron Bay

Byron Bay was originally founded by a group of alternative surfers, who bought land and spent weeks on surf trips, for eventually exposing the rest of the world to the fabulous surf and spectacular nature, that is Byron Bay and it is hinterland today. 

 

Byron Bay has seemingly kept that alternative hippie feel, and its frequently attracts travelling musicians and buskers, with great music being heard anywhere from the bars and clubs to buskers in the street, camp sights and gatherings at hostels. 

 

Accommodation has become rather expensive even in hostels due to the high demand, though there are cheaper camping areas and in some hostels people seem to sell the set-ups, to other backpackers and others move in. 

 

Byron Bay is the most easterly point in Australia and Cape Byron is a must to explore. There is a great walking track to enjoy spectacular views of the ocean, lighthouse and surrounding beaches. Byron Bay does have a reputation for sucking backpackers into its laid back lifestyle. It is a truly unique alternative destination, with plenty to do and explore and a must on your east cost journey.

 

Batemans Bay

Originating as a fishing and timber town, Batemans Bay has gained a great reputation, as a place for Australians to get away since the mid 50's, and also a reputation for catering to travellers on a low budget. Further south is a small town called Mogo, where you can pick up unique gifts for your family, if they are into the arty crafty side of life. 

 

Birdland Animal Park is said to hold a great collection of Australian wildlife set in a beautiful natural settings, including waterfalls, duck ponds and a train, all in 3 hectares of land. 

 

From Batemans Bay you can take cruises 11 kilometres up the Clyde River, where you can surf, fish and walk on the surrounding beaches or explore the Murramarang National Park. A great place to take a break and relax on your journey.

 

Tamworth

Known as the capital of Australian country music, do not let this put you off, if country music is not your thing. 

 

Gemstone fossicking is popular in the surrounding areas. If you are planning to head out here, make sure you book your accommodation well in advance, as there are a number of music festivals, throughout the year, which attract people from all over the surrounding areas and flooding the cheap accommodation. 

 

Although country music is popular here, you can hear some different styles in one of the party pubs in the area.

You can also be lucky and get the chance to gold panning, and who knows, you might be lucky.

If you are heading here for work you should organise work and accommodation before you get here.

 

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is the centre of the Coffs region, where the Great Dividing Range meets the coast. With 11 National Parks to explore, it is a nature lovers' playground and from Coffs Harbour, you are able to head out diving in the pristine water. with an average temperature at 23 degrees. 

 

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including beach-buggy tours, skydiving and sea kayaking. Coffs is also home to the Big Banana, just north if the city.

 

Coffs Harbour is a great spot to stay and enjoy the seaside living Australia.

 

Newcastle

Australia's 6th largest city, Newcastle is based around a port and has pristine beaches with amazing surf. Surfers will love it here, there are plenty of breaks to paddle out to or you can relax in one of the warm ocean baths. 

 

There is a 5 kilometres walking track along the coastline, with spectacular views, as well as all the usual activities to enjoy and a great live music scene to boot. 

 

The nightlife is generally safe, with a variety of venues to choose from, ranging from some of the best DJ's and live music to the more commercial bars and pubs. You will also find a wide variety of bars, cafes and restaurants.

 

Port Macquarie

Well know for its clean and uncrowded beaches, Port Macquarie is also know as the head of the spectacular Hastings River. With plenty of activities to enjoy such as high speed boat tours, jet boat rides, 4WD tours, scenic river cruises, surfing and fishing, you will definitely not get bored. 

 

There are over 74,000 people living in the greater Port Macquarie region meaning plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants to hang out in during night time and a fair few job opportunities in this sector. 

 

Being one of Australia's first settlements towns outside of Sydney, you can find some interesting historical building to walk around and look at. 

 

For those interested in blues, jazz and classical music, the Camden Haven Music Festival happens every May and attracts a variety of locals, nationals and internationals artists. 

 

A good stop off point on your trip, where you will meet locals and have some unique experiences, exploring the surrounding towns, lakes and forests.

 

 

Snow Mountains

For those looking to escape the searing Australian sun, you should head up to the Snowy Mountains, home to both the highest and largest ski fields in Australia. The four main ski fields in the Snowy Mountains are Thredbo, which is the highest, Perisher Blue, which is the largest, Selwyn and Charlotte Pass.

 

Snowboarding is only possible during in winter, however there are plenty of activities available all year around in this spectacular region, including fishing, rafting, caving, cycling, bush walking and even eater skiing on Lake Jindabyne. 

 

At the foothills of the snowy Mountains, you find Tumbarumba and its surrounding areas, with amazing wildness. At Tumut you will find charming little riverside towns and the Yarrangobilly Caves. You must try some of the delicious apples available in the region too. 

 

Bombala is a great spot for anyone who has not tasted a trout, or is interested in fishing, as there are abundance streams, creeks and dams to throw a line in. However, you should bear in mind, that much of the area is within National Parks, that require a trout licence to go fishing and the fisheries department patrols the waterways regularly. It is also know as a good spot for platypus sightings. It is a large region to explore and perfect for a campervan, when it is not snowing. 

Mount Kosciuszko is the peak of Kosciuszko National Park and you will find great skiing and walking tracks here. 

 

Nestled in the centre, is the Jindabyne township and region, which is known, as the adventure base camp for the whole area. During the peak season the nightlife has to be seen to be believed. 

 

If you are planning to visit, Canberra is easily accessible from the Snowy Mountains and also great route heading to Sydney from Melbourne.

 

Albury

Albury situated 570 kilometres southwest of Sydney, Albury is the second largest town in the Murray Darling region. There are plenty of activities including fly fishing, sailing and various other water sports activities on the rivers. The area is also known as the gateway to the Rutherglen wine region. 

You can experience the nature with bird watching in the Wodonga wetlands.

 

It is a place visit , if you are out this way, rather than a specific destination.

 

Wollongong

Woolongong affectionately known, as the Gong by Aussies. The greater Wollongong area has 17 beaches, most of them with good clean surf and nine of them with safe rock pools for swimming. 

Surrounded by dramatic hills, coastal cliffs and sub-tropical rainforest you can also explore the spectacular and lush Illawarra region and along with all the usual activities, ad also boats and one of Australia's best locations for Hang Gliding. At Stanwell is a spot called Bald Hill, and it is a great way to get a bird's eye view down the coast.

 

Jervis Bay, famous for its whale watching opportunities, is also part of the Illawarra region.

 

Being close to Sydney and having a large enough population it draws an impressive list of DJ's and bands and has several great venues to host them.

 

The drive from Sydney to Wollongong is spectacular on the Grand Pacific Highway. There is a section of the highway, known as the sea bridge that creeps out over the edge of the cliff, giving you the sensation of driving right over the sea with amazing views. At either end there is roadside parking, so you can walk out and take photos of the surrounding coastline. 

 

Kiama Blowhole is spectacular, especially when there is a large swell, with water blowing high in the air under the enormous pressure. 

 

If you are driving, there are plenty of dainty sleepy coastal villages and gorgeous national parks to explore, in the surrounding area.

 

Port Stephens

This relaxing seaside town is known for being home to a pod of over 150 bottlenose dolphins and a dozens of beaches in the surrounding area, as well as its amazing fresh seafood and breathtaking beaches. 

 

When you are in Port Stephens, you must venture up to the Tomaree Headland Lookouts, where you get en incredible view and see some of the 230 species of birds found in the area. 

 

Nelson Bay offers plenty of water based activities, with calm bays at your feet and open, rough beaches. A short drive away from Nelson Bay is Fly Point and Broughton Island, here you will be treated with spectacular and diverse diving and snorkelling. Fly Point is famous for the hand feeding of resident blue gropers.

Nelson Bay is a great base to explore the surrounding areas including the historic town of Raymond Terrace on the Hunter River, home to the spectacular tea gardens and the river mouth. Stockton Beach plays host to over 30 kilometres of sand dunes, pristine water and uncrowded beaches. 

 

During April the region is home to the Karuah Oyster Festival, which incorporating many local activities and characters, the festival is a great experience.

 

Climate

 Most of New South Wales has an arid or semi-arid climate. However the climate can vary depending where you are. Example the eastern part of New South Wales has a temperate climate and the Snowy Mountains region (in south east) is in an alpine/highland climate zone. 

 

Month Sydney 

Jan      23
Feb      23
Mar     21
Apr      19
May     15
Jun      13
Jul       13
Aug     14
Sep      16
Oct      18
Nov     20
Dec      21

 

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