New South Wales

PART 1 BLOGS & PHOTOS

PART 2 VIDEO CLIPS

 

PART 1 BLOGS & PHOTOS 

New South Wales & The Australian Capital Territory (NSW & ACT)

New South Wales is Australia’s most populated state, boasting nearly 2,000 km of diverse coastline and many charming summer holiday towns. While Sydney—with its iconic Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the nearby Blue Mountains—is the most visited destination, the state offers much more for those seeking nature, adventure, or the road less travelled.

New South Wales is a state land of stunning contrasts — sun-drenched beaches, rugged mountains, lush hinterlands, and expansive outback. Whether you’re chasing urban adventures, serene nature escapes, or off-the-beaten-path discoveries, NSW has it all. Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring the entire state: East, North, South, and West.

New South Wales East is iconic for its coastline. Sydney, the state capital, is a world-class city with the glittering Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach. Beyond the city, the coast is dotted with charming towns: exploring national parks along the coast, like the Royal National Park, or enjoy a scenic coastal drive with plenty of lookout points perfect for photos.

New South Wales The northern regions are rich with natural beauty. Think subtropical rainforests, rivers, and hinterland towns with a slower pace, Lush landscapes around Lismore and Murwillumbah, great for hiking, waterfalls, local markets and cool-climate towns like Armidale, waterfalls, and charming heritage villages.

New South Wales southern regions blend wilderness, history, and wine country. From Jervis Bay’s white sands to Eden’s whale-watching spots, it’s a paradise for wildlife lovers, The Snowy Mountains, skiing in winter, hiking and mountain biking in summer. Canberra for a mix of culture, museums, and local produce. Don’t miss the vineyards of Murrumbateman or the hidden beaches along the coast

New South Wales Western Regions and semi outback. Traveling west rewards those who love solitude, wide-open skies, and the unique charm of Australia’s semi outback. You’ll encounter the vast, rugged beauty of western NSW, Broken Hill, Cobar, and Dubbo offer a glimpse into Australia’s mining history and outback life, explore Warrumbungle National Park or the remote Mutawintji National Park for bushwalking and stargazing, this region is rich in Aboriginal culture, with rock art sites and ancient landscapes

Whether you’re chasing city lights, coastal waves, or remote adventures, Pack your sense of adventure, and discover every corner of this diverse state — from the sparkling eastern seaboard to the wild western outback.

 

In and Around Sydney

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales (not Australia!), is located on the country’s southeast coast and is Australia’s largest city. Key highlights include:

  • Sydney Harbour and Bridge

  • Sydney Opera House

  • The Rocks – historic precinct and site of the first British settlement in 1788

Beyond the city:

  • Blue Mountains (80 km west): a must-visit for its dramatic escarpments, waterfalls, and the famous Three Sisters viewpoint at Echo Point.

  • Central Coast (north of Sydney): national parks, waterways, and golden beaches.

  • Off-road destinations:

    • Watagans (Ourimbah via Yarramalong to Wyong)

    • Kiama to Nowra and Danjera Dam to Ulladulla

    • Wiseman’s Ferry through Dharug NP to Bilpin

    • Jenolan Caves, Bathurst, Hill End, Kandos to Jerry Plains

National Parks of NSW

New South Wales offers diverse landscapes from alpine peaks to ancient deserts:

  • Blue Mountains NP – Iconic valleys and lookouts

  • Wollemi NP – Just a day trip from Sydney; home to the rare Wollemi Pine

  • Kosciuszko NP – Australia’s largest national park, featuring:

    • Mt Kosciuszko (2,228m), the highest peak in Australia

    • Winter: skiing at Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass

    • Summer: camping, fishing, MTB, horse riding

    • Historical sites: Cabramurra, Adaminaby, Yarrangobilly Caves, Snowy Hydro Scheme

  • Barrington Tops NP – High plateaus, subalpine scenery

  • Yengo NP – World Heritage wilderness

  • Myall Lakes NP – Coastal lakes and camping

  • Bundjalung & Broadwater NPs – Coastal gems near Yamba

  • Border Ranges NP – On the QLD border, great lookouts and rainforest

Inland & Outback NSW

Mungo National Park

One of the oldest known sites of human occupation outside Africa, home to ancient Lake Mungo and the Walls of China dunes. Part of the UNESCO Willandra Lakes Region. Ideal for soft off-roading (70 km loop drive). Access is easier from northwest Victoria or Broken Hill.

Sturt National Park

One of NSW’s largest and most remote parks. Features:

  • Tibooburra and 400-million-year-old granite outcrops

  • Strzelecki Desert red dunes

  • Dingo Fence – World’s longest fence at 5,600 km

  • Attractions: Mt Wood Homestead, Loop Road, Pastoral Museum

  • Be prepared: extreme heat, remote conditions, and potential bogging in wet weather

White Cliffs

An isolated opal mining town where, like Coober Pedy, many residents live underground to escape the heat.

Mutawintji National Park

Located northeast of Broken Hill. Red ranges, Aboriginal art sites, and vast outback skies make it a special place for a night under the stars.

Gundabooka & Toorale National Parks

South of Bourke, accessible via a 70 km drive, home to:

  • Mulgowan Aboriginal Rock Art Site

  • Toorale Homestead

Yuraygir & Bundjalung NPs

Unspoiled coastlines, camp spots, rocky headlands and charming villages. Perfect for post-outback relaxation.

Washpool & Gibraltar Range NPs

Near Glen Innes and Grafton. Rainforests, red cedar and coachwood trees, clear streams, and deep gorges.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Though small, the ACT offers big mountain landscapes. It shares Kosciuszko National Park and Mount Kosciuszko with NSW. In winter, it’s a snow playground; in summer, enjoy:

  • 4WDing

  • Horse riding

  • Fishing and MTB

  • Excellent camping along the Snowy River

Outback Travel Tips for International Overlanders

Australia’s outback, deserts, and even beaches are unlike those in Europe, Africa, or South America. Be aware:

  • First Aid: At least one person should be trained

  • Comms: Minimum UHF radio and sat phone. HF radio is ideal (rentable)

  • Safety: Always tell someone where you’re going, and confirm arrival

  • Rivers: Northern crossings may have crocodiles. Even freshwater crocs bite!

  • Beaches: Soft sand above high tide mark – drive on outgoing tide, and always turn toward the water, not uphill

  • Tyre pressures:

    • Start at 25 psi and drop in 5 psi increments as needed

    • In our LandCruiser, we’ve gone as low as 10 psi

    • Low speed is key

  • Terrain: Expect rutted tracks, bull dust, mud, sand, and water crossings—sometimes all in one day. Travel within your limits.

  • Don’t be overconfident: The Australian outback is unforgiving

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing the snow or the desert sun, craving solitude in the bush or exploring off-the-beaten-path villages, NSW and the ACT offer a complete experience for overlanders—from scenic coastal drives to true-blue outback adventure.

 

For our around the world doubledutchworldsafari video click Part 1. Australia at the bottom of the Page.

 

COMPILATION PHOTOS NEW SOUTH WALES BELOW

 

 

PART 2 VIDEO CLIPS