Things to Do in NSW

Things to Do in NSW

If you’re not sure where to start with things to do in NSW, you’re not alone. This state stretches from Sydney’s harbourside energy to the wine country of the Hunter Valley, the surf towns of the North Coast and the rugged cliffs of the Blue Mountains. Home to one of Australia’s largest cities, Sydney deserves a spot at the top of your list, but don’t stop there. Regions like the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and Byron Bay are just as worth the trip, and RedBalloon makes it easy to gift or book your way through all of them.

Local and just after a weekend plan? RedBalloon has plenty of NSW activities to keep you busy too, no travel required. Think a wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, a couple’s massage in Sydney, or a night away in a Tiny Home somewhere quiet. These are the kind of New South Wales activities that turn an ordinary weekend into something worth telling people about.

Top Locations in NSW

Every region of NSW has its own personality, and its own reasons to visit. Here’s where to start.

Sydney

When it comes to Sydney NSW attractions, the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Bondi Beach usually top the list, but the real fun starts once you dig into what there is to do. Get the pulse up with V8 Race Car Driving, 6 laps at Sydney Motorsport Park, or see the city from above on a Sydney Harbour Helicopter Flight. Searching for things to do in Penrith NSW as your base? You’re a short drive from both the CBD and the Blue Mountains. Explore the full range of Things to do in Sydney.

Blue Mountains

An hour west of the city, the Blue Mountains trade harbour views for sandstone cliffs, the Three Sisters and a national park matched by few others in the country. It’s one of the best New South Wales attractions for anyone chasing a proper change of scenery. Take on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus Pass and Scenic World combo to see the Skyway, Cableway and Scenic Railway in a single day out, part of the RedBalloon range of Day Trips and Tours. See the full range of Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Hunter Valley

Home to NSW’s best known wine region, the Hunter Valley pairs sweeping vineyard views with some of the state’s top Hunter Valley NSW attractions, wineries, quad biking and hot air ballooning among them. Watch the valley wake up beneath you on the Hunter Valley Weekend Hot Air Balloon with Breakfast, for 2. Discover more Things to do in the Hunter Valley.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay draws surfers, backpackers and locals alike, and for good reason. Between the beaches, the shopping strip and the laid back pace, there’s plenty to fill a weekend. Try the Weekend Tandem Skydive over Byron Bay, up to 15,000ft for a view of the coastline you won’t get anywhere else, or stay closer to the water with Water Sports like snorkelling and kayaking. Browse Things to do in Byron Bay.

Central Coast

Just an hour north of Sydney, the Central Coast is where you’ll find quiet beaches, national parks and towns like Terrigal and Avoca without the city crowds. Unplug for a couple of nights with the 2 Night Mangrove Mountain Stay in a Private Bush Cabin, a pet friendly hideaway in the Central Coast hinterland with a fire pit and not much else to do but slow down. Then explore the rest of Things to do on the Central Coast.

North Coast

Stretching from Port Stephens up through Newcastle and Forster to the Queensland border, the North Coast is made for a proper coastal road trip. Whether you’re after Forster NSW attractions or things to do in Newcastle NSW, you’ll find whale watching, diving and beach towns worth the detour along the way. Take on a Tandem Skydive over Newcastle, up to 15,000ft for the best view of the coastline. See more Things to do on the North Coast.

South Coast

South of Sydney, the South Coast and Wollongong are known for national parks, whale watching and beach towns like Kiama, Berry, Gerringong, Merimbula and Batemans Bay. If you’re after Batemans Bay attractions NSW or things to do in Kiama, New South Wales, this stretch of coast delivers on both. Try the Weekend Tandem Skydive over Wollongong, up to 15,000ft, or explore the full range of Things to do on the South Coast.

Regional NSW

Head inland and you’ll find a completely different side of the state. Regional NSW covers everything from Bathurst and Orange to Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Mudgee, Albury, Yass, Moree, Lightning Ridge and Armidale, each with its own attractions worth the drive. Whether you’re searching for Dubbo attractions NSW, things to do in Wagga NSW or Orange NSW attractions, you’ll find hot air ballooning, wine trails and country escapes throughout the region. Book the Southern Highlands Gnocchi and Arancini Cooking Class, for 2, part of the RedBalloon Cooking Classes range, or browse all Things to do in Regional NSW.

Top Selling Things to Do in NSW

Ready to book? These are some of the NSW attractions and experiences that keep customers coming back.

– 6 Course Tasting Menu by Sydney Harbour with Wine, for 2: a six course Italian inspired seafood menu with harbour views from The Rocks. The kind of dinner that makes the whole trip.

– Roar and Snore Experience at Taronga Zoo Sydney, for 2: spend the night at the zoo with harbour views on one side and the animals on the other.

– 2 Night Glamping Escape Midweek with Breakfast, for 2: two nights in a deluxe safari tent at Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay, with a gourmet treetop breakfast each morning and canoes, bikes and the communal lounge to use as you please.

– Ultimate Pamper Package with Massage, Facial and More: a proper reset in Bondi from the RedBalloon Spa and Wellness range, for whoever’s earned a slow afternoon.

Kids Activities in NSW

School holidays or a weekend with the family, these are the NSW activities kids ask to do again. Explore the full Animal Experiences range for more, or start with customer favourites:

– Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

– Scenic World Scenic Pass, Blue Mountains

– Whale Watching Cruise in Nelson Bay

– Koala Encounter and Breakfast at Wild Life Sydney Zoo

– High Ropes Climbing Course with Flying Foxes, West Sydney

Can’t decide? A Gift Voucher covers any experience or stay in NSW, so whoever you’re gifting it to gets to pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need to visit New South Wales? It depends how far you want to roam. Sydney alone is worth three or four days, and each region beyond it (Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Byron Bay) is worth another two to three. A week gives you Sydney plus one region done properly. Two weeks gets you a proper loop of the coast.

What are the best day trips in New South Wales? From Sydney, the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley are both under two hours away and easy to do in a day. Further out, the Southern Highlands and Central Coast make for an easy escape without an overnight stay.

What are the top attractions in New South Wales? Among the New South Wales Australia attractions that top most visitor lists are the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the Blue Mountains’ Three Sisters, Scenic World, and the Hunter Valley wine region. If you’re researching attractions in New South Wales Australia or looking for the state’s best known NSW tourist attractions, these regions are the place to start. Beyond the big names, New South Wales tourist attractions in regional towns like Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo are just as worth exploring.

What are the best things to do in New South Wales? Top picks include hot air ballooning over the Hunter Valley, skydiving over Byron Bay or Wollongong, a Sydney Harbour cruise, and wine tasting through the state’s regions. Browse the full range of Things to do in NSW to find what suits.

What are the best national parks in New South Wales? Blue Mountains National Park is the standout, with the Three Sisters and the Jamison Valley among its highlights. Royal National Park south of Sydney and Murramarang National Park on the South Coast are both worth the drive too.

What are the best things to do in Sydney and nearby? In the city, the harbour is the main event, whether that’s a cruise, a helicopter flight or dinner with a view. Nearby, the Blue Mountains and Central Coast are both under two hours away and easy to add to a Sydney trip. See the full list of Things to do in Sydney.

What are the best beaches to visit in New South Wales? Bondi and Manly are the Sydney classics, Byron Bay’s beaches draw surfers from everywhere, and the South Coast towns of Kiama, Berry and Merimbula are quieter alternatives with just as much coastline.

What are the best things to do in New South Wales in winter? Winter is wine season in the Hunter Valley, and hot air balloon flights over the region are especially good on a crisp morning. It’s also a solid time for spa days and indoor activities in Sydney while the weather cools off.

What are the best things to do in New South Wales for families? Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Scenic World in the Blue Mountains and a Wild Life Sydney Zoo koala encounter are all easy wins with kids. Whale watching cruises run seasonally along the coast and are a family favourite too.

Exploring Beyond NSW

Ticked off your NSW list? Victoria is next door and worth the trip, from Melbourne’s laneways to the Great Ocean Road’s coastline and the Yarra Valley’s wineries. Explore Things to do in Victoria, including Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, the Great Ocean Road, the Mornington Peninsula and Gippsland.