New South Wales · 28 Places · Best September
New South Wales is Australia's oldest and most populous state, home to Sydney, iconic beaches, ancient national parks, and diverse landscapes. From the Blue Mountains to the Hunter Valley wine country, the state offers an extraordinary range of experiences for every type of traveler.
New South Wales is Australia's premier travel destination, anchored by the world-famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Beyond the city, the state reveals stunning natural beauty including the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, pristine Hunter Valley vineyards, and over 1,300km of coastline with some of Australia's finest beaches. The state's Aboriginal heritage spans more than 60,000 years, adding deep cultural significance to its modern, multicultural identity.
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 28 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
One of the world's most recognizable buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sydney Opera House hosts over 1,500 performances annually including opera, theatre, music and dance. The building's distinctive sail-shaped shells were designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and completed in 1973. Guided tours of the interior are available daily.
The world's largest steel arch bridge and Sydney's most iconic structure after the Opera House. Known as 'The Coathanger', the bridge spans 503 metres across Sydney Harbour and carries road, rail, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. BridgeClimb offers guided climbs to the summit at 134 metres above sea level.
Part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, this vast national park covers 1,030 square kilometres of rugged sandstone plateau, eucalypt forests and dramatic gorges. The park is named for the blue haze created by eucalyptus oil droplets. Key attractions include the Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point and the Scenic World chairlift, railway and cableway.
Australia's most famous beach is a 1km crescent of golden sand backed by a lively promenade. Bondi is home to the famous Bondi Icebergs ocean pool, excellent surf, and an eclectic cafe and restaurant scene. The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk starts here and offers stunning ocean views.
One of Australia's finest zoos, Taronga sits on the North Shore of Sydney Harbour with spectacular city and harbour views. Home to 4,000 animals including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, Sumatran tigers and giraffes. The zoo is accessible by ferry from Circular Quay making the journey part of the experience.
Established in 1816, the Royal Botanic Garden is Sydney's oldest scientific institution and a beloved green oasis in the heart of the city. The 30-hectare garden hugs Farm Cove on Sydney Harbour and contains thousands of plant species from around the world. The harbourside walk offers iconic Opera House and Bridge views.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Sydney's premier luxury hotel occupies a prime harbourside position in The Rocks with unrivalled views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The 155 rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms with Bvlgari amenities, and hand-crafted furniture. The rooftop pool and The Dining Room restaurant with harbour views are exceptional.
Check rates on Booking.comHoused in the heritage-listed Treasury Building, the InterContinental Sydney combines Victorian sandstone grandeur with contemporary luxury. The hotel is connected to the Royal Botanic Garden and is a short walk from the Opera House. The Cortile, set beneath a stunning atrium, serves afternoon tea and cocktails.
Check rates on Booking.comOpened in 2023 in the heritage-listed Department of Education Building, Capella Sydney is one of Australia's finest hotels. The 192 rooms and suites feature extraordinarily high ceilings, curated art collections and bespoke furniture. The basement Brasserie 1930 and rooftop bar are exceptional dining and drinking experiences.
Check rates on Booking.comAparthotel-style luxury in The Rocks with full kitchen, separate living area and spectacular harbour views. Ideal for longer stays or families needing space. The serviced apartments range from one to three bedrooms and many overlook Sydney Harbour and the Bridge.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Chef Peter Gilmore's flagship restaurant is consistently ranked among Australia's finest, with panoramic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The degustation menu features exceptional produce-driven Australian cuisine with extraordinary technical skill. The signature Snow Egg dessert is iconic.
Chef Tetsuya Wakuda's legendary restaurant has been a pillar of Sydney fine dining since 1989. The 10-course degustation menu blends Japanese philosophy with French technique, presented in an intimate garden setting. One of Australia's most awarded and internationally recognised restaurants.
Aria occupies a prime position on the waterfront at Circular Quay with sweeping views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour. Chef Matt Moran's modern Australian cuisine showcases the finest seasonal produce. A two-hat restaurant that strikes an elegant balance between fine dining and approachability.
Located inside the Sydney Opera House under Peter Jorgensen's iconic shell, Bennelong is one of the world's most spectacular restaurant settings. Chef Peter Gilmore leads a Modern Australian menu using the finest Australian produce. The bar menu offers more casual access to the extraordinary space.
Chef Martin Benn's Sepia is an intimate fine dining experience that seamlessly merges Australian produce with Japanese and European techniques. The progressive tasting menu changes seasonally and features creative, beautifully composed dishes. Consistently rated among Sydney's best.
Housed in a beautiful heritage sandstone building in the CBD, Eleven Bridge offers refined Modern Australian cuisine with an outstanding 2000-bottle wine list. The elegantly dressed dining room with high ceilings creates a special atmosphere for business dinners and celebrations.
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New South Wales has one of Australia's most comprehensive transport networks, centred on Sydney with excellent connections to regional centres. The Opal card system provides seamless access to trains, buses, ferries and light rail across the state. Regional centres like Newcastle, Wollongong, the Blue Mountains, and the Hunter Valley are easily reached by train, while more remote areas such as Byron Bay and the Snowy Mountains require a car or coach.
Daily spend by tier in AUD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | AUD 35 | AUD 120 | AUD 300+ |
| Food (per day) | AUD 25 | AUD 50 | AUD 120 |
| Transportation | AUD 12 | AUD 20 | AUD 60 |
| Activities | AUD 8 | AUD 30 | AUD 80 |
| Daily total | AUD 80 | AUD 200 | AUD 500+ |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Australia.
September to November and March to May
Be sun-smart with SPF50+ sunscreen
Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches
Carry water when hiking in national parks
Check NSW Rural Fire Service for bushfire alerts
Be aware of snakes and spiders in national parks
Entry requirements follow Australia rules. Most visitors need an ETA or eVisitor visa, available online before arrival. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in New South Wales is the Australian Dollar (AUD). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in New South Wales: English. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.
