New South Wales Travelers Recommend

With its show-stopping architecture, iconic harbor and legendary nightlife, there’s no place like Sydney to sample big city life in Australia. But don’t just stay in the city – Sydney is a great base for exploring all of New South Wales, including the dramatic Blue Mountains, the Hunter Valley wineries and the historic capital of Canberra. Year-round mild weather means any time is a good time to visit, but the Aussie summer (December to February) is the most popular season, especially with celebrations like New Year's Eve and Australia Day drawing huge crowds to the city. Whenever you plan to visit, there’s no time like the present to book your trip. With the Australian dollar falling, US and European travelers have even more reason to book soon and take advantage of the favorable exchange rates. Ready to start planning? Get ready for can't-miss attractions such as Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and the Blue Mountains!

The Blue Mountains offer a unique opportunity to explore Australia’s natural beauty and historic past without having to travel the distance. Spend a day visiting the park and its attractions, another wandering the streets of Katoomba and Leura and round out the stay with a bit of adventure. Pack a lunch and start the day with an easy hike from Leura Cascades to Bridal Veil Falls, where stunning views of natural waterfalls provide a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing picnic. Next, embark on the more challenging Echo Point Trail, where a Giant Stairway leads to the valley where Three Sisters stands. Start your day in Leura, a town nicknamed “The Jewel of the Mountain’s Crown”. Enjoy breakfast at one of Leura Mall’s cafes, then wander through the high-end shops and local galleries that line its halls. Next, head into town and explore the private gardens that line this historic town’s idyllic streets and stop by the Toy and Railway Museum.

Sydney, the Harbour City - sunny, welcoming, familiar - and why wouldn't it be with all those famous icons? The Opera House , that sparkling harbor , breathtaking views, cutting-edge dining, and vibrant nightlife - there's no shortage of things to do. Still, there’s no reason to be daunted by it all. If you’re a newcomer to the city and wondering what to see, consider taking a tour of the town. Be it a foot or bicycle tour, or one of the many Harbour Ferry tours, a good overview of the city will help you get your bearings. Or see the city from above! Nab a bird's-eye view from the Sydney Skywalk, or plan it out your trip over dinner and drinks, while absorbing the stunning 360 degree view. Still confused? Don’t be. If you’ve got three days, we’ve got you covered.

Though it's easy to be overwhelmed by its size, the good news is that many of Sydney's most popular sights can be seen in a single day since they are housed in central Sydney. You may as well begin at one of the iconic spots: the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Wake up with Sydney as you climb to the top of the bridge on a Sydney BridgeClimb at dawn, and witness the sunrise and panoramic views from the top of this Australian landmark. Mosey over to Circular Quay to take a morning walking tour of the city's highlights. Take in the beautiful views of the harbor and Sydney's most iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House. You can also board the decks of a Sydney Harbour cruise and watch the city fade behind you, opt for a guided tour of the famous Sydney Opera House, or visit Taronga Zoo. In the evening, prepare yourself for the ultimate view of Sydney atop the Sydney Tower. Dine on a delicious buffet of fresh seafood and prime meats for dinner before heading to see a

VIVID, Sydney’s annual extravaganza of light and color, has become the city’s premier winter event, a must-see festival of illumination that is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the world’s leading creative celebrations. The 18-day-long celebration ushers in the new winter season with a free public exhibition of art sculptures and light installations all over Sydney’s most iconic buildings. The lighting displays sit dormant during the day but come to life every time the sun goes down for the duration of the festival. Paired with a cutting edge soundtrack to enhance the already incredible experience, VIVID is prepared by top-notch creatives for spectators from all over the world.

The magic comes out after dark in Sydney, especially on the harbor. Take a dinner cruise on the Sydney Harbour and enjoy waterfront views from your table as your dinner is served. Combining dinner with a sightseeing cruise is a fantastic way to spend an evening in Sydney, especially with the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge as your backdrop.

In order to get as close as possible to the dazzling shower of sparks and percussive night-time display, consider making a trip to the Sydney Harbour itself. Here, just about every restaurant and cruise ship will be offering a New Year's Eve special, and the best do fill up well in advance. Some highlights include a special New Year's Eve Opera Gala at the Sydney Opera House with a specially timed interval so that you can enjoy the fireworks, a Sydney Harbour New Year's Eve Tall Ship Dinner Cruise where you'll have prime viewing of the fireworks after a wonderful BBQ meal or even a Sydney Harbour New Year's Eve Cocktail Cruise with drinks as the fireworks go off! New Year's Eve at Sydney's Bradleys Head is the perfect way to ring in the new year with your loved ones. Spend a wonderful evening with your family in an alcohol-free, family-friendly setting with front-row views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge fireworks at 9pm and again at midnight.