Tailor-made New South Wales Travel Experiences -

New South Wales – while the name has a familiar, unhurried and laid-back sounding ring to it, the Australian state is almost four times larger than the island Great Britain. New South Wales is incredibly diverse, even for Australian standards. New South Wales sports the vibrant city Sydney, romantic beaches, red deserts, subtropical rainforests, lush vineyards and snow-capped mountains. It is full of fascinating contrasts and stretches from the shining Pacific Ocean to the dusty Outback. We recommend you explore this vast state with a rental vehicle or with a Private Guided Tour. Sydney is the logical starting point for any itinerary and offers every necessary service and facility. Just one hour north of Sydney, the Central Coast is one of New South Wales’ first highlights: The scenic landscape is composed of golden beaches backed by pristine national parks. More than a thousand kilometres long, the central coast is also a natural paradise for water sports enthusiasts. It offers everything the heart desires: No matter whether you prefer swimming, surfing, sailing, fishing, kayaking, diving or snorkelling – you are sure to find something to suit your tastes. Hop aboard one of the scenic cruises and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins. The hinterland is on a par with the beaches concerning natural beauty. Rolling hills and lush forests offer opportunities for hiking and relaxation. The beachside town Byron Bay has become famous for its lively nightlife and for being Australia’s easternmost point. Main Beach is the perfect place for literally endless beach strolls. Countless kilometres long, the sand beach runs almost as far as Queensland’s Gold Coast. Watego’s Beach is a Mecca for surfers. Ride the breakers but do not fret about the dolphins beating you to it every time. The drive south from Sydney towards Melbourne is equally beautiful. Blindingly white sand beaches grace the coast, while glittering lakes adorn the interior. Fortunately, large parts of the natural beauty have been declared national parks and are protected. Those who are visiting this region between September and November, enjoy the chance to spot Humpback Whales. The large mammals leave their usual habitat in the Antarctic regions to calve in the warm waters on Australia’s south-east coast. The centre for all whale-watching tours is the small fishing village Eden, not far from the state Victoria. Each season, Eden stages a colourful whale festival in honour of its migratory guests. Ready for a change of scenery and a chance to wash the sand off your feet? The Snowy Mountains feature a stunning landscape and, as the name suggests, snow in winter. Keep in mind that the Australian winter falls on the months June, July and August. Skiing is not easily associated with Australia but both cross-country and downhill skiing are popular options in the Snowy Mountains, which also feature Australia’s highest peaks. Come summertime, the Snowies are equally beautiful: Wild flowers paint the mountainsides and trout frolic in the gurgling streams. The Mount Kosciuszko National Park sports a stunning setting for hikes through the mountain ranges. Follow the mountain streams back to the white beaches of Port Stephens, where dolphins can often be spotted. Again, the scenery changes dramatically: Soaring sand dunes stand guard along the coast and can be explored on foot or on a 4WD tour. The slow Murray River is also fed by streams coming down from the Snowy Mountains. One of Australia’s largest rivers, it is one of the few that is shippable and popular for houseboat tours and rides on the historic paddle steamer. More river flair can be enjoyed on the Northern Rivers. It is a region of intense beauty. Pristine rainforests are gorged by wild rivers and rugged wilderness looks down upon shining beaches in the distance. Thundering waterfalls, foaming rivers and subtropical eucalypt forests: The Great Dividing Range features pulse-quickening attractions for the adventurous. The Skywalk in the Dorrigo National Park winds its way along the treetops, 70 metres high, to the vertiginous drop of the Dorrigo Plateau. Rock-climbing, cave expeditions or white-water rafting – those who enjoy the sensation of adrenaline pumping through their veins will delight in the many adventure activities New South Wales has to offer. Not strictly a part of New South Wales, Australia’s capital Canberra is nevertheless worth a visit. Canberra lies in a separate state, the Australian Capital Territory, which is, however, encircled by New South Wales. Designed on the drawing-board, Canberra is exceedingly neat, uncluttered and characterised by ample green zones and wide streets. The National Museum of Australia is one of the principle attraction and in itself a sight. The modern and colourful architecture features twisting shapes on the banks of the Burley Griffin Lake. Of course, the design was and is highly controversial. The heart of the construction, the Aboriginal Gallery, is a variation of the Jewish Museum in Berlin, designed by the American celebrity architect Daniel Liebeskind. New South Wales’ diversity includes a share of the fabled Australian Outback. Bright red soil, swirling dust clouds, invariably clear blue skies and endless horizons. The Outback touches the soul with its rugged charm. One of New South Wales’ outback highlights is the Mungo National Park. Thousands of years of erosion have created bizarre rock formations called the Walls of China. Bathed in the setting sun’s light, the scenery bears a strong resemblance to a lunar landscape. Another worthwhile outback national park is the Kinchega Park, which features sparkling lakes, prolific birdlife and historic sights. New South Wales is full of surprises! Talk to our experienced team of travel consultants for detailed planning of your holiday. Distances are great and there is so much to see. Let our Australia team help you pick the highlights!

* price per person/week including flight