Things to do in  New South Wales

With the iconic silhouette of the Sydney Opera House and the dramatic arch of Sydney Harbour Bridge etched against a backdrop of the glittering ocean and soaring skyscrapers, Port Jackson, more commonly known as Sydney Harbour, is Australia’s quintessential postcard image. It is the natural heart of Sydney, featuring more than 150 miles (240 kilometers) of coastline lined with golden beaches, lush gardens, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Located just outside Sydney, Featherdale Wildlife Park is home to one of the largest collections of Australian wildlife anywhere in the world. Visitors can see and learn about the park’s 1,700 native Aussie critters, including koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, saltwater crocodiles, emus, and some of the world’s most venomous snakes.

A world-class performing arts venue and famed Australian sight, the Sydney Opera House—with its distinctive design by Danish architect Jørn Utzon—defines the Sydney Harbour district. Distinguished by soaring halls with a white ceramic–tiled exterior shaped to evoke sails, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see Sydney attraction and a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture.

Few sights are as instantly recognizable as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the grand centerpiece of Sydney Harbour and one of Australia’s most photographed landmarks. The historic structure opened in 1932 and is among the largest steel arch bridges in the world. It’s also an important transport hub, linking downtown with the north shore, Manly Beach, and Sydney’s northern beaches.

Situated at the heart of Australia’s Blue Mountains UNESCO World Heritage Site, Scenic World offers the rare chance to explore the mountains from all angles. Ride overhead in a cable car, hike along the valley floor, ride a train through mountain tunnels, and discover some of the most impressive scenery in Blue Mountains National Park.

The Three Sisters is an ancient rock formation located in the Blue Mountains National Park in the town of Katoomba. The towering trio of stone has a mythical dimension in the Aboriginal Dreamtime legend about three sisters who lived in the Jamison Valley and fell in love with three brothers from a rival tribe whom they were forbidden to marry.

Leura, sometimes called the “Jewel in the Mountains Crown,” is a small Blue Mountains village located about 60 miles (100 kilometers) west of Sydney. Smaller than neighboring Katoomba, with a quaint, cherry tree lined town center called the Leura Mall, the village exudes mill-town charm. There are cafes, bakeries, antiques shops, and high-end boutiques, with brightly colored flowers decorating the streets.

Located in central Sydney, the historic precinct of the Rocks is the oldest area in the city and the site of the first European settlement. Full of history and character, today the Rocks is home to fashionable boutiques, artisan markets, historic pubs, trendy restaurants, and a thriving arts and culture scene.

As Australia’s most famous beach—and the star of its own reality TV show, Bondi Rescue—Bondi Beach delivers with its crescent of golden sand, crashing waves, and crowds of bronzed sunseekers. Just minutes from downtown Sydney, this is the spot to work on your tan, hit the waves, sip cocktails at a beachside bar, or hike along coastal cliffs.

Perched on the edge of Sydney Harbour and backed by the sleek skyscrapers of the city’s central business district, Circular Quay is the scenic gateway to Manly Beach, Taronga Zoo, and Watson’s Bay. From this transportation hub—from which ferries depart every few minutes—you can enjoy unobstructed views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Perched on the edge of a plateau overlooking the Three Sisters, Echo Point Lookout offers one of the best views of the iconic sandstone formation—along with sweeping panoramic views of Jamison Valley, Ruined Castle, and Mount Solitary. It’s also the gateway to several popular walking trails in the Blue Mountains National Park.

Stretching along the coast of Sydney Harbour against a backdrop of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden and neighboring park, The Domain, offer spectacular views and beautiful scenery. This inner-city oasis boasts exotic plants, a tropical rain forest, woodland, flowers, and rare horticultural exhibits.

Katoomba is one of the most visited towns in the Blue Mountains. Home to Echo Point, where visitors can see the Three Sisters rock formation and Scenic World, Katoomba offers ample attractions and activities to delight all kinds of travelers. While it maintains a small-town feel, it’s home to a large selection of accommodations, dining options, and shopping in the center of town.

One of Sydney’s top attractions, Darling Harbour boasts fine-dining restaurants, a shopping center, one of the largest IMAX cinema screens in the world, and two entertainment staples for families: SEA LIFE® Sydney and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. Extend your visit into the evening to view the city lights reflected on the water.

The Blue Mountains National Park, part of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage listing, is one of Australia's most visited national parks and makes an easy day trip from Sydney. The park has over 80 miles (140 kilometers) of walking trails, protected Aboriginal sites for visitors to admire, and camping. It's also home to Echo Point Lookout where the iconic Three Sisters rock formation sits.