1. Sydney Sydney is an international metropolis of the finest restaurants, shopping, attractions and diverse culture. With the Opera House, Storey Bridge and Darling Harbour just some of the many tourist attractions, there is a long list of sights to see within the city and beyond. Just an hour away you will discover incredible national parks, beautiful beaches and scenic tourist drives. For travellers from all over the world, Sydney has to be at the top of the list.

2. Newcastle The second largest city in New South Wales, Newcastle is a great tourist destination located on the Hunter River. With miles of sandy beaches and coastline, historic buildings and fantastic drives inland it is known as the gateway to the Hunter Region. Board the famous tram that takes you on a quick tour around the city, or visit the Maritime Museum. There is always something interesting to do in this coastal city, so choose car hire Sydney and head north for a visit.

3. Blue Mountains Just over an hour’s drive from Sydney and located on over one million hectares of vast wilderness, the Blue Mountains feature attractions such as the Gardens of Stone, the famous Jenolan Caves and majestic Katoomba Falls. Echo Point is one of the most famous lookouts to view the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. With dense rainforest, waterfalls, deep gorges and world class bushwalking trails, it is a world class destination.

4. Byron Bay With pristine blue beaches, and rolling countryside, Byron Bay is also known for its art, entertainment and locals. There are a steady stream of international travellers, especially backpackers, attracted by the laidback atmosphere and beautiful location. With every type of water sport imaginable, including scuba diving at Julian Rocks, there is room for everyone. The area is known for its famous lighthouse, where you may spot some of the migrating whales famous in the area, and there is an easy walk to the Cape to experience the coastal scenery at its best.

5. Coffs Harbour You could say Coffs Harbour has everything a holiday maker could expect, with golden beaches, deep sea fishing, bushwalking, excellent shopping, restaurants and cafes all within close distance from each other. With a number family attractions such as the Big Banana (including toboggan rides), Pet Porpoise Pool and the Coffs Harbour Zoo, the kids will be begging to return. Located almost halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, you will need to base yourself here for a while to make the most of this ideal holiday destination.

6. Port Macquarie Situated on the mid north coast of New South Wales, Port Macquarie is perfect for the water lover, with the Hastings River flowing alongside the city into the Pacific Ocean. There are plenty of patrolled beaches with scenic walks, fishing and every type of water sport available as well as camel riding. There are also family attractions including the Billabong Koala and Aussie Wildlife Park and Kids Crazy Maze. This is a popular destination for a relaxing holiday for so many reasons, including the ideal climate, location and natural beauty.

7. Yamba Located in northern NSW at the top of the Clarence River, Yamba promises beautiful scenery and plenty of water. This area has developed into a tourist mecca, with a large number of caravan parks and places to stay with a lot of natural attractions and panoramic scenery. There are a number of beaches to choose from, and whale watching is a popular event many times of the year. The Yuraygir National Park is a few minutes drive away, and Maclean offers great restaurants, lookouts and amazing rock formations. This is a relaxing destination for anyone looking for a place to unwind.

8. Hawkesbury Valley Not far from Sydney, the Hawkesbury valley features winding rivers, pristine wilderness and historic towns such as St Albans, Richmond, Kurrajong and Windsor. Perfect for a quiet country retreat, there are art galleries and antique shops dotted throughout, and the Hawkesbury River is perfect for a canoe ride or river cruise. The Wollemi National Park also offers bushwalking and amazing scenery. Head in this direction and you will return feeling renewed after visiting this peaceful environment.

9. Dorrigo National Park Dorrigo can be found in the New England area of New South Wales, and is a peaceful country town with amazing surrounding natural beauty. As well as the art galleries and shops within the town as well as the Dorrigo Steam Railway Museum, tourists travel from far and wide to visit the National Parks Rainforest centre with a skywalk overlooking the treetops. The Bellinger Valley has captivating lookouts and a short walk to the Dangar Falls. With its scenery and attractions, you can’t miss Dorrigo.

10. Jervis Bay Worth visiting for its natural beauty alone, Jervis Bay is located close to 170km from Sydney in the Shoalhaven district. Known for its pure white sand beaches and the aqua-blue waters of the coast, there is also the scenic hinterland to explore in Booderee National Park which adjoins the bay. One of the deepest sheltered harbours in the country, Jervis Bay will also entice you with its huge cliffs, rock formations and unique landscapes. It is definitely a jewel in the south east of New South Wales.

11. Kosciusko National Park The largest national park in New South Wales, Kosciusko National Park is known for its Snowy River and ski fields. There are a variety of walks for all fitness levels which will take you into cave systems, gorges, lookouts and through incredible scenery. As Kosciusko has the highest mountains in Australia the drives are breathtaking as is the camping and bushwalking. This is a unique and captivating part of Australia.

12. Tamworth Known as the Country Music capital of Australia, Tamworth is located on the west side of the Great Dividing Range, on the New England Highway. Apart from the Country Music Festival, which draws followers from all over the globe, there are plenty of attractions that will keep you coming back. The Peel River offers plenty of fantastic fishing and boating spots, and the Moonbi Range located next to the city is a great place to explore and hike. Of course, there is horse riding for every age, rodeo’s and plenty of shopping.

13. Bega Famous for its cheese and wine, Bega is located on the Sapphire Coast and is perfect for the traveller searching for a rolling country town that is close to everything. The Bega Cheese Heritage Centre is a must plus the Grevillea Winery and Spiral Gallery. Bega is also central to natural attractions such as the Ben Boyd and Mimosa National Parks, and the Wallaga and Merimbula Lakes. Drive to Tathra on the coast and enjoy the sapphire blue waters that make the coast so popular.

14. Dubbo Known more for its famous Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo is located on the Macquarie River just off the Mitchell Highway, almost in central New South Wales. There are plenty of attractions such as the Dundullimal Homestead, Dubbo Military Museum, Old Dubbo Gaol, Courthouse and of course the Zoo, which features over 800 animal species. There is so much to see within the city and surrounds, or you can just laze about by the river and enjoy the peace and quiet.

15. Bathurst Only two hours enjoyable drive from Sydney on the Mitchell Highway, Bathurst is most famous for its annual motor race on Mount Panorama. There is something for everyone, with gold fossicking, wineries, sheep shearing and festivals. There are plenty of historic buildings, such as the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, as this is one of Australia’s oldest inland cities. Close by are the Abercrombie Caves which is a unique limestone cave system popular with locals and tourists. Bathurst has atmosphere, history and is a must on your list of places to see.

16. Broken Hill In the far west of New South Wales you will discover Broken Hill. This well known and large mining town is known for its silver, lead and zinc, and also has an expansive sheep industry. One of the attractions is the dry outback that surrounds this town in comparison to the leafy gardens and parks. North of Broken Hill is also the Mundi Mundi Plain which stretches right out to the coast of Western Australia. There are plenty of walks to take to explore this historical town or visit the Keenan lookout to see the city from a distance. Expect long roads, dusty plains and an experience you will never forget.

17. Lightning Ridge One of the most famous opal mining towns in Australia, Lightning Ridge has a lot to offer. It is home to the prized black opal, which draws people from far and wide to try some fossicking for themselves. There are a number of old mines and mineral bathing pools that are popular to unwind in. Wander through the souvenir shops or watch an opal cutting demonstration.

18. Tweed Heads The closest city to the Queensland border, Tweed Heads is known for its clubs, restaurants, resorts and fantastic beaches. With Mt Warning in the hinterland, this is a fantastic base for a relaxing coastal holiday with great proximity to the Queensland beaches, yet also close to attractions such as Tropical Fruit World, the Melaleuca Tea Tree Plantation and the Condong Sugar Mill. With its neighbour Coolangatta so close they are known as Twin Towns, this is a top destination.

19. Pokolbin Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley just two hours from Sydney, Polkolbin draws visitors from near and far for its wineries, climate and scenery. Many of the wineries are open to the public and offer tours, balloon rides and wine tasting and cheese making. The Brokenback mountains are also an incredible backdrop as you drive through this picturesque town. With Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Barrington Tops and Newcastle all within driving distance, it is one of our top places to stay.

20. Jindabyne Thousands flocks from all over the world to visit Jindabyne, not only because it is at the heart of the magnificent snowy mountains, but because it is only thirty minutes from the famous Perisher and Thredbo ski fields. It is a fantastic base to visit the area, with plenty of caravan parks and accommodation available. During the warmer months there are scenic drives that wind through the mountains, and horse riding for all ages. The Eucumbene Trout Farm is a great place for some fishing.

21. Lord Howe Island World heritage listed Lord Howe Island is one of the most beautiful and untouched islands you will find. With incredible diving, fishing, bushwalking, cycling (no driving here!) and unique wildlife and landscapes, your trip here will bring memories that will last forever. Climb the impressionable Mt Gower, feed the fish at Neds Beach or swim to Mutton Island. There is something to do here for everyone.

Jen Brewer