7 Incredibly scenic spots to visit in New South Wales, Australia

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Honeymoon Bay
North of Jervis Bay sits the lesser-known gem of Honeymoon Bay. Boasting a picturesque shallow inlet that will take your breath away, the spot is perfect for families embarking on a camping trip. Kayak through the calm, crystal clear waters and you might even see dolphins frolicking about. With mild waves and shallow waters, it’s a good place to bring the kids to paddle about and snorkel!

Lighthouse Road | Currarong Road, Currarong, Shoalhaven, New South Wales 2540, Australia
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Dorrigo National Park
The lush Dorrigo National Park is a must-do for anyone staying at Coffs Harbour. With great walking tracks, gorgeous rainforestry, impossibly beautiful waterfalls, and unforgettable views (yes, this natural World Heritage Site even boasts a skywalk that takes you high above the canopies of the forest), you won’t regret a visit to this national park. Surround yourself with towering trees and natural land formations; you’ll want to spend forever here.

Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dome Rd, Dorrigo NSW 2453, Australia
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Mount Kaputar
At around 1500 metres above sea level, Mount Kaputar offers a cool sub-alpine environment to visitors. Once active between 17 and 21 million years ago, the now-extinct volcano is a spot that provides ample outdoor adventures to hikers and campers. Enjoy horse riding, bird watching, cycling, and sightseeing from the summit. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the top, and be sure to check out the impressive Sawn Rocks geological marvel (pictured), which boasts a cliff face that resembles an organ-pipe! Oh, and Mount Kaputar is home to giant fluorescent pink slugs that can grow up to 20cm. Crazy, right?

Kaputar Road, Kaputar NSW 2390, Australia
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Dunns Swamp
Located on the headwaters of Cudgegong River, along the western edge of Wollemi National Park, Dunns Swamp makes for a perfect picnic area (or camping spot). One of the best things you can do here is to hire a canoe and navigate the tranquil waters of the swamp. The swamp is also great for fishing and observing the native wildlife.

Wollemi National Park, Rylstone NSW 2849, Australia
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Hawkesbury River
Hire a houseboat and cruise down the Hawkesbury River for one of the most relaxing holidays you’ll ever have the pleasure of experiencing. There are also some incredible national parks in the region to explore, but trust us, some quiet time on a river cruise will make you never want to leave. Visit the Hawkesbury River village, which boasts several cafes and plenty of fresh seafood.

River in New South Wales, Australia
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Blue Mountains
Easily accessible from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a definite must-see for anyone curating a memorable travel itinerary for New South Wales. Treat yourself to fresh mountain air and ridiculously impressive panoramic views. From Echo Point Lookout at Katoomba, you’ll be able to spy the grand Three Sisters rock formation (pictured). There are many tours that head out to the Blue Mountains from the city centre of Sydney, so it should be a piece of cake to get yourself onto one of the buses!

Mountain range in New South Wales, Australia
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Mimosa Rocks National Park
With quiet campsites and lovely hidden gems, this national park boasts some superbly unspoilt beaches and inlets. Whether it be bush walking, swimming, surfing, fishing or just sunbathing and relaxing, Mimosa Rocks National Park has time and again offered visitors the perfect place to spend quality family time.

Tathra-Bermagui Rd, Tanja NSW 2550, Australia

For the avid traveller with a penchant for sweeping views of natural landscapes (not concrete), we highly recommend a trip to the wilder side of Australia’s most diverse state: New South Wales. With plenty of spots boasting beautiful coasts, national parks, lush forests, and gorgeous mountains, there are boundless reasons why nature lovers should take a refreshing road trip through the scenic region or camp out in the abundant bushland.

The possibilities are endless here. Stay at a relaxing bush cottage, get active on a country-hiking trip, canoe across a beautiful river… New South Wales offers a wide range of outdoor adventures bound to impress you.

Need a list to inspire you? We’ve got some suggestions in the gallery above for you to take your pick. Don’t stop at just looking though, discover first-hand the beauty of New South Wales on your very next vacation!

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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