top of page
  • Writer's pictureColleen Deere

15 Places to Visit NSW (Part II)

Back for the second half of places to explore across New South Wales. In March 2021 I published the first of the series, I will link this blog here for you to check out. https://www.mizzdeereioustravels.com/post/15-places-to-visit-in-nsw


Explore more of our stunning state #Holidayherethisyear Whether you are a local 'Sydney-sider' or living interstate across Australia, there is an endless amount of adventure to experience. Here is a snapshot of things to do, places to visit and memories to make; from the South Coast to the North Coast, and all there is in between..


1. Monkey Place Country House ~Hunter Valley For a Summer or Winter getaway, this place has it all - whether you’re after a fireplace or a swimming pool! It is HUGE and big enough to hold a group (up to 14 people) The hospitality was fabulous, located perfectly amongst the vineyards in Broke! You‘ll enjoy a hammock, & a Spa Bath for the ultimate relaxation.

Take a peep here: Accommodation (Booking.com)


2.Clifton Gardens Beach ~Mosman ~ Sydney Harbour National Park

Parking is available at a cost 8am-8pm (you might be lucky to land some free parking locally) Journey:Sydney CBD - Chowder Bay 25 mins (no tolls)

Features:Huge Playground, Food Truck, Ice Cream Van, Basketball Court, Grassy Picnic Area, Jetty / Pier to jump off, Popular Fishing Spot, BBQ’s Snorkel Spot, Dog Friendly Beach

@Rippleschowderbay (IG page) is an amazing waterfront venue in the area too with stunning views. There are also Kiosks / Cafés to choose from.

Tip: Bradley’s Head > Chowder Bay is also another popular coastal Sydney walk you might like to do.


3. Bald Hill Lookout ~ Stanwell Tops ~ South Coast One of the most popular tourist spots along the coast watch the sky turn golden as the sun goes down from the Lookout Point. Tip: We also saw a shooting star later that night from this location! Keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the beauty above you too.


4. Breakfree Aanuka Beach Resort ~ Coffs Harbour

Unwind on tropical oceanfront resort-style accomodation. It boasts beachside views, an on-site Tennis Court, Buggies to get around as a mode of transport, a Children's Pool, Spa, Cabins & a Restaurant. Such a huge complex, you may rarely need to leave with so many facitilies there for you. Check it out here: HotelLink (Booking.com)


5. Blue Mountains

When in NSW make sure you take a trip out West and head inland to capture the wonders of these breathtaking views! Explore lookouts, Visit waterfalls, Hike & trek until your hearts content (or out of breath) Wander around Katoomba, Leura, Echo Point Get lost in the villages which feel like you have gone back in time! All this, simply just under 1 hour drive from Sydney!


6. Mereweather Beach ~ Newcastle

Newy, it's just a different kinda vibe! Walk along the scenic Mereweather beach, take a swim in the Ocean Baths. Plenty of options for food with kiosks / restaurants & views from above. Newcastle is just over a 2 hour drive north from Sydney CBD with plenty to do in the town but also surrounding areas.


7. Sydney Sky Dive ~ Wollongong

Jump from a plane . Be a thrill-seeker, a daredevil, a lunatic. Lose your breath completely, and live this exhilarating moment over & over again as you look back on the footage. Book here with SkyDiveAustralia. But be prepared that you may not get to go the day you expect. We were lucky enough to go on our 3rd attempt due to winds, & weather forecast. It is an ultimate bucketlist experience ticked off and to be honest I don't think I would be brave enough to do it again.


8. Emerald Beach ~ Mid North Coast ~ Coffs Harbour

The most Aussie sight possible!This spot is one of my favourite places in Coffs Harbour!

Walk along the "Look at me Now Headland" and relax with the friendly locals, admire the views and just take it all in!


9. Sydney Harbour

Explore the iconic Sydney Harbour by simply catching a Ferry ~ Bonus if you can capture the sun going down. The (cheap) Ferry options can take you to an endless amount of amazing locations from Circular Quay:

❤︎ Manly

❤︎ Watsons Bay

❤︎Rose Bay

❤︎ Mosman

❤︎Parramatta River

This mode of transport certainly tops sitting on a bus / train any day.

Another spectacular reason to visit our city!


10. Beach Shed ~ Byron Bay

If you are looking for a little quiet area of Byron Bay in your own cosy cabin with a firepit & hammock-swing this is perfect. Close to Tallow Beach but also easy walking into the town (15 minutes) This host also gives you free bikes to get around.

Enjoy the good relaxed vibes of Byron here with so much character & originality.

You won’t want to leave! Available here on: AirBnB


11. Summer Bay ~ Palm Beach

Home & Away Official Tour at Summer Bay Booked with FlamingalahTours (click here)

Get up close with the friendly stars of Summer Bay.

Be lucky enough to watch the film & production crew in action.

Info:

𒊹︎Get picked up at The Rocks Sydney CBD

𒊹︎Jump on the tour bus to start your day

𒊹︎Have a peep at the most famous locations of Home & Away

𒊹︎Stop off at a secret filming location & be greeted by a well known name for an interactive Q&A session

𒊹︎Trip drops you back at Manly later in the afternoon (where you can enjoy some sunset drinks to finish off an amazing day)


12. Long Jetty ~ Central Coast ~ NSW

Take a trip through the little town of LONG JETTY while you are visiting the Central Coast area. Just 5 mins drive from The Entrance, the colourful streets have plenty of antique stores, friendly quotes and of course a Long Jetty Wharf with amazing peaceful views!

Enjoy Brekkie / Brunch at @theglassonionsociety . Check out their instagram here.

(When we visited last year, I noticed shops close up in the late afternoon so it can seem a bit quiet, however hoping to see some even more life return to the businesses soon)


13. Wategos Beach ~ Byron Bay

I'm sure most people who have visited popular Byron Bay have spent some time at Wategos. However, the Rock Pools were my fave - on the opposite end of the beach (Far end from Rae’s) Known as Little Wategos beach. Pristine waters will welcome you. Escape to paradise on the North Coast of NSW!


14.Bateau Bay Beach ~ Central Coast NSW

Situated at Wyrrabalong National Park - Look at that background! Such a beautiful quiet beach with tropical vibes. Enjoy a refreshing swim here to cool down in warmer months.The walkway down is just nestled with animal life sounds, then the views when you make it to the sand are absolutely stunning. You can manage some bush-walking, snorkelling, sunbathing, and swimming, at a beach like this! If you are in the Central Coast and prefer a more secluded beach away from the crowds of other popular beaches, stop off to see this little beauty instead, less than 10mins drive from The Entrance!


15.Dangar Island ~ Hawkesbury River

A world away from the hustle & bustle of city life. Venture across to an island of bushlife, wildlife, nature & calmness on The Hawkesbury Rive. Relax in this peaceful setting, listening to the waves, the birds, and watch the world go by. ou can visit this Island either by:Train from Sydney ~ Hawkesbury Train Station (One hour approx.)

Or Drive from Sydney to Brooklyn Wharf (similar time) Park in car parking at the wharf (at your own risk) restricted parking limits but we were luckily fine all weekend! From Brooklyn Wharf / Hawkesbury River Marina across to Dangar Island is a very short Ferry trip or Water Taxi trip! Enjoy a stroll around the idyllic island & grab a map and find your way. Relax to the tranquility of no car sounds or traffic noises. AirBnB link here!



I hope you might have taken some inspiration from some of these places I have visited right across NSW. I still have more to share with you and hopefully a Part III, but I also have lots more to explore and so much more adventure to experience. We really will never get bored of living in this beautiful country! If you visit any of my recommendations I always love to hear about them - feel to send me a DM on instagram, comment below on my blog - or simply tag me on your stories!


If you would like to subscribe to my blog to keep up to date with everything I share - feel free to add your email address to keep in touch.


























Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page