Hotels in New South Wales

New South Wales, with its sun-splashed tropical coastline, snow-tipped mountains, and hard-baked outback, is a quintessentially Australian state. While the state capital Sydney deservedly gets much of the attention, rural New South Wales (NSW) brims with natural wonders and ancient Aborigine tales. Stretching 1000 kilometres across the southeast of the continent, NSW has beaches to have surfers waxing lyrical, forests home to diverse wildlife, vineyards boasting history-steeped vintages, and Australia's most vibrant, global city.

Hotels in New South Wales

Hotels in New South Wales run the full gamut of tastes and budgets. Pool-side bars and full-service spas are to be found in the capital’s big luxury hotels, many of which rate as 5-star. Equally, guesthouses in the edgier urban areas offer bundles of Aussie charm and the least expensive hotel rates in New South Wales. You’ll find well-equipped, family-friendly New South Wales beach hotels too, framed by soft sand and picturesque cliffs. For a vacation with a difference, though, try one of the more remote inns and retreats, some of which offer the chance to interact with Australia’s distinctive wildlife.

Things to see in New South Wale

It’s impossible to come to New South Wales without admiring the views over its most famous stretch of water—Sydney Harbour. With design icons like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, this is a waterfront that begs to be walked upon and photographed. Sydney also has the best beaches in NSW. The surfers’ paradise of Bondi Beach is the highlight, whether you want to catch a breaker or not. Natural splendour can be found in the nearby Blue Mountains, which boast dramatic rock formations and several Aboriginal rock carvings. More rock art from the continent’s first inhabitants can be found at Mutawintji National Park. Here you can go walkabout in the bush or camp out under the stars. For a different sort of retreat, though, the Hunter Valley offers the chance to explore some of Australia’s oldest vineyards—and of course to sample the fruits of their labour.

Where to stay in New South Wales

Sydney, loaded down with must-see attractions and showcasing Oz culture at its best, is the obvious magnet for the NSW-bound vacationer. Shopaholics will love the city too, with its endless malls and designer shopping centres. Sydney is also home to the country’s largest commercial district, providing excellent facilities for business visitors. Better for budget travellers is Newcastle, lying further up the coast with miles of unspoiled beaches and a strong maritime heritage. Coffs Harbour is great for families, with its quaint seaside attractions and safe beaches. In contrast, Armidale is better-suited to the more adventurous traveller, with its numerous World Heritage sites and rugged gorge country.

How to get to New South Wales

Kingsford Smith International Airport is where most air travellers coming to New South Wales land. It is Australia's largest international and domestic airport, and you can catch flights to both Newcastle and Coffs Harbour from here, as well as other locations throughout the state. You can also take flights to cities in other states, such as Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, and the Gold Coast. Travel to New South Wales by road from Victoria is along the Hume Highway. From Sydney, take the A1 to drive up the east coast to Brisbane and beyond.