New South Wales

Welcome to New South Wales

Your Gateway to Australia’s Most Iconic Coastline

New South Wales is home to Australia’s most recognisable sights, from the Sydney Opera House to Bondi Beach. But beyond the big-name icons, you’ll find ancient rainforests, alpine villages, historic towns, and world-class wine regions. It’s a state of contrasts – beach, bush, and everything in between – offering something for every traveller. Whether you’re chasing surf, sunsets, local food, or wide-open roads, NSW is the perfect place to start your Australian journey.

Best Time to Visit New South Wales

NSW has a mostly temperate climate, but conditions vary depending on where you go. Coastal areas are warm year-round, while inland regions can be dry and much hotter in summer or cooler in winter.

Season

Temperature (°C)

What to Expect

Summer (Dec–Feb)

20–30°C

Hot and sunny along the coast; dry inland

Autumn (Mar–May)

14–24°C

Mild days, cooler nights, perfect for road trips

Winter (Jun–Aug)

5–17°C

Cold inland; crisp and clear in Sydney and coast

Spring (Sep–Nov)

15–25°C

Warm days, wildflowers, great for hiking

Popular New South Wales Regions to Explore

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, sipping wine, or rolling down the windows for an epic coast-to-Outback road trip, New South Wales delivers. Here are just a few highlights we can build your trip around:

Sydney & Surrounds – From the Opera House to the surf at Bondi, Sydney is iconic for a reason. But it’s also the perfect base to explore national parks, charming coastal towns, and hidden harbour beaches just beyond the city.

Blue Mountains – Less than two hours from Sydney, this highland escape is all dramatic cliffs, rainforest walks, cosy villages, and breathtaking lookouts. Ideal for a weekend trip or a short leg on a longer inland journey.

Byron Bay & North Coast – Known for its surf, sunshine, and barefoot vibe, Byron is also a great base for hinterland hikes, waterfalls, and farm-to-table food. Head north or south for quiet beach towns with less of the buzz.

Hunter Valley – One of Australia’s oldest wine regions, just a few hours from Sydney. Think boutique wineries, local produce, and a slower pace—great for couples, foodies, and anyone who likes the idea of a wine-tasting road trip.

Outback NSW – If you’ve ever wanted to see Australia’s red heart, this is your moment. From the opal mines of Lightning Ridge to the historic art town of Broken Hill, the Outback offers silence, stars, and a sense of scale you won’t forget.

How to Travel Around New South Wales

There’s no one way to explore NSW, and that’s exactly where we come in. At The Road Trip Oz, we make it easy to experience the best of NSW your way. Whether you’re up for a solo drive or want someone else to take the wheel, we’ve got options to suit your style.

Self-Drive Adventures – We’ll handle the route, maps, and insider tips so you can hit the road stress-free. Perfect for travellers who like flexibility, freedom, and stopping wherever the view looks good.

Private Guided Tours – Want a private guided tour to explore NSW your way? Our expert guides tailor the experience to you, no group schedules, no tourist traps, just real Australia.

Small Group Tours – Social, seamless, and great value. Travel with like-minded adventurers on a curated route full of highlights (and a few hidden gems too).

Most NSW road trips start in Sydney, but we also offer routes from plenty of other starting points. Whether you’ve got five days or fifteen, we’ll plan a route that makes every moment count.

Ready to Plan Your NSW Road Trip?

There’s no better way to experience Australia than on the open road, and no better place to start than New South Wales.

Browse our most popular road trips through NSW

Choose from self-drive, guided, or small group adventures

Or chat with our team to build a custom itinerary that fits your style

Your unforgettable Australian journey starts here.