Just Outside Sydney

Regional New South Wales

Regional New South Wales covers a large part of the state and a wide range of landscapes. From the sandstone plateaus of the Blue Mountains to the beaches of the south coast, the regions around Sydney offer a change of scale and a different view of Australia.

The options below are suited to a free day or a short break before or after the meeting. Each one is reachable by road or rail, though a car gives more flexibility for the more remote places.

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains form a vast sandstone plateau west of Sydney, with bushwalks, gardens, guesthouses and lookouts. The Greater Blue Mountains Area is a World Heritage listed landscape, and the eucalyptus forests are part of what makes it distinctive. It is a good day trip by train or car.

Central Coast

The Central Coast sits north of Sydney with beaches, lakes, waterways and national parks. It is a popular escape for Sydney residents and a good place for a coastal walk, a swim or a long lunch. Local producers make spirits and other small batch products worth seeking out.

Country New South Wales

Inland towns founded by miners, graziers and farmers give a different picture of the state. The streets are slower, the pubs are part of the social life, and the night sky is darker. Several rural towns have observatories and astronomy programmes.

North Coast

The north coast is a long stretch of beaches, surf breaks and coastal towns. Whale watching is part of the seasonal rhythm, and artists, writers and musicians appear at local festivals. It is a good region for a road trip if you have several days.

Outback New South Wales

The outback is a region of wide horizons, opal mining, emus and small towns with strong characters. The pubs are often the centre of local life. The Silo Art Trail, which stretches across several towns in the Wimmera Mallee region, turns grain silos into large scale portraits and tells the stories of the communities that built them.

South Coast

The south coast unfolds in a series of beaches, bays and national parks. You can camp in the hinterland, walk in the parks or explore the water around Montague Island near Narooma, where fur seals and marine life are part of the attraction.

Hunter Valley and Newcastle

The Hunter Valley is wine country with cellar doors, restaurants and a range of activities from hot air balloon flights to golf and spas. Newcastle adds a lively city stop with restaurants, bars and cafes on the coast.

Snowy Mountains

The Snowy Mountains offer skiing and snowboarding in winter, then kayaking, rafting and mountain walking in the warmer months. The landscape is a strong contrast to the coast and the city.

Wollongong and the Illawarra

The Illawarra coast is a sequence of seaside villages, beaches and coastal scenery. The Grand Pacific Drive is a scenic route through the region, with stops for walks, lookouts and food.