Sydney surrounds Travel Guide

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Activities

Sydney surrounds

Byron Bay © Judith Duk

To the north of Sydney is the Pacific Coastal route, which passes beautiful coastal scenery, laid back seaside communities like Byron Bay, and excellent surf, with nearly 249 miles (400km) of beaches to explore. Whale watching is popular in season and the region is also dotted with numerous national parks and nature reserves that offer activities from hiking to kayaking in the Myall Lakes. The Waterfall Way is one of the most scenic drives in the world that leaves the Pacific Coast Drive and winds up to the New England Tablelands with its colourful history and the vineyards of the famed Hunter Valley. To the south of Sydney is Australia's only alpine habitat in the Snowy Mountains where winter skiing is the main attraction. In summer the mountains become a playground for white water rafters, fishermen, kayakers and hikers.

Resorts

See our separate guides to the following Sydney surrounds holiday resorts: Byron Bay

Excursions

Blue Mountains

The entrance to the richly forested hills of the Blue Mountains is at Glenbrook/Lapstone, only about 50 minutes drive from Sydney. Many coach companies offer day trips, usually from Circular Quay in Sydney. Alternatively City Rail offers an efficient service to the Blue Mountains,... see full details

Broken Hill

The historic town of Broken Hill lies in western New South Wales, in the area known as the 'Living Outback'. Here red dust roads lead off to national parks, opal fields, remote settlements and the Darling River. In Broken Hill art and mining... see full details

Hunter Region

The Hunter Valley region is a 60-mile (100km) drive north of Sydney. It is a region already known to the world for its high quality wine, but is also fast becoming famous as an eco-tourism destination. Besides its vineyards and eateries, there are... see full details

New England

Also known as 'Big Sky Country' the region of New South Wales known as New England is a place of spacious beauty where it is possible to enjoy the great outdoors in the cool summers of the tablelands and cosy hospitality of the... see full details

Snowy Mountains

Australia's winter playground is in the peaks of the Snowy Mountains, about 315 miles (500km) south of Sydney, where there are more than 145 miles (230km) of ski-trails, graded from beginner to championship level. Ski season lasts from June to October. The ski resorts... see full details