Australia > New South Wales
New South Wales is blessed with a combination of history (it is Australia's oldest state), natural beauty from snow-capped mountains and forests to miles of spectacular coastline and urban glitz. The echo of Australian settlement rings through graceful sandstone edifices while historic pubs are sprinkled around the countryside. Large areas of pristine bushland are protected in a series of state and national parks that virtually surround the capital city of Sydney and make for wonderful exploration.
The stunning coastline affords miles of white sandy beaches and pounding surf. Sydney is one of the few Australian cities to have a bounty of quality beaches on its doorstep, including the world-famous Bondi Beach and the ever popular Manly only a short ferry crossing from Circular Quay. Sydney itself is the dynamic hub of the southern hemisphere, and one of the most stunning cities in the world. It's full of iconic symbols such as Sydney Harbour and its remarkable Opera House, whose architecture looks like sails full of wind, celebrating the city's nautical connections and also emphasising the sense of energy that permeates this city.
Using Sydney as a base it is easy to explore some of the other fascinating regions of New South Wales. Maybe a visit to the Hunter Valley for those who enjoy quality wines or perhaps for those who enjoy nature walks and wildlife a trip to the Blue Mountains will certainly fulfil your requirements.
