New South Wales

NEW SOUTH WALES

New South Wales is a land of contrasts. Lush rainforests, pristine beaches, snowfields and the rugged beauty of the outback all vie for visitors’ attention. Beaches are a clear drawcard, with those at Bondi and Byron Bay among the most popular. Surfing, swimming and whale watching can be enjoyed almost anywhere along the coast, but Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay National Park is home to the whitest sand in the world. The discovery of Mungo Man and Woman, the miraculously preserved remains of tow ancient Aboriginal people found in a dune over three decades ago, prove that civilisation existed here 40 000 years ago. Numerous Aboriginal nations have called the state home, and still do. Well preserved fish traps in Brewarrina are thought by some to be the oldest man made structures in the world.

After the American War of Independence spelt the end for British penal settlements in America, the recently annexed New South Wales was an obvious solution to the problem of overcrowded prisons. Conditions were harsh; the first inmates of Maitland Gaol, who included many children, were forced to march the six kilometres to the prison in shackles and chains.

Harsh conditions were not limited to the prisons. In 1845, explorer Charles Sturt lost his second in command and was stranded for six months in the outback near Milparinka. Today remote Silverton is the quintessential outback town, with its buildings and stark surrounds featuring in Australian films such as Mad Max II and The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

In stunning contrast, Sydney’s bright lights and sophistication sit beside the sparkling waters of the largest natural harbour in the world. The iconic Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, along with the successes of the 2000 Olympic s and the popular Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, have ensured Sydney and New South Wales a place on the world stage.

REGIONAL NEW SOUTH WALES

South Coast

Compared to the very popular and very populated beaches north of Sydney, this lovely and sinewy stretch of coast is positively subdues. It unfolds in a series of coves and bays. Not only are there quiet beaches and thousands of quaint accommodation properties hidden along the coast and in the hinterland, there is really more than a fair share of stunning scenery in the 19 brilliant national parks. They contain remote coastline and beaches, and the perfect environment for just about any outdoor pursuit you could care to name; from bird watching to canoeing. Little townships, many with interesting histories, are known for their fine food and wines, and great country markets. Superb local cheeses are a speciality. Marine mammals take pride of place – pods of dolphins and migratory whales cruise past secluded white sand beaches, and Australian fur seals thrive on Montague Island. There are two marine parks here – at Jervis Bay and Batemans Bay.

Outback

We all know the Outback’s most memorable feature is its landscape. Ancient and often spectacular, its rugged beauty is characterised by pure elements: red earth, blue skies and horizons to eternity itself. This often extra terrestrial environment has been appreciated for millennia by the region’s Aboriginal inhabitants. Aboriginal artworks, some 30’000 years old, adorn sites in Mutawintji National Park. At Mungo National Park, the remains of Mungo Man and Mungo Woman date back 40’000 years, making it the oldest known ceremonial burial site in the world. No wonder the region has provided the backdrop for movies such as “Wolf Creek”, “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” and “Mad Max”.

North Coast

Encompassing both glorious coastal destinations and a good wedge of hinterland, North coast NSW is hugely popular with holiday makers. And for very good reason. The North Coast’s subtropical climate means the classic Aussie beach holiday is accessible more than the usual number of months in the year. An intriguing blend of old and new, the North Coast is where the world’s largest expanse of subtropical rainforest meets mountains forged from ancient volcanoes. A sparkling coastline of endless beaches offers surfing, whale watching, frolicking dolphins and flocks of seabirds. Inspiring surroundings attract creative personalities – artists, writers and musicians. Colourful local festivals brim with arts and crafts, kites, crystals and local produce. Take a horseback tour or dine on the waterfront on fresh seafood and locally grown fruit accompanied by crisp white wine. Rich volcanic soils produce macadamia nuts, exotic fruits, aromatic coffee, tea and excellent wine. The Central East Rainforest Reserves cover more than 50 national parks and wilderness areas, from Mt Warning (where the sun first hits the Australian mainland each day) to wildlife rich Barrington Tops.

Heart of Country

Try summing up several countries, from different continents, in one paragraph, this is the challenge that faces people pressed to describe NSW’s enormous Heart of Country region. It incorporates the lush river lands of The Murray and Riverina, travels up through the bush and the cultural treasure trove in Canberra, and further north to what’s known as “Big Sky Country”. Some of Australia’s most historic country towns dot this region. These quintessentially Australian settlements, founded by gold miners, graziers and farmers and chosen by artists for their special light, are loved by visitors today for their old world general stores and friendly country pubs. Elsewhere in the region discover a giant telescope at Parkes, fields of sunflowers, cotton and swaying wheat, captivating regional art galleries and a great outdoor zoo in Dubbo.

Sydney Surrounds

Encompassing the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, Illawarra and the Hunter Valley, Sydney Surrounds amounts to a sensuous adventure; this can be as indulgent a holiday experience as you want to make it. There’s gourmet food, luxurious day spas, award winning wine regions and a few all action adventures to burn the calories you have savoured. Beaches north and south of Sydney round out this very attractive part of Australia. If wine is the nectar of the Gods, then the Gods smiled on the Hunter Valley. There are more than 100 wineries and cellar doors spread across the Lower Hunter Valley. Australia’s oldest wine region, Hunter Valley Wine Country builds on a tradition dating back to the beginnings of European settlement in Australia. The industry produces about $200 million worth of wine each year. Winemakers welcome visitors to sample their wares and are often on hand to explain the winemaking process and discuss the finer points of their own products. Winery tours, wine talks and private tastings can be arranged, or join the cellar door set and do it in a more social context.

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains World Heritage Area ranks high among Australia’s natural wonders. Stretching for over one million hectares, it combines rainforest, canyons, tall forests and heath lands, and it’s a heady natural experience indeed.

The region boasts well known natural spectacles, immortalised on many a tea towel or fridge magnet over the years. At Katoomba, star rock formations the three Sisters face the imposing presence of Mount Solitary. Each of the three higgledy piggledy pillars of stone is different to its neighbour and you can’t help but ask how, in this vast panorama, only three sisters were carved out of the cliffs. The height of the lookout and the shock of the drop are quite beyond words, and you can begin to feely woozy looking down at the forest floor far, far below. From Govett’s Leap, views of the Grose Valley stretch off to the distance. Kanangra Walls feature some of the largest cliffs in Australia, and Pearson’s Lookout provides vistas of Capertee Valley, the wides canyon in the world. Picnic facilities, a restaurant and takeaway food are available nearby.

Boardwalk walking trails below are accessible by the world’s steepest passenger railway – the zig zag railway.

Katoomba itself appears largely unphased by the great cavalcade of tourists that lumber through town in huge buses and mini – vans. A stroll along the main street uncovers odd rustic cafes such as Common Ground - panelled inside with great chunks of timber to create pit seating and mezzanine levels – antique shops, jewellers, opportunity shops and quite often bearded buskers singing spirited Aussie Folk songs.

Classic Drive

Blue Mountains, NSW

Start: Glenbrook

Finish: Mount Tomah

Distance: 185km

Drama and interest lay around every bend in the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains. Sandstone escarpments tumble into dense bushland with many cultural sites in between – from Aboriginal rock art to historic gardens. Explorers Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson forged the first path across the mountains in 1813, and today the Great Western Highway closely follows their original ridge top track.

From Glenbrook to Mount Tomah

Ancient heritage

For maps, brochures and advice on your trip to the Blue Mountains, stop in at the visitor centre on the great Western Highway in Glenbrook About 15 km south lies Red Hands Cave, where you can see one of the best preserved examples of Aboriginal art in the Sydney region - hand stencils and prints believed to be between 500 and 1600 years old.

Artist’s hideaway

Painter sculptor and author Norman Lindsay lived and worked for most of his life in a pretty, bush framed stone cottage on the outskirts of Faulconbridge. It is now a gallery and museum that features a collection of his work, including his famous depictions of female nudes, as well as puppets representing characters from his classic children’s book, The Magic Pudding (1918).

Water feature

Grand vistas slip in and out of view as you weave towards the picturesque town of Wentworth Falls. The waterfall, a short distance south of town, is one of the great natural attractions of the mountains – a 300 m high tumble of water formed by a massive slip in the escarpment. Walks, lookouts and picnic spots give visitors ample opportunity to explore the area.

Ever beautiful

As well as interesting historic buildings, great galleries and cafes, Leura is the home of Everglades, one of the many outstanding gardens of the mountains flourishing in the rich volcanic soil. Danish gardener Paul Sorensen created this 6 ha wonderland across a series of cascading terraces, which open to superb Jamison Valley views and provide a wonderful frame for the property’s classic Art Deco residence.

A rock and two rides

Katoomba, with its luxury resorts and Art Deco architecture is the tourist hub of the Blue Mountains. Within walking distance are two mountain rides. She Scenic Skyway, a cable car that runs 300 m above the valley floor; and the Scenic Railway claimed to be the steepest-incline railway in the world. Nearby Echo Point is the place to view the famous Three Sisters, a massive rock formation of three distinct ‘figures’ carved by the forces of erosion.

Leap into wilderness

Beyond Blackheath, Govetts Leap Lookout commands views across the Grose Valley – a vast expanse of forest-clad rock folds, misty ravines and ribbon-like waterfalls. The valley contains 50 000 ha of identified wilderness, and has a superb range of walks leading to sites such as the Blue Gum Forest. Visit the National Parks and wildlife Service Heritage Centre in Blackheath for maps, brochures and an insight into the natural and cultural history of the mountains.

Trip back in time

The Zig Zag Railway was built 1866-69, and has been described as one of the engineering wonders of the 19^th century. Built to bring the great Western Railway Line from the top of the Blue Mountains down the steep mountainside into the Lithgow Valley, it comprises a series of gently sloping ramps in Z-formation. Old steam trains and railmotors take visitors out on the restored track several times a day.

Private plantings

The tiny town of Mount Wilson is famous for its English-style private gardens, established by the leisured Sydney elite in the late 19^th century. Take a walk through the streets for a taste – many gardens are open to the public in spring and autumn, when their colours blaze against the olive green backdrop of the bush.

Seasonal brilliance

Mount Tomah Botanic garden – the cool climate branch of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney – is a 28 ha wonderland of foliage and flowers: protea and heath in winter, cherry blossoms, bulbs, rhododendrons and azaleas in spring, alpine flowers in summer, and shades of russet in autumn. On a clear day, vies from the many terraces extend 180 km across the canyon country towards the Hunter Valley.