Australia’s east coast is ever so popular with both international and local tourists and that’s for a good reason. It’s here you get a little bit of everything, the perfect mix of beaches, parklands and the true blue Australian outback.

More specifically in the state of New South Wales you will find crowd favourite Sydney, however this large state has a lot more to offer then just the country’s most popular city.

SNOWY MOUNTAINS

Despite what you might think, the Snowy Mountains is not just a winter destination, there is plenty to do all year round. However, if a winter getaway is what you’re after, than I highly recommend you make your way to the Snowy Mountains.

LOCATION:

The Snowy Mountains is located within the Mount Kosciuszko National Park just south of Canberra. There are many different towns within the area, but Jindabyne, Thredbo and Perisher Valley seem most popular with the tourists.

If you can, I highly recommend driving to the Snowy Mountains as it is pretty inspiring to see those snow-tipped mountains in the distance. It’s about a 5 and a half hour drive from Sydney to Jindabyne, but it is well worth it so that once you get there it easy for you to go out and explore the area.

If driving isn’t for you than you can also fly into the Snowy Mountains airport or alternatively (and probably the cheaper option) fly into Canberra airport and make the 2 hour journey into the Snowy Mountains from there.

WINTER SPORTS:

During winter this area becomes snow covered, hence the ‘Snowy Mountains’ and turns into a winter wonderland! The perfect place for anyone who wants to give some of the winter sports available a red hot go.

You can enjoy several different activities on the snowfields like snowboarding, skiing, and snow tubing. There is a little something for everyone, and it’s a must for anyone that prefers the colder months.  

Don’t stress if you don’t have all the snow gear, there are plenty of stores around that hire the gear out for a reasonable price. They have absolutely everything you will need to get your adventure started, literally everything. I didn’t own a shred of clothing appropriate for this type of weather and it was super easy to hire everything from clothes to snowboards to goggles, you’ll be set within the hour.

Once you’ve got your gear sorted make you way up to the snowfields of your choice and begin to tear it up.

PORT STEPHENS

Located on a peninsula, surrounded by beaches it’s easy to see why Port Stephens is a very popular summer getaway destination. As you can probably imagine there is a large range of water sports available to undertake here.

LOCATION:

The Port Stephens area is located just over two and a half hours north of Sydney, making up a large part of the Hunter Region. With a choice of 26 beaches, there is plenty to do and lots crystal clear water to explore.

It’s very easy to get to the Port Stephens area, you can drive, catch the train from Sydney or even fly into Newcastle Airport.

EXPLORE THE SAND DUNES:

If you are after a bit of an adrenalin pumping activity, you should try quad bike riding along the Birubi Beach sand dunes. Birubi Beach is located in Anna Bay, a suburb of the Port Stephens area and home to the largest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere.

Experience the size and beauty of the area first hand on a quad biking tour. There are a couple of companies that run these type of tours so do your research and find one that’s best for you.

If you own or have hired a 4WD than you could definitely do it by yourself. All you will need is a permit which is easily purchased from the service station near the beach. I love doing this during the summer. You can pack lunch, snacks and drinks, take your fishing rods, drive up and down the beach exploring the area and make a day of it.  

BLUE MOUNTAINS

The Blue Mountains is a beautiful natural spectacle that everyone should aim to venture to at least once in their life. There is plenty to do here for those wanting to explore the World Heritage listed area a little more adventurously.

LOCATION:  

The Blue Mountains is located just south west of Sydney, covering an area of over 1400 square kilometers. It’s huge!

If driving from Sydney it will take you about an hour and a half, but you can also catch the train which will only take you just over two hours. There are also many coach companies that offer day trips to the area although I do suggest more than one day to get much more out of your trip!

JENOLAN CAVES:

Jenolan Caves are one of the most famous caves in all of Australia and situated in the Blue Mountains, it’s the perfect place to stop if you only have a day or two to explore because there are so many activities to do.

You can explore the caves a number of ways. Choose between abseiling, adventure caving, scenic bushwalking and a range of tours. This is the perfect getaway for people who love the outdoors.

If the thought of adventure caving got you excited, it should. There are so many different options when it comes to choosing your tour, ranging in difficulty and ability. It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to caving or you’re really experienced there is a little something here for everyone.

If you are in the area after dark I recommend hanging around and taking a stroll to explore, as many parts of the caves are lit up at night time and it is extraordinary to see!

If you are set out to find adventure, then Australia’s New South Wales is for you. There is plenty to do to get the adrenalin pumping and the heart racing so grab your gear and set off on one hell of an adventure.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Olivia Bourke

I’m Olivia, an adventurous traveler and blogger, GreatLost.com, who just wants to explore all the world has to offer. I’m an American who has slowly made my way to the beautiful land down under, Australia and I’m loving every minute of exploring this ever so scenic country, one state at a time. With my feet moving and my fingers typing, I love sharing all the gems that I discover with the world so they can enjoy them as well!