16 incredible wonders in NSW to discover

Australia is full of wonders, from icons to the lesser known. Here, we’ve curated 16 wonders from our 100 list that NSW gets to call its very own.

This article is part of our 100 Australian Wonders series. Throughout the series, we explore our nation’s wonders across culture, nature, food, islands and many more. We hope it inspires your own exploration of Australia’s many wonders.

1. Sydney Harbour

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

This sparkling natural harbour needs no introduction, so instantly recognisable is its steel arch bridge and white-sailed Opera House. Book a BridgeClimb and jump aboard a ferry to see the beauty and bustle from above and on the water, wander through the historic cobbled streets of The Rocks (book a walking tour with Dreamtime Southern X to learn about it from a First Nations perspective), stroll the Royal Botanic Gardens and take a dip at beaches such as Camp Cove in Watsons Bay or Milk Beach in Vaucluse, with views back towards the famous skyline.

Sydney Harbour views at night — As far as icons go, the spectacular Sydney Harbour is as iconic as they come. (Image: Tourism Australia)

2. Hunter Valley

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

Vignerons in Australia’s oldest wine region have been cultivating grapes since the early 19th century. Dotted among rolling green hills that stretch to the Great Dividing Range are more than 150 wineries with a medley of cellar doors, from sleek and modern (think Vamp by Lisa McGuigan) to charming and boutique (Krinklewood Organic & Biodynamic Estate) and plenty of places to sip vino among the vines, such as Hope Estate.

friends wine tasting at Hope Estate — Sample wines on Hope Estate, set within Australia’s oldest wine region. (Image: Destination NSW)

Semillon is the hero, but chardonnay and shiraz also reap worldwide attention; add to that a slew of hatted restaurants (Muse, Bistro Molines and more) and the Hunter Valley is a satiating destination for oenophiles and gourmands alike.

hot air balloons above Hunter Valley landscape — Soak up magnificent Hunter Valley views from above with Balloon Aloft. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Kiama Blowhole

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

When the tide is right, the whoosh of water that blasts out of Kiama Blowhole splits the silence open. In fact, when the vertical blowhole on the NSW South Coast hits its peak at more than 30 metres, it is so loud that it drowns out the delighted squeals of the thousands of visitors who congregate here each year. The foundation for this geological wonder – the largest blowhole in the world – was laid from volcanic lava more than 260 million years ago. And while the nearby Little Blowhole is not as flamboyant, it’s also a wonderful place to watch the water wash in.

4. Waterfall Way

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Waterfall Way provides nature-lovers with a multitude of reasons to celebrate NSW’s Mid North Coast wilderness. The 185-kilometre-long road trip stretches from the New England highlands all the way to the Coffs Coast through rolling farmland and five national parks.

a bird's-eye view of Wollomombi Falls, NSW — Go chase the Wollomombi Falls. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’ll find nature doing her thing everywhere from the well-known Wollomombi Falls, the highest in NSW, to scenic Ebor Falls, which cascades over tiered columns of granite into a rugged gorge.

The more secluded Tristania Falls in Dorrigo National Park is another waterfall worth chasing.

the Wollomombi Falls in NSW — Wollomombi Falls is the highest waterfall in NSW. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre

Travelling with: Elizabeth Whitehead

Bob Hawke was simultaneously an everyman and an Aussie legend. He holds the highest public approval rating of any Australian prime minister ever due to his social reforms, environmental policies and – perhaps most of all – his ability to down a beer in mere seconds.

a look inside Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre in Marrickville — Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre is dedicated to an Aussie legend. (Image: Jessie Ann Harris)

The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre in Marrickville in Sydney’s Inner West is a fitting tribute to a man who was a quintessential larrikin: rowdy, free-spirited, but above all, good-hearted. The interior is a time capsule of 1980s Australiana, from the Chinese-Australian bistro (the sesame-sprinkled prawn toast is a highlight) to the decor steeped in nostalgia.

The beer is award-winning, crisp and as golden as the era the establishment pines for. All in all, it’s a watering hole that’s tried and true blue.

a spread of food on the table at Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre — The Chinese-Australian bistro serves up classics like the sesame-sprinkled prawn toast. (Image: Nikki To)

6. Newcastle’s food scene

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

Newcastle’s culinary roots are firmly planted in pub culture, with classic watering holes such as The Great Northern and The Beach Hotel given a shake-up in recent years by clever tastemakers who elevate the humble schnitty and schooner experience.

the dining interior of The Beach Hotel, Newcastle — Dine at The Beach Hotel opposite Merewether Beach. (Image: Destination NSW/ Daniel Goldstein)

But it’s a new eclectic roll call of sophisticated eateries that is capturing the attention of cultured palates. Think pan-Asian flavours at pastel-pretty Light Years; fresh and sustainable seafood at local institution Scottie’s; Mediterranean fare with Euro beach club vibes at Blanca; and the ultimate coming together of wine and pasta at one-hatted diner Humbug. Adding to its résumé of beachside beauty a few klicks from wine country, Newcastle can lay claim to being a hot culinary destination, too.

a table-top view of dishes at Humbug, Newcastle — The one-hatted diner Humbug is making waves for its elevated pasta and wine offering. (Image: David Griffen Photography)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

7. Tokyo Lamington

Travelling with: Jo Stewart

Putting a Japanese spin on a nostalgic Aussie bakery treat is a risky move, but Sydney’s Tokyo Lamington nails it. Located on the aptly named Australia Street in Newtown, this pocket-sized shop sprung to fame for reinventing the humble lamington.

the love cake at Tokyo Lamington — Take your pick from a range of unique flavour fusions of lamingtons.

Interesting flavour combos such as yuzu meringue, pandan tiramisu and fairy bread popcorn prove that nothing is sacred – and you can indeed improve on the classics. Purists will be pleased to know that there’s also an OG lamington with raspberry jam and vanilla cream in the mix, too. Onigiri, miso mushroom pies and matcha lattes bring an added touch of Japan to the menu.

mini square cakes at Tokyo Lamington — Sink your sweet tooth into these pocket-sized cakes at Tokyo Lamington.

8. Bilpin cideries

Travelling with: Taylah Darnell

The small town of Bilpin on the lesser-traversed side of the Blue Mountains has a generous sprinkling of some of the best cideries in Australia. The cold-winter, mild-summer climate of the region is perfect for growing apples, with a handful of orchards and cideries calling the town home. Head to dog-friendly Hillbilly Cider, a favourite among locals and tourists, for the ultimate Bilpin experience: a small but gorgeous orchard, live music on the weekend, delicious ciders and woodfired pizza year-round.

a couple tasting Hillbilly Cider — Sample Hillbilly Cider in a lively atmosphere. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Sydney Fish Market

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

The brand-new Sydney Fish Market is taking shape at Blackwattle Bay where the original storied structure sat for some 70 years. In addition to capitalising on the expansive new 1.9-hectare site, this $750 million iteration will, like the original working market, go beyond the sale and distribution of fish.

In fact, the new site is destined to become even more of a draw, a landmark attraction for both Sydneysiders and visitors that will remain an integral part of the city’s fabric well into the future. The complex features a wavy timber and aluminium roof inspired by the ocean that will be utilised for potential energy production, rainwater collection and recycling. While the ground floor will include the working wholesale fish market and auction hall, the upper ground level will feature retailers, restaurants and cafes that revolve around both the land and sea.

Expect all the happy hubbub of the original market and more after its planned move in 2024.

the complex at Sydney Fish Market — The complex at Sydney Fish Market features a wavy timber and aluminium roof inspired by the ocean.

10. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk spaghettis six kilometres along the cliffs, bays and beaches of Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The path that follows the scalloped shoreline provides a spectacle that changes with the many moods of the sea and sky and is one that residents of the city are justifiably proud of. In fact, it’s considered one of Sydney’s greatest assets.

an aerial view of the Bondi Icebergs and surrounds — Take a plunge at Bondi Icebergs. (Image: Destination NSW/Daniel Tran)

Bondi was named after Boondi, the Aboriginal word meaning ‘the noise made by sea waves’. And it’s those crashing waves that continue to capture the imagination of locals and tourists who drift along the winding boulevard from Bondi beholding the bird’s-eye view.

a bird's-eye view of the Bondi Beach in Sydney — Follow the path from Bondi to Coogee in Sydney. (Image: Destination NSW/Lawrence Furzey)

11. Ocean pools of NSW

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

NSW’s coastline has its own architectural vernacular etched into surf-hammered rock all up and down its saw-toothed length.

Newcastle’s heritage-listed Bogey Hole is the state’s oldest ocean pool, originally built by convicts in 1819 for the personal use of Major James Morisset. Unemployment relief and funding for public works programs during the Depression resulted in a subsequent boom of ocean-pool-building in the 1920s and ’30s, as coast-dwellers embraced these safe spaces for saltwater swimming, with some 100 constructed since.

Over time, these pools have become part of the landscape – each shape and size idiosyncratic to its location, from Yamba to Forster, Bondi, Wollongong, Bermagui and Eden.

A liminal space straddling the manmade and natural that speaks not only to a part of Australia’s history but reflects the social and cultural landscape of the country at leisure.

an aerial view of Aslings Beach Rock Pool in Eden — Take a refreshing dip at Aslings Beach Rock Pool in Eden. (Image: Destination NSW/ Dee Kramer)

12. Hawkesbury River

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

Sitting on the balcony with the Hawkesbury River unspooled in front of you like molten silk, watching the colours change as the light fades over the ridges, it’s hard to imagine the centre of Sydney is little over an hour away.

view from Calabash Bay Lodge on Hawkesbury River — Calabash Bay Lodge sits on the Hawkesbury River. (Image: Pablo Veiga)

The luxurious water-access-only Calabash Bay Lodge at a magnificent crook of the river provides total immersion into this other world. This is a place that slows your heart rate and enlivens your soul. You’ll find a boat and kayaks to untether and take out on the water at a most leisurely pace. And dinner cooked by a private chef to retreat back to in the evening.

a boat on the jetty at Calabash Bay Lodge — Brave the river and captain your own boat. (Image: Nicholas Watt)

Book the Ultimate Hawkesbury Pearler’s Package to experience all of this plus a private tour of Broken Bay Pearl Farm’s local oyster leases and ‘shellar door’ to learn the secrets of pearl and oyster harvesting on the river.

Famed two-hatted restaurant Berowra Waters Inn is just a few oar strokes away, too.

the interior of Calabash Bay Lodge on Hawkesbury River — Check into this luxe river lodge on Hawkesbury River. (Image: Pablo Veiga)

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13. Bundanon

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

Cradled by the soft folds of the Shoalhaven landscape, Bundanon is artist Arthur Boyd’s legacy: a wildlife sanctuary set on 1000 hectares that inspired much of his work and that he and wife Yvonne gifted to the nation in 1993. When the long-held dream of embedding an art museum in the landscape was realised in 2022, it marked the start of a new chapter.

the Shoalhaven landscape in Bundanon — Bundanon is an art museum embedded in a wild sanctuary. (Image: Adrian Lander)

Bundanon is many things, and best visited to be understood. Head here to see thought-provoking exhibitions, visit Arthur Boyd’s old paint-daubed studio and stately homestead, and the locavore cafe led by chef Douglas Innes-Will.

Arthur Boyd at Bundanon — Visit Arthur Boyd’s old paint-daubed studio. (Image: Bundanon Archive)

The word Bundanon means ‘deep valley’ in Dharawal and Traditional Owners are consulted on everything from land management to cultural connection.

Absorb it all thoroughly with an overnight stay at the architecturally designed Bridge, which acts as a window to this ancient and absorbing landscape.

See the Fantastic Forms installation in Bundanon. (Image: Zan Wimberley)

14. Tamworth Country Music Festival

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

For more than half a century, the Tamworth Country Music Festival has been the national stage for country music, culture and heritage. Big-name artists such as Lee Kernaghan, Troy Cassar-Daley and Kasey Chambers are regulars at the iconic event, with performances across outdoor stages and pubs, a street parade, busking competitions and the Golden Guitar Awards. Giddy up for the 2025 fest, which runs for 10 days from 17-26 January.

crowd sitting on the grass at Tamworth Country Music Festival — Circle Tamworth Country Music Festival on your calendar.

15. Mad Max 2 Museum

Travelling with: Steve Madgwick

You’ll find the Mad Max 2 Museum, a temple of pure quirk and obsession, inspired by one of Ozploitation’s seminal films in the wee outpost of Silverton, north-west of Broken Hill. This ode to the ‘wasteland’ is the brainchild of Adrian and Linda Bennett, superfans who moved from the UK in 2010, driven by a fixation with Mad Max 2 (circa 1981).

the Mad Max 2 Museum in NSW — Mad Max 2 Museum features life-sized characters as well as original and replica vehicles from the film. (Image: Steve Madgwick)

George Miller’s post-apocalyptic movie was filmed nearby at epic outback locations such as Mundi Mundi Lookout. The intentionally ramshackle corrugated shack is stuffed with props (including the leather suit worn by Mel Gibson), black-and-white production stills and a stable of trademark beasty cars from the franchise.

The pilgrims will flow on, thanks to Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) and this year’s release of spin-off Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

a vintage car in front of Silverton Hotel — Check into the Silverton Hotel. (Image: Destination NSW)

16. Mungo National Park

Travelling with: Taylah Darnell

Follow Herman Ugarte of Outback Geo Adventures up the Walls of China in Mungo National Park and you’ll see that the edges of long-anhydrous Lake Mungo are still visible. Fragments of fish otoliths poke out of the hard sand, dating back some 18,000 years.

the geological landscape at Mungo National Park, NSW — Witness the rugged landscapes of Mungo National Park unfold before you. (Image: Destination NSW)

The age of things here is something to marvel at; Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, discovered in 1968 and 1974 respectively, are around 42,000 years old and some of the oldest human remains found anywhere in Australia. Turn around at the top and watch this landscape unfold before you, where emus and roos share ancient land and mallee gums shade native bush tomatoes from the blazing sun.

kangaroos at Mungo National Park — Spot kangaroos roaming around Mungo National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Keep reading our 100 Australian Wonders series; from road trips, outback and cultural wonders to foodie wonders and many more.

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

Where the vines tell a story

A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food. — Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

At the table

A flat lay of a steak. — Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

From the source

A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish. — Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

Mark your calendar

A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith. — Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.

16 incredible wonders in NSW to discover

Australia is full of wonders, from icons to the lesser known. Here, we’ve curated 16 wonders from our 100 list that NSW gets to call its very own.

1. Sydney Harbour

2. Hunter Valley

3. Kiama Blowhole

4. Waterfall Way

5. The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre

6. Newcastle’s food scene

7. Tokyo Lamington

8. Bilpin cideries

9. Sydney Fish Market

10. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

11. Ocean pools of NSW

12. Hawkesbury River

13. Bundanon

14. Tamworth Country Music Festival

15. Mad Max 2 Museum

16. Mungo National Park

Keep reading our 100 Australian Wonders series; from road trips, outback and cultural wonders to foodie wonders and many more.

Iconic North Sydney pool to reopen this August after five years

IKEA is offering a designer stay in Sydney for just $19.95 a night

We check into the luxe, light-bathed retreat upping Nelson Bay’s hotel scene

A new 54km hiking trail through ancient rainforest is coming to the Coffs Coast

This surprising regional town is making its mark on the culinary world

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

Where the vines tell a story

At the table

From the source

Mark your calendar

Australia is full of wonders, from icons to the lesser known. Here, we’ve curated 16 wonders from our 100 list that NSW gets to call its very own.

1. Sydney Harbour

2. Hunter Valley

3. Kiama Blowhole

4. Waterfall Way

5. The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre

6. Newcastle’s food scene

AI Prompt

7. Tokyo Lamington

8. Bilpin cideries

9. Sydney Fish Market

10. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

11. Ocean pools of NSW

12. Hawkesbury River

13. Bundanon

14. Tamworth Country Music Festival

15. Mad Max 2 Museum

16. Mungo National Park

Keep reading our 100 Australian Wonders series; from road trips, outback and cultural wonders to foodie wonders and many more.

Iconic North Sydney pool to reopen this August after five years

IKEA is offering a designer stay in Sydney for just $19.95 a night

We check into the luxe, light-bathed retreat upping Nelson Bay’s hotel scene

A new 54km hiking trail through ancient rainforest is coming to the Coffs Coast

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

Where the vines tell a story

At the table

From the source

Mark your calendar