Our most recommended things to do in New South Wales

Byron Bay: Sea Kayak Tour with Dolphins and Turtles

1. Byron Bay: Sea Kayak Tour with Dolphins and Turtles

Set out on a 2.5 hour kayaking adventure in Byron Bay. Receive instruction and equipment from your guide before you take in some of the best sights the East Coast has to offer. See the most Easterly Point of the Australian mainland and the Byron Bay Lighthouse from the sea. Learn about local history, aboriginal history, the lighthouse and the marine wildlife from your local guide while you paddle in your kayak around the famous Byron Bay marine reserve. If the opportunity arises, get up close and personal with friendly bottlenose dolphins and discover how inquisitive they can be. You can also look out for sea turtles as they come up for a breath of air and marvel at the size of the majestic humpback whales as they migrate through Byron Bay during June - October. Enjoy paddling your kayak out through the surf and later ride some of Australia's most famous waves. If you don't see a dolphin, turtle or whale you can paddle again with the tour operator free of charge.

Jervis Bay: 2-Hour Whale Watching Cruise

2. Jervis Bay: 2-Hour Whale Watching Cruise

Enjoy the rare opportunity to witness migrating humpback whales on this 2-hour whale watching cruise. Cruise across the immaculate Jervis Bay on a sunny winter’s day. Watch the migration of these incredible animals, set against rugged cliffs and ancient sea caves. On the northern migration, sport whales within a mile or so off the dramatic cliffs on Jervis Bay’s peninsula. During the southern migration, view mothers and their newborn calves coming to rest in Jervis Bay's sheltered waters. Enjoy historical commentary on Jervis Bay and learn about the migrating humpback whales. On the return journey, see the 100-meter cliffs of Point Perpendicular. See some of the whitest sand in the world and the crystal blue water.

Port Stephens: 2.5-Hour Whale Watching & Outer Island Cruise

3. Port Stephens: 2.5-Hour Whale Watching & Outer Island Cruise

Port Stephens enjoys the most excellent whale season and the mighty Hinchinbrook Explorer catamaran will help you enjoy this! With approximately 2.5 hours out on the water, you are sure to enjoy a beautiful experience of whale watching and wildlife sightings! Cruise out past Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands in search of the majestic Humpback whales as they migrate close by Port Stephens. You won’t forget the sight of a 40-tonne whale propelling itself skyward and crashing back into the ocean. Being the most surface active of all the whales, it is highly likely that you will see spectacular displays - spyhops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and ... the breathtaking breach. Cruise to the Outer Islands with the chance of also seeing huge pods of oceanic dolphins (100 to a pod), offshore sea birds and other species of whale including pilot, minke and brydes. This 30 meters (100 feet) in length catamaran provides you with a very comfortable and safe journey. It has full walk around decks for viewing and large air conditioned indoor areas. Enjoy tea and coffee, and entertaining and informative commentary.

Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise

4. Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise

Take a cruise around magnificent Port Stephens Harbour on the biggest boat in the bay. Keep an eye out for the resident Bottlenose Dolphins as you head out on the water. Take in the sights of Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands, Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay, and the Northern Harbour as you sit back and relax on the deck area. If you feel like getting a bit wet, slide down the waterslide that twist and twirls into our boomnet. Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary on board. If you feel like indulging in something a little different, there is a licensed bar on board that you can choose to purchase from. 

From Sydney: Blue Mountains, Scenic World All Inclusive Tour

5. From Sydney: Blue Mountains, Scenic World All Inclusive Tour

Join a small group on this all-inclusive day trip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains with a local guide. Gaze at the rainforest on a guided walk in Scenic World, see the iconic Three Sisters from Echo Point, and meet endemic animals at the Featherdale Wildlife Park or Western Sydney Zoo. Begin your tour early at one of the meeting points, then set off on your adventure ahead of large groups. Arrive at Scenic World in the Blue Mountains and experience all the rides with your local guide. Ride the Scenic Railway into the rainforest, take the Skyway across the valley and see magnificent views of the waterfall and enjoy the Cableway. Skip some of the general queues and head straight to the rides. Take a stroll on a boardwalk through the rainforest and hear all about its ecosystem. Then, follow your guide to a cliff lookout and soak in panoramic views of the Jamison Valley, with its pink sandstone cliffs and eucalyptus-bound forests. Next, walk down the road to Echo Point and admire sweeping views of the Three Sisters rock formation from the lookout. Learn about its cultural significance from your guide. Then, time permitting, enjoy some time on your own to wander around and take photos. After working up an appetite, tuck into lunch in the Blue Mountains. After your meal, continue to Featherdale Wildlife Park or Western Sydney Zoo to spend some time close to some of Australia's natives. Get a hands-on experience with native animals, including hand-feeding a kangaroo. After spending the day connecting with nature in the World Heritage-listed area of the Blue Mountains, Take a ferry back to Sydney along the Parramatta River. See landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and end the trip at Barangaroo. 

Byron Bay: Kayak with Dolphins Tour

6. Byron Bay: Kayak with Dolphins Tour

Take in some of the best sights the East Coast has to offer. Learn about local history and indigenous history, the lighthouse, dolphins, whales, and turtles. See the most Easterly Point of the Australian mainland on a guided tour in a two-person, sit-on-top-style sea kayak. Enjoy paddling your sea kayak through the surf and later ride some of Australia’s most famous waves in Byron Bay. Get up close and personal with friendly bottlenose dolphins and discover how inquisitive they can be. Spot sea turtles and marvel at the size of the majestic humpback whales as they migrate through beautiful Byron Bay. There is a 90% chance of seeing dolphins on this tour and if you don’t see them you can come again another time for free.

Byron Bay: Waterfalls and Hidden Gems Day Tour

7. Byron Bay: Waterfalls and Hidden Gems Day Tour

Experience the beauty of Killen Falls waterfall, the picturesque coastal beach town of Lennox Head, and swim in the healing waters of Lake Ainsworth on a day tour from Byron Bay. With pickup and drop-off services included all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Your knowledgeable and friendly local tour guide has lived in the area their whole life and will lead you on a journey through the picturesque landscapes of the hinterland and coastline, sharing the history and culture of the area, as well as pointing out the best spots for photos. Stop at Killen Falls where you can enjoy a swim in the cool waters of this beautiful waterfall. Stroll the streets of laid-back Lennox Heads, and explore the winding pathways in Broken Head National Park. Cool off in Lake Ainsworth, locally known for its reputed healing properties. Enjoy a delicious lunch (at additional cost) at a charming beach local side kiosk and savor the flavors of the Northern Rivers. With a variety of menu options, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste buds and dietary requirements. This day tour is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Northern Rivers.

Port Stephens: Sandboarding & Sandsurfing with 4WD Transfer

8. Port Stephens: Sandboarding & Sandsurfing with 4WD Transfer

Embark on an epic adventure on the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Once at the meeting point, you will board a comfortable 4WD vehicle for a 10-minute drive across the expansive dunes to the private and secluded sandboarding area, far away from the hustle and bustle of civilisation. Here you will be greeted by a friendly instructor who will teach you the safe method of sandboarding for both the sit down and stand up styles. You can choose from a range of different boards, both with and without bindings - or, pair up with a buddy and ride tandem. The bowl-shaped dune features both smaller slopes and a monster slope - you choose the size of the hill based on your confidence level. Sandboarding is suitable for all ages and abilities. There is a shaded picnic area with tables and chairs provided at the dune, so feel free to bring your own food and drinks and enjoy a picnic whilst taking in the incredible panoramic views of beach, dunes, and forest. There are plenty of amazing photo opportunities within this unique landscape. Best of all, you can stay and play as long as you like. Most people will generally spend 1-2 hours. There is a shuttle to the dunes and back every 15 minutes, so when you are ready to head back just hop on the the next shuttle.

Newcastle Whale Watching Cruise

9. Newcastle Whale Watching Cruise

Join Newcastle’s longest running and most experienced operator aboard Bay Connections and witness the migration of over 45,000 humpback whales from the safety and comfort of our fully air conditioned catamaran. With indoor and outdoor viewing areas, informative commentary and free fact sheets available, you can be sure that all ages are catered for. Includes a bonus Harbour and outer beach tour, complimentary morning or afternoon tea and *free return standby cruse if no whales are sighted. Snack food and beverages can be purchased from our licensed bar.

Byron Bay: Premier Whale Watch Cruise with Marine Biologist

10. Byron Bay: Premier Whale Watch Cruise with Marine Biologist

Depart from Ballina’s Richmond River and enter the pristine waters of Cape Byron Marine Park. Encounter astonishing humpback whales in their natural habitat as they migrate past the breathtaking coastline between Ballina and Byron Bay. A friendly Marine Biologist will share in-depth knowledge of the area and humpback whale encounters that you'll get to experience within Byron’s Marine Park. You can also listen to live humpback whale song using a specialised underwater hydrophone. The purpose-built eco-vessel seats 20 guests and has a 360-degree views for unparalleled whale watching and sightseeing experiences. It has a unique hull design, which ensures a smooth, comfortable ride in all cruising conditions. The friendly, professional team guarantees a first-class, unmatched, eco tour to remember.

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What people are saying about New South Wales

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 15,739 reviews

The perfect Aussie wildlife experience! A huge thank you to Dave, you has been a wonderful host and made the tour a 5 star experience for us. It started with a very pleasant ride from Sydney Central to a scenic lookout close to Wollongong. From there, Dave took us on two short but very nice walks in the National Park to see magnificent waterfalls. But the highlight came in the evening, when we reached the campground. While Dave was preparing a very nice dinner for us, kangaroos came from all around to bushes. So we ended up having super delicious burgers amongst many kangaroos, absolutely stunning. Later after sunset also the wombats came out. We really couldn’t ask for more.

Dave was a superbly knowledgeable and relaxed guide. He is friendly and knows us all by name. He was so helpful taking pictures and answering questions. I never expected to see so many kangaroos from so close. It was a full and enjoyable day. The food was delicious and the setting magical. Definitely recommended by my 2 teenagers and I.

The ride was really fun and the guide explained clearly what to expect during the ride, so it was not that scary. The views at the habour were amazing and the guide also stopped a few times at scenic places to explain to us what where the sights around the habour. Do expect to get slightly splashed but it is definitely worth it!

Dave was amazing and very warm person, found the time to talk with every single person from the tour group. Gave lots of information and the whole trip was amazing. Highly recommended and would go with him again and again.

It worked nicely. Only thing we need to set the APN settings and activate Data Roaming