The world’s oldest caves? The beach with the world’s whitest sand? A Jurassic Park lookalike? At first glance, you’d think these places are something out of a movie. But if you’re planning a road trip to see the best places to visit in NSW, you don’t have to go too far to experience the magic yourself.
Some of the most outrageously beautiful places in the world lie just a stone’s throw away from the city, and they offer amazing escapes all year round, from winter getaways to summer sightseeing tours. We’ve rounded up some must-visit hidden gems in the state, so check out the most extraordinary places to visit in NSW that will make you feel lucky to call it home.
The most unique places to visit in NSW
1. Jenolan Caves
The Jenolan Caves are regarded as the world’s oldest and Australia’s most spectacular cave system. Located just a three-hour drive from Sydney along a winding road through the beautiful town of Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, these awe-inspiring limestone caves are replete with natural landscapes and underground rivers.
To better explore the area, you can take one of the many guided tours which take you around specific parts of the caves. With the Lucas tour, you can explore the highest and widest chambers in the caves. See two huge, awe-inspiring caverns, famous for fossils and helictites up close with the Temple of Baal tour. Meanwhile the Orient tour will take you to the ‘Pillar of Hercules’ (Jenolan’s tallest stalagmite) and the brilliant ‘Crystal Basin’, which often fills up with pale blue water. Check out all the tours available here.
Other must-dos in the area include exploring the scenic blue lake and the Kanangra-Boyd Lookout that offers uninhibited views over the Blue Mountains area. Read all about Jenolan Caves here.
2. Woy Woy Waterfall
If there’s one thing NSW is not lacking in, it’s natural landscapes. National parks, hiking trails, beaches, stargazing spots, you name it and it’s likely to be within reach. It’s also blessed with incredible waterfalls splashed around the entire state. But what’s special about the Woy Woy Waterfall is that the super hidden spot cascades into a natural infinity pool.
The gorgeous spot is hard to find, and after blowing up on social media not too long ago, it’s become one of the best places to visit in NSW. Located within an hour from Sydney you’ll find the waterfall deep within the Brisbane Water National Park at Woy Woy. If you’re willing to do a bit of trek to get to it, and we promise it is worth it, you’ll want to check out our complete guide on the beautiful falls.
3. Hyams Beach
Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay has received worldwide popularity for having the whitest sand in the world and stunning turquoise blue water. That as a result has led to people storming the village, especially from Canberra and Sydney. But if you do time your trip properly and visit off season, it is a pretty magical spot. With clear, sparkling water and bright white sands it’s a sight to behold. And given it’s proximity to Sydney (it’s about a 3-hour drive from the CBD), it’s a sought-after weekend getaway for many locals.
The white sand beach is best experienced during the warmer months when you can partake in a number of water sports and other activities. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, winter might be your best bet. If you’re lucky you could even get the whole beach all to yourself.
Apart from beaches, Jervis Bay also has national parks, an expansive bush to explore and heaps of excellent food options. Check out the Secret Sydney guide to Jervis Bay and start planning your trip to this incredible spot in NSW.
4. White Cliffs
For a true Australian outback experience, White Cliffs is the place to go. If you haven’t heard much about it, we wouldn’t really fault you. Located 1,041 km north-west of Sydney via Dubbo and Wilcannia, this largely hidden town has a tiny population of about 200 people. It’s hiding a secret, quite literally; because of how hot it gets in the summer, most of the people have been forced to live underground. The residents have used mining equipment to dig extensive homes in the hillside to avoid the heat. There’s only one bed and breakfast and a motel, also underground. Opal has continued to be mined in the area since the late 19th century.
But that’s not the only thing you get there. Thanks to being far removed from urban population, the night skies are brimming with stars along with heaps of shops selling opals. There’s only one pub and general store in the area and the lifestyle has remained relaxed and easy-going over the years. Interestingly, an aerial image of the town will show you nothing but mining holes, so if you’re tired of city life this might pique your interest.
5. Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island has received a lot of publicity of late. Thanks to its wonderful island lifestyle and brilliant beaches, it remains a coveted spot for Australians around the country. So what’s so special about it? Well it’s more or less Australia’s answer to Jurassic Park; in fact, Destination NSW even refers to it as a Jurassic Park doppelganger. One look at an image from the island and it’s easy to see why. It’s a standout thanks to its volcanic features, stunning views and exotic wildlife. And we don’t use the word exotic lightly.
It’s home to species like the Lord Howe Woodhen, a ground-dwelling bird which can only be found on the island. For a true Jurassic Park/Castaway experience head to the Capella Lodge. Although you probably won’t spot a dinosaur, the scenery is the closest you can get to a real life Jurassic adventure. Find out more here.
6. Ball’s Pyramid
Sticking around the vicinity of Lord Howe Island, you’ll also find the world’s tallest sea stack on a visit here. Only a select few people each years are allowed to set foot on Ball’s Pyramid, but a boat tour can get you up close to see the 572-metre stack, which is also one of the few visible parts of the lost continent of Zealandia (also known as Te Riu-a-Maui), regarded as the eighth continent of Earth and almost entirely submerged in the Pacific Ocean.
Since you’ll need to be very lucky to gain permission to climb it, the best bet is a chartered boat trip, which has the added advantage of world-class diving and snorkelling in the waters surrounding the stack. Learn more about Balls Pyramid here.
7. Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
At this point, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden has become an indelible part of Sydney’s history and culture. In fact it’s often referred to as one of Sydney’s worst kept secrets. The garden – which has been thriving since the 90s – is a gorgeous, hidden oasis in the heart of the city with stunning views of the harbour all around.
Wendy and her renowned artist husband, the late Brett Whiteley, set up their home in the late 70s. Following the passing of her husband, a grief-stricken Wendy began obsessively clearing and creating a garden which resembled a giant painting. It’s now become one of the most beautiful gardens in Sydney and an oasis for people seeking rest from the daily grind. Wendy’s Secret Garden is also a reminder of all the extraordinary places we can find in our own backyard. Read more about this iconic spot here.
8. Eagle Head Rock
A scenic coastal walk in the Royal National Park starting at Wattamolla leads to Curracurrong Falls or Eagle Rock. The rock formation resembles an eagle’s beak, making it one of the most iconic images from the Royal National Park till date. There’s something truly magical about this spot and all who’ve visited would attest to the same. The gorgeous waterfall sometimes looks like it’s flowing upwards and it’s also one of the very few waterfalls in the world where the water flows directly into the ocean. The walking route itself will remain etched in your memory, too.
One of the relatively easier hikes in the Royal National Park, you’ll find the falls just an hour south of Sydney. On the way you’ll be met with exceptional views of the bush and spectacular lookout points. It really is as brilliant as it sounds and if you’re after extraordinary places to visit in NSW, you’ll want to keep this high up on your list.
9. Bioluminescence at Jervis Bay
More of a time and place, rather than just a place, but you won’t want to miss this jaw-dropping natural phenomenon. Bioluminescent displays are one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders, and lucky for us, we get a vivid display just a few hours from Sydney. You’ll find incredible bioluminescence on the shores of Jervis Bay, one of the few places in Australia where you can witness it.
While the displays are few and far between, 2020 saw one of the brightest light displays ever. Some plankton or algae can glow in the dark thus emitting a blue glow which results in this stunning display. It’s hard to predict what the best time to see bioluminescence is but historically the months between May and August are when the event tends to repeat itself. You can spot it at Barfluer Beach, Callala Bay, and Blenheim Beach. Find the details here.
10. Guestlands
Want a taste of Italy but can’t really afford the trip right now? Less than an hour from the CBD, you’ll find Guestlands, an Italian inspired village located in the beautiful gardens of Arcadia. Right from stone paved entrances to a wonderful chess garden with oversized pieces, it’s a true blue medieval Italian experience right here at home. With a number of water features, Renaissance themes, and an exclusive sunset bar you’re bound to feel like you’ve been transported to Italy. Unwind in their pool or spa or dive into some pizza and wine, it’s a true indulgent experience you won’t be forgetting soon. Discover more here.
11. Warrumbungle National Park
Welcome to the Southern Hemisphere’s first ever Dark Sky Park, where the bulk of the action takes place after dark. Warrumbungle National Park offers birdwatching, hiking, and camping by day, but when night falls and clouds part, it offers one of the most unforgettable stargazing opportunities in Australia.
It’s around five hours from Sydney, so it’s more of a weekend visit than a day trip, but the distance from major cities, the high altitude, and the low humidity make for excellent stargazing conditions. Gaze up at the heavens and you can spot an array of constellations. See the full guide here.
12. Horseshoe Falls
Just 90 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, we’d recommend Horseshoe Falls as an escape from the city even if it wasn’t hiding an extra-special secret. That secret? Thousands of twinkling glow worms at the back of the cave behind the falls, which illuminate this incredible spot at certain points of the year.
When dusk falls, wait for your eyes to adjust to the gloom and you’ll see the glow worms start to softly shine, creating one of the most unique places in NSW. The walk isn’t too taxing, but wear comfy shoes and make sure to bring a torch for the trip back. Here’s all you need to know about the falls, which are in our opinion one of the most beautiful hidden places in NSW.
13. Thirlmere Lakes National Park
Speaking of things that glow, Thirlmere Lakes National Park offers something similarly beautiful. This time, it’s ghost mushrooms, which are usually seen glowing in autumn after the rain. NSW isn’t their usual habitat – they’re more commonly seen in South Australia and Western Australia – but at Thirlmere Lakes, you’ll be able to spot this eerie phenomenon. A word of common sense though: don’t eat the mushrooms, for they’re as poisonous as they are pretty. Discover more about the ghost mushrooms here.
14. Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool
A very popular spot on social media, Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool sits amongst the bush of Kosciuszko National Park, not far from Canberra as the crow flies. The naturally-occurring thermal pool, fed by a spring 1km beneath the surface, has been shaped by human hands into a 20-metre long pool, with an adjacent wading pool for kids. As the water is heated to a balmy 27oC all year round, it’s a wonderfully warming spot through the spring and autumn, an ideal spot for winter getaways in NSW, and an all-round wonderful hidden gem. Find out more here.
15. Stockton Sand Dunes
Reaching heights of up to 40 metres, the imposing Stockton Sand Dunes slope down towards the ocean just north of Newcastle. They’re part of the reason that Stockton Beach is the longest beach in NSW, and offer all kinds of thrills for adventure seekers: 4WD experiences, stand-up sandboarding, and camel rides are just some of the activities on offer here. From the top of the dunes, see if you can spot the wreck of the MV Sygna; it’s a Norwegian ship that ran aground on the beach back in the 70s, and the rusted remains are just another curiosity that adds to the appeal. Full details here.
16. Capertee Valley
A criminally overlooked part of the country, and one which lies on Sydney’s doorstep, Capertee Valley is the world’s second-largest canyon. Blessed with mountainous landscapes and breathtaking views, we’d call it Australia’s Grand Canyon if 1) it wasn’t actually wider and longer than the USA’s Grand Canyon and 2) there’s actually already a Grand Canyon in Australia.
The 30km-wide valley is popular with bird watchers for the variety of wildlife in the area, and there are many bushwalking tracks for keen hikers to follow. Driving is the easiest way to get around, but catch a train from Central Station to Lithgow and you’ll be most of the way there. It’s one of the truly unforgettable places to visit in NSW; learn more about Capertee Valley here.