Choose from 146 Fun Things to Do in New South Wales
Featherdale Wildlife Park
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Berrima
- The town is about a 90-minute drive from Canberra or Sydney.
- There are wide ranging dining options in the village from casual to fine dining.
- Berrima is located near the Wingecarribee River and has popular walking trails along the water.
- The town hosts events like meditation retreats; check its website for up-to-date information.
Captain Cook Memorial Fountain
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Darling Harbour
The harbour is considered an entertainment and tourism hub with restaurants, bars, museums, theaters, shops, parks and more! All sites are walking distance from one another, as this ring of attractions is connected by walkways and boardwalks that face the water. Worn out from an exciting day in the harbour? There is also a little train that loops the area for visitors with children or anyone who would like to relax and enjoy the seaside sights.
You may need to dedicate an entire day for a visit, as there is so much to see and do in Darling Harbour. It has a thriving nightlife with a unique and electrifying vibe as people buzz from bar to bar. That said, the area is great for family fun as well. Children can play on the harbour playground or run through the fountains on hot days. Stop by Cockle Bay for an inspiring dining experience; marvel at sea creatures at the Sydney Aquarium, shop at Sydney’s Harbourside shopping center or visit one of Australia’s top museums.
Darling Harbour has something for everyone: with stunning views, top attractions and excitement all around!
Garigal National Park
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Australian Reptile Park
- Daily shows include spider venom milking, turtle feedings, and park tours.
- Visitors are strongly encouraged to wash their hands after feeding kangaroos.
- Visitors must wear hats and long sleeves when feeding birds. It’s recommended pregnant women avoid this activity.
Australian Parliament House
Canberra has two parliament houses: the Art Deco 1920s Old Parliament House and Canberra’s focal point, the new 1980s Parliament House.
Dug into the surrounding green flank of Capital Hill, the grassed roof and triangular metal flagpole of Parliament House are a national symbol.
The building’s central foyer is flanked by the House of Representatives on the east and the Senate on the west. Inside, native timbers, marble, mosaics, tapestries and embroidery feature in the spacious and lofty interior.
Take a guided tour, and if Parliament is sitting you can watch the proceedings from the public gallery.
If you have time, visit the imaginatively curated Old Parliament House adjacent. Clattering typewriters, ringing phones and overflowing in-trays re-create the drama and atmosphere of Canberra’s political life in decades gone by.
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Crowning Capital Hill, Parliament House is set on a grand axis with Old Parliament House directly in front of it, and the Australian War Memorial, away over Lake Burley Griffin.
Chinese Garden of Friendship
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Garden Island
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Cape Byron
A day trip from Byron Bay can be spent first at the Cape Byron Light – a lighthouse that was opened in 1901 and is still in use today. A climb to the top, through the internal spiral staircase, brings visitors to a glorious viewing platform looking out across the Pacific Ocean, which is a prime place to catch whales, sea turtles, dolphins and other passing wildlife.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy the many sheltered beaches and protected reefs that encompass the 54,000 acre Cape Byron Marine Park. Swimming, fishing (in some areas), kayaking and diving are all possible around Cape Byron, the latter of which is good for getting up close and personal with the likes of sea turtles, fish, rays and sharks. But getting in or on the water isn't always necessary; whale watching and dolphin spotting are popular from the shore.
Catch a bit of fresh air and exercise by hitting Cape Byron's 2.3 mile (3.7 km) walking track. This track takes walkers and cyclists to top attractions such as the Captain Cook Lookout, Palm Valley, Wategos Beach and the Cape Byron Lighthouse.
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Cape Schanck Lighthouse
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Camp Cove
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Cape Byron Lighthouse
The eastern coast of Australia sees humpback whale migrations each year, and the lighthouse platform acts as the perfect vantage point for its 500,000 annual visitors, as well as the Southern Cross University's Whale Research Centre, which is located on the premises.
The lighthouse itself stands 74 feet tall (22.5 meters); an internal spiral staircase reaches from the lobby to its viewing platform. Onsite still stands the original lighthouse keeper's residence next to the assistant keepers' duplex. The original, kerosene-based light source has been upgraded over the years with a switch to electric in 1956. This is also the time when the light became the most powerful in all of Australia's lighthouses with an intensity of 2,200,000 cd.
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Customs House
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Garrison Church
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Australian Museum
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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Lines can be long in peak season, so it’s best to book your tickets in advance.
- On-site facilities include paid parking, storage lockers, a gift shop, and cafés and restaurants.
- Most of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s attractions are wheelchair accessible.
Australian National Maritime Museum
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Australian War Memorial
- Entrance to the memorial and museum is free, and regular 30-, 60-, and 90-minute tours are offered throughout the day.
- Visitors must undergo security checks, and oversized bags, backpacks, and large items must be left at the cloakroom (free of charge).
- There are two cafés on-site—Poppy’s Café in the memorial grounds and The Landing Place in Anzac Hall.
- The memorial is fully wheelchair accessible.
Belongil Beach
Dog owners are free to take their four-footed friends in the section of Belongil Beach spanning from the Main Beach car park to Manfred Street, which is great for exercise, for both man and beast.
On the opposite end of the beach, up north near the Belongil Creek mouth, gathers individuals who prefer to take their beach experience in the nude. Although not officially legal, this area of Belongil is well-known for naturist spirits to run free, so be aware.
On the southern end of the beach lies The Wreck. The SS Wollongbar sunk here in a cyclone back in 1922 and continues to sit just 30 meters off-shore. While The Wreck makes for a perfect snorkel exploration in calmer waters, the main benefit of this sunken ship would be the surf break it creates.
Visitors that just prefer a good swim will do better in the beach's southern shores.