15 best things to see and do in New South Wales
New South Wales has it all. From bike trails and cave tours to whale watching, water sports, and festivals, there’s no shortage of things to do in NSW year-round.
If you’re planning a family holiday in New South Wales, Discovery Parks makes the perfect base. With waterparks, mini golf, waterfront views, and even pet-friendly stays, our parks help you Do It All.
1. Sydney
Sydney sits pretty obviously at the top of the list. The Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour, Royal Botanic Garden, Luna Park, Sydney Tower Eye, The Rocks, ferry rides, endless markets — phew! Add in a buzzing food and arts scene and it’s a family city break with something for everyone.
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks – Lane Cove is the perfect piece of serenity just 10km from the CBD’s hustle and bustle, tucked away in 1,000 acres of bushland of Lane Cove National Park. For campers, glampers, caravanners or cabin-goers, it is a relaxing haven away from the bustle of the big city. The best bit? Bondi Beach is just 30 minutes away.
Discovery Parks - Lane Cove
2. Blue Mountains
Trails that lead to waterfalls, caves that whisper secrets, and cafés worth the hike — the Blue Mountains is a family adventure with a latte on the side. Ride the Scenic Railway, explore Jenolan Caves, or take in the Three Sisters from Echo Point.
3. Bathurst
Motorsport fans can’t go past Bathurst’s legendary Mount Panorama–Wahluu circuit. Even if you’re not into racing, the roar of engines during race week is enough to give you goosebumps. The town also offers heritage attractions, galleries, and great country pubs.
4. Parkes
Home to “The Dish” radio telescope, Parkes played a starring role in the moon landings (and a hit Aussie movie of the same name). Each January, it swaps space for sequins with the Parkes Elvis Festival — impersonators everywhere and a whole lot of fun.
5. Tamworth
January also means bootscootin’ fun at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Families can enjoy free concerts, workshops, and a vibrant festival atmosphere that brings the town to life.
6. Byron Bay
A true bucket-list location, Byron Bay is now world-famous for its beaches, lighthouse walks, foodie scene, and creative festivals (plus the odd celebrity sighting. Just 15 minutes north is the Brunswick Nature Sculpture Walk. Annually in October, it hosts nationally recognised sculptors, performers and musicians to create “sculptural installations and sensory experiences”. The event allows locals and visitors to enjoy art in a natural setting.
Stay nearby: For the perfect mix of glam and unspoiled nature, plan your stay at Discovery Parks - Byron Bay. The Deluxe Lakeside 2 Bedroom Cabins are ideal for families, and the duplex cabins with a shared entrance and balcony are great for groups travelling together.
Discovery Parks - Byron Bay
7. Dubbo
Dubbo ticks every list thanks to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, home to hundreds of rare and endangered animals. Learning is a load of fun at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience, Old Dubbo Gaol and the Dubbo Observatory, then let loose with a game of Disc Golf at Sandy Beach Park.
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks – Dubbo is a mere two minutes from the zoo. Location, location, location!
Taronga Zoo. Image Credit: Destination NSW
8. Jindabyne
Winter brings world-class skiing and snowboarding. Summer swaps snow for mountain biking, white-water rafting, horse riding, and bushwalking. For those seeking a more serene pace, check out the wonderful wineries, restaurants and galleries. Take the chairlift up Mount Kosciuszko, explore Yarrangobilly Caves, or ride the Thredbo Bobsled for a downhill adrenaline rush like no other.
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks – Jindabyne is your year-round gateway to the Snowy Mountains.
9. Ballina
Boasting sandy beaches, weekly farmers markets, Killen Falls swimming hole, and of course the iconic Big Prawn, beautiful Ballina is one of the great holiday destinations in NSW. Explore the Byron Bay hinterland or enjoy a local craft brew at Ballina’s Seven Mile Brewery or Bangalow’s Common People Brewing Co.
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks – Ballina is situated right on Shaws Bay, so you don’t even need to leave the park to enjoy the water activities.
10. Gerroa
Get your serve of nature at every turn in Gerroa, from the Kiama Blowholes, dolphin cruises and whale watching, Jamberoo Action Park and the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk. The Blue Pool of Bermagui is a South Coast stunner - a natural rock pool you can swim in as it is washed by the ocean, and there’s a wading pool for toddlers. Perfect!
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks – Gerroa has mini golf, a pool, bouncing pillow, and Superior 2-Bedroom Cabins for families. It’s a holiday within a holiday.
Discovery Parks - Gerroa
11. Ulladulla
From July to November, Ulladulla is prime whale-watching territory. Paddle oysters on Batemans Bay Oyster Tasting Kayak Tour or head to Seaside Parade Lookout for epic ocean views.
Stay nearby: After a 3-hour drive from Sydney, you can set yourself up at Discovery Parks – Burrill Lake, Ulladulla. The park features a resort-style pool, mini golf and giant jumping pillow to keep your family entertained for hours on end.
12. Merimbula
Rated as one of the world’s best whale-watching destinations, Merimbula is teeming with marine life. Feed the fish at Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant which has 28 tanks brimming with local and tropical marine life or head out on a whale cruise.
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks – Pambula Beach is located in Beowa National Park, surrounded by nature and only minutes from town.
13. Eden
Visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum named as one of the most innovative museums in regional NSW, spot humpbacks from September to November, or join in the fun at the Eden Whale Festival in November.
Stay nearby: If you stay at Discovery Parks – Eden, you’ll realise that whales are just the tip of the dorsal fin! For example, the new Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park is a 15-minute drive away. There’s also a historic whaling station, lookouts galore, fishing on Wonboyn Lake or perhaps you’d prefer to see Australian wildlife at Potoroo Palace.
Discovery Parks - Eden
14. Narooma
Stroll the Mill Bay Boardwalk for stingray and dolphin spotting, or take a cruise to Montague Island Reserve to take nature shows to the next level.
Stay nearby: Your kids might not want to leave your accommodation at Discovery Parks – Narooma Beach, with its Adventure Playground making it a great NSW holiday destination in itself. There’s also tennis, volleyball, bike hire and a pool, as well as postcard perfect Handkerchief Beach close by.
Narooma Beach
15. Murray River
Last but far from least, any “best list” for NSW can’t go past a river holiday on the magnificent Murray. Australia’s longest river is made for fishing, canoeing, bird-watching, and paddlesteamer cruises. Twin towns Echuca–Moama are packed with attractions from the Great Aussie Beer Shed to farmers markets and wineries.
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks - Moama Waters has an endless range of facilities for the whole family, while a holiday at Discovery Parks - Maidens Inn, Moama lets you watch the historic paddle steamers go by from the balcony of your riverfront cabin. Further along the river, water sports are king at Discovery Parks – Lake Hume, NSW which is just 15 minutes from Albury and located right on the lake!
Related article: 6 Reasons To Revisit The Murray Region
Ready to Do It All in NSW?
From Sydney’s Opera House to the Sapphire Coast’s whale festivals, NSW is bursting with adventures for the whole family. And with Discovery Parks spread across the state, you’ll always have a comfy cabin, pool, or campfire waiting after a big day out.
