| New South Wales is Australia's most populated and | | | | all, consider embarking on The Rocks Walking Tour |
| diverse state. Located in the southeast corner of | | | | as it's a great way to see what this colorful |
| country, it has something to offer every traveler, | | | | neighborhood has to offer. |
| from the rugged national parks and cities, to the | | | | New South Wales is well known for the miles and |
| beautiful beaches and resort towns. A trip to New | | | | miles of beautiful beaches. Whether you're into |
| South Wales would not be complete without a visit | | | | surfing, diving, swimming or just relaxing in the sun, |
| to its capitol city, Sydney. The city is a beautiful, | | | | there is a beach for you. Many of the best beaches |
| bustling, cosmopolitan delight and one could easily | | | | in New South Wales are near Sydney and easily |
| spend a week here and never run out of things to | | | | accessed.o Located just 7 miles from the city center, |
| do. | | | | Bondi Beach is Australia's most popular beach. Bondi is |
| Here are some of the highlights of Sydney:o The | | | | a great place for surfing, diving, enjoying the |
| Sydney Opera House is one of Australia's most | | | | sunshine, rollerblading, cycling and people watching. |
| recognized and most visited tourist spots. Designed | | | | Surfing lessons are available as well as boogie board |
| by Jorn Utzon, it is situated on Sydney Harbour at | | | | rentals. Campbell Parade, which runs along the beach, |
| Bennelong Point and was completed in 1973. | | | | offers an abundance of shops, restaurants and bars. |
| Approximately 300 events run here annually, including | | | | Some other great beaches in this area include |
| Opera Australia, Australian Chamber Orchestra and | | | | Coogee, Manly, Palm Beach and Whale Beach. |
| The Australian Ballet. Guided back stage tours are | | | | Sydney attracts a large population of outdoor |
| offered year round and it's a wonderful place to relax | | | | enthusiasts from all over the world. Within a couple |
| on the steps near the water.o The Sydney Harbour | | | | of hours, you can be surrounded by the majestic |
| Bridge is a favorite of tourists and locals alike. After 9 | | | | Blue Mountains and the doorway to days of |
| years of construction, it opened to traffic in 1932. | | | | exploring, hiking and fresh air. |
| The bridge is used by cars, bicyclists, pedestrians and | | | | Here are some highlights of The Blue Mountains:o The |
| trains with pedestrian walk ways on both sides of | | | | Blue Mountains is a great choice for anyone looking |
| the bridge making it safe to cross and enjoy the | | | | for an incredible wilderness getaway. The name |
| view. For a more rewarding view and an amazing | | | | comes from the "blue haze" that hangs over the |
| experience, try the guided BridgeClimb Sydney. This 3 | | | | region caused by a fine mist of the eucalyptus |
| ½ hour adventure brings you to the top of the | | | | forests. The area is well known for its forests, |
| bridge at 134 meters where you will be rewarded | | | | gorges, canyons, limestone caves, beautiful |
| with 360 degree fantastic views of Sydney Harbour | | | | bush-walks, Aboriginal engravings and luxurious |
| and the city skyline. Choose to take a tour at dawn, | | | | resorts, fine dining and day spas.o Greater Blue |
| day, twilight or night. Definitely a tour of a lifetime | | | | Mountains National Park offers breath-taking scenery, |
| and must-do if you are comfortable with being on | | | | Aboriginal engravings, extensive marked trails and |
| top of the world.o Darling Harbour is a huge | | | | several cliffs, including Evan's Lookout.o Jenolan |
| waterfront precinct that is just a 10 minute walk | | | | Caves are Australia's most spectacular limestone |
| from the city center. It is one of Sydney's largest | | | | caves.o Echo Point offers some of the best views of |
| shopping, dining and entertainment areas. You will find | | | | Jamison Valley, including the Three Sisters rock |
| many delicious waterfront dining options and bars for | | | | formation.o Hunter Valley is a great region to visit for |
| night entertainment at Cockle Bay Wharf and King St. | | | | wine and gourmet food lovers. This area is the oldest |
| Wharf.o Also located in Darling Harbour is the Sydney | | | | wine region in Australia, offering more than 120 |
| Aquarium. This aquarium showcases the world's | | | | wineries. In addition to the many wineries and winery |
| largest collection of Australian marine life, such as | | | | tours, olives and fine cheese are also produced here. |
| sharks, eels, sting rays and crocodiles. Some other | | | | Hunter Valley features many fine dining options and |
| attractions worth visiting in Darling Harbour include the | | | | even gourmet cooking lessons. |
| Chinese Garden of Friendship, the Australian National | | | | New South Wales offers a plethora of activity for |
| Maritime Museum and the Sydney Fish Market.o The | | | | everyone in the family whether you enjoy the bustle |
| historical precinct of The Rocks was the first | | | | of the city or the tranquility of the outdoors. This |
| settlement in Australia in 1788. Today the beautifully | | | | Australian territory is a must see on any Downunder |
| restored buildings are homes to shops, restaurants, | | | | tour. |
| boutique hotels and galleries making it a great place | | | | Look for our upcoming series of articles on the five |
| to spend the day shopping, eating and browsing local | | | | other states of Australia including Victoria, |
| art.o The Museum of Contemporary Art is also | | | | Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and Western |
| located in The Rocks, featuring modern art and | | | | Australia, and its mainland territory, Northern |
| exhibitions from around the world.o To find | | | | Territory. |
| one-of-a-kind art, ceramics, souvenirs and crafts visit | | | | Call a Professional Travel Agent today to book your |
| The Rocks Market open only on weekends. To see it | | | | Australia vacation of a lifetime! |