Choose from 146 Fun Things to Do in New South Wales
Mt Tamborine National Park
Mount Tamborine National Park originated with the protection of the Witches Falls and has since expanded across the Tamborine plateau and surrounding foothills. Popular national park activities include walking the many mapped and marked bush trails, spotting Australian brush-turkeys and listening for the call of the threatened Albert’s lyrebird.
Once you’ve explored the natural wilderness of Mount Tambourine National Park, be sure to indulge in the boutique beers, local wines and specialty crafts from the Tambourine Mountain township, which is known as a luxury getaway destination and hang gliding hotspot.
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Platypus House
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Nurses Walk
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National Museum of Australia
The National Museum of Australia explores national identity and heritage in a hugely kid-friendly and fun way.
Like a big abstract Australian storybook, the museum’s creative exhibits use controversy and humor to get you thinking about Australia's big picture.
From Indigenous culture to national icons, personal stories and artifacts, this enjoyable museum has a huge range of exhibits.
To get an overview of the collection, watch the free introductory film or take a guided tour.
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The National Museum of Australia is perched on the tip of Acton Peninsula on Lake Burley Griffin, opposite Capital Hill
Public buses run here, as well as the Explorer Bus.
Perisher and Thredbo Ski Resorts
Perisher is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere, amalgamating four villages and their surrounding ski fields. Accessible by road and Australia’s only underground rack railway, Skitube, the resort caters well to intermediate skiers but also has plenty of tracks suitable for beginners and advanced skiers. Most accommodation options here are ski lodge or hotel style.
Thredbo has the longest ski runs in Australia, including the famous ‘Funnelweb,’ which is over 3km long, and some of the country’s steepest trails. Several terrain parks cater to everyone from beginners to the more advanced. Thredbo Village, at the foot of Mount Crackenback, has the feel of a European Alpine Village and has plenty of amenities, accommodations and year-round outdoor activities should you wish to visit outside of snow season.
The Australian snow season runs from mid June until early October.
Museum of Sydney
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Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
Sumptuously decorated and timelessly elegant, central Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building is an unforgettable shopping destination. Built in High Victorian Romanesque style in 1898, and now meticulously restored, it stands on the site of the original Sydney markets.
The QVB's soaring central dome boasts translucent stained-glass clad in copper on the outside, and the shopping area takes up several balconied floors linked by grand staircases. Tiled floors, pillars, colonnades, balustrades, and arches. Chiming clocks and interesting historical displays complete the QVB’s flamboyant decor.
Originally the shops included tailors and florists; today there’s a wide range of specialist stores, from stationers to couturiers, cafes and coffee shops.
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Sydney’s grandest shopping mall, the Queen Victoria Building takes up an entire city block, bound by George, Market, York and Druitt streets.
Town Hall Station is adjacent to the QVB on George Street, just over Druitt St. You can walk here from Circular Quay in around 10 minutes – just head south down George St.
Mrs. Macquarie's Chair
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National Library of Australia
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Observatory Hill
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Puffing Billy Railway
- Tickets sell out, especially during the summer holidays, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.
- All stations have parking, restrooms, and a cafe or snack bar.
- Luggage space is limited, so bring a small day bag and opt for a fold-up stroller.
- Steam locomotives are sometimes replaced with diesel locomotives during Total Fire Ban (when dry weather increases the risk of forest fires).
- Wheelchair access is available at all stations, but spaces are limited and must be booked in advance.
Royal Botanic Gardens and The Domain
- There is no admission fee for the gardens.
- Visitor facilities in the gardens include restrooms, a garden shop, and a number of cafés and restaurants.
- The Choo Choo Express tourist train runs around the gardens, with regular departures from outside the Queen Elizabeth II gate near the Sydney Opera House.
- The Royal Botanic Gardens are wheelchair accessible, and accessible parking and restrooms are available.
- Free Wi-Fi is available.