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Australia & South Pacific

New South Wales Tours, Vacation Packages & Travel Experiences

  • Sydney's most famous icon, the Opera House, and a highlight on all Australia vacations.
  • Byron Bay lighthouse at sunrise
  • Wentworth Falls - Blue Mountains National Park
  • Lake Pinaroo in Sturt National Park - Outback NSW
  • An abandoned car in outback New South Wales near Silverton
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Bondi Beach in Sydney
  • Paraglider at the Grand Pacific Drive
  • Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains
  • Waratah flowers. N.S.W.'s Floral emblem
New South Wales Map

New South Wales, included in virtually every Australia vacation,  contains approximately 35% of the population of Australia. Its terrain is varied and includes the red outback, rainforests, unspoilt beaches, snow covered mountains, vineyards and of course cosmopolitan and sophisticated cities such as Sydney and Canberra.

Sydney is Australia’s oldest, largest and most diverse city located in a fantastic harbour setting and is typically the gateway for all Australian tours. A ferry ride from here can take you to small coves, beaches and interesting suburbs and provide you with amazing views of places like the legendary Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

A well worth out of town visit on trips to Australia is to the wilderness, waterfalls and canyons of the Blue Mountains. Also worthwhile is the acclaimed wine country of Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine producing area with 140 wineries to choose from.

Broken Hill is known as Silver City due to the silver which is mined here. It is a town which still retains the traditional Australian culture which is fast disappearing elsewhere. 

The Snowy Mountains in the winter are an ideal winter sports centre and in the summer, offer nature lovers bushwalks and a chance to see Alpine wild flowers.

Along the coastline are numerous excellent white sand beaches, most not very far from Sydney.

It's almost impossible to not include at least one of our New South Wales holidays on Australian tours as most of our "Globetrotters" include a stop in Sydney when visiting Australia. C’mon say G’day Downunder. Book one of our Australia vacations today and start exploring!

 

State of New South Wales Quickfacts

Origin of Name: Chosen by James Cook in August 1770. See "Mystery" below.
Capital: Sydney
Floral Emblem: Waratah
Faunal Emblem: Platypus and Kookaburra.
State Flag: The badge of a golden lion on a red St. George's cross within a white circle and a star at each extremity of the cross.
State Motto: "Newly risen, how bright thou shinst".
Location: New South Wales lies in the south-east of the continent on the Pacific Ocean, with Queensland to the North and Victoria to the South.
Area: It is the Fourth Largest State in Australia and is 801,600 km2 (Seven times larger than England).
Landform: Coastal Slopes, Plateaus and River Flats are bounded by the Great Dividing Range which runs North & South. West of the Dividing Range are rolling plains which deteriorate into semi-arid desert.
Population: 7,500,600 - The majority of people live in the three main cities - Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. More than half the people of the state live in Sydney.

Approximately:
  • Sydney - 4,667,283
  • Newcastle - 523,662
  • Wollongong - 280,159
  • Wagga Wagga - 56,147
  • Albury - 44,787
Climate: Temperate and slightly humid in coastal areas with the deserts of the interior experiencing cold nights and hot days. Irregular floods and droughts occur.
Mystery: Why was New South Wales named New South Wales? Captain Cook didn't use the name until he was writing his diaries on the voyage home from Australia. Unfortunately he didn't go into any details about his reasons and we can only assume he thought it looked like South Wales.
Sydney: The first visitors didn't have much choice. They travelled by steerage and on arrival in Sydney Harbor in 1788, they had to build the place. You can still see where the convicts carved the first town in Australia in the restored Rocks district, right under Sydney Harbour Bridge. The early colonial architecture now sits in the heart of one of Australia's largest cities.

The harbor is breathtaking, whether you're on it, in it or over it. Just hop on a ferry – any ferry – and go where it takes you. See some of the Pacific's most spectacular panorama for pennies, the harbour dominated by the 'coathanger' which is what the locals call the Harbour Bridge. The wonderful billowing sails of the Sydney Opera House, or go up Sydney Tower with its revolving restaurant and watch the scenery unfold on the horizon.
Food and Drink: Sydney boasts an astonishing variety of eating places. The small succulent Sydney rock oyster is prized as are John Dory and Snapper, both white-fleshed fish. Beef and lamb are high quality. The popular snack is the humble meat pie. Excellent wines are from the Hunter Valley and other regions.
Shopping: Sydney is a shoppers mecca with variety galore. Huge department stores, specialty boutiques and craft shops cater to Sydney's large cosmopolitan population. The main downtown shopping areas are the American Express Tower, Australia Square, Centrepoint, David Jones, Queen Victoria Building, Grace Bros, Mid-City Centre, Imperial Arcade, MLC Centre, Royal and Strand Arcades.

Normal shopping hours are 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Mon-Fri, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturday. Late night shopping is available on one or two evenings.

 

 

 

Australia Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy to navigate travel information section dedicated to Australia vacations. 

Learn about the history and culture of Australia, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Australia's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Australia for yourself. Start exploring...book one of our Australia vacations today!

 

Extend Your Stay

Consider an additional stopover to your Australia vacation at one of Goway's South Pacific destinations. You can choose from  our selection of New Zealand vacation packages, Tahiti vacation packages or stay at one of our Fiji resorts or perhaps take a Cook Island vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from Australia.

 

  • Classic Australia 12 Day

    Experience the best that Australia has to offer from Sydney’s Opera House to spectacular Ayers Rock. Swim in the Great Barrier Reef and learn about the traditional Aboriginal “Dreamtime”.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,331
    Trip Type:
    Classic Itineraries
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic Australia 15 Day

    Enjoy Australia’s most famous sites from Sydney’s Opera House to an Aboriginal “Dreamtime” walk in Kuranda with stops at the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock and Darwin in between.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,031
    Trip Type:
    Classic Itineraries
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Waltzing Matilda: Holiday of a Lifetime

    Our fully escorted Waltzing Matilda tour is very different to the other programs we offer to Australia and the South Pacific. It is one of Goway's specifically designated escorted HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME that carry a promise of something special! Our professional Tour Director will take care of all the day to day details allowing you to enjoy the history, culture and natural beauty of each of the countries visited on this trip.
    Duration:
    20 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 8,759
    Trip Type:
    Fully Escorted Touring, Holidays of a Lifetime, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Best of Australia: Holiday of a Lifetime

    Experience the highlights of Australia under two weeks on our fully escorted Holidays of a Lifetime. Visit major urban centres such as Sydney with its harbour and opera house, Melbourne and Adelaide. Get into the Outback with visits to Ayers Rock and Alice springs. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,899
    Trip Type:
    Fully Escorted Touring, Holidays of a Lifetime, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic Downunder from Melbourne to Auckland

    Get to know the true Downunder by experiencing the best of both Australia and New Zealand. Visit Australia's iconic sites and cities before commencing a journey through New Zealand’s incredible islands.
    Duration:
    19 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,794
    Trip Type:
    Classic Itineraries
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic Downunder: Auckland to Melbourne

    Get to know the true Downunder by experiencing the best of both Australia and New Zealand. Journey through New Zealand’s incredible islands before embarking on a tour of Australia.
    Duration:
    19 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,756
    Trip Type:
    Classic Itineraries
    New Zealand See Trip Details

  • Classic Golden Triangle

    Visit the Classic Golden Triangle of Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney. See the penguins of Phillip Island, swim in the Great Barrier Reef then get to know the historic side of Sydney.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,472
    Trip Type:
    Classic Itineraries
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic New Zealand

    This is the ultimate classic New Zealand tour. Begin in Auckland and then it’s on to Rotorua, next head south to the capital, Wellington before embarking on the scenic South Island.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,305
    Trip Type:
    Classic Itineraries
    New Zealand See Trip Details

  • Classic South Pacific

    Enjoy the Classic South Pacific by encountering Fijian, Maori and Aboriginal cultures. Travel from Fiji to New Zealand to Australia taking in fantastic sights and experiences on route.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,578
    Trip Type:
    Classic Itineraries
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic Sydney, Rock & Reef

    Venture to three of Australia’s most famous spots. Get to know Sydney before catching the sun set over Uluru (Ayers Rock). Then explore Cairns and the incredible Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,376
    Trip Type:
    Classic Itineraries
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Highlights & Wildlife

    Experience the historic side of Sydney before exploring the wildlife of Kangaroo Island. Visit Australia’s world renowned wineries followed by stops at Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,678
    Trip Type:
    Classic Itineraries
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Southern Explorer (Australia)

    Take in Sydney’s sights before venturing to the spectacular Blue Mountains. Drive from Hobart to the Cradle Mountains, and then get to know the Phillip Island penguins and Melbourne.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,198
    Trip Type:
    Classic Itineraries
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Three Capitals Classic

    Take the opportunity to experience three of Australia’s capital cities. See the sights of Sydney before heading to Canberra, the national capital, then visit the highlights of Melbourne.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,102
    Trip Type:
    Classic Itineraries
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Trans Continental Classic

    Travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean (or vice versa). Visit Sydney and Canberra, spend time aboard the ‘Indian Pacific’ train, and explore Adelaide and Kangaroo Island.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,804
    Trip Type:
    Classic Itineraries, Rail Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • 13 Day Australia & New Zealand Cruise: Sydney to Auckland

    Cruise around the highlights of southeast Australia and northern New Zealand. Ride across Sydney’s iconic harbor, see penguins swim ashore outside Burnie, Tasmania and climb the Sky Tower to see the twin harbours of Auckland, New Zealand.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,045
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Australia See Trip Details

  • 13 Day Australia & Tasmania Cruise: Sydney to Sydney

    Embark on an Australian cruise to explore fascinating cityscapes and wildlife Downunder. Start in Sydney to tour the unforgettable harbour, spend an overnight in Melbourne to take in its cultural revival, spot all manner of seals, dolphins and kangaroos on Kangaroo Island, and venture to Burnie in Tasmania to spot penguins and marvel at one-of-a-kind handicrafts at the Makers’ Workshop.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,975
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Australia See Trip Details

  • 16 Day Australia & New Zealand Cruise: Sydney to Sydney

    Embark on an epic cruise exploring Australia’s two largest cities and the breathtaking ports of New Zealand’s North Island. Take in the sights of the cosmopolitan centres of Sydney and Melbourne before crossing the ocean to Tasmania and New Zealand to visit the filming locations of The Lord of the Rings, learn about Maori culture, and explore the varied landscapes of this enchanting island nation.
    Duration:
    16 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,318
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Australia See Trip Details

  • 17 Day Australia & New Zealand Cruise: Sydney to Sydney

    Explore Australia and New Zealand on this two-week voyage of discovery and delight. Your first port of call is Melbourne, exploring the hidden lanes and arcades or head out of the city and visit some wildlife. Cruise the spectacular Milford Sound in New Zealand and visit the “Edinburgh of the South” – Dunedin, also home to a colony of Albatross. Save some time in Wellington to visit film locations for The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Be sure not to miss the boiling pools and shooting geysers at Rotorua, and see firsthand why Auckland is nirvana for nature lovers, with its serene beaches, verdant landscapes, and stunning coastal trails.
    Duration:
    17 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,318
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Australia See Trip Details

  • 19 Day Australia & New Zealand Cruise: Sydney to Sydney

    Embark on an Australian cruise to visit two major Australian cities and the highlights of New Zealand’s east coast. Begin in the cosmopolitan cities of Sydney and Melbourne before heading across the ocean to cruise Milford Sound, tour the wine regions of Marlborough and Napier, and explore the diverse capitals of Wellington and Auckland.
    Duration:
    19 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,599
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Australia See Trip Details

  • 8 Day Tasmania Cruise: Sydney to Sydney

    Embark on a cruise from Australia’s largest city to the southern island of Tasmania. Visit the icons of Sydney, like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, before heading south aboard the Norwegian Jewel to take in Burnie, the "City of Makers," and the ascending café culture of Hobart.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,360
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Aussie Adventure

    Explore the best of Australia combining the excitement of snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef with visits to the Crocodile Hunter’s Australia Zoo and the amazing Blue Mountains. An ideal family vacation.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,953
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Aussie High Country

    If your idea of Australia includes outback mining towns and a chance to meet Australian native animals, this could be the perfect addition to your trip downunder.
    Duration:
    2 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 314
    Trip Type:
    Locally Escorted Tours, Single Friendly, Small Group Tours
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Aussie Kiwi Explorer

    An adventure to keep the kids amused while the grown-ups enjoy the ultimate Downunder holiday.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,452
    Trip Type:
    Classic Itineraries, Family Vacations
    New Zealand See Trip Details

  • Aussie Sampler

    With kids in mind, this introduction to Australia visits historic Sydney and the Gold Coast. It even includes a trip to the Crocodile Hunter’s Australia Zoo.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,373
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Bells at Killcare Wellness Experience

    An hour and a half north of Sydney is this luxurious boutique hotel located on a peninsula within a national park. Facilities include a day spa, an outdoor pool and an award wining restaurant. Nearby are walking trails and excellent beaches.
    Duration:
    3 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 652
    Trip Type:
    Independent Travel Modules, Lodges & Beach Stays, Romance & Honeymoon
    Australia See Trip Details
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