New South Wales Tours, Vacation Packages & Travel Experiences
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:
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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.
New South Wales, Australia
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Sydney and Great Barrier Reef with Virgin Australia
An ideal Australia trip for first timers. Flying Virgin Australia, this Australia vacation hits two of the country’s most popular destinations, Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy lots of time to see the sights your way (with an attractions pass in hand) and take an unforgettable cruise on the Great Barrier Reef.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,699
- Trip Type:
- Vacation Packages with Airfare
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Aussie Cities and Great Barrier Reef
Escape to Australia to experience a brilliant combination of urban highlights and natural icons. On this Australia vacation, you’ll see the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, snorkel and dive through the Great Barrier Reef in northern Queensland, and enjoy the trendy bars and restaurants of the world’s most livable city, Melbourne.- Duration:
- 14 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,849
- Trip Type:
- Vacation Packages with Airfare
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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$ 3,277
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers)
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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$ 1,539
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers)
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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$ 2,466
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers)
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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$ 961
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers)
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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$ 4,015
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers)
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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$ 3,748
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers)
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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$ 2,656
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers)
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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$ 1,734
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers)
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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:
- 13 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,074
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Rail Travel Ideas
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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$ 2,410
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers)
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Waltzing Matilda: Holiday of a Lifetime
Embark on an unforgettable journey across Australia and New Zealand with the Waltzing Matilda Holiday of a Lifetime. As one of Goway’s premier tours, Waltzing Matilda showcases the icons of two remarkable nations, taking you from the twin harbours of Auckland to the Outback and Uluru/Ayers Rock to the Great Barrier Reef and finally to cosmopolitan Sydney.- Duration:
- 20 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 9,379
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Holidays of a Lifetime, Single Friendly
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16 Days 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$ 2,195
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing
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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$ 2,553
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing
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Best of Australia: Holiday of a Lifetime
See the highlights of Australia in under two weeks on our fully-escort Best of Australia Holiday of a Lifetime. On this unforgettable tour, you’ll see Australia’s major urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, view unforgettable icons like the Sydney Opera House, get into the heart of the Outback with visits to Uluru/Ayers Rock and Alice Springs, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.- Duration:
- 13 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 6,299
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Holidays of a Lifetime, Single Friendly
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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$ 3,080
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing
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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$ 1,923
- Trip Type:
- Family Vacations
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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$ 319
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly, Small Group Touring
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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$ 2,555
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Family Vacations
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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$ 1,171
- Trip Type:
- Family Vacations
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Australia and New Zealand Cruise Vacation from Sydney
Discover the treasures of New Zealand on this amazing round-trip cruise from Sydney. As you cruise Australia and New Zealand, you’ll marvel at the natural twin harborus of Auckland, meet adorable tiny penguins in Akaroa, and enjoy the country’s most famous sight as you journey across Milford Sound.- Duration:
- 15 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,016
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing
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Australia and Southeast Asia Cruise from Sydney
Explore the wonders of both Australia and Southeast Asia on one epic cruise journey. Passing from Australia to Singapore, you’ll visit Cairns, where you can explore rainforests and coral reefs, stop off on Komodo to see the famous dragons, and venture into the heart of the Javanese jungle to discover the world’s largest Buddhist temple.- Duration:
- 21 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,337
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing
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Australia and 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:
- 10 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,572
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing
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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$ 780
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Romance & Honeymoon, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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