Attractions outside of Sydney

I hear that if you're in Australia, then the place to go is New Zealand. However, I'd like to stay on Australia as much as possible. Does anyone know of things to do in Australia outside of Sydney?

If you don't want to venture out too far how about Coffs Harbour? They've got plenty of Hotels and Beaches. Surely you'll find something to do in that town. It's not a small town but just a smaller version of Sydney.

If, however, you don't mind a short flight, check out Cairns or Brisbane. There you'll find the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest.

Hope this helps!

Happy travels!

There's a lot of things to do in Australia that doesn't require you going as far out as New Zealand! Just check out this list.

Just make sure you have enough time to see/do all that you plan! You can fly into Sydney, being that it one of the bigger cities, then fly off into Cairns like fmica said but that just all depends on what you plan to do. Beaches, Surfing, Hiking, it's all up to you!

I do recommend, though, that you at least visit the Sydney Opera House seeing as how that is iconic to Australia.

[world trecker]

I've never been to Australia for non work-related purposes, but the couple times I've been there I was impressed. Both times were in Sydney and only for a brief period of time, but we simply cruised along the harbour and enjoyed some great weather during some down-time.

i've heard of people climbing the harbour/harbor bridge. any of you know about it?

I've never done it, but the people in charge of this site make it seem like many others do. Probably a nice view from up there, I'd imagine.

[Conti]

Originally Posted by fmica

If you don't want to venture out too far how about Coffs Harbour? They've got plenty of Hotels and Beaches. Surely you'll find something to do in that town. It's not a small town but just a smaller version of Sydney.

If, however, you don't mind a short flight, check out Cairns or Brisbane. There you'll find the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest.

Hope this helps!

Happy travels!

And don't forget the Big Bannana in Coffs.

(There are many "big" things in Oz. Try to see as many as possible.)

Conti

[GFluz]

What about the central coast? Its about an hour out from sydney and it has some pretty nice beaches. The thing is the transport isnt as developed as a city. There are buses, if you want to spend half the day getting around. Or just hire a car. On train i think it takes about an hour and a half from sydney central station on the Newcastle line.
And central australia is something to see. The red soil and the amazing natural forms are a must see.

[Chikurin]

Blue Mountains


Hunter Region

The Hunter Valley region

Snowy Mountains

[rafaelnadal]

The Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves have to be the biggest attractions nearby Sydney that you can visit. The Blue Mountains are about 30 miles outside of Sydney and are an amazing place to soak in the breathtaking scenery of gorges and gum trees.

Jenolan Caves are also located in the Blue Mountains, but to the south-west of Katoomba. These caves are some of the most stunning limestone caves in Ozzy land, and they are open for guided tours.