New South Wales Travelers Recommend

VIVID, Sydney’s annual extravaganza of light and color, has become the city’s premier winter event, a must-see festival of illumination that is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the world’s leading creative celebrations. The 18-day-long celebration ushers in the new winter season with a free public exhibition of art sculptures and light installations all over Sydney’s most iconic buildings. The lighting displays sit dormant during the day but come to life every time the sun goes down for the duration of the festival. Paired with a cutting edge soundtrack to enhance the already incredible experience, VIVID is prepared by top-notch creatives for spectators from all over the world.

Though it's easy to be overwhelmed by its size, the good news is that many of Sydney's most popular sights can be seen in a single day since they are housed in central Sydney. You may as well begin at one of the iconic spots: the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Wake up with Sydney as you climb to the top of the bridge on a Sydney BridgeClimb at dawn, and witness the sunrise and panoramic views from the top of this Australian landmark. Mosey over to Circular Quay to take a morning walking tour of the city's highlights. Take in the beautiful views of the harbor and Sydney's most iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House. You can also board the decks of a Sydney Harbour cruise and watch the city fade behind you, opt for a guided tour of the famous Sydney Opera House, or visit Taronga Zoo. In the evening, prepare yourself for the ultimate view of Sydney atop the Sydney Tower. Dine on a delicious buffet of fresh seafood and prime meats for dinner before heading to see a

As a small town, Byron Bay packs a punch when it comes to keeping busy on a long weekend trip. With small town charm, cute shops and delicious cafes, easy access to beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, a visit to Byron Bay can be anything from super relaxing to energizing. To help you plan, we've put together a suggested itinerary. Explore the town of Byron Bay and soak up a big dose of relaxation. That includes visiting the shops (local art galleries, too), cafes and restaurants in town, along with any markets that might be on (farmers markets for example). If the weather's right, take a dip down at Main Beach since it's just so conveniently located. Start the day off early with a surfing lesson on Byron Bay's Main Beach. Known for its nice breaks and overall gentle nature, the waves here are good for beginners and experienced surfers. After that workout, pop off for breakfast before heading off for a late morning walk along the Cape Byron Walking Track.

Sydney, the Harbour City - sunny, welcoming, familiar - and why wouldn't it be with all those famous icons? The Opera House , that sparkling harbor , breathtaking views, cutting-edge dining, and vibrant nightlife - there's no shortage of things to do. Still, there’s no reason to be daunted by it all. If you’re a newcomer to the city and wondering what to see, consider taking a tour of the town. Be it a foot or bicycle tour, or one of the many Harbour Ferry tours, a good overview of the city will help you get your bearings. Or see the city from above! Nab a bird's-eye view from the Sydney Skywalk, or plan it out your trip over dinner and drinks, while absorbing the stunning 360 degree view. Still confused? Don’t be. If you’ve got three days, we’ve got you covered.

With its show-stopping architecture, iconic harbor and legendary nightlife, there’s no place like Sydney to sample big city life in Australia. But don’t just stay in the city – Sydney is a great base for exploring all of New South Wales, including the dramatic Blue Mountains, the Hunter Valley wineries and the historic capital of Canberra. Year-round mild weather means any time is a good time to visit, but the Aussie summer (December to February) is the most popular season, especially with celebrations like New Year's Eve and Australia Day drawing huge crowds to the city. Whenever you plan to visit, there’s no time like the present to book your trip. With the Australian dollar falling, US and European travelers have even more reason to book soon and take advantage of the favorable exchange rates. Ready to start planning? Get ready for can't-miss attractions such as Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and the Blue Mountains!