9 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In New South Wales
When we think of Australia’s most populous state of New South Wales (or NSW), it’s easy to immediately conjure up images of Australia’s most populous and famous city of Sydney. While the Harbour City has plenty of iconic landmarks worth visiting, there’s far more to explore across The First State. From lush, warm beaches on the coast to daring ski areas in the Snowy Mountains, NSW has an abundance of small towns offering unique experiences. And from tasting Australia’s agricultural heritage in the Central Tablelands to discovering the town that played a pivotal role in Australia becoming its own nation, New South Wales also has a ton of fascinating history to encounter.
So, where should your NSW adventures begin? To get you started, check out our picks for nine of the most captivating towns in New South Wales.
Byron Bay
For over 22,000 years, the Byron Bay has welcomed people with its incredibly beautiful land and seascapes. The Arakwal Aboriginal people have long cherished the offshore Julian Rocks as the place where Nguthungulli, Father of the World, chose to rest after creating the world, and it’s now the Nguthungulli Julian Rocks Nature Reserve that’s accessible via boat and a prime spot for snorkeling. Back on dry land, Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area protects the southeasternmost stretch of Australian coast that the British explorer Captain James Cook first spotted Cape Byron in 1770, as well as the iconic lighthouse that’s stood atop the bluffs since 1901.
Since no Byron Bay trip feels complete without a stop at the beach, take some time to enjoy the splendid shores of Wategos Beach and its calmer waves that are great for swimmers and beginner surfers. Plus, you can catch the center of the action and a long stretch of golden sand at Byron Bay’s Main Beach. For more secluded and pristine beaches, head a little farther south to Broken Head Nature Reserve and discover stunning coastal gems like Broken Head Beach and Whites Beach. Back in town, check into a relaxing and plush retreat at Beach Suites Byron Bay that’s mere steps away from Main Beach.
Katoomba
Katoomba may be the largest town of the Blue Mountains that sit west of Sydney, yet Katoomba also remains a quaint mountain town at the center of some of New South Wales’ most breathtaking natural scenery. Since Katoomba is largely surrounded by Blue Mountains National Park, it’s easy to reach many of this UNESCO World Heritage Area’s greatest landmarks, including the Three Sisters sandstone rock formation that the Gundungurra and Darug Aboriginal people have long considered sacred, the Ruined Castle rock formation that stands atop a lush expanse of rainforest and a former mining settlement, and the spectacular waterfalls at Wentworth Falls.
For even wilder adventures in nature, take the Mount Solitary walking track for a 34-kilometer (or about 21-mile) journey through woodlands and rainforest to the top of Mount Solitary, offering jaw-dropping views of the Jamison Valley below. Or, for something easier, try the Charles Darwin walk to retrace the steps that the famed naturalist made here in 1836, and enjoy the lovely views of Jamison Creek. Once you’re ready for a break, get some rest at the cozy yet posh Lilianfels Blue Mountain Resort & Spa near Three Sisters and Echo Point.
Tenterfield
What’s the deal with Tenterfield? In October 1889, Sir Henry Parkes (the Premier of New South Wales at the time) delivered a speech where he called for Australians to “unite and create a great national government for all Australia,” essentially kickstarting the federation process that culminated in the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. Today, you can visit the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts museum to experience the place where Parkes forever changed history, and you can peruse their collection of memorabilia and artifacts that better illustrate his story.
If you seek even deeper dives into Australian history, head to the Tenterfield Saddler to step into the space that singer-songwriter Peter Allen forever immortalized in his song Tenterfield Saddler, and stop at the Centenary Cottage Museum to explore even more local history. To stretch out and experience some local nature, do a short drive to Mount Mackenzie Nature Reserve and take in the panoramic views of the Northern Tablelands. Once you return to town, kick back and rest at the Settlers Motor Inn.
Thredbo
Nestled high in the Australian Alps of southern NSW, Thredbo is Australia’s prime winter sports destination. At Thredbo Alpine Resort, ski or snowboard down some of Australia’s longest and steepest trails, with 53 in total that offer up to 2,205 feet of vertical drop. During the warmer months, there’s still plenty to see and do at Thredbo, including hiking tours to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko (Australia's tallest peak at 2,228 meters, or 7,310 feet, above sea level), biking at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, and riding down the Southern Hemisphere’s first year-round alpine coaster.
You can even book a tee time at Thredbo’s own nine-hole golf course that’s Australia’s highest-elevation course, or take the Cascade Trail for year-round excursions into the Snowy Mountain wilderness. And for a charming, European-style alpine lodge in the heart of Thredbo village, check into the warm and welcoming Candlelight Lodge.
Orange
France may have Bordeaux, and the United States might have Napa, but don’t dismiss Australia’s own wine country gems. More specifically, the town of Orange in NSW’s Central Tablelands region has a plethora of vineyards and wineries producing high-quality varietals. To get started, choose a designated driver and head over to Orange Mountain Estate to sample traditionally crafted Pinot Gris, Riesling, Viognier, Syrah, and more. For more local wines, check out Logan Wines for more contemporary takes on varietals like Chardonnay and Shiraz, Brangayne of Orange for a true family-run vineyard making award-winning sparkling wines (and more), and Philip Shaw for unconventional yet elegant twists on sparkling, rosé, and other cool-climate wines.
Beyond the wineries, there’s much more to see and do outdoors, including the wondrous caves at Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve, the scenic mountain trails at Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area, and the serene beauty on display at Orange Botanic Gardens. After spending the day traipsing around town (and visiting some wineries), take some time to relax and recharge at the retro-chic Oriana Orange hotel.
Armidale
Situated in NSW’s Northern Tablelands, about halfway between Sydney and Brisbane (in Queensland), you will find the cozy village of Armidale. Armidale has long been celebrated for its farm-fresh flavors, and the historic Saumarez Homestead is a great place to begin exploring with its farmhouses that date as far back as 1834. For a taste of what Armidale’s harvests are like now, stop at Greenhill Orchards for fresh cool-climate fruit year-round, and visit Deano’s Smoked Trout to tour their farm and try some fishing.
If you’re curious to try some finished products featuring Armidale’s locally grown ingredients, go to The Welder’s Dog to tour their brewery and sample their fine craft beers, and splurge on a fancy dinner (or a more laid-back pub meal) at the Tattersalls Hotel. And for a fully-immersive farm-to-table extravaganza, book a stay at Petersons Guesthouse & Winery to try their collection of cool-climate wines, dine at their restaurant with an always-changing menu based on locally sourced ingredients, and relax in their luxurious and finely appointed suites.
South West Rocks
On the Macleay Valley Coast, about 81 kilometers (or 51 miles) north of Port Macquarie, South West Rocks might have some of New South Wales’ most beautiful expanses of Pacific coastline. Come for the Trial Bay Gaol, or the historic remains of an 1886 prison that later served as an internment camp during World War I, and learn about the harsh and complex backstory of this naturally beautiful coastal landmark. Stay to see more of Arakoon National Park, including the lovely Front Beach and the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Little Bay Picnic Area (where you might spot a kangaroo if you’re lucky).
When you can use some more quality time at the beach, head to Horseshoe Bay for a sheltered beach that’s perfect for swimming and saltwater fishing, and try North Smoky Beach for a more secluded stretch of sand by the Smoky Cape Lighthouse. Once you’re ready to call it a day, spend the night at the Rockpool Motor Inn with its convenient location near many of the area’s best beaches.
Bellingen
Staying on the Mid North Coast, the town of Bellingen sits right along Waterfall Way. As the road name suggests, this is the ideal territory to chase waterfalls. Take Waterfall Way west to Dorrigo National Park to discover a vast rainforest with a plethora of stunning waterfalls, including Sherrard Falls, Crystal Shower Falls, and Tristania Falls. Heading east on Waterfall Way, you can make your way to the relaxing beaches of Urunga and its long boardwalk that passes over the Kalang and Bellinger Rivers as they flow into the Pacific Ocean.
Back in town, treat yourself to 18 holes of freshly challenging golf at Bellingen Golf Club, and load up on unique and locally crafted souvenirs at the Bellingen Community Market that’s held every month at Bellingen Park. For a great escape to a ranch spread out across 17 acres of wilderness by Dorrigo National Park, try a stay at Lookout Mountain Retreat.
Kingscliff
A short drive south of the Queensland border, the NSW town of Kingscliff essentially functions as a southern gateway to the Gold Coast. Home to multiple surfing competitions, Kingscliff is definitely a surf town, and you can try your own surf session at Kingscliff Beach. For different (yet equally satisfying) coastal experiences, do the walk through a lush rainforest to reach the aptly named Dreamtime Beach, and try paddling at Cudgen Creek.
If, for some reason, you need a break from the beach, book a tee time at Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club to try up to 36 holes situated alongside the Tweed River, and taste the sunny warmth of the Northern Rivers region at Earth Beer Company’s Brewery. Then, enjoy a restful night at the Pepper Salt Resort & Spa and rest assured that you can simply step out and walk to the beach the next day.
New South Wales Is Far More Than Just One City
Yes, New South Wales is Australia’s most populous state with the nation’s most famous city of Sydney. But to truly experience all that NSW has to offer, it helps to reach beyond Sydney and visit more of NSW’s unique mix of small towns. Whether you want to stroll the shores and do some surfing at the beaches of Byron Bay and Kingscliff, or you’re interested in skiing down the snowy slopes of Thredbo, you can make it happen in NSW. And for something completely different, you can even retreat to the beautiful wine country of Orange. Sure, Sydney may have many of Australia’s most famous landmarks, but these captivating small towns in New South Wales may have some of the country’s sweetest surprises.
