7 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do In NSW!

There are so many fun and very familiar things to do in NSW – from climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge to watching the sunset from Cape Byron lighthouse. But, alas, there’s loads of other, more unusual possibilities too!

How about sand boarding down the biggest dune in the Southern Hemisphere? Riding a camel along the beach? Or, hot air ballooning over a volcanic crater? Get prepared to throw out the old adventure playbook, it’s time for a rewrite! YHA has found ‘7 things you didn’t know you could do in NSW’.

 

Sand Board the biggest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rose Engel (@roseflamesengel) on

  • Also in good ol’ Port Stephens are the Stockton Sand Dunes, the biggest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Once you’re immersed, you’ll feel like you’re in the dessert. Even better, the best way to experience the glorious sand dunes is via sand board! After venturing all the way to the top, slide back down, head first and at epic speed.

Where to stay: Port Stephens YHA

 

Camel Ride along the Beach

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Port Stephens, New South Wales (@portstephens) on

  • There are over one million Camels herding themselves around Australia (surprising we know!). Even better, you can ride one of those beauties with waves crashing at your feet. If you’re in Sydney, this wondourous adventure is less than three hours away in lovely Port Stephens.

Where to stay: Port Stephens YHA

 

Take a hot air balloon ride over a 23 million year old volcanic crater

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Focus Media (@focusdrones) on

  • Book yourself in for a hot air ballon ride over the Byron Bay Hinterlands. During the one hour flight you'll experience a breathaking view of 'the green cauldron', as well as floating gently above a twenty three million year old, 40 kilometre wide and 1000 metre deep volcanic crater. Not to mention, upon landing you’re treated to a Champagne breakfast.

Where to stay: Byron Bay YHA or Cape Byron YHA

 

Scenic World Blue Mountains - a view you can’t get anywhere else!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Scenic World Blue Mountains (@scenicworld_aus) on

  • Less than two hours from Sydney the UNESCO World Heritage listed Blue Mountains, Scenic World offers epic panoramas of wilderness, waterfalls, escarpment and Jurassic-era rainforest. Only here can you marvel at the birds-eye views of the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls on the Skyway and Cableway, then ride the world’s steepest railway down into the rainforest in the floor of the Jamison Valley.

Where to stay: Blue Mountains YHA

 

Enjoy Alpine Australia at Thredbo

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thredbo Resort (@thredboresort) on

  • Who said you couldn’t have the ultimate winter experience in Australia? Thredbo is Australia’s best ski resort and premier year round destination. Open all year round, the possibilities are endless with skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, backcountry tours, yoga retreats and more! Click HERE for our ‘What’s on in Thredbo 2019 Calendar’ and plan your trip around the Thredbo snow-cials.

Where to stay: Thredbo YHA (obviously)

 

Floriade in Canberra

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Canberra Times (@canberratimes) on

  • Get yourself down to our nation’s capital and experience Floriade, Australia’s biggest celebration of spring. The iconic Canberra event, now in its 32nd year, will run from Saturday 14 September until Sunday 13 October 2019. Floriade showcases one million flowers in bloom throughout the gorgeous Commonwealth Park and better yet, entry is FREE!

 

Escape the largest hedge maze in NSW

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bago Maze and Winery (@bagomazeandwinery) on

  • Bago Maze is the largest hedge maze in NSW, spanning 10,000 square metres, just half an hour from Port Macquarie, this is the perfect place to go when you just wanna get lost! Mazes are pretty magical, having been subject of art, myths and magic for centuries… the hedge maze inside Bago Vineyards is no different! Throughout the course of the maze, you’ll need to find your way to the lookout towers, search for hidden items, magical instruments, bridges and boardwalks. Will you escape the maze?

Where to stay: Port Macquarie YHA

So, what are you waiting for? Get to NSW already!

    Sign up to YHA Australia

    Get monthly inspiration for your next adventure in Australia.

    Samurai Beach Bungalows (Port Stephens)
    Samurai Beach Bungalows (Port Stephens)
    Gorgeous beaches, lush bushland, stunning bay and sea views and a great chill-out spot - that's Port Stephens and its award-winning YHA.
    YHA Byron Bay
    YHA Byron Bay
    Relax in good company at this state-of-the-art, sustainable YHA in Byron Bay. With gorgeous communal spaces & a great social vibe, you'll never want to leave.
    YHA Cape Byron (Byron Bay)
    YHA Cape Byron (Byron Bay)
    Just blocks from the beach, this laid-back oasis attracts a diverse crowd of global travellers. Come for the surf, stay for the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
    YHA Blue Mountains (Katoomba)
    YHA Blue Mountains (Katoomba)
    This historic lodge located right in the middle of Katoomba is as cosy as it is hospitable. Escape the city and make it your base for your next outdoor adventure.
    YHA Thredbo
    YHA Thredbo
    Situated in Mt. Kosciuszko National Park, YHA Thredbo provides the ideal stay for hikers, skiers & mountain bikers looking to experience the Snowy Mountains.
    YHA Port Macquarie | Ozzie Pozzie Backpackers
    YHA Port Macquarie | Ozzie Pozzie Backpackers
    Located halfway between Sydney & Byron Bay, Ozzie Pozzie Backpackers is more like a resort than a hostel.

YHA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to the elders, past and present, and the extended Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We recognise their custodianship of the land, sea, & water for over 60,000 years.

YHA Australia is a proud member of Hostelling International - a network of more than 2,650 hostels across 57 countries that share the mission of making travel more sustainable & accessible.