New South Wales is Australia’s ‘Premier State’ and its capital, Sydney, is without doubt, Australia’s showcase city. Cosmopolitan and vibrant, Sydney’s spectacular harbourside setting has inspired one of the world’s most beautiful and glamorous cities - a city which more than matched the challenge of hosting the 2000 Olympics Games - now widely regarded as the “Greatest Olympics ever”. Sydney’s attractions are obvious and varied - world-renowned icons like the Opera House and the sparkling Harbour sit side by side with the cobbled streets of the historic Rocks district and the popular beaches of Bondi and Manly. However, Sydney’s real allure lies in the fact that it successfully combines the sophistication, culture and exuberant nightlife of a fast moving city with a relaxed, friendly charm.

As enchanting as Sydney may be however, it is by no means the only attraction in New South Wales. Only 90 minutes away lies the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Mountains, a favourite escape for Sydneysiders. So called because of the blue haze emitted from its eucalypt forests, the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains are criss-crossed with stunning walking trails and dotted with quaint townships and wonderful boutique guest houses and B&B’s. Head just a little further and you’ll discover the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, Australia’s first commercial wine producing area which dates as far back as the early 1800’s. Today, there are over 80 wineries in the region but even if wine is of little interest to you, there’s also hot air ballooning, golf, horseriding and some great cycle tracks, making it an ideal destination for all the family. Elsewhere in the state, the stretch of Pacific Coast between Sydney and Brisbane is a showcase of some of Australia's most beautiful coastal scenery, from the dolphins and sand dunes of Port Stephens to the famous lighthouse of Byron Bay. The Indian Pacific trans-continental train stops at Broken Hill, which allows for a break in the journey and provides the perfect opportunity to explore the Australian Outback. Broken Hill, 1244 kilometres west of Sydney, is a major Outback city built on the riches of silver mining. Today, it is home to a colony of Australian artists inspired by the Outback landscape, which is remarkably unique and marked out by its striking earthy tones. A visit to the School of Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service should also not be missed. You can experience it all in New South Wales.