Including places of interest such as The Blue Mountains, Noosa, Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, Wentworth Falls, Furber Stairs, Three Sisters, Jamison Valley, Scenic Railway, Canberra, Jindabyne, Snowy River Highlands, Mt Kosciuszko, Sydney Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour.

Destination Guide
About the Region New South Wales

The history of the state started in 1770 when Captain James Cook sailed into Botany Bay and claimed this section of Australia's East Coast for Great Britain; later in 1901 the colony became a state under the name of 'New South Wales'. Nowadays, the state is the most populous and heavily industrialised in Australia with a majority of urbanised people.

The New South Wales' region is really vast with lots of diverse activities, and from the great tracts of secluded bush and beaches to flowering alpine areas and outback extremes, this region has something for everyone. One of the main attractions in the state is the capital and cosmopolitan city of Sydney, site of Australia's oldest European settlement. The city is the largest in Australia and offers lots of cultural and leisure activities as well as beautiful icons such as the famous Sydney Opera House or Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Culture

New South Wales has thousands of attractions and activities ranging from heritage buildings to beautiful scenic drives. This is a state where indigeneous people have lived for more than 45,000 years, and therefore a region rich in Aboriginal Art where more than 2,000 aboriginal rock engraving sites can be found nowadays. The region has also lots of varied events ranging from the several sports, arts and community events to popular festivals and exhibitions that attract thousands of people.

Sydney is set on a stunning harbour that is referred to as one of the most beautiful in the world, and where lots of cultural events take place. Indeed, a vast collection of museums and impressive galleries are set on the Harbour, and several spectacular year-round events are organised in the city. Therefore, from one of the biggest screen in the world at the I-Max to the high quality cultural events of the Sydney Opera House and the beautiful botanic gardens, Sydney has lots of very interesting and spectacular sites that people have to visit.

Wildlife

Thanks to its great national parks and state conservation areas, New South Wales' region is home to a vast array of native wildlife including lots of exotic birds and also many endangered and threatened species. Therefore people may see several wallabies, wombats, possums, echidnas, kangaroos, koalas, flying foxes as well as different kinds of reptiles and birds

Climate

The climate in New South Wales is temperate, with lots of humidity along the coast during the summer months from December to February. The hottest areas are located in the northwest side of the region during the summer months, and the coldest areas are situated in the snowy mountains of the state during the winter months.

Time Zones
Please note: At different times during the year there are time zones differences in Australia, for instance between New South Wales and Queensland.

Example: On certain tours that depart New South Wales at 8.00am and then stops to pickup more passengers just over the border in Queensland at 8.30am which would normally take 90 minutes to cover the same distance it's because of the time zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour start?
We pick up and drop off at many accommodation houses. Please make sure to advise us of your clients’ pick up requirements at time of booking.

What if it rains?
No one has to hike, swim or play in the rain, but those that do usually find the experience invigorating and fun! Please note that rain plays a vital role in the survival and growth of our tropical rainforests.

What do clients eat?
For our overnight safari we provide big healthy meals. Breakfast is usually cereals and toast. Lunch is build-your-own sandwiches. Dinner is a hot cooked meal. Between 2 and 3 litres (10-12 glasses) of water per day is essential when travelling in a tropical climate, so our safari vehicles carry adequate water supplies. We can cater for most dietary requirements but please keep in mind that we operate in remote areas so it is important that we are advised of any special needs at the time of booking. Where meals are included they are indicated in this guide and in our brochure as follows:
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

What to bring? Passengers should bring a good pair of walking shoes, swimming gear and a towel, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a water bottle and a camera with lots of film. Our vehicle has limited space so we ask that passengers bring a soft overnight bag or backpack (maximum of 15kgs) and include a small daypack to hand carry for easy access to camera, film, etc.

CLIENTS MUST ALSO PRESENT A VALID VOUCHER FOR TRAVEL TO THE GUIDE ON THE MORNING OF TOUR DEPARTURE.

Do clients have to participate?
On the safaris, everyone is expected to help, under the direction of the guide, with the preparation of meals, cleaning up of dishes and campsites and the gathering of wood. We rely on each passenger’s participation and sense of adventure to make the tour a complete success!

Cancellations: In the event of a cancellation, fees will be charged as follows:
Between 30 days - 48 hours: 25% of fare
Between 48 hours - 24 hours: 50% of fare
Within 24 hours: 100% of fare

Reconfirmation: All tours must be reconfirmed by contacting our Reservations Department on 1800 817 234 (within Australia, outside Cairns Area) or 4032 5600 (within Cairns Area). Passengers will need to quote their booking number.
•Passengers who have already advised us of their travel date and pick-up point must reconfirm before 4pm the day prior to travel.
•Passengers with open-dated tickets must contact us at least 7 days prior to their intended travel date, to check availability and advise us of their pick up point.
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN THE CANCELLATION OF THEIR BOOKING.

Responsibility: Adventure Tours reserves the right to make such alteration to departures, completion dates and times, reducing the extent of a tour etc, that we deem necessary due to road, river, sea and/or weather conditions beyond our control.

Insurance: Please consider it an important service to your clients to encourage them to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before leaving home. We strongly recommend that all passengers be fully covered by insurance.

Interest

Arrawarra: This beach holiday park situated in the Solitary Islands Marine Park offers fabulous fishing and great surfing to people.

Barrington Tops: it is a beautiful 25 kilometres long plateau situated between two large peaks and part of the Mount Royal Range in the New South Wales' region. It is also believed to be an extinct volcano.

Blue Lake: this lake is the only glacial lake in Australia and is situated in the Snowy Mountains. The view of the lake is simply amazing and spectacular.

Blue Mountains: the Blue Mountains National Park is situated approximately 100 kilometres from Sydney and consists in a range of spectacular and huge sandstone mountains, which sometimes reach more than 1100 metres above sea level. The valleys and gorges that people can see there are just wonderful. The National Park is listed as a World Heritage Site and is a highlight in Australia.

Byron Bay: this town is situated about 800 kilometres from Sydney and is famous for its great surfing spots and its several beautiful beaches.

Canberra: situated approximately 300 kilometres southwest of Sydney, Canberra is the capital city of Australia with a population of about 330,000 people. This is the site of Parliament House, the High Court of Australia and several government departments. The city is also famous for its several gardens and is also known as the 'bush capital'.

Charlotte pass: it is a small village and ski resort situated in the Snowy Mountains, and also the oldest and highest village in Australia. It is also the starting point of a seven kilometres walk and the Gateway to Mt Kosciuszko summit.

Crescent Head: it is a beautiful and pleasant seaside resort situated about 50 kilometres from Port Macquarie and famous for its great surfing beaches and fishing.

Gold Coast: the Gold Coast begins at the New South Wales-Queensland border and is the second largest city in the state after Sydney. It is renowned for its great world-class beaches and its beautiful waterfront properties.

Jamison valley: this valley which is part of the Cox's River canyon system in the Blue Mountains National Park is surrounded by huge cliffs which can reach about 1,000 metres above sea level. The valley is incredibly and densely forested.

Jindabyne: Jindabyne is a pleasant holiday resort situated in the beautiful Snowy Mountains, ideal place to go bushwalking, mountain climbing, canoeing or kayaking. To learn more about the area and the history of the town we also give you the opportunity to visit the interesting Jindabyne Cultural Centre.

Katoomba: located approximately 110 kilometres west of Sydney Katoomba is the chief town of the city of Blue Mountains and is renowned for its spectacular panoramic views of the mountains.

Lake Burley Griffin: it is a lake situated in the centre of Australia's capital city Canberra. The lake was created in 1963 and many important institutions such as the National Library of Australia and the Parliament House are located next to it. The lake is used for several activities such as fishing, swimming, and also sailing.

Lake Jindabyne: this lake is composed of the remains of the old town of Jindabyne which lie submerged under it, and is also an ideal place for fishing, kayaking, sailing, canoeing and lots of other water sports.

Mount Ainsley: it is a mountain situated next to Canberra and from which people can have a magnificent view of the whole city.

Mount Kosciuszko: this mountain is the highest one in Australia and is located in the Snowy Mountains in Kosciuszko National Park. This mountain is really impressive and beautiful insofar as it is approximately 2230 metres high.

Nimbin: small town situated approximately 30 kilometres from Lismore in northern New South Wales and important for its Aboriginal culture and history. It offers lots of activities such as the great candle factory, Nimbin museum or the Hemp Embassy which enable people to learn more about the area.

Rainbow beach: this beach was called Rainbow Beach thanks to the rainbow coloured cliffs situated along the shore. Those cliffs are important for Aboriginal people, that is why our tour guides will tell you about the Aboriginal legend of the place.

Surfers Paradise: it is a famous and pleasant beach resort town located on Australia's Gold Coast, renowned for its high-rise apartment buildings and its great surfing beaches.

Sydney: Sydney is the capital of New South Wales' region and is the most populous city in Australia with a population of about 4 million people. The city is set on a stunning harbour that is referred to as one of the most beautiful in the world, and is also the financial capital of Australia.

Three Sisters: this is one of the most famous rock formation in Australia, and also a highlight of Blue Mountains National Park. The Three Sisters are part of the vast Jamison Valley and have been formed by years of erosion.

Wentworth Falls: it is a small village located approximately 100 kilometres west of Sydney in the Blue Mountains National Park and situated about 860 metres above sea level. It is also the name of a spectacular waterfall nearby.

* Take advantage of all the free attractions in the city and region including:
* Take in some free music at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday afternoons.
* Walk around the Royal Botanical Gardens or just take a rest by the water.
* Swim at a selection of beautiful beaches at Bondi, Manly, Coogee or further a field.
* Observe the unusual at Circular Quay, which usually attracts various characters and street performers.
* Bushwalk some of the great tracks in the Sydney Harbour and Royal National Parks.
* Get some culture - the NSW Art Gallery offers free viewings of their general collections.
* Browse around the markets - Paddington, Glebe, Balmain, Flemington, Parklea, Haymarket and The Rocks all have markets well worth paying a visit to. * Go to The Rocks - markets, cafes, shops and free entertainment every weekend.
* Hike the Spit Bridge to Manly Harbour walk.
* Walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.
* Camp it up on Sydney's colourful Gay Golden Mile that is Oxford Street.
* Check out the views at both North and South Head. * Visit Palm Beach, famous for the filming of the TV series, Home and Away.
* Visit the Royal National Park and drive the old coast road to Wollongong. * Visit the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Venue at Homebush Bay.
* Visit the nearby regions, the Blue Mountains are a must, Southern Highlands, Avoca Beach or the Central Coast.
Stuff to do at night: Sydney For backpacker-friendly venues (and prices) check out: * Every nights a party at The Gaff in Taylors Square, Oxford St, Darlinghurst
* Sidebar, underneath Wakeup hostel never disappoints.
* Scary Canary attached to base Backpackers has some interesting nights
* Get yourself spinning any night of the week at The World Bar in Kings Cross
Ask your hostel manager where the best deals are because things are changing all the time and there are loads of promos on offering cheap drinks and entertainment.