Get out and about in NSW this Summer with a nature-inspired escape, be it relaxing in a bush cottage, a high country hiking trip or a camping and kayaking eco-escape. From the coast to the country, NSW is one of the most unique places in the world for nature experiences. NSW offers travellers almost 2,000 km of golden sand beaches, hundreds of pristine National Parks, reserves and state forests, and some of Australia's most treasured world heritage-listed sites to discover and explore.
Escape the heat: Escape to the hinterlands and mountains of NSW to enjoy cool breezes surrounded by lush bushland. The Coffs Coast hinterland provides a reprieve from the heat, but is still only a 30 minute drive to the ocean. Book a bush cottage near the hinterland town of Bellingen and spend time kayaking and swimming in secluded waterholes along the beautiful Bellingen River and the nearby World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. At more than 1500 metres above sea level enjoy the cool sub-alpine environment of Mount Kaputar near Narrabri. Not to be missed is the panoramic view from the summit, the towering wall of basalt pipes at Sawn Rocks and hiking amongst this pristine wilderness.
High country hikes: Tackle Australia's highest peak, the famous Mount Kosciuszko National Park Summit Walk. Camp or enjoy a bush stay at Lyre Bird Cottage or Wolgal Hut in the national park and escape it all with a tech-free break. In the Blue Mountains, the National Pass is a challenging five and half kilometres hike through native eucalypt forest along pathways cut into cliff face and past waterfalls. For a coastal trek try the three day Light to Light walk which hugs the coastline between Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lightstation in Ben Boyd National Park on the Sapphire Coast.
River adventures: Inland rivers* offer spectacular water adventures. Consider hiring a houseboat on the Murray River and explore it at your own pace. Moama on Murray has houseboats to suit most budgets, from a basic camping boat to a luxury river cruiser. Explore the majestic Hawkesbury River fishing, picnicking and cruising the waterway with a hire boat from Brooklyn or Wisemans Ferry. Hire a canoe and explore the beautiful, serene Dunns Swamp in Wollemi National Park near Mudgee, or book in a two day overnight kayak trip through the spectacular Shoalhaven Gorge in Kangaroo Valley camping along the river.
