Explore New South Wales with YHA

We're guessing that the first thing you think about when you hear someone mention Thredbo is snow. But it's not just for winter frivolity, there is so much more to experience all year round, especially in Summer!

Say goodbye to all your worries when you lie down and relax at some of the best secluded beaches all along New South Wales.

There's a boatload of things to do in Sydney that don't cost a cent... So many in fact, we've rounded up a full 101 free things to do on your next visit to the Harbour City!

With superb swimming spots, incredible heritage architecture and coastal walks that will leave you breathless, a Newcastle getaway makes excellent travel sense.

LGBTQIA+ festivals and events are back, and there's something for everyone! From quiet reflections at multi-artform exhibitions to dancing and partying in step with a parade, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate queer identities and experiences with these festivities around the country!

Feel like you’re on holiday without leaving Sydney on an escape to the city’s chilled-out Northern Beaches. From Manly to Palm Beach (aka Home and Away’s Summer Bay), here are just a few highlights to add to a self-guided itinerary...

In Australia, you can have your big-city fix and a dose of nature, too. Beyond the city buzz, you’ll find a peaceful pocket of wilderness and wildlife just a short hop away at nearby national parks, from rainforests and waterfalls to wild beaches and coral reefs. You might even see a kangaroo or two! So pack some snacks and sunscreen and hit the trails at these must-see national parks near major Aussie cities.

Love doing your exploring with a paddle in hand? Us too. From sleepy canoe trips down wide, still rivers, to epic multi-day kayak trips to the country's wildest waterways, adventure's never far away when there's paddling involved. And the free upper body work out doesn't hurt either! Read on for a selection of the finest canoeing and kayaking adventures in Australia.

Byron Bay’s spectacular natural setting alone makes it an unmissable stop on an east coast Australia road trip. And while there may be more luxury cars than combi vans on the streets of this famously alternative New South Wales beach town these days, your visit needn’t break the bank.

If you’re a lover of long walks over dunes, along windswept cliffs or with the tide lapping at your ankles, you may have come to the right place. In this article, we've dug up some of the best coastal and beach walks across Australia.

As the majestic mammals set off on their epic mid-year migration, let YHA help you to discover the best places to spot them.

From a sailing regatta held on dry land to a sporting celebration in honour of the humble watermelon, these offbeat events prove that Australians will turn almost anything into a sport.

Home to the country's premier mountain biking destination, Thredbo, as well as hundreds of smaller parks and trail networks, NSW is fantastically equipped to provide endless weekends of fun for the mountain biking enthusiast.

South-Eastern Australia is home to a wealth of different Indigenous nations and cultures, each with their own knowledge of native foods and medicines. With a fine-toothed comb, we've scoured the land to bring you some of the very best bush tucker experiences across NSW and the ACT – hungry yet?

From wildlife to wilderness, Australia has no shortage of magnificent sights and epic experiences to discover. To help you make the most of your time Down Under we’ve rounded up 20 iconic things you have to tick off your Aussie bucket list.

Whether you want to laugh yourself silly, dance the night away, or indulge your passion for words, wine or creativity, we’ve rounded up the very best arts and culture festivals across the country.

Whether you’re a cricket tragic, tennis superfan or just want to be a part of the action, Australia is one of the best places in the world to be a spectator.

Australia might not be home to the world’s highest peaks, but we sure have an incredible variety of mountains worth hiking. Here are just six spectacular summits to bag across the country and make it back to ground level in time for dinner.

Home of yoga, movie nights, and accidental-on-purpose naps in the sunshine, YHA rooftops are the place to be. Here are 5 of the very best to tick off...

We hope you brought your Lycra, because it's time to hit the saddle! Just kidding – you don't need the full cycling kit to enjoy these stunning rides across Sydney, just a big bottle o' water, a bicycle of some kind and a sense of adventure!

From quirky, boutique clothing and jewellery to fresh, local produce direct from farmers and growers - Sydney has it all in spades! We've rounded up our ten favourite markets in the Sydney for you to peruse at your leisure...

From past to the present, Barangaroo is a place of spiritual and cultural significance. Join the tour, be a part of the story. 90 minute walking tour.

Go behind the scenes & explore the most recognisable building in Australia. Step inside this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site & make memories to last a lifetime.

The most epic way to spend a day in the Blue Mountains! From breathtaking canyons to epic abseiling and rock climbing- you are guaranteed an unforgettable adventure!

Experience the ultimate adrenaline hit at one of the most popular skydive spots in Australia! Free fall at 200km/hr for 60 seconds before gliding over epic scenery.

Learn to surf on Australias most iconic beach!

The perfect Sydney escape- venture into the heartland of NSW wine country! Visit three or four of the Hunter Valley's best boutique wineries and enjoy a number of private tastings.

Jump aboard a Zoo Express rocket, not only getting you to Taronga Zoo quickly but you can sit back & enjoy a scenic feast of Sydney harbour.

The ideal introduction to the most ancient human culture on this 90 minute walkabout with a local aboriginal guide. We strongly recommend this tour for visitors and locals alike.

Take a guided kayaking tour in the stunning Byron Bay Marine Park. Come face to face with dolphins and other marine life as you paddle around the most easterly point of Australia.

Enjoy the breathtaking views over Sydney's Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter valley, shimmering lakes and beaches! One of the most spectacular drop zones in Australia!