PART 1 BLOGS & PHOTOS

New South Wales & The Australian Capital Territory (NSW & ACT)

New South Wales is Australia’s most populated state, boasting nearly 2,000 km of diverse coastline and many charming summer holiday towns. While Sydney—with its iconic Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the nearby Blue Mountains—is the most visited destination, the state offers much more for those seeking nature, adventure, or the road less travelled.

In and Around Sydney

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales (not Australia!), is located on the country’s southeast coast and is Australia’s largest city. Key highlights include:

Sydney Harbour and Bridge
Sydney Opera House
The Rocks – historic precinct and site of the first British settlement in 1788

Beyond the city:

Blue Mountains (80 km west): a must-visit for its dramatic escarpments, waterfalls, and the famous Three Sisters viewpoint at Echo Point.
Central Coast (north of Sydney): national parks, waterways, and golden beaches.
Off-road destinations:
- Watagans (Ourimbah via Yarramalong to Wyong)
- Kiama to Nowra and Danjera Dam to Ulladulla
- Wiseman’s Ferry through Dharug NP to Bilpin
- Jenolan Caves, Bathurst, Hill End, Kandos to Jerry Plains

National Parks of NSW

New South Wales offers diverse landscapes from alpine peaks to ancient deserts:

Blue Mountains NP – Iconic valleys and lookouts
Wollemi NP – Just a day trip from Sydney; home to the rare Wollemi Pine
Kosciuszko NP – Australia’s largest national park, featuring:
- Mt Kosciuszko (2,228m), the highest peak in Australia
- Winter: skiing at Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass
- Summer: camping, fishing, MTB, horse riding
- Historical sites: Cabramurra, Adaminaby, Yarrangobilly Caves, Snowy Hydro Scheme
Barrington Tops NP – High plateaus, subalpine scenery
Yengo NP – World Heritage wilderness
Myall Lakes NP – Coastal lakes and camping
Bundjalung & Broadwater NPs – Coastal gems near Yamba
Border Ranges NP – On the QLD border, great lookouts and rainforest

Inland & Outback NSW

Mungo National Park

One of the oldest known sites of human occupation outside Africa, home to ancient Lake Mungo and the Walls of China dunes. Part of the UNESCO Willandra Lakes Region. Ideal for soft off-roading (70 km loop drive). Access is easier from northwest Victoria or Broken Hill.

Sturt National Park

One of NSW’s largest and most remote parks. Features:

Tibooburra and 400-million-year-old granite outcrops
Strzelecki Desert red dunes
Dingo Fence – World’s longest fence at 5,600 km
Attractions: Mt Wood Homestead, Loop Road, Pastoral Museum
Be prepared: extreme heat, remote conditions, and potential bogging in wet weather

White Cliffs

An isolated opal mining town where, like Coober Pedy, many residents live underground to escape the heat.

Mutawintji National Park

Located northeast of Broken Hill. Red ranges, Aboriginal art sites, and vast outback skies make it a special place for a night under the stars.

Gundabooka & Toorale National Parks

South of Bourke, accessible via a 70 km drive, home to:

Mulgowan Aboriginal Rock Art Site
Toorale Homestead

Yuraygir & Bundjalung NPs

Unspoiled coastlines, camp spots, rocky headlands and charming villages. Perfect for post-outback relaxation.

Washpool & Gibraltar Range NPs

Near Glen Innes and Grafton. Rainforests, red cedar and coachwood trees, clear streams, and deep gorges.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Though small, the ACT offers big mountain landscapes. It shares Kosciuszko National Park and Mount Kosciuszko with NSW. In winter, it’s a snow playground; in summer, enjoy:

4WDing
Horse riding
Fishing and MTB
Excellent camping along the Snowy River

Outback Travel Tips for International Overlanders

Australia’s outback, deserts, and even beaches are unlike those in Europe, Africa, or South America. Be aware:

First Aid: At least one person should be trained
Comms: Minimum UHF radio and sat phone. HF radio is ideal (rentable)
Safety: Always tell someone where you’re going, and confirm arrival
Rivers: Northern crossings may have crocodiles. Even freshwater crocs bite!
Beaches: Soft sand above high tide mark – drive on outgoing tide, and always turn toward the water, not uphill
Tyre pressures:
- Start at 25 psi and drop in 5 psi increments as needed
- In our LandCruiser, we’ve gone as low as 10 psi
- Low speed is key
Terrain: Expect rutted tracks, bull dust, mud, sand, and water crossings—sometimes all in one day. Travel within your limits.
Don’t be overconfident: The Australian outback is unforgiving

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing the snow or the desert sun, craving solitude in the bush or exploring off-the-beaten-path villages, NSW and the ACT offer a complete experience for overlanders—from scenic coastal drives to true-blue outback adventure.