Starting closer to home you have the beautiful world-famous northern beaches, aptly named for simply being North of the city. If you are feeling adventurous and looking to burn some calories, then the best way to get there is via the 10k one way walk from Spit to Manly. Catch the bus from the city to the Spit Bridge where you get off at a random spot of the side of a busy road and make you way down a path where you will find a walking track that hugs the coast line taking you through some of the most wealthiest areas, past tiny secluded beaches and through a patch of bush with some ancient Aboriginal art. Whilst the walk is not flat it is deemed moderate, so anyone with reasonable mobility could tackle it (deff no wheel chairs or buggies I am afraid). However, make sure that you are fully stocked with water and suncream as nowhere to stop once you start. At the end of the walk, you will find yourself in Manly harbour and a cute little beach perfect for little ones to swim as there are no waves. However, don’t stop there continue walking through and down main street, grab yourself a coffee at one of the 000’s of shops and a fish and chips from across cross the road and find yourself at the truly spectacular Manly beach. Once full and satisfied and as the sun begins to go down take your pick of one of the many bars and pubs for a cold beverage as a reward for your efforts and enjoy a bit of the local live music.

Michelle B

The area is most famous for the stunning coastal drive that starts with the Sea Cliffs, a stretch of road which goes out over the ocean after which winds its way through some historic quaint towns each filled with coffee shops, bars and beaches. As you get further down you reach the town I call home, Bulli, famous for its rich coal mining history but also home to a stretch of beautiful beaches and awesome ocean pool where on a clear spring day you can see groups of whales migrating south. Highly recommend checking out the beach side café at Sandon’s point for their fruit smoothies and spectacular views across the bay. Carry on your drive down past port Kembla and into Wollongong, NSWs 3rd largest city to explore the double light house, fill up on some shopping then finish off with some fresh seafood on one of the many waterfront restaurants.

Michelle B

hinterland is a must for anyone visiting the state. If not guessed the area is famous for producing Australian wine with vineyards as far as the eye can see. Wine not your thing well the area is also home to a range of distilleries and brewers of a range of beverages including the world-famous gin makers ‘4 Pillars’ and what I think as the best pale ale ‘4 Pines’ (companies not related). There is an abundance of ways to explore the area whilst allowing you to adhere to the no drink no drive laws of the land, with tours offering cycles, minibus and even segways. Or if looking for something even more exciting then treat yourself to a hot air balloon ride over the valleys. My personal favourite is Tex tours, a one-man band offering the best customer service with a friendly smile. The area is also home to some of the country’s top spas to help you soak away all the wine drank throughout the day. Would also highly recommend the area at Christmas where the Hunter Valley gardens puts on a spectacular Christmas lights shows.