DESTINATION: NEW SOUTH WALES
For your chance to swing your hips in the annual mardi gras parade, surf some of Australias best swells or down its quality vinos; venture into New South Wales. This state is not just about Sydney (see our destination guide), theres fabulous mountains for trekking or skiing, endless coastline and a wide range of cultural events to enjoy.
A lot of people choose to live and work in Sydney (see job searching) which also gives you the opportunity to explore areas surrounding the city and further afield. Just outside Sydney are the gorgeous heights of the Blue Mountains perfect for hiking and cultural events like the winter Christmas festival and various jazz concerts. Similarly the pure air of the Snowy Mountains in the north attracts walkers and nature lovers. Another region just outside of Sydney is the Hunter Valley renowned for its wine, vineyards and picturesque countryside.  Inland theres the interesting mining town of Broken Hill (pictured left) where Australias most famous artist Pro Hart has a gallery. Towns in this region will give you a real taste of the outback. Tamworth, further north, is Australias country-music capital and a fabulous music festival is held annually at the end of January. Dont forget to pack your cowboy hat!
If its coastal environments you favour beach hop from Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle and Byron Bay north into Queensland. Byron Bay attracts an alternative bent of local and a transient backpacker population. Its Australias most eastern point so walk up to the light house to experience it. There are fantastic beaches and numerous activities from paragliding to surfing and plenty of sun and sand for everyone - see our discount offers list! The local markets that move from Byron to other towns during the month are worth a visit, particularly when they are in the hippie capital Nimbin.
VIP has hostels all over the world including NSW. See the list below and take advantage of the VIP card for savings on accommodation, tours and services.
| TRAVEL NEWS
JOB SEARCHING?
If youre searching for work Sydney is a good place to start. Work is plentiful and the wages are good. You need a work visa and generally some experience or certification. For office and professional work, building and hospitality/service jobs check newspapers (eg. Sydney Morning Herald), street press (eg. TNT), the web (eg. Gum Tree), shop windows in pubs, restaurants and cafes and hostel notice boards. Hospitality/ service jobs are offered all along the NSW coast. Fruit picking is available in inland NSW, especially the western agricultural belt between Dubbo and Orange, from December-October.
picture above: Byron Bay
NSW FESTIVALS
For groovy blues tunes in one of the best coastal towns on the north coast you cant pass up the annual Byron Bay Blues and Roots festival (20-24 March). This is one of the premier music events in NSW. This years line up includes fabulous local act Xavier Rudd and international artists Keb Mo and John Fogerty. Click here for accommodation.
NEW ZEALAND ACTION
You should not miss the chance to visit New Zealand if youre already in Australia. The fab isles are just a few hours by plane - check Qantas, Virgin or Jetstar for summer specials. In the summer the spectacular Bay of Islands north of Auckland are great for scuba diving, sailing and fishing. Theres a country rock festival here in May.
Upcoming events in Auckland include the Auckland Cup in February and the Pasifika Island cultural festival. In April is the Auckland Auckland Wine & Food Festival. NZ is the adventure capital of the world so click here for discounted options. |
