If you and your family are planning a holiday in New South Wales, you couldn’t have chosen a better part of Australia for observing wildlife and taking in the wonders of nature. Whether you have a week of three, we list our top 5 NSW tours for nature lovers.
- Hunter Valley Hot Air Balloon Tour – See Hunter Valley in all its splendour from a hot air balloon; sunrise tours depart from the wine-making communities of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Broke and Rothbury and take just over an hour. Enjoy a champagne breakfast when you return and every time you think of Hunter Valley, those majestic memories will come flooding back. In the evening, sample the very best Hunter Valley wine at one of the Chipping Norton restaurants with local cuisine and international dishes.
- Port Stephens Whale Watching Tour – Port Stephens is a great place to try a bit of sandboarding or riding a quad up the dunes; one experience you simply must add to your list is whale watching. This might be the only time in your life when you see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and if you’re lucky, you’ll witness a breach, when the entire body of the whale leaves the water. Digital camera at the ready, it is very potluck as to whether you see a breach, but if you do, that would be an image to cherish.
- Blue Mountains Nature & Wildlife Tour – A full day spent exploring the Blue Mountains, including a trip to Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can feed wombats, koalas and kangaroos; the list of animals and birds is far too long to mention, plus you can tour with a guide if you wish. After this, visit amazing views from a series of waterfalls, where you take some great photos. Click here for budget travel tips.
- Visit Great Barrier Reef Island – The Low Isles are pristine, with idyllic beaches and a whole host of marine and birdlife. You might see dolphins in the serene and calm waters of the bay, while the birdlife is indeed very diverse. Sail to the islands on a catamaran and enjoy a traditional seafood lunch and some of the best Hunter Valley wine.
- Kayaking in Byron Bay – An idyllic backdrop for kayaking, Byron Bay is a spectacular place where you can observe marine life as you paddle over volcanic rock reefs. The guided paddle takes about two and a half hours, and you are briefed on safety practices at this amazing bay; you might get lucky and encounter bottle-nose dolphins, which frequent these calm waters looking for food. Talk to the local fisherman to hear amazing stories of Aborigine travels and the history of Western arrival.
If you are a nature lover, NSW is the perfect location for your 2023 holiday, with so much to see and do. Booking early is advised, especially during the high season; learn more about NSW with a few Internet searches to enrich your holiday experience.
