A guide to NSW’s incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Recognised as the most extraordinary natural wonders and cultural treasures on earth, UNESCO World Heritage Sites are truly remarkable. NSW is fortunate enough to be home to six of them – how many have you checked off your bucket list?

Destination NSW

Destination NSW

Feb 2024 -
4
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Sydney Opera House 

NSW’s most recognisable landmark is also our most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched on the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece and a temple to creativity. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, The House is one of Australia’s cultural icons and has played host to the world’s greatest performers. Book a guided tour to learn the stories from within the magnificent sails, dine at the exquisite Bennelong, or admire the view from outside with a drink at Opera Bar

How you can experience the Sydney Opera House: 

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia 

The world’s largest area of subtropical rainforest, the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia is made up of 40 separate reserves stretching from Newcastle to Brisbane. This ancient wilderness is more than 180 million years old, dating back to the early days of life on earth. It protects rare and threatened plant species, as well as thousands of unique birds, animals and reptiles. The national parks that make up the Gondwana Rainforests are threaded with walking and hiking trails, mountain bike tracks, creeks and waterfalls, and secluded camping areas. 

How you can experience the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia: 

Dorrigo Skywalk, Dorrigo National Park

Dorrigo Skywalk, Dorrigo National Park

Lord Howe Island 

About 600km east of the NSW coastline is Lord Howe Island, a Pacific island paradise surrounded by the most southerly coral reef in the world. Around 75 per cent of the island is a permanent park preserve, protecting its dramatic volcanic landscape and the unique bird species that live there. The surrounding waters are also a protected marine park and are known for their exceptional diving. Visitor numbers are strictly limited to preserve the remarkable environment and everyone gets around the island on bicycles. 

How you can experience Lord Howe Island: 

Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower

Sunrise over Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island - Credit: Tom Archer

Greater Blue Mountains Area 

One of Australia’s greatest natural wilderness areas is just 90min from Sydney. The Blue Mountains get their name from the blue hue created by the vast eucalypt forests releasing tiny droplets of oil that mix with water vapour and sunlight. Beneath this iconic haze lies more than one million hectares of rugged bushland, hiking trails, tumbling waterfalls, sandstone escarpments, and more than 400 species of animals and birds. Breathe in the crisp mountain air, soak in the spectacular vistas and switch off from the world. 

How you can experience the Greater Blue Mountains Area: 

Three Sisters - Sunrise over Jamison Valley in the Blue Mountains

The Three Sisters, Blue Mountains

Australian Convict Sites 

Around 166,000 men, women and children were transported to Australia as convicts between 1788 and 1868. They built many of the first buildings, roads and mines in the new colony, and 11 of these have been recognised as World Heritage Sites. Four of these can be found in Sydney – Hyde Park Barracks, Cockatoo Island, Old Government House and Parramatta Park, and the Old Great North Road. Explore these historic sites and connect with Sydney’s colonial past, learning the stories of the people who helped build the city. 

How you can experience the Australian Convict Sites: 

Former Military Guardhouse on Cockatoo Island

Former Military Guardhouse on Cockatoo Island - Credit: Sydney Harbour Federation Trust

Willandra Lakes Region 

In the far west of NSW, an ancient stretch of sand and rock holds the secrets of some of the world’s earliest human habitation. In the 1970s, human remains dating back more than 40,000 years were discovered in Lake Mungo in the Willandra Lakes Region. Dubbed Mungo Man and Mungo Lady, they are the oldest remains ever found in Australia. Evidence of fire pits, stone tools, animal bones and calcific plants have also been discovered in the area. Explore these striking desert landscapes and discover their connections with modern Indigenous culture. 

How you can experience the Willandra Lakes Region:

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