Arts, Culture and Heritage
NSW is known for its natural beauty but it is also full of cultural and heritage attractions. The range of museums, theatres, galleries plus heritage and historical tours aren’t limited to Sydney, you’ll find places of cultural significance scattered throughout the state from large towns to smaller villages.
Regional centres such as Wollongong on the South Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Port Macquarie on the North Coast, Goulburn, Bathurst and Orange in Country NSW, and Broken Hill in Outback NSW are all home to excellent art galleries.
They make great weekends away because you’ll also find plenty of other things to do and see in these regional centres. Head inland for wine tasting and pristine produce or go the coastal route to discover uncrowded beaches.
NSW is full of historic sites that are worth a visit; think the Old Dubbo Gaol, Cowra's Prisoner of War Camp Site and the Port of Echuca in the twin towns of Echuca and Moama where you can board a paddle-steamer and travel on the Murray River.
You can also visit famous film locations in the Snowy Mountains and Outback NSW which were chosen for their striking landscapes and captured on celluloid.
Following self-guided heritage trails is an engaging way to discover historical towns which offer insights into colonial life. Set out along the Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins and try your luck panning for gold in Adelong Creek, make your way along the Orange Heritage Trail for fine heritage buildings, or walk in the footsteps of famed explorers on the Hume and Hovell Walking Track.
A snapshot of Australia's pre-historic landscape is at the Age of Fishes Museum in Canowindra. Fossils some 360 million years old were discovered here in 1955. About an 80-minue drive from Canowindra is the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum in Bathurst.
When travelling south, stop off at the Sapphire Coast's Eden Killer Whale Museum before heading to Ben Boyd National Park to see the historic Green Cape lighthouse where you can stay in the Lightstation Keepers’ Cottages.