6 truly unique NSW adventure experiences that end in luxury

Combine some of the most beautiful adventures in NSW with the best stays, most relaxing experiences and truly memorable dishes. Test your physical endurance, then reward yourself after the finish line.

Climb an iconic Blue Mountains cliff, then relax in a Japanese bath

Adventure:

The Blue Mountains is NSW’s rock-climbing hub. And within lies a rock-climbing challenge on almost every Australian climber’s bucket list – The Janicepts. The trad climb (the traditional, rope-and-harness style) sits at an accessible 21 or 22 grade, but it stretches over 27m of sandstone cliff and includes a huge variety of techniques. It’s a real challenge for any intermediate climber, and a fun experience for those with more skill. If you’re just getting into scaling rocks, Blue Mountains Climbing School can guide you through your first outdoor attempt.

Blue Mountains Climbing School, Blackheath - Credit: Blue Mountains Climbing School

Reward:

When you finally climb over the last metre of The Janicepts, imagine how (in just an hour’s time) you’ll be submerged in the mineral-infused spa waters of the Japanese Bath House. For a restorative finish to your journey, don a yukata robe, book a massage and stay the night in one of its Japanese-style rooms.

Private pool at the Japanese Bath House, Lithgow area

Japanese Bath House, Lithgow area - Credit: Japanese Bath House

Hike Warrumbungle’s rock formations, then stay at the Dark Sky Eco Resort

Adventure:

The Warrumbungle National Park (500km northwest of Sydney) is Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, a location with such clear skies it’s internationally recognised for stargazing. It’s also home to one of NSW’s most unique hikes, the Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk, which takes you through the park’s incredible rock formations. This single-day journey is 14.5km long, with a few moderately challenging sections (try the shorter Fans Horizon walking track if that’s more your speed). If you’re unsure about embarking on the Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk solo, join Take Shape Adventures’ four-day tour through the national park.

Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk, Warrumbungle National Park

Reward:

Shed your boots at Belougery Split Rock and get ready to lounge in the outdoor spa of the Dark Sky Eco Resort. When you’re not luxuriating in your spa or cabin, take a minute to meet the residents of the emu farm, or duck into the private observatory to see the night sky from one of the clearest spots in the country.

Dark Sky Eco Resort, Coonabarabran - Credit: Dark Sky Eco Resort

Mountain bike down Kosciuszko, then bunker down in a beautiful cabin

Adventure:

The Cannonball Downhill Trail in Thredbo is so famous in the mountain-biking scene, each February there’s a week-long festival named after it. Starting at the top of the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift and descending 600m over 3.3km of rock drops, jumps, wall rides, off-camber roots and more, it’s one of the most technical and physically demanding downhill runs in the country. If it’s a stretch too far, Thredbo’s MTB Park has a range of runs that can challenge riders of any level, while the Thredbo Valley Track has family-friendly rides, short techinical sections or a full 35km route for experienced riders.

Thredbo Valley Track, Snowy Mountains

Reward:

Just a half-hour drive away is the Mill Cabin, an off-grid, secluded stay with a beautifully simple timber-and-stone design. Its outdoor cedar bath and luxurious bed await your arrival, ready to envelop you for however long you need to recharge after your mountain journey.

Mill Cabin, Crackenback - Credit: Lean Timms

Dive with turtles at Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, then sit back with a magnificent wine

Adventure:

NSW is dotted with incredibly unique dive sites, with remarkable creatures to see. At Cook Island Aquatic Reserve , just off the Tweed coast, the green sea turtle is the hero. The species lay eggs on the shore and the island provides a sanctuary for eating and playing. The 80 hectares of protected waters are also extremely biodiverse, home to coral and a colourful range of fish. You can dive in the reserve, or join one of the many local tour operators, such as Watersports Guru’s snorkelling with the turtles experience.

Woman freediving with a local sea turtle in waters off Cook Island, Fingal Head

Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, Fingal Head

Reward:

Inland from the dive site is one of the best wine bars in the state, Bistro Livi in Murwillumbah. Share your creature-spotting stories over good wine and savour moonfish with green peaches or other dishes flavoured with torch ginger, mud crab or other ingredients from the region’s best producers.

Bistro Livi, Murwillumbah - Credit: Bar Livi

Cycle Sydney’s three gorges, then dine inside Australia’s most striking landmark

Adventure:

Test your mental fortitude with the Three Gorges cycling route, a 60km loop through the North Shore suburb of Hornsby that traverses three gruelling ascents. The immense challenge is only half the reason this ride is so well known among Sydney cyclists – its other drawcard is the spectacular scenery around Bobbin Head, Berowra Waters and Galston Gorge. For an extra challenge, instead of hopping on the train to Hornsby, add 35km to the journey by starting in the city centre.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Reward:

Enjoy a well-earned meal at Bennelong, located inside Australia’s greatest architectural icon: the Sydney Opera House. The restaurant’s pavlova dessert recreates the building’s famous sails and even uses vanilla cream and Italian meringue to evoke the different shades of the tiles.

Bennelong, Sydney- Credit: Nikki To

Cast your line into the Tumut River, then settle in for a Snowy Mountains stay

Adventure:

The Tumut River – with its idyllic countryside and peaceful pace – is a scenic spot for fly-fishing in the Snowy Mountains. If you need help with angling techniques and ‘reading’ the water, try a day tour on a private drift boat with Tom's Outdoors Guide Services (there’s also the walk-and-wade experience if you prefer a more immersive lesson). After relaxing with reels and rods, stop in for a beer at Tumut River Brewing Co.

Tom's Outdoors Guide Services - Snowy Mountains Fly Fishing Tours, Tumut - Credit: Tom's Outdoor's

Reward:

After working for your catch, unwind at Nimbo Fork Lodge. If the stunning Snowy Valleys views don’t restore you, the dishes showcasing local ingredients at on-site restaurant Three Blue Ducks Nimbo will – whether it’s charred radicchio and cheese with Batlow apples or ragu made with Gundagai lamb.