7 Most Breathtaking Towns In New South Wales

Sometimes you will find the most fulfilling travel experiences right in your own backyard. If you call New South Wales home, venturing outside your region can lead to unexpectedly beautiful destinations where cracking adventures are often just a short drive or flight away. Explore endless scenic walking trails in Byron Bay and Eden, let the lofty views in Katoomba and Dorrigo take your breath away, take in the surfing and coastal scenery in Merimbula and Crescent Head, or discover art and culture in Armidale. To help you plan your ultimate road trip or holiday, here are the seven most breathtaking towns in New South Wales.

Byron Bay

Bookended by the coast on one side and lush hinterland on the other, Byron Bay is a feast for the eyes that is best experienced wandering along the Walgun Cape Byron walking track. Explore silent green rainforests and stroll along picturesque coastlines to the Cape Byron Lighthouse. Set atop the cliffs at mainland Australia’s most easterly point, your reward is sweeping beach views edged with shimmering turquoise ocean. Tipplers can appreciate Byron Bay's scenery with far less effort at Cape Byron Distillery, where you can walk through the distillery’s rainforest with a Brookie’s gin and tonic in hand, discovering the botanicals behind the spirits, or sit back, sipping cocktails on the porch overlooking the forest, sharing a grazing board of locally sourced nibblies.

Wind down your day at Wategos Beach, where near-perfect west views capture the pinky-peach hues of the sunset and the mountains in the distance. Immerse yourself in Byron Bay’s lush rainforest dining on the exceptional menu at the aptly named Forest restaurant. The upscale yet comfortable verandah is surrounded by cool green scenery where you can relish impeccable farm-to-table dishes thoughtfully paired with a curated list of organic wines.

Eden

It is not a stretch to call this Sapphire Coast town a real "gem" with its sparkling blue waters, looming Mount Imlay in the distance, and picturesque Snug Cove. The town is a walker's paradise with coastal views of Twofold Bay along the Bundian Way Story Trail, historic sites in and around town on the Eden Heritage Walk, scenic views circling Lake Curalo's boardwalk, or the ever-changing scenery of Beowa National Park. While most of the hikes are reasonably effortless, if you are up to the challenge, climbing the 600-metre rise along the Mt Imlay Summit Track is worth the effort once you reach the spectacular coastal vistas with plenty of spots to take a well-earned breather.

Historic sites and coastal beauty fall in naturally together in Eden, with attractions like the St Mary MacKillop Museum perched on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. The former St Joseph’s School is a sweet little white clapboard, blue-trimmed building that shares the life and legacy of Australia’s first saint, Mary MacKillop. The Eden Killer Whale Museum is a beauty of a building, with light-filled windows affording expansive ocean views and intriguing exhibits that tell the story of Eden’s whaling heritage. The museum also ups the odds of whale spotting with a siren alerting visitors when a whale is in sight. Twofold Bay is the idyllic backdrop to treat yourself to fresh local seafood, fine Australian wines, and luxe accommodation at the historic Seahorse Inn.

Katoomba

The moment you arrive in Katoomba, you will understand why it is the most visited town in the Blue Mountains. This is a place where wonderfully creative murals compete with natural scenery, and local cafes egg on exploration with plenty of tasty sustenance ideal for picnics in picturesque parks or town walks. Even a shopping spree becomes a breathtaking experience when you get an eyeful of majestic mountainscape and historic architecture. To get the lay of the land, a picnic eases you into local life, grabbing takeaway at On The Soul Side Of Town Café. The aroma of fresh toasties and coffee hints at the delights you are about to experience, and a warm staff member will send you on your way to Cliff Drive, your direct route to awe-inspiring Eaglehawk, Landslide, and Narrow Neck Lookouts, where you can scarf down your food, revelling in the views.

Onwards and upwards to Scenic World opposite the stunning Three Sisters, where an epic ride takes you to breathtaking heights across Jamison Valley, surrounded by the thrilling scenery of cliffs, Orphan Rock, and Mount Solitary. Hike the trails on the Scenic Walkway’s boardwalk and reward your bravery with an ice-cold beer at the Terrace Café & Bar. In the evening, On the Soul Side is the spot for wine, music, and shared plates to recover from your adventure.

Merimbula

Paddlers and SUPers are attracted to the ebb and flow of Merimbula’s turquoise ocean and the tranquility of its pristine lake, where you can while away the hours drifting on calm waters, taking in the astounding shorelines. If you prefer to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, explore nature trails and boardwalks, spotting local wildlife like the seals known to bask in the sun near the Merimbula Bridge. The 27-kilometre Wharf to Wharf Walk takes advantage of linking trails, whether you run the gamut or explore just a few kilometres between Merimbula and Tathra. The dazzling coastline trail is interspersed with coastal and flora reserves, expanses of Bournda National Park, and, of course, white sandy beaches. The park is a popular spot for paddlers with access to the calm waters of Wallagoot Lake, and Bournda Lagoon is a favourite swimming hole and picnic area for resident wallabies and kangaroos.

Strolling the esplanade and plazas to discover shops like The Essence of Merimbula introduces you to local creatives in a collaborative shopfront where producers, artists, and small businesses sell their wares. Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf Restaurant reveal the Sapphire Coast’s underwater world with a colourful oceanarium, tanks, and a touch pool, where non-divers can share in the wonders only experienced below the sea’s surface. After your marine experience, feast on the restaurant's fresh-caught seafood and site-made cakes, admiring the unmatched ocean views.

Crescent Head

Affectionately known as Creso, in-the-knows make a beeline for Crescent Head’s welcoming shores, eateries, and accommodation sheltered by the scenic beauty of Goolawah and Limeburners Creek Nature Reserves. The casual coastal vibe reverberates throughout town, including Crescent Head Country Club, where the stellar views make it a top choice for seaside food and drinks, and the Milton Budge Mural Water Towers add a striking piece of artwork to the country club’s “slice” of coastline. Play a round of golf overlooking the ocean, join in a game of lawn bowling, or stroll down to the white sands of Killick Beach. The waves peeling off the point are a longboarder's dream, while the tidal Killick Creek provides sheltered swimming for the less daring, making it popular with families and surfers alike.

Home to the Malibu Classic, the surfing breaks at Crescent Head Surfing Reserve set the stage for spectacular surfing, ideal for spectators to watch the surfers' mad moves. Little Nobby sits at the reserve’s eastern point, where you can admire the fantastic views of the reserve and coastline and keep your eyes peeled for whales in the winter. The Sea Sea Surf Club is an exceptional place to eat and stay, with its rustic-chic beachy décor, gorgeous boutique rooms, and casual dining where everything is conceived to elevate your experience, from recreated international classics using local ingredients to the innovative approach to mixology leaning into the small-batch concept.

Dorrigo

The drive to Dorrigo alone is a reason to visit this town on the outskirts of the Great Dividing Range escarpment, reached via what is hailed as one of the most scenic roadways in all of Australia. Waterfall Way covers 185 km from rolling farmland to the Gondwana Rainforests of Dorrigo National Park, where each kilometre promises a new breathtaking scene or reveals another watering hole or cascading waterfall. Drive through the rainforests and river valleys of five national parks and climb 750 metres up a steep, winding stretch at Dorrigo Mountain. Rejuvenate yourself after your drive with coffee at Tallowood Cafe and Takeaway, grab some sandwiches to go, and follow the town footpath to the 230 metre Dangar Falls, where you can swim, dip your toes in the cool waters, and gobble down your picnic from scenic viewing platforms.

Endless trails take you through breathtaking landscapes of Dorrigo National Park, where the rainforest's changing environments are filled with ample opportunities to spot local wildlife and beautifully coloured birds. From the edge of the escarpment, the Skywalk lookout’s jaw-dropping views reach as far as the coast over the Bellinger Valley, perched 21m above the rainforest. Spend the night in comfort, surrounded by immaculately landscaped gardens and shady trees at the Lookout Mountain Retreat, where generous, friendly hosts attend to your needs with inviting rooms, private outdoor dining spaces, and expansive, lush green lawns leading to stunning park views.

Armidale

Part cosmopolitan and part country, Armidale's beauty lies not just in its pastoral surroundings but also in its air of sophistication and culture emanating from its galleries and museums. Gently rolling hills on the town’s outskirts create an idyllic backdrop for the church spires and grand buildings, and unexpected delights are discovered on every corner, including the iconic mural on the walls of The Goldfish Bowl, a welcoming spot where you can sip cappuccino in a hidden garden out back or order a gorgeous eggs Benedict brekkie to kick off your day.

As you stroll the streets, bold, expressive murals created by locally connected artists surround you, and two cultural centres unravel different perspectives of New England heritage. The New England Regional Art Museum is home to one of the most significant rural art collections in Australia, combining over 5,000 historical, modern and contemporary works. Take your time exploring six gallery spaces to discover a thoughtfully curated view of Australian art history that encompasses the work of Australian and international artists. Armidale & Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place is a world-class cultural institution dedicated to fostering a better understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal arts, culture, and history. Galleries, exhibitions, and events preserve and celebrate traditional knowledge and reflect the diverse voices of the six regional Aboriginal nations.

Knowing what awaits you along the coasts, atop the mountains, and along the main stretches of NSW, you can set your sights on local travel for your next trip. It does not matter if you are spending a day, weekend, or week on your journey, as each of the seven most breathtaking towns in New South Wales has enough attractions and natural wonders to keep you engaged for hours or days. Map out your route to discover forest dining and drinks in Byron Bay, luxe retreats in Eden, Crescent Head, and Dorrigo, funky cafes in Katoomba and Armidale, or underwater adventures sans the diving suit in Merimbula.