7 Offbeat New South Wales Towns To Visit In 2025

New South Wales is Australia’s most populous state and the country’s most visited. Yet all too often, tourists flock to the infamous metropolis of Sydney and miss out on the many other New South Wales (NSW) offerings. From fairytale-like volcanic rock formations and world-class surfing beaches to a fruitful wine country town and a temperate rainforest town with waterfalls, there’s plenty more to see and do in NSW beyond Sydney Harbour.

If you know where to go, there is even a remote island with spectacular beaches awaiting your discovery! Continue reading to discover seven offbeat New South Wales towns to visit in 2025.

Coonabarabran

Whether you seek clear skies or a full feast for your eyes, Coonabarabran is certainly a town to behold. Just to the west of town is Warrumbungle National Park, Australia’s first official Dark Sky Park that offers prime conditions, such as low humidity and minimal air pollution and light pollution, making for optimal stargazing at night. During the day, there’s even more to do at Warrumbungle, including walking the trails leading to the colourful Breadknife and Grand High Tops volcanic rock formations. And for a more challenging bushwalk, Belougery Split Rock affords incredible 360-degree views at its lava dome summit.

To the north of town is another great park, Timmallallie National Park. As part of the Pilliga Forest, or the largest native forest west of the Great Dividing Range, this is a wonderful park for wildlife watching, particularly spotting koalas. After traversing the incredible wilderness areas surrounding Coonabarabran, check into a restful oasis at the surprisingly posh Acacia Motor Lodge.

Coffs Harbour

About 390 kilometres (or 240 miles) south of Brisbane (Queensland) on NSW’s North Coast, Coffs Harbour may be famous for a certain Big Banana, yet this town also has a few more sweet surprises up its sleeves. Of course, Coffs Harbour has the Big Banana Fun Park and its wide selection of thrill rides, water slides, and other features like mini-golf and laser tag. Yet for a more well-rounded local perspective on the Coffs Coast, reserve a spot with Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours for unique eco-tourism experiences, including stand-up paddleboard and kayak tours, led by Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal guides across lands and waters sacred to the local indigenous community.

There’s even more to explore offshore at Solitary Islands Marine Park, a special corner of the Pacific Ocean where the warm East Australian Current meets cooler currents from the south. This allows for ample biodiversity, including rare marine species like grey nurse sharks and the world’s densest population of anemone and anemone fish. Even if you don’t want to stray too far from shore, Jetty Beach is a fully accessible beach with perfectly calm waves for swimmers and beginner surfers. And for the perfect spot to stay nearby, check into the BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park for family-friendly accommodations and plenty of fun amenities on-site.

Lord Howe Island

Primarily accessible by private yacht or by air from larger cities such as Sydney and Port Macquarie, Lord Howe Island truly does look, feel, and sound like the secluded island that dreams are made of. Lord Howe Island has earned UNESCO World Heritage status for its biodiversity, along with the world’s southernmost true coral reef. To see for yourself the coral reef and the marine animals who call this reef home, try diving or snorkeling off the shore of the picturesque Ned’s Beach, which is nearly as beautiful on dry land.

For even more fun in the sun and at sea, head to Blinky Beach for a picture-perfect white sand beach that tends to have New South Wales’ and Australia’s least crowded waves for surfing. And about 23 kilometres (or 14 miles) south of the main island, Ball’s Pyramid is the world’s tallest sea stack at 551 metres (or around 1,814 feet) and a spectacular spot for scuba diving. To complete your Lord Howe Island getaway, try a stay at the otherworldly luxurious Capella Lodge, a five-star boutique resort sporting panoramic views, sustainable artisan cuisine, and a sumptuous full-service spa.

Pacific Palms

Named for the cabbage tree palms that are native to Australia’s Pacific Coast, Pacific Palms has multiple national parks protecting some of the country’s most incredible coastal wilderness areas, as well as many of the nation’s most iconic beaches. For one, there’s Blueys Beach, a glorious surfing beach that also sports panoramic views all the way to Seal Rocks. To the north of town, Booti Booti National Park has the long Seven Mile Beach that’s great for swimming, ocean fishing, and dolphin spotting, along with the more secluded McBrides Beach that’s wonderful for tidepooling.

Even heading inland, Pacific Palms has special gems like Wallingat National Park. At Whoota Whoota lookout, spot some of Australia’s most famous native animals like kangaroos and wallabies. And at Sugar Creek, discover a verdant riparian habitat with cabbage tree palms that attract plenty of birds. Once you’re done wandering around Pacific Palms’ beautiful beaches and rainforests, park yourself at Blueys Retreat for a luxurious yet laid-back resort near the centre of it all.

Buronga

Located right on the Murray River (and the Victoria state line), Buronga was once a town where drovers passed through as they transported livestock to Adelaide (South Australia). But now, this is a lovely place to stop and utilize as a “base camp” to reach some of NSW’s best parks for wildlife watching. At Mallee Cliffs National Park, take the time to discover massive red sand plains and sand dunes that date as far back as 500,000 years ago, along with old-growth Mallee and Belah-Rosewood woodlands where rare animals like Bridled Nailtail Wallabies and Red-tailed Phascogales have been saved from extinction.

A little farther south of town lie Kemendok National Park and Kemendok Nature Reserve. The Nature Reserve provides critical habitat for animals like regent parrots, white striped mastiff bats, koalas, and platypuses, while the National Park is great for birdwatching and angling. Once it’s time to call it a day, get a restful night at Discovery Parks’ Mildura, Buronga Riverside Park, which offers cabins and campsites to book.

Orange

Around 259 kilometres (or 161 miles) west of Sydney, Orange erupts in wondrous scenery and excels in cultivating a real farm-to-table feast for all senses. To experience the wilder side of Orange, head to Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area to see the dormant volcano at Mount Canobolas that formed over 11 million years ago, and hit the walking tracks to view waterfalls, native animals, and tranquil forests. If you fancy a more easygoing park in town, try the Orange Botanic Gardens for 17 hectares that abound in lush native and exotic plants, and stick around for some prime birdwatching.

Circling back to Mount Canobolas, the volcanic soil that resulted from past eruptions has made Orange some very fertile ground for winemaking. With a designated driver, head out to local wineries like Swinging Bridge, Ross Hill, and Printhie Wines to tour their respective vineyards and try their take on cool-climate varietals like Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc. Back in town, settle down at The Oriana Orange, a luxury hotel with cool retro-chic vibes and artfully designed rooms and suites.

Fitzroy Falls

Tucked in the Southern Highlands between Sydney and Canberra (Australian Capital Territory), Fitzroy Falls is named for an 81-metre (or 266-foot) waterfall that must be seen to be believed. The waterfall can be found at Morton National Park, which now has a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that makes it easy to reach the Fitzroy Falls from the visitor centre. In addition, Morton National Park has walking tracks leading to even more waterfalls, gorges, and riparian habitat spaces that are great for birdwatching.

A short drive south of the falls, Mannings Lookout stands atop a sandstone escarpment and offers panoramic views of the surrounding rainforests and plenty more opportunities for birdwatching. Or, if you prefer navigating on two wheels, do the Fitzroy Falls to Kangaroo Valley Cycling Route and ride a challenging yet scenic 30-kilometre (or about 19-mile) journey through this lush stretch of the Southern Highlands. However, if you chase those gorgeous waterfalls, treat yourself to a marvelous stay at Amaroo Valley Springs, an adults-only luxury retreat with hand-built chalets spread out on a 160-acre farm.

NSW may have Sydney and this city’s many world-famous attractions, yet there’s much more to experience in small towns and wilderness parks throughout the state. Look to the stars at the gloriously dark skies of Coonabarabran, and reconnect with nature at Pacific Palms and Buronga. Toast to the good life and great wines of Orange, and dive into the vibrant and pristine waters of Lord Howe Island. These towns might not be on NSW’s most beaten paths, but they’re always worth the scenic diversion.