Must Do 'Only In NSW' Experiences

Cape Byron

Winter is a fabulous time to get out into Regional NSW and discover a host of experiences and attractions that are special to the state and can't be experienced anywhere else.

Here are some 'only in NSW' experiences and attractions to be enjoyed over the colder months:

1. Don your snowshoes and climb Australia's highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko.

2. Book a weekend at Australia's most easterly point in the Assistant Lighthouse Keeper's Cottages at Cape Byron, where you can watch the sunrise and see whales migrating from your balcony.

3. Book a long weekend to Lord Howe Island and discover the world's southern-most coral reef, which plays host to more than 500 species of fish and 90 different coral species. Lord Howe's native environment is rich and diverse, with new species of marine life regularly being discovered.

4. Looking for warm weather, then consider a short break to Lightning Ridge in Outback NSW. Enjoy daily winter temperatures of 20 degrees and try your luck at finding Lightning Ridge's illusive black opal. Lightning Ridge is thebirthplace of the exquisite black opal and the only place in Australia where the stone is found and still mined.

5. Discover why the Hunter Valley, which is Australia's oldest wine growing region, is still one of the most visited wine regions in Australia. June marks Hunter Valley Wine and Food Month, a month long celebration of impressive events, workshops, dinners and tastings that showcase why the Hunter Valley remains one of Australia's most prestigious wine growing regions.

6. Ride the world's steepest incline railway, the Scenic Railway at an incline of 52 degrees and a descent of 415m, at Scenic World in the Blue Mountains. While in the Blue Mountains, tick off another 'only in NSW experience' by visiting Jenolan Caves, which began operating in the 1880's and is the longest continually operating tourist destination in Australia.

7. Journey along the official Australia's Oyster Coast, from Greenwell Point in the Shoalhaven to Eden on the far South Coast, and visit 'oyster gates' brimming with fresh Sydney Rock, Pacific and the native Angassi oysters straight from the grower.

8. Hike the world's second largest canyon, Capertee Valley near Lithgow. Surrounded by the wonders of World Heritage Listed wilderness, Capertee Valley is a bird lovers paradise and is considers as one of the top 50 birdwatching locations in the world. From the 13-14 June is the Glow Worm Tunnel Trail Running Weekend, a perfect event for amateur and experienced runners.

9. Ride the world's longest and Australia's first rollercoaster zipline on the Central Coast. The incredible TreeTop Crazy Rider Xtreme is the longest in the world at 1km long, four times the length of any other.