NSW is one of the most unique places in the world. Boasting pristine beaches, unspoiled national parkland, wonderful wildlife, and awe-inspiring Australian outback, it’s not hard to believe that this phenomenal state is quickly becoming one of the world’s premiere tourist attractions.

Home to iconic buildings, sun blazed beaches, award-winning restaurants, and a vibrant culture, NSW has a lot to offer the culturist seeking a truly authentic Australian experience. However with activities on offer ranging from canyoning, skydiving, snorkeling, scuba diving, caving, trekking and race-car driving, NSW has even more to offer the adventure traveler. 

So, for your next holiday abroad (or interstate), think one thought: Destination NSW. Here is a list of the most epic adventures currently on offer.

Canyoning in the Blue Mountains

Nothing beats canyoning in the Blue Mountains. Bushwalk through dense eucalyptus forests, step over boulders, and rock climb expansive mountain ranges. Wander past waterfalls, abseil vertical canyon walls, and scramble through limestone caves.   Wade through ancient creek beds, slide over sheer cliff faces, and enjoy the spectacular scenery which surrounds you.

Walk, jump, float, wade, swim, splash and slide; exploring canyons in the Blue Mountains is one of the best ways to discover NSW. 

Caving in Jenolan

Overalls, headlamps and a helmet. That’s all you need for this epic adventure through NSW’s magnificent Jenolan Caves. Adventure caving is one of Australia’s best adventure experiences. Head into the dark and leave the paths to explore spacious caverns, squeeze through small passageways and abseil into oversized sinkholes. Crawl deep into the heart of a mountain and traverse, slide and leap your way through cave ladders and slides.

Jenolan Caves are the largest, most spectacular and most famous caves in Australia. Located in the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains, the caves are open everyday, and offer a range of day and night caving and bushwalking tours for the highly adventurous.

And, did you know that Jenolan Caves had electric lights 20 years before the streets of Sydney?!

Fasttrack Racing

Ever fantasized about being strapped into the passenger seat of a real race car? Trust yourself behind the wheel of a powerful V8? Dreamed of burning out and riding in a 850hp dragster on Australia’s premiere Dragstrips? Fasttrack Sydney is the adventure you’ve been waiting for.

With guidance and instruction from professional drivers, you will be flying around Eastern Creek Raceway with the speed and precision of a pro.

Hike Kosciusko

If you’re visiting NSW during the warmer (summer) months, hiking to the summit of Mt Kosciusko is awe inspiring, and definitely qualifies as an epic adventure. A hike to the top of the highest mountain in all of Australia, Kosciusko is a semi-challenging trek through Australia’s Snowy Mountains region, and can be completed in just a few hours or stretched over several days.

Descend through stunning valleys, traverse glacial lakes, and enjoy breathtaking views of the famous Snowy River, as well as great views across the Australian Alps.  The ascent is 600 metres, however well within the abilities of an average walker.

For those not wanting to trek to the summit, the National Park boasts a number of shorter walking tracks and hiking trails with equally as beautiful scenery.

Licensed tour operators also offer horse riding, mountain biking, cycling and rafting as well as a range of other adventurous activities in the area.

Scuba/Snorkel on Lord Howe Island

Crystal clear waters teeming with an abundance of marine life make Lord Howe Island one of the best locations on the planet for scuba and snorkeling. And in fact, Lord Howe is one of four island groups to make UNESCO’s World Heritage List for the “global significance of its natural beauty and heritage”.

Surrounded by the world’s southernmost coral reef, Lord Howe sports over 50 dive sites boasting some of the most spectacular reefs in the world. Snorkelers can catch glimpses of over 90 species of coral and 500 species of fish found nowhere else on earth, and divers can explore underwater trenches, caves and awe inspiring volcanic drop offs.

Divers should not miss Balls Pyramid. The world’s tallest sea stack, this is one of the island’s most spectacular dives.

Camp Overnight in Taronga Zoo

Roar & Snore is Sydney’s ultimate sleepover! Camp in safari tents in the heart of Australia’s most famous zoo, and wake up to the roar of a lion or elephant trumpeting as you watch the sunrise over Sydney Harbor.

This extraordinary experience allows you to get up close and personal with the animals of Taronga Zoo after dark, including Lions, Snow Leopards and Meerkats.

An incredibly unique adventure, which includes behind the scenes tours of the zoo before the crowds arrive. This is an epic adventure you will treasure for a lifetime. Join the fun in Sydney!

Skydive the Beach – Wollongong

Looking for high adrenalin amidst spectacular scenery? Why not skydive the beach?!

Sydney’s only beach skydive, this epic adventure offers tandem skydives from Australia’s highest altitude of up to 15,000ft, directly over North Wollongong beach.

“Experience the ultimate thrill of freefall at over 200km/hr for up to an insane 65 seconds, and then float under canopy for 5-7 minutes soaking up the spectacular views of Wollongong and the Southern Sydney beaches.”

Climb Sydney Harbor Bridge

The Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb is a once in a lifetime experience, and one which combines an adrenaline pumping climb to the top of one of the world’s most famous landmarks, with breathtaking views of one of the most spectacular city skylines in the world. Absorb a 360 degree panorama of Sydney as you slowly make your way to the summit. You haven’t seen Sydney until you’ve seen it from the bridge!

Consider booking a night climb – the glittering lights of the city skyline reflected in the harbor is inspiring.

Swim with Sharks

An exhilarating experience unlike any other, Manly’s Sea Life Sanctuary Shark Dive Xtreme will see you dive into a tank of Grey Nurse sharks – WITHOUT a cage!!  Ranging from 1-3 metres in size, and extremely fearsome in appearance, you will swim amongst the sharks as well as huge turtles and giant stingrays.

No diving experience is necessary, and while probably terrifying for most, this dive is extremely safe. Grey Nurse sharks are fish eaters and their teeth are not designed to take down larger, human prey!

Central Coast Helicopter Scenic Flight

Take a scenic flight over NSW’s spectacular Central Coast, discovering a completely different perspective of the region as you’ve never seen it before. Strap yourself into the seat of a Coast Helicopter and get ready to marvel at the world famous beaches and hinterland of the Central Coast, taking in Sydney Harbor along the way.

Central Coast Helicopters also offer experiences which highlight the Hunter Valley, Sydney Basin and The Blue Mountains.

This is a sponsored post but opinions are my own.