The rest of New South Wales

• Snowy Mountains
• Hunter Valley
• Southcoast
• Outback
• Byron Bay

The Snowy Mountains

Yes, you can go skiing just hours from Sydney. Head to the Snowy Mountains between June and September. The snowies are situated on the NSW and Victoria border, forming part of the Great Dividing Range. Stay in Cooma or Jyndabyne which are the closest towns and stay in dorm accommodation. This would be cheaper than staying in a resort, but if you want to stay in a ski resort, Perisher Blue and Thredbo would be the biggest. You could rent out a lodge or an apartment with some friends.

The Hunter Valley

Three hours north-east of Sydney by train is the famous wine-growing region of the Hunter Valley. It might be easier to rent a car from Sydney or Newcastle or join a tour ie a wobbly wine tour, a day trip where a group of you get on a bikes and cycle around from winery to winery 'sampling wine'.

Southcoast

The south coast of Nsw is often overlooked but it really shouldn't be as it is incredibly beautiful. Check out Jervis Bay, Pebbly Beach (where you can feed wild Kangaroos), Nan Tien Buddist Temple, or just enjoy the many pristine beaches and national parks that the south coast has to over.

Outback

Broken Hill is an oasis in the vast red desert surrounding it. Take a tour of a mine or visit one of the many art galleries in the town. Broken Hill is serviced by the Indian Pacific train, the Ghan, Greyhound and flights.

Check out Tamworth, the country music capital of New South Wales. It's also the jump off point for cowboy country. Learn how to sheer a sheep or ride a horse.

Byron Bay

One of the best places in New South Wales, a real must visit. Although it retains much of its chilled out hippy feel, it's definitely one of the most popular places on the East coast. The beaches are excellent, the restaurants and cafes are excellent, and the nightlife is excellent.

Head down to Clarkes Beach, the Pass, or Watagoes Beach for surfing, or head to Main Beach for swimming. Main Beach is also great for snorkelling, the shipwreck Tassie II lies just off the beach, and acts as an artificial reef for thousands of fish. You might spot some whales or dolphins from Cape Byron between June and July or September and October. You can also check out the lighthouse there or walk out to the most easterly point in Australia.