Getting Oriented

New South Wales, with the country's capital city Canberra and the A.C.T. carved out in an area half the size of Rhode Island, covers the southeast corner of the country. Despite this being Australia's most populous state, the rich variety of landscapes is its biggest selling point. The Blue Mountains, a World Heritage site, lie approximately 100 km (60 miles) to the west of Sydney; the Hunter Valley is about 160 km (100 miles) or two hours north of Sydney. The North Coast is exactly where its name suggests, while Lord Howe Island is offshore, 700 km (435 miles) northeast of Sydney. Canberra is 288 km (180 miles) southwest of Sydney.

• The Blue Mountains. Sydneysiders flock to this UNESCO-protected wilderness region with its majestic mountain peaks and deep green valleys sprinkled with charming country guesthouses. The famous sandstone rock formations known as the Three Sisters are the area's best-known attraction.
• Hunter Valley Wine Region. This is one of the oldest and best-known wine regions in Australia, with vineyards dating back to the 1830s. Oenophiles shouldn't miss a trip to this thriving and perennially busy destination. We also like the food, historic towns, and tranquil countryside.
• The North Coast. This region has some of the most glorious and seductive stretches of beach in Australia—and that's saying something when you consider the competition. The almost continuous line of beaches is interspersed with lively towns and harbors, with the Great Dividing Range rising to the west.
• Canberra and the A.C.T. The nation's capital and its environs may be quiet and a little too well-mannered for some, but its museums and galleries are the best in the country, and its diverse range of parks and gardens is a major draw.