Home to a surplus of historical, cultural, and modern attractions, New South Wales is Australia’s tourist magnet. Of course, there are plenty of other things to see around the country, but New South Wales is where most tourists first set foot on Aussie soil, and first explore the surrounding attractions. Blessed with a range of climates, landscapes, cultures and heritage-influences, New South Wales is the prime tourism center of Australia. As a result, tourists are able to travel to all corners of the state with copious transportation options.

Sydney Opera House

Regarded as one of the most impressive structures on the face of the Earth, the Sydney Opera House has become the icon of both Sydney and New South Wales. Located in the center of Sydney, overlooking the beautiful harbor, the Opera House was built in 1973, and hosts more than just opera. Many marvelous performances are held here every year, including theatrical plays, musicals, concerts and music festivals. The structure is the most-visited destination in New South Wales. Today, it is one of the most significant World Heritage sites found in Australia. Address: 2 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000 Phone: +61-2-9250-7111 Website: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Blue Mountains National Park

Located about two hours west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park is one of New South Wales’ favorite weekend getaways. Nestled within the stunning Great Dividing Range, this beautiful national park is home to a thick temperate forest, rolling landscapes, and sheer cliff faces. Sites like the Three Sisters, Jenolan Caves, and Wentworth Falls add to the glorious spectacle of the park. The Three Sisters are three sandstone rock faces that stand a few hundred feet into the air. Don’t forget to ride the world’s steepest railway, known as the Katoomba Scenic Railway. Address: Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath, NSW, 2780 Phone: +61-2-4787-8877 Website: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/pa...

Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Located in the rural town of Dubbo, New South Wales, the Taronga Western Plains Zoo is one of Australia’s best zoo attractions. Designed during the 1960s and opened in 1977 to accommodate larger wildlife like elephants and rhinoceros, the zoo is a tremendous landmark for rural New South Wales. A range of animals can be found here, including primates, Asian wildlife and African species too. The white rhinoceros is a popular attraction, and there are plenty of Australian species to take a look at, including Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, koalas and wallabies. Address: Obley Road, Dubbo, NSW 2830 Phone: +61-2-6881-1400 Website: http://taronga.org.au/taronga-western-plains-zoo

Taronga Zoo

This is New South Wales’ and Australia’s most beloved zoo. Even though Queensland’s Australia Zoo is growing faster, Taronga Zoo is still the most prominent zoological center in the country. More than 2,600 animals are found inside this Sydney Harbour front landmark. The zoo is found in the center of Sydney, though it sits on the banks of Sydney Harbour’s northern districts. It has been operating since 1916, and nowadays boasts an impressive list of breathtaking animals. Altogether, there are eight zoological zones identifying wildlife from different regions throughout the world. These include the Great Southern Oceans exhibit and Gorilla Forest. Address: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia 2000 Phone: +61-2-9969-2777 Website: http://taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo

Australian Museum

Renowned for its in-depth exhibits that detail the history of Australia, Sydney’s Australian Museum is a major attraction for New South Wales. Everything from Australia’s colonial past to Aboriginal artwork is on display inside the museum. It is the oldest living museum in the country, and has become one of the more important attractions for the state in recent times. Address: 6-8 College Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010 Phone: +61-2-9320-6000 Website: http://australianmuseum.net.au/

Manly

New South Wales is a magnificent place to find stunning beaches. However, one of the most popular is certainly Manly Beach. Getting here is possible via a short ferry ride from Circular Quay in Sydney. In addition to a relaxing surf beach, Manly Beach also offers the shopping and restaurant arcade sitting between the wharf and the beach. In addition, the beachfront esplanade, commonly known as North and South Steyne Road, provides plenty of provisions for beach-going travelers. Address: North Steyne, Manly, New South Wales 2095 Phone: +61-2-9976-1430 Website: http://www.manly.nsw.gov.au/attractions/beaches/

Sydney Olympic Park

Home to the 2000 Olympic Games, Sydney Olympic Park, otherwise known as Homebush Bay, is a famous attraction marketed heavily by Tourism New South Wales. The site is home to Bicentennial Park, which, although older than the Olympic Site, is now considered part of this attraction. ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre, and many other sites of interest can be found. Tours are available, and many of the attractions demand a snapshot, so try to remember to bring a camera. Address: Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney, New South Wales Phone: n/a Website: n/a