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Being 32 kms north of Casino on the Summerland Highway, Kyogle is close to the QLD Border. The area is agricultural with dairy, cattle and timber being the main industries of the area. Kyogle is receives a high annual rainfall and is surrounded by many National Parks and rainforest areas. Kyogle has motels, caravan parks and like most other towns in Australia a “Commercial Hotel” offering accommodation and meals as well as the liquid amber stuff. Toonumber Dam is great for fishing and also features a well appointed conference centre whilst nearby Moore Park Nature reserve is a little more rustic. Many of the national Parks here have camping facilities, BBQ area and picnic Tables as well as toilet facilities. Kyogle is a good place to visit and break your journey.

Wilcannia is one of the warmest places in NSW yet can be freezing in winter. It is also one of the direst spots receiving on average only 252 mm. Located on the Darling River, Wilcannia is a major port and is 965 kms North West of Sydney. Around the town there are many reminders of the past with buildings of historical value. See the Old Lift Bridge, the Police Station, Library and the Courts House. Sandstone was once quarried here and most of the older buildings are sandstone. Wilcannia has accommodation by way of a caravan park or the luxuries of a motel. The golf club is the ideal place to get a good quality meal at a good price. Swimming and fishing in the Darling River is popular.

Urunga is almost at the halfway point between Sydney and Brisbane and is only 20 mins from Coffs Harbour. This area has some beautiful unspoilt beaches and the area is not as well known as others on the coast so is a great place for a peaceful time. Urunga has some luxury B & B’s as well as a caravan park with numerous facilities. There are shops for your every need as well as take away food and cafes. Take a Water Rat River Cruise, visit the wineries in the area for sampling pleasures and explore the Aboriginal displays at the library. Play golf, go fishing or catch the views from the Ocean View Hotel. Further afield visit the Honey Place and see many ferns and native plants as you wander through this beautiful building and fernery. Great place to visit and keep it a secret.

Moruya is on the banks of the Moruya River on the south coast of NSW about a twenty minute drive from Batemans bay. Moruya is the administrative centre for the Eurobodalla Shire and houses council and government offices, the Moruya College of TAFE. There are many historical building in the town and the coast is only 10 km to the east. This town has all the amenities you would expect such as caravan parks, motels and guesthouse, good shopping and many sporting pastime to choose from such as golf, tennis and bowls. There is a heated swimming pool and the fishing either in the river or at the heads is good. There are a number of beachside towns to visit as well as inland pursuits such as exploring the Deua National Park.

Cooma is in the Snowy Mountains of southern NSW. It the main administration area for the Snowy Hydro and is the largest town in the Mountains. A walk around the town will give you an idea of the town’s history as there are many monuments and reminders scattered throughout. See the International Avenue of Flags which has flags from all the nations of people that came and worked on the Hydro Electric System and visit the Snowy Hydro Information centre. There are galleries and museums, art and craft shops, vintage train rides as well as fishing, bushwalking, caving climbing and cycling. Motels, B& B’s, camping, guest houses and lodges offer great accommodations and when it comes to food there is something for all tastes.

Great beachside town just approx 25kms north of Coffs Harbour. Woolgoolga has clean unspoilt beaches and provides great surf, swimming, snorkelling and diving and whales can been seen on their annual migration along the coast. Fishing is also fairly good here both boat and land based. There are marine parks to visit as well as an art gallery, see the Sikh Temple which is open 7 days a week. 4 kms from Woolgoolga is the flora reserve where you can walk the track and see some amazing rainforest. There is some good accommodation here with caravan parks, hotel and motels as well as B & B’s. There are plenty of shops, eateries and clubs as well as a golf course and swimming pool. Ideal place for a long weekend or extended beachside holiday.

Nerriga is a tiny village on the edge of Sassafras Mountains and Morton National Park and is just north of Braidwood. Once a gold mining district there are lots of gold mining artefacts to be seen here not only in the museum but around the village itself including the children’s playground. Nerriga’s caravan park in called the Nerriga Trading Post, there is a general store for basic supplies, fuel and take away food and of course The Nerriga Bark Tree Hotel. Here you can have a drink, a meal and a bed for the night and it is one of the friendliest pubs I have visited. The once school house in Nerriga is now a museum. Campers and picnickers often stay around the area and do a bit of fossicking.

Nimbin is at the foot of the Night Cap National Park and the Border Ranges and is about an hour’s drive west of Byron Bay. Often referred to as the “Alternative Capital” Nimbin hold a festival every year as a rally to decriminalise Marijuana. The town is very laid back with older style building and shops selling locally made clothing and crafts, other sell fresh produce and a number of galleries. The locals are very friendly and are not offended when you decline their offer to sell you some cannabis. Have a coffee, beer or whatever takes your fancy and enjoy a stroll along the main street. Nimbin has a relaxing atmosphere that seems to invite you to come back. There is backpacker accommodation as well as caravan parks, motels and farm stays. 3 kms south of the town is Nimbin Rocks which is an Aboriginal Sacred Site and although they can only be viewed from the road early morning produces a wonderful spectacle.

Braidwood is located on the Southern Tablelands of NSW between Canberra and Batemans Bay and travelling to the coast you will be amazed at the beautiful scenery. Braidwood has many heritage buildings that have been restored and preserved from the 1800’s. Braidwood has been used as a location for movies including ‘Dad and Dave’ and ‘Ned Kelly” as well as many small production and TV series. The town has arts and grafts shops as well as historical museums which are really interesting to the history buff. There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat and you can stay at a guest house, motel or hotel. Whilst in Braidwood you can play a round of golf, go for a swim at the pool, play tennis or squash or go for a relaxing bushwalk close by or enjoy exploring one of the State and National Parks nearby.

Coogee is a beach side suburb in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. Although basically a residential suburb with many houses and flats and units, Coogee attracts an enormous amount of tourists all year but especially in summer. The main attraction is the beach which offers fairly safe swimming and is patrolled during the summer season. There is a long promenade favoured by walkers and joggers and those just enjoying the sights. The parkland is great for picnics and BBQ’s, there is a children’s play ground and the parkland is dotted with trees offering some shade. Across the road is the Coogee Bay Hotel offering cold beer, nightly entertainment and a great beer garden. Apart from backpacker accommodation there are several large hotels, motels and holiday apartments. There is no end to shops, restaurants and cafes in Coogee as well as the normal fast food outlets.

Mogo is a tiny village just 10 mins south of Batemans Bay on the South Coast of NSW. Mogo dates back o the 1850’s and most of the commercial building have been restored to their original state and house a variety of art and craft shops, antiques, home decor and cafes. For such a small village there is plenty to see and do. There is the Mogo Zoo, Old Mogo Town, which is a mock up town depicting the Gold Rush Days, Dimbaloo Arts and Craft which showcases some fine Aboriginal Art and you can’t go to Mogo with a stop at Jenny’s Old Time Lolly Shop and Absolutely Alpaca to buy some beautiful Alpaca Wool products. There are a number of guesthouse and B & B’s as well as motels in the area.

Kiama is a town on the Princes Highway south of Sydney between Wollongong and Nowra. Once on the main road south you now have to turn off the motor way to get into town yet it is a nice place to visit either for a rest stop or for a holiday. Kiama is well known for the Kiama Blow Hole and beautiful beaches. There is good fishing both for boat and land based. There are some great walks with plenty of scenery, enjoy the markets and wineries in the area. Drive along the coast to picturesque towns and view the coastline or head inland to places like Jamberoo and the Minnamurra Rainforest. There are plenty of caravan parks and motels in the area for all your accommodation needs as well as plenty of shops and food outlets.

Parramatta is a city on the banks of the Parramatta River 23 kms west of Sydney. This is a large commercial and residential area and has been acknowledged at the administrative centre for the Greater Wester Sydney. There are many parks along the riverbanks where locals and visitors alike have picnics, go walking, jogging or cycling. Parramatta Stadium is the home of the Parramatta Eels NRL team and there is the Parramatta Leagues Club which offers all kinds of entertainment. There is a large swimming centre at Parramatta which is well patronised. There are some heritage building to see, galleries and museums. Parramatta City Raceway is the place to see top level sprint car racing and Rosehill Racecourse is great for a day out. The area has major shopping centres, restaurants, cafes and bistros as well as fast food outlets. Accommodation is plentiful and there are schools and colleges of high quality. Home prices are rising but are not unobtainable for the average working family.

Ulladulla is a town on the NSW South Coast situated between Nowra and Batemans Bay. This is a pretty town with plenty of water sports available such as swimming and surfing snorkelling and diving and for the fisherman there is some great fishing spots and charters can be arranged. For the kids there is Funland, an indoor entertainment venue that has three floors on games etc to keep the kids happy. There is plenty of shopping in Ulladulla as well as restaurants and cafes. Accommodation options are good with caravan parks, motels and B & B’s nearby. There bushwalking, bike riding and bird feeding as well as arts and craft shops dotted around Ulladulla and the surrounding smaller towns. See Warden Head Lighthouse and from June to November you might see the whales moving along the coastal waters.

Kensington is a suburb of eastern Sydney and is mainly a residential area with many federation style homes but with a growing amount of modern units along the main thoroughfare of Anzac Pde. Kensington is also the home of Randwick Racecourse, as the course and surrounding grounds stretch from Kensington to neighbouring Randwick. The Doncaster Hotel is nearby and serves as a meeting place for some racegoers. Also at Kensington is the University of NSW Campus and the home of NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art). Not far away is Moore Park Golf Course, a beautiful course although long and challenging. There is also an all weather driving range with three levels and 60 undercover bays. There are many motels in the area and some great restaurants; you’re close to the city nest a stone’s throw from Maroubra Beach.

Byron Bay is becoming more and more popular both for tourists and those wishing to escape the city life and move somewhere peaceful. Located on the far north coast of NSW the climate is warm and the beaches are clean and inviting. Cape Byron is Australia’s most easterly point and from the lighthouse you have amazing views and can often see dolphins and whales as they make their way up and down the coast. Byron Bay has plenty of accommodation options but the summer season can get very busy especially during school holidays so it pays to book well in advance. Food and entertain is plentiful and there are plenty of things to do such as surfing, horse riding, kayaking, hang gliding, mountain biking or visiting the markets and some of the smaller towns in the hinterland. Bryon Bay is the kind of place where you will return to many times.

Brunswick Heads is only 30 mins south of the Gold Coast and is the perfect place for a relaxing weekend, holiday or to retire. The beaches and clean and unspoilt and being oat the mouth of the Brunswick River there is plenty of opportunity to partake in fishing, boating swimming, surfing etc. Accommodation is all close to the beaches with caravan parks and motels as well as holiday cottages. There are numerous places to eat with restaurants, cafes and fast food outlet as well as major supermarkets and convenience stores. There are a number of tours available from Brunswick heads including kayaking, mountain bike and gliding tours or go on a fishing charter. Relaxing on the beach with a good book is also a great way to enjoy this town.

Murwillumbah is on the far north coast of NSW as is only a short 30 min drive to the Gold Coast and is a major centre for many small towns around the area. There are Heritage buildings in the town that have been restored and there are galleries and museums to visit. There are plenty of places to eat and accommodation is plentiful but to be warned that in summer and school holidays it is best to book. Murwillumbah is on the Tweed River so boating and fishing is popular with good catches in some of the estuaries. The hinterland provides some ideal bushwalking and bird watching and visiting some of the small towns in the area which offer arts and crafts as well as fresh local produce is a great day out.

Situated on the western edge of the Blue Mountains Lithgow is approximately 140 kms west of Sydney. The city has a mild summer climate but can get rather cold in winter. There is a lovely golf course here where you can see native wildlife as you play, there is a swimming centre that is open during the summer months and Lawn bowls is popular with a well equipped club house that also offers pool snooker and live entertainment. Visit the galleries, museums and heritage sites or go bush walking on some of the many tracks which are graded for the novice to the experienced walker and be amazed at the fantastic scenery. There are also organised tours to nearby areas. Accommodation is available in Lithgow to suite most budgets.

Moss Vale is in the Southern Highlands of NSW and is a wonderful spot to relax and get away from the crowds and enjoy the clean air. Moss vale is an agricultural area and has a long history. There are many buildings around the town dating back to the 1860’s onwards that have been restored and preserved. These are great to visit and look into our past. The town offers arts and craft shops as well as antique shops where you can pick up a bargain. Enjoy the many cafes etc serving dishes made from local produce or buy some to take home. Stay in the comfort of quaint guesthouses and B & B’s or a farm stay.