Top seven nature spots to impress out-of-towners

Take a walk to the Crystal Shower Falls in the World Heritage-listed Gondwanan rainforest of Dorrigo National Park. Just one hour from Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast, it’s well worth the scenic road trip as you travel up the mountain from the coast through Gumbaynggirr Country.

Admire the enchanting falls up close while crossing the suspension bridge (which takes you right behind the falls). It’s a wildlife haven where you’ll hear the melodies of rainforest birds. While you’re here, you can also visit Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, take a break at the café, and check out Skywalk lookout for what must be one of the most stunning views in NSW – the perfect Instagram opportunity for your visitors.

Stay overnight in Dorrigo where you can choose from cosy accommodation in town or the nearby caravan and cabin park. If you’re keen to check out more falls, take a drive along Waterfall Way where you’ll discover some of the country’s most impressive cascades.

If you’re feeling adventurous, pack the car and take your pals west on a road trip to Mungo National Park in the Murray-Riverina region, about 700km from Melbourne. This is the home of Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, the oldest human remains ever discovered in Australia. Explore an extraordinary ancient landscape like you’ve never seen before.

While you’re there, make sure to visit Mungo lunette, also known as the Walls of China. This is a stunning display of layers of eroded sand dunes that have been formed over tens of thousands of years. Take a tour with a NSW National Parks Aboriginal guide to learn more about the cultural history of Paakantyi/Barkindji, Ngiyampaa and Mutthi Mutthi Country. Stay in the restored Mungo Shearers’ Quarters and imagine life in a different time.

Ever dreamed of having your own island lighthouse adventure? Well, now you can make that dream a reality. Delight your visitors and catch a boat to Barunguba Montague Island on the NSW South Coast, just near Narooma.

In one day, you can take a tour of the island’s historic lighthouse while keeping an eye out for amazing fur seals and sweet little penguins during the seasonal breeding season. Or, for an extra special occasion, book an overnight stay in the beautifully restored Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage.

The island is a wildlife hotspot with a population of around 8,000 little penguins and 15 bird species that breed here. Pack your camera to capture migratory sea birds with their chicks and humpback whales between September and November as they pass the island on their annual migration south.

For a dreamy nature escape, go stargazing in Australia’s first Dark Sky Park. Warrumbungle National Park is about 30km from Coonabarabran in Country NSW and hands-down one of the best places for stargazing in Australia.

Take your telescope or camera and go camping under the stars at Camp Blackman (with the help of our ultimate camping packing list). During the day, visit Warrumbungle Visitor Centre, take a picnic at Canyon picnic area or enjoy a gentle 2km stroll along Burbie Canyon walking track, great for birdwatching and wildlife photography. For keen bushwalkers, the iconic and challenging Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk is not to be missed.

Your mates will be looking up properties in NSW after a few days in this awe-inspiring park.

Got active friends in town? In the warmer seasons, you can take a scenic mountain bike ride or join a guided bike tour along the 37km Thredbo Valley track to see another side of the stunning alpine country of Kosciuszko National Park. 

With track options suitable for kids, casual riders and experienced riders, you can choose to ride just part or all of the track. About five hours drive from Sydney or 2.5 hours from Canberra, this is a fun way to explore the legendary Snowy Mountains.

If you want to stay longer, you can book a campsite at Thredbo Diggings campground or Ngarigo campground. Or enjoy a relaxing stay in the Creel Lodge or Creel Bay cottages, while admiring the views of Lake Jindabyne.

There’s also plenty of incredible walks to explore if that’s more your speed – try the shorter Thredbo River track for a taste of the sub-alpine landscape or spend a day hiking to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko.

If relaxation is your station, stay in a cabin or tent at Depot Beach in Murramarang National Park on the South Coast, where tall green forests meet the sea. About four hours drive from Sydney and 50km from Batemans Bay, this is the place to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, while spotting quintessential Aussie animals. The area is known for its lazing kangaroos and colourful birds, like eastern yellow robins, satin bowerbirds and lyrebirds.

Take an easy stroll along Depot Beach Rainforest walk, before enjoying a swim or snorkel at the pretty-as-a-postcard Depot Beach. If you have keen bushwalkers in your group, you can take a longer multi-day hike along the Murramarang South Coast walk to explore the best that this coastline has to offer.

To escape the crowds, pack your boots and take your visitors on a trip to Mount Kaputar National Park in Country NSW, about 52km east of Narrabri. Take a short walk to marvel at the fascinating pipe organ-shaped Sawn Rocks, which truly have to be seen to be believed.

This area is the traditional Country of the Gamilaroi, Kamilaroi, Gamilaraay and Gomeroi people. Throughout the park, there are reminders of the Gamilaroi’s connection to this ancient landscape, including rock carvings, campsites, marks on trees and axe grinding grooves.

Nature lovers looking for an extended trip can stay in the peaceful Dawsons Spring cabins among the majestic snow gums. In the cooler months, relax around the wood fire together (and if you’re lucky, it might just snow).