A slow travel guide to New South Wales

The trouble with Australia is that there’s just so much of it – an island that thinks it’s a continent. Dispel any notions that Australia is all big red rocks and sizzling Outback: it’s truly a land of diversity, from the tropical far north to Northern Territory’s Indigenous lands, from Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, teeming with kaleidoscopic sea life, and its lush rainforest to the surf, fine wines and huge tingle trees of Western Australia’s south-west.

Australia’s cities are buzzing – Sydney’s nightlife and beaches are as tantalising as its harbour views, blessed with the ‘Old Coathanger’ bridge and Opera House; Melbourne is the hotspot for cosmopolitan café culture, Adelaide is regal and artistic, the world’s second National Park City and with an inspirational Green programme, while Perth is the hot new kid, the sunniest and fastest growing state capital. Australia has vast swathes of wilderness to explore too, as well as the beautiful Blue Mountains of New South Wales, the gorges of the Kimberley and wildlife-rich Kangaroo Island. Not forgetting Tasmania, with wild rainforest, convict heritage and Australia’s best beers.

Wildlife lovers will be in heaven with some of the word’s most unique animals to seek out, from kangaroos to wombats, koalas to quokkas, and platypus to echidnas. The bird life is extraordinary and surprising, with colourful parrots, black swans and flightless emus. While off the coastlines you can find some of the world’s best whalewatching.

Last but not least, immerse yourself in Indigenous culture… there are an increasing number of Aboriginal experiences to participate in and they will enrich your visit many times over.