There are many beautiful cities in New South Wales to visit, such as Sydney, Coffs Harbour, Wollongong, and Tamworth. With tens of thousands of residents, thriving economies, and an abundance of tourist activities, it’s no wonder they are at the top of many travellers’ must-visit lists.
However, just as many small and medium-sized towns and villages are worthy of passing through. If you’re on the hunt for small towns with big personalities, type some of the following locations into your GPS.
Epping
If it’s not the history of the aboriginal land in Epping NSW that grabs your attention, it will surely be the many parks, playgrounds, churches, and recreational facilities that do. Epping is a small suburb in Sydney, about 18 kilometres from the Sydney CBD.
The Wallumettagal Aboriginal tribe lived in Epping between Lane Cove River and Parramatta River before parcels of land were granted to the marines in 1792 by Governor Arthur Phillip. It was originally called Field of Mars before being renamed Carlingford in 1887. Eventually, a local landowner suggested the name Epping, and it became its official name in 1899.
On your visit to Epping, you’ll be able to enjoy a number of community facilities, like the Epping Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Epping Leisure and Learning Centre, and Epping Creative Centre. There are also plenty of parks and playgrounds to stretch your legs, like Boronia Park, David Scott Reserve, and Epping Oval Playground.
Bundeena
When you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s city life, you only need to drive a little over an hour to enjoy a slower pace of life. Bundeena is a small beachside town on the edge of Royal National Park that’s accessible after a drive through bushland. You can also take a train and ferry to reach this town. There is plenty to do in this village, including visits to the many beaches like Bonnie Vale Beach and Jibbon Beach and bush walks between Bundeena and Maianbar.
Blackheath
If you love nature and everything in it, a trip to Blackheath should be at the top of your to-do list. Blackheath is a small town near the Blue Mountains between Katoomba and Mount Victoria. It’s renowned for its two monthly markets but also offers nature lovers the opportunity to get some much-needed fresh air.
You can visit Govetts Leap, a lookout with views of waterfalls and Grose Valley, or even explore the many walking tracks around Pulpit Rock, Anvil Rock, and Perrys Lookdown. You can also access the Blue Gum Forest from Perrys Lookdown, which is located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Newrybar
When you’re ready to venture out of Sydney and don’t mind taking an extended road trip, Newrybar might be a town worthy of your inspection. It’s about eight hours north of Sydney and is nestled in the hills above Byron Bay.
This town is so small that it only has a permanent population of around 400 people, but its beautiful location makes it a desirable traveller’s destination. There are many quaint shops, charming timber-frame houses, and a rural vibe that’s missing from most built-up cities.
While there’s nothing wrong with visiting the main centres while on holiday, there’s every reason to head off the beaten track. There are many charming, vibrant, and quaint towns and villages with incredible stories that many travellers are bound to enjoy exploring.
