Travelling

BY SANDIP HOR

With intrastate travel restrictions no longer playing spoilsport this winter, it’s no surprise that Aussies are getting ready to explore their own states in these next few months.

From learning about the region’s rich heritage and re-discovering the great outdoors to engaging with Australia’s unspoilt nature and wildlife, NSW has something for every kind of traveller. Apart from the usual suspects, here are our pick of the six best destinations in the region.

U N Der S Tan D In G Co Lo Nial H Is Tory In G O Ul B U R N

Endorsed by Queen Victoria in 1863 as Australia’s first inland city, Goulburn boasts over 150 years of rich history amidst picturesque natural settings. Two hours’ drive from Sydney and connected by rail since 1860, it originally started out as a wool production hub. By the late 19th century, Goulburn became the epicentre of commerce. Many buildings remaining from that period illustrate its bygone prosperity that resulted from wool farming and a short-lived gold rush.

The colour and charisma of the Victorian-Italian styled Courthouse immediately claim the attention of architectural buffs. When opened in the year 1887, it was touted as one of the most beautiful buildings in all “Her Majesty’s

Dominions”. It’s still in use as the legal powerhouse of the region. Other notable landmarks are the Post Office building with a Clock Tower functional since 1880, the adjacent Town Hall, and several churches and cathedrals.

Le Arnin Aussie M

Nestled west of Sydney near the South Australia border, Broken Hill is the birthplace of Australia’s mining giant Broken Hill Proprietary, more commonly known as BHP. Back in the mid-1880s, BHP began with silver, lead and zinc mines in this outback region. More of Broken Hill’s mining history can be learnt from the geology exhibits at the Albert Kersten Mining and Minerals Museum or a visit to a disused 19th century pit at nearby Silverton.

The best history lesson of all would come from visiting the Line of Lode Miner’s Memorial that celebrates the life and work of more than 800 miners who lost their lives while working in these mines. This arresting dedicatory and lookout point also offers a commanding view over the city of Broken Hill.

Se I Z In G A Sli Ce Of Afr I Ca

Encountering wild animals like lions, rhinos, cheetahs, zebras and giraffes in African national parks is a dream for almost everyone. While it’s not possible to travel that far right now, you can still get a little taste of that thrilling experience at Taronga Western Plain Zoo in Dubbo, located in the Great Western Plains region of NSW.

Just seven hours’ drive from Sydney is

Watch In G H U M P Back W H Al E S In Byro N Bay

Located almost at the fringe of the Queensland border on NSW’s far North Coast, Byron Bay is one of Australia's best destinations to spot the majestic humpback whale. Between July and October, this distinctive species is on their annual migration from the cold Antarctic waters to warmer breeding grounds in the tropics. With around 17,000 of them crowding the coastline, most tour operators guarantee a close encounter when joining one of their hangout with aging hippies, idle at cafes, and gorge on good food and wine with the best of local produce.

PLAY IN G WI TH SN OW AT THE KO S C IUS ZKO N AT I O NAL PA RK

Not only is Mount Kosciuszko named Australia’s highest peak, it’s also the source of two of the country’s legendary rivers, the Murray and the Snowy. This daunting 7,300-foot mountain can be found in Kosciuszko National Park in southeast NSW.