Am I the only one who feels like there is nothing to do in NSW, Australia?

Question

Not long ago, we decided to visit country NSW (Southern and Northern NSW etc...)

i.e We live in Sydney

We were very disappointed as we felt that all we did was drove for hours waiting to find something to do.

Don't tell me to visit Sydney attractions because we already have done pretty much everything there. In country NSW, I can only think of the vineries and the beaches. All these brochures that we get advertise like we must spend at least two days in a place like Taree or Grafton because of its fine history. Remember that all places in the world have a history and some range back to ancient times. These towns history (Grafton, Taree etc..) are not even that sophisticated. Why do these advertisements say that a cafe, antiques or local church is a tourist attraction. In a European country like France, there are so many that it wouldn't be able to be on the list. Plus what kind of food culture do people in country NSW have. Fish and chips in every town restaurant of NSW. Right? There is nothing unique about the food in each town. In France, every village has a different food culture.

and Yes I have gone to the Big Banana but it is not like I have to spend three whole days in Coffs Harbour.

Also: We currently looked at tourist attractions at Brisbane on the internet and they say that the Baptist church is a tourist attraction as well as Riverlink shopping centre. lol

Am I right in saying all of this? If you think there is plenty to do here, tell me?

Answer 1

Catch cry of the "Y" generation:



"I'm so bored!"







You can always find something to do if you put your mind to it. What a shame technology has ruined the imaginations of an entire generation.

Answer 2

If you're relying on brochures to plan your trip, then you're probably going about it the wrong way, especially if they're produced by the individual towns or travel agents who have vested interests in attracting tourists or making a boring attraction seem exciting.



I can totally understand why you would question the inclusion of Riverlink Shopping Centre and the Baptist church in Brisbane as worthy of a visit. Another not-so-fine inclusion of Brisbane attractions is The Old Windmill (the oldest surviving building in Queensland). There's nothing there - not even a sign or poster explaining its historical significance. You may as well just look at a photo of it.



This website will give you some leads: http://www.visitnsw.com/



There is so much to see and do in NSW. Some are worth it, some are not. Trip advisor has a forum which is similar to this, and the answers provided are 90% accurate and informative.

Answer 3

I really don't think you're looking hard enough for things to do. While Australia does not have a lot of long-standing European history like France does, there is still Aboriginal history dating back tens of thousands of years, and the colonial history from 1788 onwards... We have a very different timeline to Europe, so I don't think you should be comparing apples to oranges.



If you're looking for somewhere big and flashy, stay in the city. You won't find much of that out here. What you will find is a more laid back and rustic character. Many towns, while not bustling like Sydney, do have their own charm, and will reveal it to you if you take a chance to look. Just over the Blue Mountains is Bathurst (2-3hrs drive depending on where you are in Sydney), which is the oldest inland settlement in Australia. Great history there. Plus motor sport. Down the road from Bathurst is Orange, with some great wineries and eateries. Past Orange heading westward are many mining towns, which all have their own stories. Travel down the South Coast from Sydney and you will find beautiful beaches and National Parks and quaint towns still largely unspoiled by tourism. The Eurobodalla area is beautiful. Not familiar with Northern NSW, sorry.



Have you tried Canberra? Not technically NSW, but something different from Sydney.



Visit one of the many National Parks dotted about NSW. Go camping/caravaning. Explore historical sites. Find that little pub or cafe or restaurant tucked away in a side street. Just enjoy your time in the country, and don't try to force something out of it that it's not going to give you.

Answer 4

If you cannot find things to do in northern NSW, I'm sorry but you are not bothering to even look. There is plenty to see and do and some very good restaurants too. There are so many pubs that do excellent meals in places like Bangalow, Brunswick Heads, Eltham, Lismore, Billinudgel, Uki just to name a few. Byron Bay has some good food too if you steer clear of the Beach Hotel. There is stunning scenery everywhere, wonderful national parks and some great walks such as the Mount Warning climb. You might not go to Byron Bay for the food but the view from the lighthouse is awe inspring and in season you can see humpback whales.



Northern NSW is not France and has never pretended to be. France has a history going back at least to Julius Caesar who started his book on the Gallic wars "Gallia est omnis divisa in partes tres." - All Gaul is divided into three parts. With a history of 2000 years+, France is entitled to have different cuisines in each village. Australia hasn't got there yet but that does not mean the food is bad nor that you are limited to fish and chips. As I said at the start, you haven't bothered to look.

Answer 5

Yeah I agree. You only leave Sydney for the views of natural landscapes and to swim in beautiful beaches and rivers. The rest is just daily life in the backwaters of a 21st century Americanised white culture - and not worth leaving home for. Unless you're staying at a very special resort to get some good value R&R, you don't put much investment into the places providing bed and food either. Take a book, admire the scenery, drink lots of beer and wine... and relax.

Answer 6

don't forget Australia has a short history..unlike france very long history....