A native of New South Wales, our Business Support Assistant Nic Ruecroft, gives her insight into some of the state's less obvious charms.
There is a lot to love about my home state of New South Wales. Sydney, of course, a beautiful harbour city with a thriving cultural scene and lots of urban sprawl. But go a little further afield and there are so many lovely places which offer a great variety of lifestyles.
Here are some of my tips for the two regions which I know best:
Central West
If you head out to Bathurst, Orange and Parkes make sure you spend a bit of time touring the vineyards. There are many with cellar doors which offer tastings and the opportunity to meet the wine-maker in person and see the vines growing in the lovely countryside.
Mount Panorama in Bathurst is a well known car racing circuit in Australia, but when there is no race taking place the track is open to traffic, you can drive around in your own car and there is a great view out over Bathurst from the very top.
For some beautiful local boutiques, antiques and lovely cafes head out to the lovely small town of Millthorpe, just outside Orange.
Illawarra/Shoalhaven
The small town of Gerroa is a holiday destination for Sydney-siders with many holiday homes lining the headland. It’s no wonder as it sits on the northern-most end of Seven Mile Beach, a stunning stretch of white sandy beach backing onto unspoilt national park.
The next town along, Gerringong, is larger with a collection of lovely shops and cafes. The Gerringong Town Hall is also home to community run movie club which puts interesting local and international films on in the hall each month with tea, coffee and home-made cakes.
Just outside Wollongong is the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. The temple is open to the public. You can drop in to have a look around and soak up the calm atmosphere as well as dine with the nuns who are resident there.
Photos taken by Nic on her last trip home