Sometimes the most special travel moments happen when we're not looking for them. A kangaroo sighting on a walk through the bush. Postcard views from your cabin's bathroom window. A sense of calm as you float on the water. Feel free to wander far and wide in New South Wales; you never know what's around the bend.  

Dive deeper into the blue on a sea scooter  

Torpedo down to the world below the surface at Sydney's Gordons Bay, exploring every rock, crevice and coral reef habitat on a fast-paced Underwater Scooter Tour. The easy-to-use, hand-held sea scooters propel you further and faster to the ocean floor – up to 5km/h and 30m deep – so you can explore some of the hidden gems of this aquatic reserve. Spy the tangled legs of an octopus stretching out on the sand, find spiky sea urchins tucked between rocks, and even watch a turtle peacefully gliding by. 

Speed down sand dunes on a quad bike 

Feel the wind in your hair as you fly across the seemingly endless landscape of the Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Towering as high as 40 metres, the steep sandy slopes cover 2500 hectares of Port Stephens and are best explored on a quad bike with Indigenous-owned tour company Sand Dune Adventures. Not only will you traverse the incredible hills, but you'll also get a hands-on introduction to the local Aboriginal culture and 40,000-year-old history. 

Paddle magical waterways to champagne and canapes 

Immerse yourself in the serene natural wonderland of Kangaroo Valley on a Paddle, Dine and Vine Canoe Tour with Wild Food Adventures. Gliding downstream along the Kangaroo River, with picturesque Morton National Park in the background, you'll feel part of the scenic surroundings of this ancient sunken forest. Take a paddling break to refuel with wild native canapés and a local award-winning cold climate wine and finish up at Mount Ashby Estate Vineyard for a two-course lunch surrounded by vines, cattle farms and lake views. 

Find a home among the gum trees 

Wake up to the sound of birdsong in one of the luxury eco lodgings at Tanja Lagoon Camp, just a 30-minute drive from Bermagui on the South Coast. Perched on the edge of a wild coastal lagoon, roam forested paths lined with spotted gums all the way to the soft sandy bays of the Sapphire Coast. Cuddle up to your favourite people in their beautiful accommodation – choose from spacious safari tents or luxe eco cabins – all with queen beds, ensuite bathrooms, full kitchens and lounges and private decks to sit back and watch nature at its best.  

Take a walk on the wild side  

Climbing to the top of a mountain peak to discover endless views of the ocean sprawling before you will inspire a feeling of freedom and achievement you're unlikely to forget. It's one of the highlights of the Seven Peaks Walk, a five-day luxury guided hike around UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island. With your expert guide leading the way, walk off the beaten track to reach new heights and explore deep into the Jurassic Park-style banyan forests this island is famous for.  

Journey through the desert on a camel 

Like intrepid explorer Captain Charles Sturt on his expedition through outback NSW in the 1800s, saddle up on the back of a camel to explore the dusty red landscape of Silverton, just a 30-minute drive from Broken Hill. Silverton Outback Camels offer a range of journeys across this intriguing desert: watch the sunset cast a golden glow as you saunter around this heritage mining town on a scenic afternoon tour or embark on an adventure under the bright outback stars on an overnight camping trek. 

Wake up on the water 

The river feels like it's all yours when you're floating along on your very own houseboat. On board the River of Islands Houseboat, take your time to chug along the Murray River at your own pace as you drive yourself along the water from Lake Mulwala. Watch river red gums twist up from the banks, take a morning dip, go kayaking at sunset, cast a line and try your luck reeling in a fish for dinner, and simply relax and recharge with your nearest and dearest. 

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