{"id":8068,"date":"2019-06-15T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-06-14T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/?p=8068"},"modified":"2020-04-02T05:37:05","modified_gmt":"2020-04-01T19:37:05","slug":"nsw-best-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/nsw\/trending\/nsw-best-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"10 reasons NSW is THE best state of 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you hear that? It\u2019s the sound of QLD and NSW battling it out to see which state reigns supreme. It\u2019s almost time for Game 2 of State of Origin and it\u2019s looking to be a nail-biter. QLD might have taken out Game 1, but the competition\u2019s far from over \u2013 and it\u2019s not limited to the footy field. Here are 10 reasons why NSW is the best state of 2019 at ANY time of year, courtesy of the Sydney Wotif team.<\/p>\n

1. Actual seasons<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sorry, QLD, but 12 months of summer every year can get a bit samey. Brand Manager Bec Hurley<\/strong> says…<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile QLD is basically in perpetual summer, we get to pull out our fancy jackets, boots, coats and scarves and enjoy a change in the seasons. Autumn is particularly beautiful in places like the Blue Mountains<\/a>, New England<\/a>, Bellingen<\/a>, Orange<\/a>. Some of those spots even get a sneaky bit of snow in the winter as well. In the cooler months, you can even head to one of NSW\u2019s award-winning wine regions (which you won\u2019t find many of in QLD, thanks to its warmer climate) and enjoy a wine by the fire.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Email Marketing Specialist Sarah Whitworth<\/strong> agrees. She brags…<\/p>\n

\u201cOur wardrobe options are faaaar more vast. From shorts and singlets to beanies and woollens, NSW is the fashion state. Plus, we have snow! That\u2019s pretty magical. And we have the Snowy Mountains and Mt Kosciusko<\/a>, which is much taller than QLD\u2019s tallest mountain…\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Hmm, what is<\/em> QLD\u2019s tallest mountain? Can anyone name it? \ud83e\udd14 Nah, didn\u2019t think so \ud83c\udfd4\ufe0f\ud83d\ude0e<\/p>\n

SNOW! Bec snapped this shot on a road trip between Gloucester and Uralla \ud83d\ude98<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

2. Sydney Harbour<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s face it, when it comes to world-famous sights \u2013 you know, the kind people travel from the other side of the world just to snap a photo with \u2013 it\u2019s hard to beat Sydney<\/a> Harbour. Email Marketing Manager Adrian Westwood<\/strong> says…<\/p>\n

\u201cNSW has one thing QLD can only dream of and that\u2019s our iconic harbour. From the Botanical Gardens to the Opera House, from the Harbour Bridge to Luna Park, from the pristine sunsets to even the occasional epic storm, there is just so much to take in on our harbour that it makes the Brisbane River look like… well… a river.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

With an awesome harbour comes equally awesome spots to enjoy the views. Director of Customer Experience Justin Lee<\/strong> adds:<\/p>\n

\u201cSydney has stunning waterfront properties, bars, restaurants and cafes making the most of our city\u2019s fantastic beaches and harbours. We even have our own seaplane airport at Rose Bay, where you can take off for a scenic flight. Sorry, but the Brisbane River just doesn\u2019t cut it.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Ouch! Sorry, not sorry, QLD \ud83d\ude35<\/p>\n

Sydney Harbour is also home to a fantastic national park. Here\u2019s Justin enjoying a hike with his son, Max.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

3. Awesome beaches (better than QLD\u2019s)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yep, we said it \u2013 and we\u2019ll say it again. NSW\u2019s beaches trump QLD\u2019s. Bec<\/strong> explains why:<\/p>\n

\u201cNo doubt this will be fiercely debated by the QLD team, but NSW definitely boasts better beaches than QLD. For a start, there are no crocs and stingers trying to kill you, plus there are often beautiful cliffs to walk along before you take a swim. Check out Angourie<\/a> (near Yamba), Garie Beach in the Royal National Park<\/a>, and Jervis Bay<\/a>.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

NSW\u2019s beaches are so stunning there\u2019s even a myth that one of them \u2013 Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay \u2013 is home to the whitest sand in the world. Hyams is one of Sarah<\/strong>\u2019s fave spots and she\u2019s back to do some myth-busting:<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s an urban legend that Hyams Beach has a Guinness Record for the world\u2019s whitest sand, but unfortunately there\u2019s no such category. But it\u2019s still one of Australia\u2019s best beaches, with sparkling white sand and crystal blue water. It\u2019s a perfect picnic spot!\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Another point to NSW!<\/p>\n

Lunch with a view \u2013 Sarah takes a picnic to Hyams Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

4. And amazing ocean baths<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I bet you didn\u2019t think of this one, did you? If you grew up in NSW, it\u2019s easy to take our iconic ocean baths for granted, but as Public Relations Specialist Aliisa Frassetto<\/strong> points out…<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom Bondi<\/a>\u2019s Icebergs to Newcastle<\/a>\u2019s Ocean Baths, NSW is home to some incredible ocean pools and they\u2019re sorely envied by our neighbouring states. There are more than 100 rockpools in NSW, each with their own ‘gram-worthy views \ud83d\ude09\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Bondi Icebergs \u2013 one of the world\u2019s best ocean pools. Thanks for the pic, Aliisa!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

5. Epic events all year round<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yeah, there\u2019s cool stuff happening in QLD. But the biggest events are in NSW and, according to Associate Brand Manager Stacey Cooper<\/strong>, the fun starts on New Year\u2019s Eve:<\/p>\n

\u201cAhh, the Sydney New Year\u2019s Eve fireworks! They ring in every New Year on the glorious Sydney Harbour. NSW makes the worldwide news for its NYE celebrations \u2013 and I\u2019m pretty sure QLD doesn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Lift your (New Year\u2019s) game, QLD. And keep on lifting it if you want to compete with Business Development Manager Tom Bonnafoux<\/strong>\u2019s fave NSW events:<\/p>\n

\u201cSydney is home to Vivid<\/a>, the biggest outdoor festival in Australia. It\u2019s also home to the City2Surf<\/a>, the world\u2019s largest fun run.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Think NSW\u2019s most awesome events are all in Sydney? Think again. Market Associate\u00a0Victoria Thai<\/strong> has two words for you:<\/p>\n

\u201cPIE FESTIVAL<\/a>! June is Pie Time in the Southern Highlands and it\u2019s a perfect excuse for indulging in everyone\u2019s favourite pastry. The main event is Pie Fest, a two-day festival on 29 and 30 June 2019.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Associate Market Manager Johnny Pappas<\/strong> is another NSW festivals fan. In fact, he even has a short list:<\/p>\n

\u201cPort Stephens<\/a> is home to the Love Sea Food Tastes Port Stephens festival<\/a>, which is a celebration of coastal cuisine running from 1 August \u2013 1 September 2019.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also Coffs Harbour<\/a>\u2019s third annual Blues and Berries festival<\/a>, which is happening on 3 November 2019 on Woolgoolga Beach. You can enjoy blues and roots music by the sea and join a blueberry pie eating competition for a chance to win some awesome prizes!<\/p>\n

And Port Macquarie<\/a> have the fantastic Port Macquarie Beer and Cider Festival<\/a> on 23 September 2019 for all you beer and cider enthusiasts! There are more than 50 individual craft beers and ciders to try, as well as live music and the chance to roll a keg, throw a keg, or throw a thong. You might even win a cash prize for your efforts!\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

6. We have the most Uniquely Aussie experiences<\/strong><\/h3>\n

And that\u2019s coming from you, not us! If you don\u2019t remember, Stacey<\/strong> is back with a little reminder:<\/p>\n

\u201cEarlier this year, we announced the Uniquely Aussie Awards<\/a>, where we asked you to tell us some of Australia\u2019s best experiences across six categories. Three of the awards went to NSW. Pelican Rocks Caf\u00e9<\/a> in Greenwell Point<\/a> won Australia\u2019s Best Fish and Chips, The Famous Berry Donut Van<\/a> in Berry<\/a> won Australia\u2019s Best Roadside Pit Stop, and Bourke St Bakery<\/a> in Sydney<\/a> won Australia\u2019s Best Sausage Roll.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

NSW… a winner all round \ud83d\udc51 \ud83d\udc4f<\/p>\n

Yum! Stacey enjoying a snack at the Famous Berry Donut Van. It\u2019s a Uniquely Aussie Award-winner for Australia\u2019s best Roadside Pit Stop \ud83c\udfc6<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

7. And the world\u2019s best food<\/strong><\/h3>\n

From exquisite fine dining to bargain lunchtime specials, NSW is one of the best places in the world<\/em> to grab a nom. Aliisa<\/strong> shares her fave tasty tip:<\/p>\n

\u201cFor a variety of traditional and cultural foodie delights, you can\u2019t beat Sydney\u2019s suburbs. Whether it\u2019s Vietnamese in Cabramatta, Portuguese in Petersham, Italian in Haberfield or Turkish in Auburn, the NSW capital has got you covered.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Yum! Beat that, QLD.<\/p>\n

8. Not to mention the world\u2019s best coffee<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Okay, I\u2019m definitely not the person to make a call on this. Coffee tastes like hot brown sludge to me. But I\u2019ve asked around and Stacey<\/strong> is confident that NSW is home to some of the best hot brown sludge<\/span> coffee you\u2019ll ever sip.<\/p>\n

\u201cI might be biased, but NSW has some of the best coffee and cafes I\u2019ve ever found. Definitely better than anything in QLD!\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Ouch! Does the truth hurt, QLD? I wouldn\u2019t know, because coffee… \ud83e\udd22<\/p>\n

Who needs coffee with views like this? Aliisa and her friend Kat, admiring the Blue Mountains.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

9. All the best people come from NSW<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Not to mention the most people. As Stacey<\/strong> says…<\/p>\n

\u201cNSW has the highest population of any state in Australia, which means way more people agree that it\u2019s superior. It\u2019s also the home state of some of the world\u2019s favourite Aussies,
\nincluding Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Ian Thorpe, AC\/DC, and The Wiggles.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Wow! Can\u2019t argue with that. Bec<\/strong> has one more addition to the \u2018Awesome New South Welshman\u2019 list.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have Hemsworths. Chris and Liam both have houses in Byron<\/a> and big brother Luke has said that he\u2019d like to move there too. Who doesn\u2019t love a Hemsworth?\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

10. We are the champions!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yeah, okay, QLD. You won Game 1. But that\u2019s just NSW lulling you into a false sense of security. Remember who the current Origin champions are \ud83d\ude0e GO THE BLUES!<\/p>\n<\/i> Book your next trip to NSW <\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Do you hear that? It\u2019s the sound of QLD and NSW battling it out to see which state reigns supreme. It\u2019s almost time for Game 2 of State of Origin and it\u2019s looking to be a nail-biter. QLD might have taken out Game 1, but the competition\u2019s far from over \u2013 and it\u2019s not limited …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":8070,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[776,765],"tags":[503,502,117,102],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8068"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8068"}],"version-history":[{"count":30,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8068\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8098,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8068\/revisions\/8098"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8070"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8068"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8068"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8068"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}