Before I go any further, let me say this: Sydney is AMAZING. It’s a legendary traveller hole – people come here and kind of get stuck, they love it so much they find it hard to tear themselves away.

Yes, you must climb the Harbour Bridge, yes, you must take in the view of the Sydney Opera House from the Manly Ferry and yes, of course, you must learn to surf on Bondi Beach. A trip to Australia would feel a little unfulfilled if you didn’t do those things.

That said, there’s so much more to New South Wales than just Sydney. So whether you’re flying in, or just passing through, whatever you do, make sure you hang around long enough to explore, otherwise you’ll be kicking yourself when you hear everyone else’s stories later on – trust me.

The ‘Other’ Best Bits to be Found in New South Wales

If you’re still hankering for some Sydney action after reading this, then make sure you check out our tips for making the most of Secret Sydney. It will show you an entirely new face of what is undoubtedly one of the best cities in the world. Can you tell I’m a fan?

Now, back to what you came here for, here are 10 amazing things to do in New South Wales that will take you beyond Sydney…

The Blue Mountains offer amazing views of dramatic landscapes just a few miles north of Sydney.

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What is the one thing you need to know if you’re booking a round the world trip? How do you get a job after gaining a TEFL qualification? What’s they best way to travel across America? How long do you need to take part in a volunteering project?

When it comes to planning your own big trip, whatever that may be, there’s one thing that you’ll have in common with everyone else planning theirs – questions. And lots of them.

This month and next, our STA Travel stores will be open late to host our ‘Your Big Trip’ travel talks. A series of nights aimed at sharing advice, tips, important information and inspiring ideas you haven’t even considered, straight from the mouths of our own Travel Experts but also from some very knowledgeable and experienced special guests.

And, as if that wasn’t enough, you could win one of a whole heap of prizes, from bus passes to hotel nights, just for turning up! (Oh, and there’ll probably be a free beer or two too, as if you needed any more convincing).

If you’re planning on heading off on your own trip of a lifetime anytime soon, you can’t afford to miss it, and best of all – they’re totally free! Just make sure you reserve your place as soon as possible because places are filling up fast.

So, that’s the ‘why’s’ taken care of, here’s all the info on the ‘when’ and ‘where’s’.

Thousands of excited would be travellers take inspiration from out travel talks every year.

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Last week, I told you about 8 Outstanding January Sale Buys You Can’t Afford To Miss and this week, I’m breaking it down even more, by hand picking the 8 super deals that shine like beacons, in our sea of January sale awesomeness.

These are the offers that set our sale apart from the others, the deals that prove that this year is destined to be a year that you do something amazing.

So ask yourself this question: How am I going to make 2013 the best year yet? And then take a look at the offers below and all should become crystal clear…

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The dust has finally settled from the party month of December; the presents are open, your jeans are a little tighter and the hangovers are (almost) a distant memory.

So what else is there to do in the notoriously dull month of January, except day dream of your next big travel adventure as you hit the gym, or comfort eat and watch Eastenders, during the cold, winter evenings?

Well, you could stop day dreaming and start doing, that’s what. The best thing about January? The sales of course!

Right now is the perfect opportunity to book that trip that you have been dreaming about for ages. Savings like the one’s we have this month, don’t come around very often – so there really is no better time to put your plans into action.

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Here at STA Travel, we’re all very excited about 2013. A whole new year and a whole new set of amazing travel experiences to be had.

Last week, our Store Managers reviewed the year of travel that was 2012 and this week, they’re back to share their predictions for next year. If you’re keen to step away from the crowd, get off the beaten track and do something a little different next year, take a look at what our most experienced and knowledgeable staff think will be the must places to see and the things to experience in the 12 months ahead.

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