There's no shortage of places to stay in Australia's most populous state, from its shimmering capital Sydney, to its long stretches of sandy beach and rugged inland interior.

Stop over in sparkling Sydney

More than a third of the population of Australia lives in New South Wales and its historic state capital Sydney remains eternally popular with visitors. From colourful Circular Quay to the lively laneways around the Rocks, this bustling metropolis boasts some of the state's most iconic tourists sites.

Whether it's budget backpacker hostels around Railway Square or 5-star luxury hotels with views of Sydney Harbour, the city boasts the very best in New South Wales accommodation. Many of Sydney's finest hotels are clustered around Hyde Park in the centre of the city, affording easy access to nearby Chinatown and Darling Harbour.

A toast to some Hunter Valley highlights

The Hunter Valley spills out across the plains some 120 kilometres to the north of Sydney, and this fertile agricultural region is best known for its plethora of award-winning wineries. Many boast boutique accommodation, making the Hunter Valley a popular destination for daytrippers and international visitors alike.

One of the best places to stay in the Hunter Valley, at least as far as vineyards are concerned, is the historic district of Pokolbin. The region is not only home to some of Australia's most acclaimed wine producers, it is also the location of some of the Hunter Valley's most popular boutique accommodation.

Above the tree-line in alpine accommodation

The New South Wales landscape is as vast as it is diverse. While many visitors make use of the pristine beaches which hug the winding coastline, the state's skifields are another obvious attraction.

The Snowy Mountains host some of the best ski runs in the country, with the resorts at Thredbo and Perisher offering not only lengthy runs, but also a wide range of accommodation options.