To the north of Sydney is the Pacific Coastal route, which
passes beautiful coastal scenery, laid back seaside communities
like Byron Bay, and excellent surf, with nearly 249 miles (400km)
of beaches to explore. Whale watching is popular in season and the
region is also dotted with numerous national parks and nature
reserves that offer activities from hiking to kayaking in the Myall
Lakes. The Waterfall Way is one of the most scenic drives in the
world that leaves the Pacific Coast Drive and winds up to the New
England Tablelands with its colourful history and the vineyards of
the famed Hunter Valley. To the south of Sydney is Australia's only
alpine habitat in the Snowy Mountains where winter skiing is the
main attraction. In summer the mountains become a playground for
white water rafters, fishermen, kayakers and hikers.
