Relax in New South Wales waters

New South Wales invites visitors to cool off in nature's most beautiful settings during the Australian summer. 

Coastal classics and ocean pools

More than 100 ocean pools sparkle along the NSW coast. There's Bogey Hole in Newcastle, NSW's oldest rock pool. Hand-carved out of the rock platform in 1819, this heritage-listed gem offers dramatic views and a refreshing dip.

Source: Destination NSW. The Bermagui Blue Pool at the Sapphire Coast.

In the Sawtell and ECO-certified destination Coffs Coast area, the Sawtell Memorial Rockpool is a beautiful spot with its natural rock bar edge.  

Another showstopping ocean pool experience is to be had at the Blowhole Point Ocean Pool in Kiama. Located by the Kiama Blowhole, this pool offers calm waters and amazing coastal views.  

Further south at the Sapphire Coast, the spectacular Bermagui Blue Pool is a natural rock pool with turquoise waters and sweeping coastal vistas. 

Waterfalls and natural pools

In the Southern Highlands, luxuriate in the natural pools at Bargo State Conservation Area, where swimming spots at Little River and Moore Creek offer refreshing bushland escapes.

Alternatively, head to the ECO-certified Blue Mountains, which boasts the Blue Pool in Glenbrook* and the Victoria Falls waterhole.  

Unicorn Falls in the Tweed region in the north is another hidden gem with a serene swimming opportunity. 

Inland escapes

Head inland for thermal pools and hidden swim spots surrounded by rugged bush and epic scenery.

The Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool in Kosciuszko National Park is a year-round 27^o C favourite fed by a natural spring. Swim surrounded by the alpine scenery and limestone caves of the Snowy Mountains.

Or visit Sofala near Bathurst and try your luck panning for gold dust in the Turon River - and if fortune doesn't strike, you can still enjoy fishing and swimming.

Explore 

Stay safe and well in New South Wales with:  

Travel information: Health & safety | Visit NSW

Waterfall safety | NSW National Parks

*Check conditions with the National Parks Information Centre at the Glenbrook Park Entrance before swimming.  

Singapore, Philippines in Lonely Planet's top ten destinations for 2015

Lonely Planet's top ten countries to visit for 2015 includes two from Asia. The company recently released it's 'Best in Travel' list for next year.

Source: Lonely Planet e-newsletter.

Singapore is in no. 1 place because of her Golden Jubilee next year. Lonely Planet recommends visiting Marina Bay, a new entertainment precinct, and to consider "the new crop of swanky hotels" and new attractions like the National Art Gallery and the Singapore Sports Hub.

The Philippines is in 8th place, and Lonely Planet notes that the government has organised a number of events for 2015 to raise awareness about the 7,100+ islands in the country. "If there’s one thing Filipinos know how to do, it’s party – expect street parades, food festivals, sports tournaments and live music. Now that Philippine Airlines has gained approval for direct flights to Europe, America and Australia, why wait?" asks Lonely Planet.

View the full list here.

Dubai visitor numbers boosted by MICE travellers

Dubai’s hotels welcomed more than 5.8 million visitors in the first half of 2014, the highest number of visitors ever achieved in the first six months of the year, according to Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

Dubai’s status as the region’s leading meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) hub played a central role in boosting first half visitor numbers, said DTCM, with more than 14,500 Chinese delegates on one incentive trip in April alone demonstrating the value of this sector. Major business events held during the first six months of 2014 included Gulfood, the Arabian Travel Market, and Intersec, one of the region's biggest safety, security and fire protection trade exhibitions. 

His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of DTCM commented: “In addition to the increase in hotel guest numbers, since the end of June 2013, Dubai has added more than 7,000 hotel rooms to its inventory, with the total now standing at 88,680 across 634 establishments. Dubai’s hotel offering is continuing to grow and diversify allowing us to both meet the demand from travellers as well as broaden the market we promote Dubai to.”