About a three hour train from Sydney is the city of Newcastle - a great destination for beaches, scenic walking trails, eateries, and bars. Also, be sure to check out The Bogey Hole, an ocean pool carved from rock by convicts.
A gateway to Australia's outback, Alice Springs garners foot-traffic from those exploring the Red Centre's landscapes - from desert ranges, to the somewhat nearby Uluru. Though a small town, Alice Springs is lively and culturally dense.