New South Wales
New South Wales is home to Sydney, one of Australia’s largest and most well known cities that boasts the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach as just a few of its popular tourist destinations.
The state has plenty to offer both within its famed state capital and beyond. Get some fresh air at a number of charming coastal towns like Byron Bay, enjoy gourmet food and wine in the Hunter Valley and have lots of snowy fun in the Blue Mountains.
key facts
- Location: Between Queensland and Victoria on the south-east side of Australia
- Population: 7,565,000
- Size: 800,642 km2
weather
NSW has a mild climate, with variations across its coastal and mountainous regions (with the the Blue Mountains in particular being the coolest).
- Summer average: 24–30°C
- Winter average: 12°C
- Average rainfall: 300–1,500 mm
local economy
In mid-2015 the NSW economy was named the highest-performing state economy in the country thanks to its strong housing market. Not surprisingly, it also had the highest population growth.
It’s also the largest economy in Australia, making up about one third of the nation’s gross domestic product.
The state leads the nation in its manufacturing output, with the financial services, information and communications technologies and creative industries fields also being strong components.
about nsw
At over 800,000 km2, NSW is actually physically larger than many European countries.
Its eastern coast is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and has an array of stunning beaches, while the state’s west is populated by rural farming towns and bushland, and the south has snowy alpine regions.
NSW is rich in variety, from the cultural hub of Sydney to charming coastal towns such as Byron Bay, the famed Hunter Valley wine region and inland cities such as Tamworth, Australia’s country music capital.
As Australia’s economic and industrial leader it’s unsurprising that the state is also home to Newcastle, a city that houses one of the world’s largest (and Australia’s oldest) coal export ports.
about sydney
Sydney is as vibrant as it is progressive. The range of food and eclectic nightlife are just a small part of what keeps the culture modern and thriving.
Known for iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, it’s also located on the coast and boasts over 30 beaches. Manly Beach, Bondi Beach and Palm Beach (from TV’s Home and Away) are just a handful of the options on offer.
The frequently balmy climate and comprehensive public transport network make Sydney a thoroughly liveable city.
It’s also a cultural hotspot, home to the Sydney Theatre Company and the massive annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, a televised event that celebrates the diversity of this community and attracts visitors from all over the world.