New South Wales

New South Wales (NSW) is Australia's most populous state. Its capital, Sydney is the country's oldest, largest and most cosmopolitan city, centred on its spectacular harbour. The state's coastal areas offer endless sandy beaches next to sleepy coastal communities. The Great Dividing Range stretches the length of the state from north to south, including the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains and Australia's largest ski resorts in the Snowy Mountains. West of the range are the plains and the outback, gold mining, history and rural communities all the way to the red dust. Along the way you'll find Australia's premier wine regions of Mudgee and the Hunter Valley, the rainforests of the North Coast and New England, and hidden natural wonders to discover.

New South Wales is a diverse state with many different types of climate, scenery and communities. The first list of regions are all within 3 hours' drive or train trip from Sydney; the rest will take more time or planning.

• Sydney. - the state capital and the largest city in Australia
• Albury. - Victorian border town on the banks of the Murray River.
• Armidale. - Centre of the Northern Tablelands region, a city with easy road access to several World Heritage-listed national parks.
• Broken Hill. - A poetically named 'Wild West' mining town, right in the Outback, with a small thriving arts scene
• Coffs Harbour. - A popular beachfront city for visitors and seachangers, with many accommodation options from the budget to resort.
• Newcastle. - the second largest city in NSW is a coastal city and industrial capital of the Hunter Valley region, around 150km north of Sydney.
• Tamworth. - Australia's home of country music.
• Wagga Wagga. - The largest inland town in New South Wales, on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.
• Wollongong. - located around 100km south of Sydney between the escarpment and the coast, natural beauty and heavy industry sit adjacent in the Illawarra region.

Sydney. - the state capital and the largest city in Australia

Albury. - Victorian border town on the banks of the Murray River.

Armidale. - Centre of the Northern Tablelands region, a city with easy road access to several World Heritage-listed national parks.

Broken Hill. - A poetically named 'Wild West' mining town, right in the Outback, with a small thriving arts scene

Coffs Harbour. - A popular beachfront city for visitors and seachangers, with many accommodation options from the budget to resort.

Newcastle. - the second largest city in NSW is a coastal city and industrial capital of the [[Hunter Valley]] region, around 150km north of Sydney.

Tamworth. - Australia's home of country music.

Wagga Wagga. - The largest inland town in New South Wales, on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.

Wollongong. - located around 100km south of Sydney between the escarpment and the coast, natural beauty and heavy industry sit adjacent in the [[Illawarra]] region.

• Lord Howe Island., a World Heritage-listed island some 550km from the mainland, is part of New South Wales and is a popular getaway destination.
• One of the many prime wilderness areas in the state. Some of these parks and reserves worth visiting include:
  • Blue Mountains National Park. is a large World Heritage-listed park.
  • Jenolan Caves.
  • Mt Warning National Park.
  • Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. is a large World Heritage-listed park that has several locations where 4WDs are permitted.
  • Warrumbungles. (Warrumbungle National Park)
  • Wollemi National Park. is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed park

Lord Howe Island., a World Heritage-listed island some 550km from the mainland, is part of New South Wales and is a popular getaway destination.

One of the many prime wilderness areas in the state. Some of these parks and reserves worth visiting include:

• Blue Mountains National Park. is a large World Heritage-listed park.
• Jenolan Caves.
• Mt Warning National Park.
• Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. is a large World Heritage-listed park that has several locations where 4WDs are permitted.
• Warrumbungles. (Warrumbungle National Park)
• Wollemi National Park. is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed park

One of the many prime wilderness areas in the state. Some of these parks and reserves worth visiting include:

• Blue Mountains National Park. is a large World Heritage-listed park.
• Jenolan Caves.
• Mt Warning National Park.
• Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. is a large World Heritage-listed park that has several locations where 4WDs are permitted.
• Warrumbungles. (Warrumbungle National Park)
• Wollemi National Park. is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed park

One of the many prime wilderness areas in the state. Some of these parks and reserves worth visiting include:

• Blue Mountains National Park. is a large World Heritage-listed park.
• Jenolan Caves.
• Mt Warning National Park.
• Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. is a large World Heritage-listed park that has several locations where 4WDs are permitted.
• Warrumbungles. (Warrumbungle National Park)
• Wollemi National Park. is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed park

One of the many prime wilderness areas in the state. Some of these parks and reserves worth visiting include:

• Blue Mountains National Park. is a large World Heritage-listed park.
• Jenolan Caves.
• Mt Warning National Park.
• Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. is a large World Heritage-listed park that has several locations where 4WDs are permitted.
• Warrumbungles. (Warrumbungle National Park)
• Wollemi National Park. is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed park

One of the many prime wilderness areas in the state. Some of these parks and reserves worth visiting include:

• Blue Mountains National Park. is a large World Heritage-listed park.
• Jenolan Caves.
• Mt Warning National Park.
• Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. is a large World Heritage-listed park that has several locations where 4WDs are permitted.
• Warrumbungles. (Warrumbungle National Park)
• Wollemi National Park. is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed park

One of the many prime wilderness areas in the state. Some of these parks and reserves worth visiting include:

• Blue Mountains National Park. is a large World Heritage-listed park.
• Jenolan Caves.
• Mt Warning National Park.
• Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. is a large World Heritage-listed park that has several locations where 4WDs are permitted.
• Warrumbungles. (Warrumbungle National Park)
• Wollemi National Park. is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed park

The home of a large number of Aboriginal tribes for thousands of years, New South Wales was only settled by Europeans in 1788 - spreading outwards from Sydney. The name was given by Captain Cook 18 years earlier during his first voyage of discovery, after the country of Wales. It is unknown whether he intended to name it after South Wales, or whether this new land was the Wales of the South, but the cliffs he was passing to the south of Sydney bear a striking resemblance to the cliffs along the Welsh Cambrian Coast.

The first settlers were dependent of farming and fresh water, and the major settlements grew around Parramatta and Windsor, at the limit of navigation of the Parramatta and Hawkesbury rivers, inland from Sydney. Inland settlement was at first impeded by the rugged Blue Mountains for a time and settlers did not cross the mountains until 1813. However, once crossed settlement spread west rapidly, with the first road across the mountains finished in 1815, leading to the first inland town of Bathurst. Further regional and rural expansion occurred in the late 19th century as a result of the Gold Rush, although it did not have as much of an impact as in neighbouring Victoria.

From its inception until the time of federation in 1901, New South Wales was dependent largely on its agricultural resources; however, over the early 20th century this largely changed to a point where New South Wales led Australia in heavy industry. This was, and continues to be dominated by industries such as coal mining in the Hunter Valley and Illawarra regions.

From the 1970s, industries such as steel and shipbuilding began to diminish, and although agriculture remains important its share of the state's income is smaller than at any other time in the state's history. NSW, and in particular Sydney, have developed significant service industries in finance, information technology and tourism.

In 2016, the formerly self-governing Norfolk Island had its autonomy reduced and was annexed to New South Wales by the Australian government.

New South Wales is the most populous state in Australia. Most of that population is concentrated in Sydney, which has 4.8 million of the state's 7.5 million inhabitants. The next largest cities are (in order) Newcastle and Wollongong. After that the larger cities and towns in the state are merely moderately-sized regional centres of 40,000-50,000 people. Many of the cultural sights are concentrated in Sydney and nearby. However, this isn't true of historical or natural sights. Many of the state's most beautiful natural sights, obviously enough, lie well outside the Sydney metropolitan area. Australian history and identity is to some extent tied up with rural settlement and lifestyle, and thus you will find many of the outlying regions of New South Wales base their tourism industry around pioneer and rural history.

New South Wales' climate varies considerably depending on the area in the state. In winter the Snowy Mountains can receive significant snowfalls, with an extensive ski fields operating between July and September. During cold snaps in mid-winter snow can fall down to 800 metres in inland New South Wales, giving a light snow cover to large areas of the state. The desert areas of inland New South Wales struggle to reach 15°C, and southern coastal areas including Sydney range between 9-17°C in July, the coldest month. However the north coast of New South Wales, towards Tweed Heads and Byron Bay, averages above 20°C even during mid-winter. Winter generally isn't the time for beach swimming in New South Wales, with the season generally being between October and March - maybe a little earlier up north, and maybe a little later down south.

In summer most head for coastal regions, with New South Wales having literally hundreds of clean patrolled beaches and coastal towns. The inland towns can be hot, with many averaging over 30°C in summer, often peaking above 40°C. After Christmas until the end of January it can be difficult to find any available accommodation near the coast at short notice.

The best time to visit New South Wales depends on your interest. Most activities, transport, restaurants and other facilities operate year-round. For the beach holiday summer December to February is perfect. It can be hot, but if you are the beach, that is the way you want it. The best months for reliable snowfalls are August to September, although you are always at the whim of Mother Nature on the ski fields. Spring and Autumn are good for walking, and for country driving holiday.

If you are exploring Sydney and the cities, avoiding the summer period will reduce the crowds and peak accommodation costs. If you are used to the dry heat, then heading inland in the summer period is also an off-peak experience, with few crowds and accommodation hassles.

The Bureau of Meteorology provides weather forecasts across the state.

Sydney, in particular, is ethnically diverse. You will encounter people with many different cultural influences and language groups.

New South Wales people use some particular regional words which are not used in other states. The word cossie or swimmers (short for swimming costume) refer to a bathing suit - don't call them "togs" as used in Queensland or "bathers" as used in Victoria. Swimsuit for women or Speedos for men are universally understood.

In common with most Australians, the people of New South Wales have a tradition of great sporting rivalry with neighbouring states. This is expressed each year, for example, in the State of Origin Series of Rugby League matches between NSW and Queensland.

Rugby League is the winter ball sport of choice in NSW and Queensland, as opposed to the rest of Australia which follows Australian Rules football. The word footy usually refers to Rugby League and not to soccer or Australian Rules Football. As you get down to the southern New South Wales border town of Albury, the Victorian Aussie Rules influence becomes stronger. If you go to see the Albury Football club play, they will be scoring goals and behinds rather than trys and conversions. Rugby Union is also followed by some. A-League Soccer is aligned with the northern hemisphere competitions, in the Australian summer.

New South Wales is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 18 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST). Daylight Saving is observed from the first Sunday of October to the first Sunday of April the following year.

AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time UTC+10

AEDT - Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time UTC+11

NFT - Norfolk Island Time UTC+11

The area around the city of Broken Hill in the far west of New South Wales is on Australian Central Standard Time (the same as South Australia), UTC+9.5 or UTC+10.5 during daylight savings time.

Norfolk Island also has its own time zone different from the rest of the state. Unlike the rest of the state, Norfolk Island does not observe daylight saving time.

• Sydney Harbour is one of the state's favourite postcard scenes. See it from the side of a ferry or from one of the islands in the centre.
• Four world heritage listed Australian convict sites are located in New South Wales: the Great North Road, Cockatoo Island, Hyde Park Barracks and the Old Government House in Parramatta.

• Western Plains Zoo, an open-range zoo in Dubbo. See Australian and exotic animals roaming in large paddocks rather than pacing in small cages.
• Taronga Zoo, across the Harbour from Sydney.
• Featherdale Wildlife Park in the Outer West of Sydney. Smaller than Taronga, but flat and emphasising Australian fauna.
• Australian Reptile Park in Gosford about an hour north of Sydney, with much more than reptiles. (Hint: Go early, move slowly, stay quiet and you can pet the 'roos.)
• Australian Wildlife World in Darling Harbour
• Mogo Zoo near Batemans Bay

Western Plains Zoo, an open-range zoo in [[Dubbo]]. See Australian and exotic animals roaming in large paddocks rather than pacing in small cages.

Taronga Zoo, across the Harbour from Sydney.

Featherdale Wildlife Park in the [[Sydney/Outer West|Outer West of Sydney]]. Smaller than Taronga, but flat and emphasising Australian fauna.

Australian Reptile Park in [[Gosford]] about an hour north of Sydney, with much more than reptiles. (Hint: Go early, move slowly, stay quiet and you can pet the 'roos.)

Australian Wildlife World in [[Sydney/Darling Harbour|Darling Harbour]]

Mogo Zoo near [[Batemans Bay]]

Many coastal towns offer whale watching cruises during the season, including Sydney. Alternatively, there are many coastal vantage points where you can catch a glimpse if you are lucky.

• Go on a dolphin cruise in Jervis Bay

Go on a dolphin cruise in [[Jervis Bay]]

• Surf your way up the coast from Sydney to the north coast of New South Wales.
• Go on one of the bushwalks from Katoomba into the Jamison Valley.
• Hire a houseboat in any one of many bays, lakes and rivers.
• Ski in the Snowy Mountains in winter.
• Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and see the sun set over Sydney.
• Go to the Royal Easter Show in Sydney.
• Byron Bay's annual Blues and Roots festival is the state's largest roots music festival.
• Tamworth is Australia's country music capital and holds a country music festival in January each year.
• Camp in one of the many National Parks. (See www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au)
• Go wine tasting in the Hunter Valley
• Climb Mount Kosciusko in the Snowy Mountains.

Surf your way up the coast from Sydney to the north coast of New South Wales.

Go on one of the bushwalks from [[Katoomba]] into the Jamison Valley.

Hire a houseboat in any one of many bays, lakes and rivers.

Ski in the [[Snowy Mountains]] in winter.

Climb the [[Sydney#Sydney Harbour Bridge|Sydney Harbour Bridge]] and see the sun set over Sydney.

Go to the Royal Easter Show in [[Sydney]].

Byron Bay's annual Blues and Roots festival is the state's largest roots music festival.

[[Tamworth (New South Wales)|Tamworth]] is Australia's country music capital and holds a country music festival in January each year.

Camp in one of the many National Parks. (See www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au)

Go wine tasting in the [[Hunter Valley]]

Climb Mount Kosciusko in the Snowy Mountains.

The city of Sydney, unsurprisingly, represents the main food lovers' haven in New South Wales. It's the best place in the state to seek out both gourmet food and international cuisine. Particular highlights are Sydney's growing wave of Thai and fusion restaurants, and those top end restaurants whose chefs were often trained in some of the best international kitchens. Sydney's cosmopolitan population guarantees that just about every major cuisine on the planet is authentically and easily available - and generally at a great price.

Most coastal regions, including the Mid-North Coast, Northern Rivers, Central Coast, Sydney and the South Coast are a good place for seafood lovers to eat. Inland the catch may be a little less fresh.

Parts of the Central West specialise in meals made from local produce. Several of these restaurants feature regularly in the Sydney restaurant reviews, and they are beginning to have prices to match.

Vegetarians should be able to find a meal or two to suit them in almost every restaurant in the state, but are best catered for in Sydney and after that, on the somewhat "alternative" Northern Rivers.

• Sydney has much busier nightlife than the rest of the state and is the best place to find everything from international touring acts to backpacker bars and big beats. Other cities like Wollongong and Newcastle also have a diverse scene, with lots of choice of venues.
• Towns that cater to travellers and backpackers, like Byron Bay, Tweed Heads, Batemans Bay, also have a selection of venues to choose from.
• Just about every country town in New South Wales will have at least one pub to choose from, from historical to the modern and upmarket. There is usually at least one club, being a bowling club, services club, etc. Visitors are welcome at pubs and clubs, and clubs usually have a sign out the front saying so. Meals and drinks are usually cheaper in the club, and depending on the town it can be slightly less rough and ready. Even country pubs will often have a band one or two nights a week, a pool table, juke box etc.

[[Sydney]] has much busier nightlife than the rest of the state and is the best place to find everything from international touring acts to backpacker bars and big beats. Other cities like [[Wollongong]] and [[Newcastle (New South Wales)|Newcastle]] also have a diverse scene, with lots of choice of venues.

Wines are grown in many parts of New South Wales.

• The Hunter Valley is the state's major wine-growing region, and has a wine tourism industry to match. There are many winery tours from genteel wine-and-cheese tasting trips to minibuses full of partying backpackers and girls out on hens nights. It's a couple of hours drive north of Sydney, and is just a little too far for a comfortable day trip, although it can be done.
• Mudgee is another area of wine production, over the Blue Mountains.

Although tasting at the cellar door has a certain appeal, the wines themselves will certainly be cheaper at the bottle shop down the road.

The [[Hunter Valley]] is the state's major wine-growing region, and has a wine tourism industry to match. There are many [[Hunter Valley#Wineries|winery tours]] from genteel wine-and-cheese tasting trips to minibuses full of partying backpackers and girls out on hens nights. It's a couple of hours drive north of [[Sydney]], and is just a little too far for a comfortable day trip, although it can be done.

Tooheys New (Lion) and Victoria Bitter (Carlton United) are the two big brands that will be on tap in most pubs around the state. Tooheys being the traditional New South Wales brand. Beer is served in schooners (smaller than a pint), or middies (about half a pint), so it is entirely reasonable to walk into most pubs and ask for 'schooner of new', and one will appear on bar. Beer glass sizes have different names and sizes in other states. On a hot day in a hot pub in the country, you will find more people drinking middles, as they stay colder.

New South Wales has followed the international trend towards craft beer, and there are more brands and types than you can poke a stick at.

James Squire, Cricketers Arms, Four Pines, Little Creatures, Yenda are some of the "crafty" brands put out by the multi-nationals available at many local pubs. There are hundreds of other independent microbreweries in New South Wales. The beers aren't hard to find if you look, but you'll have to seek them out rather than relying on the local pub to serve them.

It seems like every country town these days has it's own craft brewing scene - and many wineries also having a shot at pouring the amber fluid as well. Outside of the big smoke, try Mudgee Brewing in Mudgee, or Badlands Brewery in Orange.

There are no box jellyfish or crocodiles in New South Wales. However there are "blue bottle" jellyfish common in several areas, that can give you a sting and a rash. The little blue balloon like creatures washed up the beach are a warning.

There are various types of shark swimming along the beaches, and attacks are frequent enough to warrant care. Try and swim only on patrolled beaches.

The Blue Ringed Octopus is one of the world's few venomous octopuses, and can be easily identified by being small and having distinctive blue rings.

Funnel Web Spiders are potentially deadly and found in Sydney and the surrounding areas. If you suspect that a funnel web has bitten you then call emergency services right away for anti-venom.

Snakes, including the dangerous Brown Snake are found in rural areas, and even in the bushland suburbs of Sydney.

There are no tropical cyclones or hurricanes, and tornadoes are very rare in New South Wales.

Some areas are prone to flooding, and some country towns, like Bellingen, have minor roads with low level bridges that can be cut even with moderate rainfall levels. Other minor roads that are unpaved or dirt, or have floodways can also be impacted. It is unusual for the major transport routes to be closed.

Be aware of the bushfire risk in summer if hiking in national parks.

Even when close to Australia's biggest city, it is surprisingly easy to get lost in the vast countryside. Many areas are unshaded with no easy access to water, so getting lost can be deadly.

Smoking is banned indoors in all public buildings, bars, restaurants and transport, and in private cars with children. It is banned outside in all areas where food is served. Many pubs and clubs have established outdoor areas with covers and heaters to facilitate smoking where eating is prohibited. If you are sitting inside you're guaranteed to be smoke-free. Outside, and you should check the signs.