NEW SOUTH WALES

New South Wales is the most populated state in Australia with a population of around 7 million.

The climate and size of the state allows for a diverse range of activities. Explore wine regions, beautiful beaches, National Parks, go on outback adventures or perhaps try whale and dolphin watching.

The capital of New South Wales is Sydney. The city is a popular base for visitors to New South Wales as the city offers so much and is within a couple or so hours of popular tourist spots such as the famous Hunter Valley wine area, the Blue Mountains and the softly rolling hills of the Southern Highlands.

1788 British settlement

COA, NSW

The European discovery of New South Wales was made by Captain James Cook during his 1770 survey along the unmapped eastern coast of the Dutch-named continent of New Holland, now Australia. In his original journal(s) covering the survey, in triplicate to satisfy Admiralty Orders, Cook first named the land "New Wales". However, in the copy held by the Admiralty, he "revised the wording" to "New South Wales".

Featured NSW Attractions

Sydney City

The city on the harbour. The beautiful, natural Sydney Harbour, focal point of this dazzling city’s main attractions surrounded by the finest dining, a full range of world-standard accommodation and diverse entertainment for every taste. Explore Sydney’s surrounds of nature walks, National Parks, International standard sporting events, and popular family activities. Key attractions include the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Harbour ferries, Darling Harbour, Botanical Gardens and The Rocks.

Manly

A thousand miles from care. Renowned worldwide for it's sunny beaches, waterways, heritage walks and nature reserves. Home of the annual International Manly Jazz Festival, the Manly Food and Wine Festival, and a stunning array of Art Galleries, Museums, regular Art & Craft exhibits, and international sporting events. Manly is as equally enticing for family holidays, as it is for discerning businesses demanding international standard convention and conference facilities and professional retreats. 

Sydney Hills

Home of The Orange Blossom Festival and Australia's bible belt, this thriving and rapidly developing region in Sydney's North West has become a hub of entertainment, sport, recreational, conference and family attractions. Featuring natural bush and waterways amongst a bustling suburban metropolis, the Hills abounds with picnic spots and lookouts, gardens, nurseries and bushwalking environments, river cruises and water activities, and an enormous variety of activities in this extraordinarily multi-cultural region.

Sutherland Shire

Just 25km south of the CBD and only 20 minutes from Sydney Airport, “The Shire” as the area is affectionately known, delivers all the best Sydney has to offer; famous beaches, iconic waterways, rich bushland and memorable experiences.Covering a total area of 370 sq kilometres the Sutherland Shire is home to four national Parks, including Australia’s oldest; The Royal National Park and boasts 11kms of pristine beaches. The Shire’s many attractions include Cronulla Coast with its legendary surf breaks, boutique shopping, relaxed outdoor dining and the only Sydney Beach accessible by train.

Hawkesbury

A region of National Park surrounded by natural beauty. Pristine waterways, secluded natural reserves and one of Australia's most magnificent rivers with a vast array of water sports and recreational activities, make this region one of the most sought after destinations worldwide for an invigorating or relaxing year-round getaway. A fascinating holiday location with old-world charm, bustling with dozens of museums and heritage locations, art and craft exhibits and galleries, horse-riding, and houseboats. 

Transport

Passage through New South Wales is vital for cross-continent transport. Rail and road traffic from Brisbane (Queensland) to Perth (Western Australia), or to Melbourne (Victoria) must pass through New South Wales.

Railways

The majority of railways in New South Wales are currently operated by the state government. Some lines began as branch-lines of railways starting in other states. For instance, Balranald near the Victorian border was connected by a rail line coming up from Victoria and into New South Wales. Another line beginning in Adelaide crossed over the border and stopped at Broken Hill.

Railways management are conducted by Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink[18] which maintain rolling stock. Sydney Trains operates trains within Sydney while NSW TrainLink operates outside Sydney, intercity, country and interstate services.

Geography

New South Wales is bordered on the north by Queensland, on the west by South Australia, on the south by Victoria and on the east by the Tasman Sea. The Australian Capital Territory and the Jervis Bay Territory form a separately administered entity that is bordered entirely by New South Wales. The state can be divided geographically into four areas. New South Wales' three largest cities, Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, lie near the centre of a narrow coastal strip extending from cool temperate areas on the far south coast to subtropical areas near the Queensland border.