New South Wales

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NEW SOUTH WALES

Capital City: Sydney

Main Airports: Sydney (international), Newcastle, Tammworth, Armidale, Dubbo, Lord Howe Island, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie

Climate: The eastern coastal region of New South Wales has a temperate climate with warm to hot summers, and cool winters, however most of the state has an arid or semi-arid climate. The Snowy Mountains region in the south-east has an alpine climate/highland climate, with cool to cold weather all year around and snowfalls from June-September.

Sydney’s daily average summer temperature range is between 17-25°C, with the winter temperature range between 8-17°C

The states lowest minimum temperature was −23 °C (−9 °F) at Charlotte Pass in the Snowy Mountains in 1994.

New South Wales Fun facts

* Sydney has the deepest natural harbour in the world with 504,00 mega litres of water

* NSW is the most populous and heavily industrialised State in Australia with 33% of the country’s population

* Sydney, the site of the country's oldest European settlement (established in 1788) is now home to 4.5 million people with ethnic communities from more than 100 countries

* NSW encompasses the entire Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

* New South Wales has more than 780 national parks and reserves covering more than 8% of the state

* Australia’s highest peak Mount Kosciuszko is 2,228 metres (7,310 ft) and was named by the Polish explorer Count Paul Edmund Strzelecki in 1840

* the Port Stephens area is known as the dolphin capital of Australia

New South Wales Destinations and Experiences

Sydney

* Kayak under the Sydney Harbour Bridge or pass the famous Opera House as you ride the ferry across the harbour to Manly

* Learn to surf at Bondi Beach or swim on one of Sydney’s 70 beaches

* explore the historic or in the markets, boutiques, and cafes of the Rocks

* take in one of the many festivals, exhibitions, cultural or sporting events

Sydney surrounds

There are many diverse regions of NSW within 3 hours drive of Sydney

* Experience the spectacular canyons and blue-hazed cliffs of the Blue Mountains

* Bush walk, FWD or go white water rafting in the unpsoilt wilderness of the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops

* Swim, surf or fish on the pristine beaches of the Central Coast

* Explore the Hawkesbury River by house-boat

* Sample the world class wines, superb cuisine and boutique accommodation of the Hunter Valley

* At the end of the Grand Pacific drive south of Sydney you will find spectacular surfing beaches and the Kiama blowhole

* Enjoy the unspoilt Lake Macquarie which is four times the size of Sydney Harbour

* Kayak with dolphins at Nelson bay in the Port Stephens region, or explore Myall Lakes by boat

* Visit the hills, forests, valleys and heritage villages of the Southern Highlands

North Coast

* Hang-glide, spot humpback whales or just relax in the new-age beach paradise of Byron Bay

* See the Big Prawn in the bustling holiday town of Ballina

* Fish the Tweed River and see the southern hemisphere’s biggest eroded volcanic crater in the Tweed Valley

South Coast

* Walk pristine white beaches and see dolphins playing in Jervis Bay

* Meet grey kangaroos and cruise the beautiful Clyde River in Batemans Bay

* Try award-winning cheeses at Bega

* Explore the wildlife haven of Montague Island, near Narooma

Lord Howe Island

* World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is less than two hours’ flight from Sydney

* There is no mobile phone reception on the island

* Trek to the top of Mount Gower and walking through native forests and over white sand beaches.

* Snorkel and dive in protected waters on the world’s southernmost coral reef and see fish, colourful coral and green turtles.

* Use a bicycle to get around the Island

Outback

* Visit the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area at see the world’s oldest ceremonial burial site in the Mungo National Park

* Stay underground in the opal mining town of White Cliffs

* See where exquisite black opal is mined in Lightning Ridge

* Discover the desert landscapes and oasis of lakes around the former mining town Broken Hill

Snowy Mountains

* In winter ski Australia’s highest slopes at Charlotte Pass or visit the ski resorts of Thredbo and Perisher Blue

* climb Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s tallest peak

* In summer, hiking, going cycling, caving, rafting, kayaking, four wheel driving, and horse riding

Heart of country

* Relax in Moree’s natural artesian spas

* Catch the annual country music festival in January in Tamworth, Australia’s country music capital

* Hike past the Breadknife volcanic formation in Warrumbungle National Park

* climb the red dunes of the prehistoric Perry Sandhills

* chug down the Murray River in a paddlesteamer from the twin towns Echuca-Moama

* Discover delicious food and wine along the Poacher's Way that passes through Yass, Gunning and Murrumbateman and check out the art galleries in Wagga Wagga