STATE: New South Wales
New South Wales, Australia regions include: the Blue Mountains, Capital Country, Central Coast, Explorer Country, Hunter, Illawara, Lord Howe Island, New England, North Coast, Northern Rivers - Sub Tropical NSW, Riverina, Snowy Mountains, South Coast, NSW Outback and the Murray. From the Snowy Mountains to the beaches of the state, New South Wales has something for everyone.
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Capital Country is one of the oldest established areas in the country; this region combines the vitality and energy of Canberra with the tranquility of an established rural landscape. Close to Sydney and wrapped around Canberra; it is set in one of Australia's handsomest landscapes, a fascinating mix of heritage towns and villages, stunning country gardens and beautiful waterways.
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From the gold rush towns of Sofala and Hill End to remote sheep stations, Central NSW Explorer Country provides the visitor with an unforgettable bush experience - where history comes alive before your very eyes. Central NSW offers a diverse range of discovery-type experiences, a highlight of which is the famous Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. There are 14 National Parks and nature reserves to discover - including Wollemi National Park in the south to the Warrumbungles in the north - and many opportunities to explore underground at Abercrombie Caves and the Wellington Caves and Phosphate Mine.
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Stretching from Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour and inland to Dorrigo, North Coast NSW offers a unique taste of New South Wales. Whether you head to one of the popular coastal meccas, such as Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Port Stephens, or explore one of the region's stunning national parks - you are bound to find a perfect holiday escape.
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Whatever the season you'll find something to delight you New England North West. This is Australia's big outdoors where the stars seem to touch the earth. A chance to take the road less travelled and enjoy great country hospitality rural Australia at its best. Come here to enjoy the cool summers in the tablelands, the glorious colours of autumn, romantic fireside dinners in winter or the clear, fresh air in spring. Visit Tamworth and Armidale or venture further afield to Moree, Narrabri and other farming centres. Each has its own appeal.
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Tumbling from its source in the High Country, the Murray is one of the world's great rivers, flowing through river red gum forests, wetlands teeming with birdlife, rich agricultural land and busy river towns. Explore the Murray from the paddle steamer capital of Australia, Echuca-Moama. From here you can take a cruise or hire a houseboat - paddle steamers and riverboats still pull into its historic wharf. Bask on the sunny shores of Lake Mulwala. Corowa, also has a colourful history associated with its role as a river port and the centre of agriculture in the region. Albury-Wodonga, roughly half way between Sydney and Melbourne, is a great base from which to explore the whole region.
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Outback NSW is the Living Outback and provides a unique Australian experience that brings the visitor in contact with the ancient and spectacular landscape of the Outback. Discover a network of rivers and lakes, astonishing wildlife and meet the Aussie characters who are the spirit of this red land. Here you'll find rugged beauty, vivid red earth, bright blue skies, endless horizons and prolific native wildlife. Of equal interest are the mining towns of Broken Hill, Cobar, Silverton and White Cliffs.
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The Riverina has a lot to offer; from some of the nation's best food and wine, to the widest, most breathtaking horizons filled with wonderment, just waiting for your discovery. National parks, picnic grounds, unique wildlife, heritage buildings, festivals, art galleries, historic trains and planes, walking trails, country music, haunted houses, botanical gardens, agricultural shows, museums, producer's markets, rivers and ancient aboriginal culture.
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Scattered throughout the Northern Rivers are dozens of delightful towns, villages, and rural hamlets. There are classic country hotels, cafes and guest houses and an abundance of fetes, fairs and festivals. The region's cultural mix has produced a vibrant and exuberant regional identity, with thriving visual and performing arts communities. Food lovers will find a new taste sensation at every turn - with an almost unlimited choice of eating houses and dining styles.
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A tiny treasure rising out of the emptiness of the southern Pacific Ocean and part of the Australian state of New South Wales, Lord Howe Island is one of the world's last truly unspoiled Island destinations. Just 11 kms long and 2 kms wide, two thirds of its land mass is covered by Banyan, Pandanus and Kentia Palm forests, its many perfect beaches are safe, pristine and tranquil.
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Named the Blue Mountains due to the blue haze that can be seen from Sydney created by light interacting with the vapour emanating from the millions of eucalypt trees. This rugged region features dramatic cliffs, rock formations, waterfalls and caves. Once seen as a barrier to the infant colony's expansion westwards, the Blue Mountains is now a popular holiday or weekend destination due to its proximity to Sydney.
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A few hours south from Sydney, you'll find a charming strip of unspoilt coastline offering pristine beaches, picturesque seaside towns and quaint rural villages. Stretching from Berry to Eden, the South Coast contains no less than 10 separate national and marine parks.
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Close proximity to Sydney and easy accessibility via fast freeways has ensured the Central Coast's development as a prime holiday destination. Characterised by large, calm saltwater lagoons, connected to the ocean via a number of small waterways, with an array of excellent beaches on the coastline, this area is a haven for watersports. Swimming, fishing and surfing opportunities abound, charter cruises and hire boats are available on all major bodies of water, and it is also possible to rent a houseboat on Lake Macquarie, the region's largest lake.
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The Illawarra the name is an adaptation of an Aboriginal word meaning between the high place and the sea, has Wollongong as its centre and is flanked by the Tasman Sea shores and the Illawarra Escarpment. The area is ideal for watersports and outdoor activities such as surfing at North Beach, hang gliding at Stanwell Park, fishing at Lake Illawarra and swimming at any one of the seventeen patrolled surf beaches.
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Part of the New South Wales section of the Great Dividing Range, the Snowy Mountains are approximately 160km long and 80km wide. Much of the rugged terrain is 900m or more above sea level, with the mountainous ridge rising to 2228m at Mount Kosciuszko, the highest point in Australia. Although the Snowy Mountains are situated in New South Wales, they are close to the Australian Capital Territory and their southern boundary extends to the Victorian border.
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Australia's most vibrant city, Sydney, is a flourishing cosmopolitan cultural and financial centre. Although Sydney is not Australia's capital, it is the nation's oldest and largest city, occupying 3700km of the country. The major gateway to Australia, Sydney is undoubtedly a leading tourist destination in its own right. Featuring many prime tourist attractions, sightseeing in and around the city is easy. No one should visit Sydney without taking a ferry ride or cruise on the magnificent Sydney Harbour. Cruises and regular harbour ferries all depart from Circular Quay.
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A scenic 2hr (180km) drive from Sydney, the Lower Hunter is one of Australia's premier wine-producing regions. The first vines were planted as far back as 1832 and medals for Hunter wines were won as early as 1882. Today, there are over 90 wineries, large and boutique, and many restaurants. Although only around 5% of Australia's wine comes from here, the Hunter is home to some of the most respected wineries, including Draytons, Lindemans, Tyrrells and Tulloch. While the region is bursting with natural beauty, seams of high quality coal are found throughout the valley. Coal mining has been a pillar of the local economy, although the current focus is on wine tourism. Maitland is a main centre for the region and has a rich heritage, being one of colonial Australia's most important towns.
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FactsNew South Wales: The Premier State
Tourist infoTourism New South Wales
More on New South WalesFrom the Snowy Mountains to the beaches of the state, New South Wales certainly has something for everyone. Spend a few days skiing; explore the magnificent gorges and waterfalls of the Blue Mountains by foot; take a tour of the Hunter Valley, home to some of the best wineries in Australia; discover hidden rainforests; fish in some of the country's most secluded spots; sail or cruise the bays of Sydney Harbour; watch whales and dolphins off the coast, visit the country's oldest townships; or perhaps just let a saltwater wave wash you ashore on one of the state's golden beaches. The oldest state in Australia, New South Wales is a prime example of the diversity of the continent's land-scape and climate. Located in the south-east of the country, New South Wales is 7 times the size of Great Britain and the same size as California. It boasts the largest population of any state or territory in Australia with around 6.2 million people. The climate varies from subtropical temperatures in the north and along parts of the coast, to the dry, desert-like conditions of the far west, and to the snowfalls of the Southern Alps. Throughout New South Wales, there are many reminders of a rich historical and cultural heritage. Aboriginal middens, rock art and 60,000 year-old artefacts at Lake Mungo, are amongst the lasting legacy of the first Australians. European settlement, despite its relatively shorter history, has had a profound impact on the land. The relics of gold-mining towns, heritage-listed buildings and the present-day built environment are testament to the tremendous changes that have taken place since Capt Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Sydney Cove in 1788. The capital Sydney also has the largest population of any city in the country and is the business and financial capital of Australia. Since the 2000 Olympic Games, Sydney has cemented its reputation as a city with a uniquely welcoming and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Travel Regions of New South Wales: Blue Mountains, Capital Country, Central Coast, Explorer Country, Hunter, Illawara, Lord Howe Island, New England, North Coast, Northern Rivers - Sub Tropical NSW, Riverina, Snowy Mountains, South Coast, NSW Outback and the Murray. Most popular photoslatest storiesA Taste of Australiabushspices | 2008-08-22 | Native Australia through the eyes of a food enthusiast... | read more Whale Watching in Sydney Harbour - Seeing Whales up CloseSydneyecowhalewatching | 2008-06-03 | Have you ever seen these majestic creatures up close and personal? During winter and spring Whales can be spotted regularly in and around Sydney Harbour. | read more The Unique Stone Bridge Tours - An Experience Not To Be Missed!jamitchell | 2008-07-01 | Have you ever wanted to just get away from everything, see something different and immerse yourself in a totally unique Australian experience that not only stimulates and engages you but at the same time allows you to reconnect with nature and relax? Well Jan and Brian Mitchell are offering just that at their 4400 acre property at Numbla Vale next to the magnificent Matong Gorge on the Snowy River. | read more Blue Water Country Music Festival - June Long Weekendteagardens | 2008-05-22 | The Blue Water Country Music Festival is being held in Port Stephens on the June Long Weekend. The Festival is a new concept in Country Music with many of the Festivals activities being held on the water. | read more top storiesBallina PlaycentreEmma | 2008-02-16 | Ballina playcentre is a great way to entertain the kids on a rainy day... | read more Oberon a Trout Fisher's Dreamjcfly | 2008-08-13 | A guide to Fly Fishing around Oberon on the Central Tablelands NSW. One of Australia's great trout fishing areas with links to our fly fishing heritage, has hopefully survived another drought and offers some very good fly fishing options. | read more Whale Watching in Sydney Harbour - Seeing Whales up CloseSydneyecowhalewatching | 2008-06-03 | Have you ever seen these majestic creatures up close and personal? During winter and spring Whales can be spotted regularly in and around Sydney Harbour. | read more Blue Water Country Music Festival - June Long Weekendteagardens | 2008-05-22 | The Blue Water Country Music Festival is being held in Port Stephens on the June Long Weekend. The Festival is a new concept in Country Music with many of the Festivals activities being held on the water. | read more Popular Towns
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Sydney CBD and Suburbs
Sydney's CBD stretches from Sydney Cove, in the north, to Central Railway Station in the south. The best way to explore the city is on foot and by public transport. Try to avoid taking a car into the city; not only is there a lot of traffic, but park ... more
2
Byron Bay
One of Australia's most fashionable and popular holiday destinations, Byron Bay is renowned
for its balmy climate and excellent surfing beaches; it is also a popular area for scuba
diving. A whaling town in the 1950s, Byron Bay is now full of galleri ... more
3
Wollongong
The third largest city in New South Wales, Wollongong is the administrative, commercial,
cultural and industrial centre of the Illawarra. Steel and heavy industry were the initial
growth areas for the city, al-though tourism and other industries have ... more
4
Mudgee
Located 264km NW of Sydney, on the Cudgegong River, is the picturesque country town of Mudgee.
The scenic landscape has attracted many artists to the region. ... more
6
Lord Howe Island
With its abundance of rainforests, coral reefs, beaches and volcanic peaks, this World
Heritage-listed island is truly unique.
Only 11 kilometres long, Lord Howe Island is packed with diverse plant and marine life. The
island has a limit on vi ... more
8
Cooma
Being the gateway to the Snowy Mountains resorts and Kosciuszko NP, and located at the
junction of 2 highways linking Canberra, the coast and the mountains, Cooma is a busy tourist
centre. The town is also the administrative centre for the Snowy Moun ... more
9
Port Macquarie
Named after Governor Lachlan Macquarie, the town was established as a penal settlement in
1821. Present-day Port Macquarie is a fishing port and very popular tourist destination.
Because of its pleasant year-round climate and lifestyle it is attracti ... more
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New South Wales, Australia regions include: the Blue Mountains, Capital Country, Central Coast, Explorer Country, Hunter, Illawara, Lord Howe Island, New England, North Coast, Northern Rivers - Sub Tropical NSW, Riverina, Snowy Mountains, South Coast, NSW Outback and the Murray. From the Snowy Mountains to the beaches of the state, New South Wales has something for everyone.
...
Capital Country is one of the oldest established areas in the country; this region combines the vitality and energy of Canberra with the tranquility of an established rural landscape. Close to Sydney and wrapped around Canberra; it is set in one of Australia's handsomest landscapes, a fascinating mix of heritage towns and villages, stunning country gardens and beautiful waterways.
From the gold rush towns of Sofala and Hill End to remote sheep stations, Central NSW Explorer Country provides the visitor with an unforgettable bush experience - where history comes alive before your very eyes. Central NSW offers a diverse range of discovery-type experiences, a highlight of which is the famous Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. There are 14 National Parks and nature reserves to discover - including Wollemi National Park in the south to the Warrumbungles in the north - and many opportunities to explore underground at Abercrombie Caves and the Wellington Caves and Phosphate Mine.
Stretching from Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour and inland to Dorrigo, North Coast NSW offers a unique taste of New South Wales. Whether you head to one of the popular coastal meccas, such as Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Port Stephens, or explore one of the region's stunning national parks - you are bound to find a perfect holiday escape.
Whatever the season you'll find something to delight you New England North West. This is Australia's big outdoors where the stars seem to touch the earth. A chance to take the road less travelled and enjoy great country hospitality rural Australia at its best. Come here to enjoy the cool summers in the tablelands, the glorious colours of autumn, romantic fireside dinners in winter or the clear, fresh air in spring. Visit Tamworth and Armidale or venture further afield to Moree, Narrabri and other farming centres. Each has its own appeal.
Tumbling from its source in the High Country, the Murray is one of the world's great rivers, flowing through river red gum forests, wetlands teeming with birdlife, rich agricultural land and busy river towns. Explore the Murray from the paddle steamer capital of Australia, Echuca-Moama. From here you can take a cruise or hire a houseboat - paddle steamers and riverboats still pull into its historic wharf. Bask on the sunny shores of Lake Mulwala. Corowa, also has a colourful history associated with its role as a river port and the centre of agriculture in the region. Albury-Wodonga, roughly half way between Sydney and Melbourne, is a great base from which to explore the whole region.
Outback NSW is the Living Outback and provides a unique Australian experience that brings the visitor in contact with the ancient and spectacular landscape of the Outback. Discover a network of rivers and lakes, astonishing wildlife and meet the Aussie characters who are the spirit of this red land. Here you'll find rugged beauty, vivid red earth, bright blue skies, endless horizons and prolific native wildlife. Of equal interest are the mining towns of Broken Hill, Cobar, Silverton and White Cliffs.
The Riverina has a lot to offer; from some of the nation's best food and wine, to the widest, most breathtaking horizons filled with wonderment, just waiting for your discovery. National parks, picnic grounds, unique wildlife, heritage buildings, festivals, art galleries, historic trains and planes, walking trails, country music, haunted houses, botanical gardens, agricultural shows, museums, producer's markets, rivers and ancient aboriginal culture.
Scattered throughout the Northern Rivers are dozens of delightful towns, villages, and rural hamlets. There are classic country hotels, cafes and guest houses and an abundance of fetes, fairs and festivals. The region's cultural mix has produced a vibrant and exuberant regional identity, with thriving visual and performing arts communities. Food lovers will find a new taste sensation at every turn - with an almost unlimited choice of eating houses and dining styles.
A tiny treasure rising out of the emptiness of the southern Pacific Ocean and part of the Australian state of New South Wales, Lord Howe Island is one of the world's last truly unspoiled Island destinations. Just 11 kms long and 2 kms wide, two thirds of its land mass is covered by Banyan, Pandanus and Kentia Palm forests, its many perfect beaches are safe, pristine and tranquil.
Named the Blue Mountains due to the blue haze that can be seen from Sydney created by light interacting with the vapour emanating from the millions of eucalypt trees. This rugged region features dramatic cliffs, rock formations, waterfalls and caves. Once seen as a barrier to the infant colony's expansion westwards, the Blue Mountains is now a popular holiday or weekend destination due to its proximity to Sydney.
A few hours south from Sydney, you'll find a charming strip of unspoilt coastline offering pristine beaches, picturesque seaside towns and quaint rural villages. Stretching from Berry to Eden, the South Coast contains no less than 10 separate national and marine parks.
Close proximity to Sydney and easy accessibility via fast freeways has ensured the Central Coast's development as a prime holiday destination. Characterised by large, calm saltwater lagoons, connected to the ocean via a number of small waterways, with an array of excellent beaches on the coastline, this area is a haven for watersports. Swimming, fishing and surfing opportunities abound, charter cruises and hire boats are available on all major bodies of water, and it is also possible to rent a houseboat on Lake Macquarie, the region's largest lake.
The Illawarra the name is an adaptation of an Aboriginal word meaning between the high place and the sea, has Wollongong as its centre and is flanked by the Tasman Sea shores and the Illawarra Escarpment. The area is ideal for watersports and outdoor activities such as surfing at North Beach, hang gliding at Stanwell Park, fishing at Lake Illawarra and swimming at any one of the seventeen patrolled surf beaches.
Part of the New South Wales section of the Great Dividing Range, the Snowy Mountains are approximately 160km long and 80km wide. Much of the rugged terrain is 900m or more above sea level, with the mountainous ridge rising to 2228m at Mount Kosciuszko, the highest point in Australia. Although the Snowy Mountains are situated in New South Wales, they are close to the Australian Capital Territory and their southern boundary extends to the Victorian border.
Australia's most vibrant city, Sydney, is a flourishing cosmopolitan cultural and financial centre. Although Sydney is not Australia's capital, it is the nation's oldest and largest city, occupying 3700km of the country. The major gateway to Australia, Sydney is undoubtedly a leading tourist destination in its own right. Featuring many prime tourist attractions, sightseeing in and around the city is easy. No one should visit Sydney without taking a ferry ride or cruise on the magnificent Sydney Harbour. Cruises and regular harbour ferries all depart from Circular Quay.
A scenic 2hr (180km) drive from Sydney, the Lower Hunter is one of Australia's premier wine-producing regions. The first vines were planted as far back as 1832 and medals for Hunter wines were won as early as 1882. Today, there are over 90 wineries, large and boutique, and many restaurants. Although only around 5% of Australia's wine comes from here, the Hunter is home to some of the most respected wineries, including Draytons, Lindemans, Tyrrells and Tulloch. While the region is bursting with natural beauty, seams of high quality coal are found throughout the valley. Coal mining has been a pillar of the local economy, although the current focus is on wine tourism. Maitland is a main centre for the region and has a rich heritage, being one of colonial Australia's most important towns.